Learn more about Choi Kwang-Do martial arts training at the Health & Beauty Fair at Ellen Wilkinson School on Saturday 22nd November, 11.00am - 3.00pm.

Ellen Wilkinson School
Queens Drive
North Ealing
London W3 0HW

Jason Wright

The human being is a wonderful mechanism. In particular, the human mind has always been a subject of great fascination.

Every day our brain processes, organises and retains thousands of pieces of information – much of it without us even noticing. As a result, we are often able to recall pieces of information effortlessly. On the other hand, some pieces of information may take us some time to recall clearly, while others we will completely forget…

The example I often refer to in class is riding a bicycle. When you are first learning to ride a bicycle there are many pieces of information to remember: balance, steering, pedalling continuously etc. Many, if not all of these things needs to be remembered and performed at the same time if you are not to fall off the bike and hurt yourself. (Having said that, falling off and hurting yourself could be considered as conducive to the learning experience). Learning martial arts is no different.  

Take the Choi Kwang-Do Outward Block for example: you need to remember to shift the body over, lifting the heel on the leading leg to allow it to pivot outwards. Then, as the front shoulder lifts, the blocking arm is projected upwards. The block is made using the outer forearm which then recoils in a circular motion back to the 'guard up' position. The non-blocking arm stays in the guard position throughout. Trying to remember to do all these things are what can make learning the techniques seem very difficult at first!

This is an example with just one technique, yet it can be learnt in a very short space of time. It can also be perfected with a small amount of practise.

Jason Wright

Regular class attendance is the single most important factor towards your development as a martial artist. In class, you are able to have your movements corrected and developed by a qualified Instructor, as well as having both technique and mental aspects enhanced through group interaction.

In Choi Kwang-Do, each individual is accepted for what they are, regardless of race, sex, creed, national origin, talents, or disabilities, with the basic premise that we all share a common goal: self improvement. With this idea in mind, you should come to feel as if the Dojang (training hall) is almost like your "second home", with a feeling of warmth and fellowship towards all of your Dojang mates.
 
"Emptying Your Cup"

Upon entering the Dojang, try to empty your mind of the days' worries and events so that you can better concentrate on the development of your Choi Kwang-Do techniques, principles and philosophy. By this, you and your fellow students can derive more benefits from your classes, and leave feeling refreshed and invigorated, having put day-to-day life on hold for a while.

Enthusiasm

If any one trait could be considered the most important towards becoming a martial artist, it would certainly have to be enthusiasm. As far as physical training is concerned, intensity levels may have to vary according to your conditioning, experience, etc. However, each student is expected to put 100% mental and spiritual energy into every class.
For example, Ki-haps (loud yells to bring about mental spirit) or respectful responses such as your “Yes, Sir!” or “Yes Ma’am!” to Instructors should be performed loudly and with lots of enthusiasm. With this attitude, you not only motivate yourself and your fellow students, but you also motivate your Instructors, who consider enthusiastic and dedicated students to be one of the greatest rewards of their profession.

When is the right time to start thinking about being a Black Belt?

You may be thinking that the best time would be when you get to the belt before Black Belt. In Choi Kwang-Do this is would be Brown Belt Senior. You may even think that it   might be better to starting thinking about Black Belt several months before this. In Choi Kwang-Do this could be Purple Choi the first belt in the Advanced Stage of the coloured belt syllabus and approximately 1 year before Black Belt.

Essentially, the best time to start thinking about being a Black Belt is when you are a White Belt.

The journey from White Belt to Black Belt can be anything from 3½ to 5 years of training - or much longer in some martial arts. Aside working on the martial arts techniques and drills, during this time a student working towards Black Belt will be continually cultivating and demonstrating positive attributes in terms of thought and behaviour, ie. an attitude. The Black Belt Attitude means striving for personal excellence in all areas.

In the martial arts, Black Belt is a metaphor for excellence. In fact, even those who may admit to knowing little about the martial arts have an understanding that Black Belt defines a level of expertise. A Black Belt in martial arts will have mastered a repotoire of physically impressive movements. A Black Belt will have also spent time cultivating and demonstrating positive attributes in terms of thought and behaviour, ie. an attitude.

