Master Marlin Sims is president of Sims and Associates, a 7 th degree black belt and one of the first three non-Asians to attain master level in the martial art of Kuk Sool ™. He has trained in the martial arts since the age of 10 and has toured nationally and internationally since 1985. He has appeared on many local, regional and international televisions and radio shows. He has been in national and international publications demonstrating his much sought after knowledge of joint manipulation, the use of Korean style weapons and hyung (body motion). He has distinguished himself by winning many major martial art tournaments and championships in sparring, forms, weapons and self-defense. He is a former Master Instructor for the United States Military Academy at West Point from 1991 to 1999. He is now relocated to Atlanta, Georgia which he has made his home.

West Point Appointment

In July of 1991 Major Tim Challans of the United States Military Academy of West Point asked Grandmaster Suh, In Hyuk for an instructor to come to New York and conduct the martial art classes for the cadets.

Master Sims was appointed Master Instructor for the Martial Art Program at the United States Military Academy at West Point by Grandmaster Suh, In Hyuk. Master Sims carried his staff from Alabama which consisted of Sa Bum Nim Lisa Morgan, and Master Cheryl Cherowitz.

With West Point being a Military Based School, Master Sims emphasis was to bring all aspects of real fighting to the cadets through the martial art Kuk Sool. One of Master Sims’ goals was to create divisions in college martial arts competition that stimulates close combat by including grappling techniques such as takedowns, throws and sweeps. Master Sims wanted to prepare the cadets to be real warriors. No matter what their future position with the Army would be, as soldiers, there is always the possibility they will have to meet and do battle with an enemy in close combat. Having a good kick or punch is not all that is required to be a good fighter. Master Sims taught the cadets that you must train to think well, faster, and more efficiently and training the total body and not just certain parts. If you can’t control it you can’t develop it.

While teaching the cadets at the United States Military Academy at West Point Master Sims and his staff opened three Kuk Sool Schools as well. The locations of these schools were Mahopac, Briarcliff Manor, and Elmsford.

In 1992 Master Sims hosted the first of 8 open tournaments held at the United States Military Academy at West Point.