Choi Kwang-Do (The Art of Grand Master Kwang Jo Choi) was designed and developed by Grandmaster Kwang Jo Choi, 9th Degree Black belt. It is recognised as one of the fastest growing martial arts in the world. It is the culmination of Grand Master Choi's more than 40 years of martial arts experience and has resulted in the most effective martial art system for today's modern society.
CKD is based on traditional martial arts philosophy that emphasises the ideal of personal and social development being paramount, rather than sports competition. CKD classes provide a safe and non-competitive environment for students that helps them to grow, not only physically, but mentally as well. The development of good manners, courtesy, self discipline, self confidence and good social adjustment can be considered primary objectives of this art, along with the development of practical self defence skills.
Choi combines a practical method of street self defence and exhilarating cardiovascular workout, which is fun and exciting to learn. CKD training allows students to develop more powerful and effective punches and kicks, while reducing the risk of stressful hyper extension injuries.
New students without prior training will start at the rank of white belt. An Assistant Instructor or senior student will give each new student individual instruction in the early stages of training. Since each student may progress at a different rate, initial lessons will be set up for the student on an "as needed" basis.
Class attendance two or three times a week is generally recommended in order to learn and develop skills properly. Light training and stretching may be performed on a daily basis. However, it is a good idea to allow a day of rest in between classes in order to allow your body to recuperate fully.
In order to maintain a safe and productive learning environment in the Dojang (The School:House of Discipline), students are expected to conduct themselves in a mature and responsible manner. In keeping with this, students must observe all rules and regulations and display a proper martial art mannerism and attitude at all times when in the Dojang .
In CKD Belt Rank System, Ninth DAN (9th Degree Black Belt) is the highest rank and is held only by Grand Master Choi. Fifth Dan Denotes a Master while Eigth and Ninth DAN indicates the Rank of Grand Master.
The purpose of the belt rank system is to demonstrate progressive levels of seniority and proficiency in the skills of Choi Kwang-Do and to distinguish Junior from Senior students. This provides positive incentives as well as establishing a hierarchy of command from Senior to Junior. This hierarchy instills a feeling of pride and achievement in each belt attained and also develops the student's social skills. By learning to give and take orders, students at any level or age group learn cooperation as well as leadership qualities and skills. Furthermore, students learn that in order to be respected, one must respect others.
Students make progress in Choi Kwang-Do by learning sets of skills, called belt assignments, which correspond with each level of advancement or belt colour.
Promotional testing is held periodically to determine the eligibility of each student to be promoted to the next higher belt rank. Examiners evaluate each and every student in order to provide for their continued progress. It is crucial that students approach testing with a proper attitude. Testing is an important development for all students.