The Black Belt Attitude means striving for personal excellence in all areas. In Choi Kwang-Do, attitudes are promoted within a framework defined by My Promise (for children), My Pledge (teenagers and adults), and the Principles of Choi Kwang-Do (all students). Every skill requires practise and review, and in Choi Kwang-Do we observe the following two checkpoints to kick (no pun intended!) the Black Belt Attitude into action:-

Checkpoint 1: Tying Your Belt

If you were walking down your local high street and saw a person wearing a blue leotard, red pants (over the leotard) and a red cape, the instinctive curiosity of human beings would make many stop and stare. Wearing the CKD dobok (uniform) is much the same. We may not be able to run faster than a speeding train, or leap tall buildings in a single jump, but we do have other ‘special powers’.

The ‘special powers’ of a Choi Kwang-Do student range from the Outward Block right through the physical and mental spectrum to displaying self-confidence and respect by a firm handshake and eye contact when meeting people. These attributes (plus many, many more) form part of the Black Belt Attitude. Tying your belt is the last stage of putting on your dobok. As you complete the belt knot, acknowledge the persona you now acquire.

Checkpoint 2: Entering the Dojang

The dojang (the training hall; direct translation is House of Discipline) is the primary location where we learn and practise Choi Kwang-Do. An optimum learning environment requires one to the relaxed, yet alert. It requires students to be disciplined. To set this frame of mind, students say, “Pil-Suhng, Sir! Pil-Suhng, Ma’am!” and then bow as they enter the dojang. This also serves as a polite greeting to those already inside the dojang (who should respond by saying “Pil-Suhng!”).

Pil-Suhng is the motto of Choi Kwang-Do and literally means "Certain Victory". It is used to create a positive mental attitide in students and a positive atmosphere in classes. Pil-Suhng is also used among students to mean "hello", "thank you", "congratulations" and other general salutations.

When entering the dojang, Pil-Suhng forms a statement; a public declaration, triggering your transition into an incredible Choi Kwang-Do student who strives for personal excellence. After all, you will already have your superhero outfit on! Naturally, our pursuit of personal excellence should extend to all areas of our lives whether or not you are wearing your dobok or in the dojang. These two checkpoints are easy to do. Make a concious effort to create the habit by remembering to do them each time you attend your Choi Kwang-Do classes.

Jason Wright

Tuesday 22nd April

CKDMAI arrives

Wednesday 23rd April

Malaria Competition Winners

Location: Ellis Academy of Choi Kwang-Do, 18 Warrick Road, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 1BU

Time:

6:00pm Training With Grandmaster Choi

7:30pm Dinner With Grandmaster Choi 

Thursday 24th April

Black Belt Testing

Location: The Royal Alexander & Albert School (Chapel), Gatton Park, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 0TD

Time: 6:00pm - 9.00pm

Friday 25 April

Senior Black Belt Testing

Location: Ellis Academy of Choi Kwang-Do

Time: TBC

Saturday 26th April

European 20th Anniversary Seminar

Location: Seminar K2 Crawley, Pease Pottage Hill, Crawley, West Sussex, RH11 9BQ

9:30am - 12:00pm   Seminar Start (Adults/Children)
12:00pm - 1:30pm   Demonstration/Lunch
1:30pm - 4:30pm   Adult Seminar
4:30pm   Finish 

Seminar Banquet

Location: Copthorne Hotel & Resort, Effingham Park, West Park Road, Copthorne, West Sussex, RH10 3EU

Time: TBC

Monday 28th April

Faculty Meeting

Location: Ellis Academy of Choi Kwang-Do

Time: TBC

Tuesday 29th April

CKDMAI depart

Just a matter of weeks until the European 20th Anniversary Seminar...!

To commemorate the occasion, Martial Arts Illustrated magazine features Grandmaster Kwang Jo Choi on the front cover plus a 5-page article. It's in the April edition which is typically available in larger newsagents through March. If you missed it...don't worry. 

Click here to view very short previews of the complete current issue

Alternatively, you can sign up (at no cost) and purchase the digital edition of the April issue at the standard cost of £3.50 each. Hard copies are also available at an additional £1.50 for UK postage.

Jason Wright

Like any activity, you do need to make a commitment to become skilled at martial arts, but as people are so busy with work, study and family life...making the time can be difficult. However, with practise one can pick up basic self defence skills fairly quickly.

For these reasons we hold regular Free Self Defence Classes at our schools in Hendon and Ealing, North and West London. You'll have the opportunity to learn and practise self defence techniques in a controlled, non-competitive environment, without having to join the school or make a long term commitment.

Our Free Self Defence Classes are held approximately every 8 weeks and are open to members and non-members. The 60 minute classes are aimed at teenagers and adults although children aged 10 – 12 years can also attend if accompanied by an adult.

