Combat, January 1991
Cover Story and Interview by Mr. Paul Clifton
1987 saw the debut of a new martial art - or did it?
Back in 1987, COMBAT was approached by a group of people who collectively called themselves CHOI KWANG-DO. The reason for this approach was to secure a cover story and so to publicise this so-called 'NEW' martial art. The group in question wanted the privilege of appearing in the world's largest and best selling martial arts magazine. The approach was denied and the group were told when the time was right COMBAT would approach them. This was not a slur to the group in question but more of a company policy - "BY INVITATION ONLY - AFFORDED BY MERIT TO NEWSWORTHY OR PRAISEWORTHY CANDIDATES". Time passed and at many events I attended I heard the name Choi Kwang-Do but with all mentions there seemed to be an air of disbelief about the claims being made by its disciples. Shrouded in mystery and surrounded by pessimism I decided to take a look at this enigmatic art and arranged an interview with (ex I.T.F. Chief Instructor) GRANDMASTER KWANG JO CHOI and put forward the questions you the readers have asked for so long. Read on...
KWANG JO CHOI: I was born on March 2nd 1942 and I am 48 years old.
P.C.: Can you tell our readers how old you were when you first started martial arts and what style was it?
K.J.C.: I was 12 years old when I first took up martial arts. I started by learning Kempo (the Korean way of pronouncing this is Kwon Bup).
P.C.: Who was your instructor?
K.J.C.: My Grandmaster was Dong Ju Lee, he is known as the hero of Keujae Island because during the Korean war he spent some time in a prison camp and it is claimed that his martial arts ability helped him kill 18 enemy soldiers with his bare hands. I stayed with him until I was a 4th degree black belt.
P.C.: What did you do then?
K.J.C.: Well, in 1961 I began my national service which is where I got the chance to adopt and learn Taekwondo. This is when I met General Choi and after I was appointed Chief Instructor to 20 infantry divisions. In the army I joined the 29th Infantry Division, which was renamed 20th Infantry Division.
P.C.: When did you finish your national service and what did you do after leaving the army?
K.J.C.: I finished my national service in 1964 and that is when I went to see General Choi in Korea. At that time he was just forming the International Taekwondo Federation and was also the president of the Korean National Association. When I had an opportunity to see him I adopted his system, was re-certified in I.T.F. Taekwondo and, was appointed I.T.F. Chief Instructor. At the same time I operated my own institute. Until 1967 I was one of the six Korean instructors who went to South East Asia to tour giving Taekwondo demonstrations (Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore) after that I settled down, but continued to teach Taekwondo.
P.C.: Were there any others that learned General Choi's teachings?
K.J.C.: Yes, many, they came from all over Korea to be influenced by his teaching and learn about Taekwondo, I was appointed to teach them.
P.C.: So, they came to you to learn and to be able to go away and teach Taekwondo to other people?
K.J.C.: Yes!
P.C.: What was your relationship with General Choi and your opinion of him?
K.J.C.: General Choi influenced me greatly actually, his art was far superior to Kwon Bup and Korean karate and a better concept.
P.C.: I believe General Choi had a certain name for you or he paid compliment to you?
K.J.C.: Yes, he called me a "Model of Taekwondo" because I could perform Taekwondo really well. He gave me that special name because he trusted me to teach his art.
P.C.: After you left the I.T.F. what did you do?
K.J.C.: I taught the I.T.F. system up to 1978, I then broke away from General Choi because of a couple of reasons. One reason was because I was fed up with the fighting and conflict. I also left because I wanted to develop my own form of martial art.
P.C.: Why did you wish to develop your own martial art?
K.J.C.: I have always questioned myself about how I could develop a martial art that would be more effective for someone of my build as I am only small. So, I went off, did some research and developed my own style as I believe I can produce the best martial art in myself. Because I can perform it and I can kick. I traveled all over the world and I didn't marry until I was 36.
I wanted to develop a safer and more effective art because everywhere I have been I found people like myself, people that had been hurt. Then I started to think that this could not be right as the martial arts are supposed to enhance one's condition and physical well being. I set about trying to find an answer as to why I always felt bruised, battered and aching.
P.C.: Did you ever approach General Choi and discuss the problems you were experiencing and suggest better ways?
K.J.C.: I didn't think it was any good talking to him as he had already produced his book so was already certain he was right.
