What is Choi Kwang Do?

Choi Kwang Do was founded by Kwang Jo Choi, who was born in South Korea before emigrating to north America in the 1970s. Grandmaster Choi was a successful Tae Kwon Do practitioner and trainer (serving as a chief instructor) before establishing his own style, Choi Kwang Do which he developed between 1978 and 1987. Choi Kwang Do has proved to be one of the most effective martial arts systems in the world with over 300 schools worldwide.

Students focus on achieving optimum health and fitness by training at a moderate level of intensity in classes, rather than training at a high intensity for a competition. It is not about winners in sports competitions. Choi Kwang Do training is a mix of contact drills using pads and shields, non-contact drills and "in-fighting" close-quarter drills. Students can continually develop, not against each other, but with each other, progressing from White belt to the highest level of 9th Degree Black belt. Belt Grading System

Choi Kwang Do is different to other martial arts like karate, kickboxing, jiu jitsu and akido, it is a martial art based on scientific truth, not mysticism. It uses scientific principles from human anatomy, physiology (the study of living organisms), psychology (the science of mental life), kinesiology/human kinetics (the science of human movement), neurophysiology (the study of the nervous system) and biomechanics (human movement science).

The most important overall goal in CKD is the development of character and mental strength based on CKD’s principles.

Why Choi Kwang Do and not other martial arts?

Choi Kwang Do is a science based martial art form, distinctively different from other martial arts in concept and movement. It is not in the same category as other existing martial arts systems. It has been developed not so much for self defence as much as to promote fitness and health, relying more on flexibility and fluidity of movement than the more rigid lines of some other martial arts.

The system is based on the principles that CKD self defence techniques should generate maximum force using natural body movements, which places less pressure on the joints. It is easy to learn with a printed syllabus for each belt and tag level. It enhances students health as they practice, as well as developing mental and physical conditioning.

Choi Kwang Do Martial Art International’s aim is to improve the health, productivity, and quality of life of its members. Choi Kwang Do's training methods and concepts are unique in the fitness industry.

This is an excellent training system for children. Teaching respect, discipline, good interactive and communication skills; it also greatly helps to advance a child’s ability to focus and concentrate. Terrific for children with ADD, ADHD, Dyspraxia and just lots of energy.

What it does for you

Choi Kwang Do is not designed for competition, it doesn’t have the intensity of sports training. The system is for anyone who wants to learn practical self defence skills and achieve a greater level of health and well-being. It isn’t for people solely interested in winning trophies. It is a non-contact, non-fighting, non-competitive art that stresses mental, physical, emotional and social development.

We cater for children and adults of all ages from 14 years old up. No one is too old. The founder, Grandmaster Kwang Jo Choi is 69 and showing no signs of slowing down!!

In CKD personal development, rather than sports competition, is paramount.