It's not realistic to think that one can become an expert after just one or two classes, but after learning a variety of simple and effective self defence techniques you may begin to feel more confident about your personal safety.

Our next Free Self Defence Classes are scheduled for Monday 10th March at Ealing, and Tuesday 11th March at Hendon. For safety reasons, places in the class are limited and attendance is by registration only. If you would like to register for the class or be kept informed of future classes please Contact Us.

Jason Wright

Have you been to the cinema recently? Watch or hired any good DVDs?

Nowadays, so many films feature some type of heroic martial arts style fighting. No longer content with your regular fisticuffs, fight scenes in films are often a hybrid of a variety of martial arts fighting styles, with the stars of the film undergoing several months of rigorous training with a professional coach to ensure their readiness for the part (at least that's what it often shows in the DVDs special features!)

This is excellent for raising awareness of the physical capabilities that martial arts classes can develop, but what about all the other qualities?

It was highly refreshing to stumble across an endorsement on the benefits of martial arts in the national press at the end of 2006. A report by the Institute for Public Policy Research examined what had become of thousands of children born in 1958 and 1970. Researcher found that those who were involved in structured and purposeful extra curricular activities were more likely to be happy, have good qualifications, be earning a decent income and in a good relationship, especially if the activity involve wearing a uniform -  even after correcting for class background.

(Structured and purposeful extra curricular activity that involves wearing a uniform. If you already practise martial arts this description probably rings a few bells!)

Although the article focused on the Scouting movement, both the article and the report mention martial arts as an activity that follows the recommended structure of activities discovered by the researchers. A spokesman for the Institute said, "Scouts and Brownies may have gone out of fashion, but they are a good example of the type of activity that benefits young people in later life. They are well supervised, with recognised structures and in-built goals".

Practitioners of the martial arts are aware of the various benefits, but reports such as this help to highlight the benefits and raise awareness among those who may not have been aware - or fully understood them. Activities such as martial arts are highly structured and organised and there is a specific way to do nearly everything; a way to greet a student or instructor, a way to stand up, a way to sit down, a way to enter or leave the training hall, a way to wear your uniform, a way to perform the techniques and drills, maybe even a way to pronounce the names of the techniques and drills.

These aspects help students to internalise self-discipline, the importance of structured and orderly conduct and the boundaries of behaviour. The belt structure forms a strong foundation for goal setting, recognition of achievement and self-esteem.

While the Scouting movement has had to modernise it's activities to retain interest as society has changed, martial arts have grown in popularity, (the increasing appearance of martial arts-influenced fight scenes in films demonstrates this) evolving into a commonly accepted method of personal development for both children and adults.

You can get more information on the report at the website of the Institute of Public Policy Research. 

Jason Wright

To really appreciate the benefits of Choi Kwang-Do martial art training (or anything else for that matter), you have to experience it. Even if you were to read and download all of the information on this website, you'd still only gain 'half of the story', as they say.

While many people decide to join our school after their first or second lesson, others come to that decision after one or weeks. We offer prospective students the opportunity to try our classes for up to 30 days - an entire month to begin to experience the benefits of Choi Kwang-Do. All at no cost and no obligation.

So...what are you waiting for?!

To arrange your free 30 day trial, simply go to the FREE Trial page and enter your details remembering to state which location (Hendon or Ealing) you are interested in. You will be contacted to arrange a suitable date and time for your Introductory Lesson.

Alternatively, go to the Contact Us page for telephone numbers or an email address.

We look forward to training with you in 2008!

Jason Wright

What do you think of when you hear the term self defence? Practising releases from various restraining positions? Avoiding dimly lit streets? Hitting an attacker and then running away?

Any, if not all of these initial responses could be correct, although in Choi Kwang-Do, the definition to self defence additionally follows two distinct paths:

Firstly, by employing principles of biomechanics, body movements are optimised to create powerful striking techniques while simultaneously reducing the the risk of hyper extension in the joints. Small adjustments to techniques can translate to greater output, even for those who are of small or medium build. These techniques are utilised within training drills desgined to develop various aspects such as reactions, counter attacks, verbal skills, pre-emptive attacks and releases. Such drills help to stimulate the central nervous system enabling it to more effectively recruit the muscles required to execute the movements as well as respond with those movements faster. This definition seems to best fall in line with the initial responses.

