The Origin of Ip Sun
Ip Sun, an internal martial art much like Tai Chi, was developed by Buddhist monks living at the Dae Yeon Sa Temple located in the Korean mountains. The martial art is a moving meditation that develops self-awareness, confidence, and inner-strength while emphasizing techniques that improve balance, coordination, concentration, and self-defense. Ip Sun fundamentals include breath control, awareness, and fluidity of motion. Brought to the United States in 1981 by Grandmaster Wonik Yi, Ip Sun training was included as an integral part of the Tukong Moosul system. Ip Sun form training covers three basic elements: spiritual philosophy, physical application, and energy flow.

Dae Yeon Sa Temple - Great Achievement Temple
The origin of the Dae Yeon Sa Temple can be traced to AD 1200 years. The first original Temple was Dae Yeon Am, meaning "Great Achievement Place". It was located in North Korea, and founded by Master Ji Suk along with two other masters. During this time the masters practiced Buddhism without the Martial Arts. It was only after Master Song Jae and Master Bup Kwang came to the temple that the practice of Martial Arts began around AD 1269.

Several hundred years later, the temple moved to South Korea (1692) and the name changed from Dae Yeon Am to Dae Yeon Sa ("Great Achievement Temple"). At that time, three masters from China joined and continued to develop the Martial Arts. That is why the origin of the Tukong Moosul system is both a hard and soft style, a blending of Chinese and Korean techniques. In 1965, Grandmaster Wonik Yi went to the temple and began training in Buddhism and the Martial Arts.

In Korea there are two types of Buddhist temples. One is similar to a church of missionary work and is open to all people. The other is solely for individuals who wish to seek self-enlightment. These temples are ones of sanctuary and privacy, and are not open for public visitation. A few of the temples in Korea choose the later type. The Dae Yeon Sa Temple is a very traditional temple that teaches Buddhism and Martial Arts. This is the tradition that is taught to the students of Tukong Moosul today.

Grandmaster Wonik Yi
Grandmaster Wonik Yi began martial arts training at the age of five when his parents placed him at the Dae-yeon Sa Temple, a Buddhist Temple located in the Korean mountains. During his 18 years at the Temple, he received the equivalent of four academic degrees: Philosophy, Martial Arts Theory, Acupuncture, and Chinese Manipulative Therapy. He was trained by 36 masters at the Temple. Military service is required of all South Korean men and he served in the Korean Special Forces, where he created Tukong Moosul. The system has since been adopted as the hand-to-hand combat system for all Korean military. In 1979, Master Yi became the World Martial Arts Champion of Seoul, South Korea in the Traditional Full Contact Tournament. In 1981, he was honored by the Temple with the distinction of 18th generation Master Warrior.

In 1982 Master Yi began teaching Tukong Moosul in Austin, Texas, where there are now five schools, including one dedicated to Ip Sun. Other schools are located in Odessa, Texas; Seattle, Washington; Seoul, Korea; and other places around the world. Today, Master Yi serves as the President of the World Tukong Moosul Federation, and is the Chief Commander of the Anti-Terrorist & Hostage Rescue Training School of South Korea

Eun Kwang Bup Sa - Temple Headmaster
Eun Kwang Bup Sa was born in 1895 and passed away in 1996 at the age of 101 years. He was headmaster of Dae Yeon Sa Temple from 1955 until his passing. Eun Kwang Bup Sa was Master Yi's Grandmaster and greatest mentor influencing, molding, and guiding Master Yi for the rest of his life.

Eun Kwang Bup Sa taught "Jeong Shin Il Do, Ha Sa Bul Sung". Translated, this means that when one summons one's mind, heart (body), and spirit in one direction together, nothing is impossible and you can accomplish anything that you desire. Grandmaster Wonik Yi's goal, in honor of headmaster Eun Kwang Bup Sa, is to offer and pass forward to his students all of the knowledge, wisdom and philosophy that he has acquired through his years of training. The students that are willing to listen and work hard will find direction in their life; they will become humble beings, with a great understanding of self-accomplishment, self-esteem, and an understanding of the importance of life.