Secondly, a core objective of Choi Kwang Do is to employ martial arts training (the movements, combinations, training drills etc.) using biomechanically desgined techniques as a means of serving the well-being of the practitioner. One example is the circular movement of the shoulder joint when punching creates synovial fluid which 'oils' the joint and helps maintain the active range of motion. Think of this as defence for the self, if you like; protecting your physical and mental health now and in the future by taking moderate and regular exercise through martial arts training.

I know that there may be some martial arts practitioners that may feel that such views 'dilute' the essence of martial arts, especially in the current climate of mixed martial arts and reality based training, but that's exactly the beauty of the martial arts world - there is more than enough choice to cater for everyone's needs and desires.

One could argue that if attacked, martial arts training would come into play to defend yourself. However, if you're never attacked for the whole of your life does that mean that the years spent refining your martial arts skills will have been a waste of your time?

No doubt your will have heard from various sources applauding the benefits of leading an active life, and I am a strong advocate of martial arts as a stimulating and challenging method to fulfil this need. If you're not already active, I wonder if you could you start to include some more activity into your existing routine? What changes could you make to
be a little more physical a little more often?

Let's approach the same question from another angle: could you do it if your life depended upon it?

Earlier this year the British Heart Foundation started a campaign called 30 A Day, the objective is to encourage people to take 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week which they say can halve the risk of heart disease. I'm sure you'll agree that looking after your heart, whether through training martial arts or any other activity is definitely not a waste of your time.

Whatever your definition of self defence, remember it can also mean defending your 'self' for the future, which can often mean you need to take action today.

For more information on the campaign go to British Heart Foundation 30-A-Day Campaign

Jason Wright

Less than six months to go until the biggest event on every CKD student and instructors' calendar - the European 20th Anniversary Seminar with Grandmaster Choi. The 15th anniversary in Stevenage was attended by nearly 1000 students and instructors. Make sure you're part of the 20th anniversary celebrations!

To register for the seminar and for the more up-to-date news and information visit the official European 20th Anniversary Seminar page.

Jason Wright

Some of you will already know that Grandmaster Kwang Jo Choi (the founder of Choi Kwang Do) was a guest on LBC 97.3FM, one of London biggest talk radio stations in September 2007.

Jason Wright

There are many reasons to enroll in a martial arts programme such as Choi Kwang Do. For children in particular (although by no means exclusively) Choi Kwang Do helps to build self confidence and discipline which provides a solid foundation for them to develop strong character.

Choi Kwang Do is fun activity for children to engage in, and throughout their participation children will learning important lessons and values that will shape how they view the world around them. Even though Choi Kwang Do teaches to avoid confrontations, if the need arises, students can be secure in their knowledge of how to defend themselves from physical harm. There is also the additional benefit here in that the techniques that may be employed in self defence are biomechanically designed and not stressful on the body.

Students who participate and progress in the martial arts generally develop a positive attitude that they can take with them to help them accomplish other important tasks and life challenges. As well as the structure provided at home, Choi Kwang-Do classes also provide students with additional steps to develop self discipline. This embodies many things from making sure their bags are packed ready for class (organisational skills), coming to class on time (punctuality), ensuring their uniform is clean and belt tied correctly (pride and presentation), to following school guidelines (observance of rules and procedures). The discipline that they learn helps them to stay focused and work hard to accomplish their personal goals at school, at home and in later life. It also promotes the learning of respect for themselves and others; an important goal that Choi Kwang-Do Instructors strive to instill in all students.

The Student Promise and the Six Principles Of Choi Kwang Do are memorised by all children and recited at the beginning of every class. Together they act as a ‘quick reference guide’ to the code of conduct that Choi Kwang-Do seeks to develop and maintain in younger students:

Childrens Promise

To always do my best and never give up
To obey my Parents and Teachers
To tell the truth and honour my word
To always be polite
To never misuse what I learn in class

Principles Of Choi Kwang-Do

Humility
Honest
Gentleness
Perseverance
Self Control
Unbreakable Spirit

If you are a parent of a Choi Kwang Do student you are very much an integral part of your childs' development in Choi Kwang Do, both physically and mentally. Regular attendance at classes is one of the most important factors in the development of students. Yet, generally speaking, children do not possess the same level of commitment as adults and sometimes need to be encouraged by parents (although not forced) to attend classes.

Class attendance should be complimented by regular practice at home. Parents should help to ensure that students continue practicing the martial arts techniques and exercises at home. Basic techniques, the unique Choi Kwang Do Patterns and Speed Drill combinations can all be safely practiced in minimal space without the aid of equipment or a training partner.

Jason Wright