P.C.: Just digressing for a moment, how did you make your living whilst studying?
K.J.C.: In the interim period I started my own school.
P.C.: I believe the style you taught was different to that of I.T.F. Taekwondo, just how different was it?
K.J.C.: Well, I taught slightly modified I.T.F. patterns, but not locking joints and I called this Taekwondo, Kwang Duk Kwan. For instance, my kicks and punches are different from the usual ways. The Tae Kwon Do Times actually said my style was the next evolutionary step from Taekwondo.
P.C.: When did you announce the birth of Choi Kwang-Do?
K.J.C.: March 2nd 1987. I announced to the world all about inauguration of Choi Kwang-Do.
P.C.: Why did you decide to call it Choi Kwang-Do?
K.J.C.: Well I thought of incorporating Taekwondo into the name but decided that would be just like lying as I wasn't teaching Taekwondo. I also don't like the shroud of mysticism that the martial arts is connected with so I simply used my name and adopted the Korean way of writing someone's name which is the first name last i.e. "KWANG JO CHOI" to be written as "CHOI KWANG" and "DO" which means art so the direct translation is KWANG CHOI'S ART. When I first announced the name people said it was strange for someone to call his art by his name. I disagree with that and also believe that C.K.D. is beneficial for the people that's why I simply called it Choi Kwang-Do.
P.C.: There are rumours over here that C.K.D. charges ridiculous amounts of money and that all of your instructors are on franchises, is that correct?
K.J.C.: In answer to the claim of charging ridiculous amounts that is not true, and as for franchises then you should look at America where virtually every conceivable form of business is on franchise. This is not a bad thing it just means that a set figure is payable which helps the instructor as he knows where he stands, and it makes his/her life easier. In fact, we have clubs in seven of the United States (Georgia, Michigan, Colorado, Maryland, California, Illinois and Florida) also Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the U.K. in all of those countries Choi Kwang-Do has become very popular in only three and a half years. One of my personal ambitions is to have Choi Kwang-Do in 20 of the 52 states in the U.S. in 1991.
P.C.: I believe that C.K.D. is taught as part of the college curriculum in Kennesaw, U.S.A. is that correct?
K.J.C.: Yes, as well as colleges I have also taught the general police force, under-cover police and narcotics squad because they recognize the unique Choi Kwang-Do principles and its practicality on the street.
P.C.: Has there ever been a time when you have regretted studying martial arts?
K.J.C.: Yes, I only regret studying Taekwondo and not devising a better way to kick and punch because I was always being hurt.
P.C.: I believe you spent approximately 10 years researching into biochemistry and other studies so to enable you to create a new art?
K.J.C.: Yes I did.
P.C.: Do you know anything about this new Modern Taekwondo?
K.J.C.: I heard recently that General Choi went to South America to conduct a seminar with one of his instructors and called it Modern Taekwondo. This indicates that the usual Taekwondo is not actually good for street self defense. Many thousands of people attended with nearly all South America's senior instructors taking part to find out what this "Modern Taekwondo" was all about. They also held a big championship event.
P.C.: Do you think that with all the developments within Taekwondo the general practising martial artist will get confused?
K.J.C.: Today all the martial arts are confused because traditional stances, methods, punches and blocks etc. that are taught in the dojang are of little value on the tournament circuit. Martial arts are totally different to sports arts.
P.C.: Do you think Taekwondo and the martial arts in general have become stale?
K.J.C.: Yes, because situations change so the arts that are taught must also change, which is a good thing actually because without change you cannot progress. Therefore, now there are so many different styles and they all influence and confuse each other. In the martial arts world, the revolution has already begun and in time to come people will realise that they should question all they learn so to make them understand better the principles and theory behind all they do.
P.C.: You said earlier in passing that there are two sides to the martial arts, could you elaborate on that comment please?
K.J.C.: Yes, there are two groupings within the martial arts. Some are looking for the sports angle such as competitions and tournaments. The other people are looking to develop technique and to use their hands and feet to defend themselves. In general the martial arts have lost their leadership, if you look at the W.T.F. so many of them fight each other. Inside the I.T.F. the people believe different things. I believe they have lost their direction, that is why they are wondering which way to go and only join an organisation for the benefit of affiliation which really means they are not looking for the principles of teaching. For example, one I.T.F. instructor may not be teaching the same methods as another.
P.C. Do you have a syllabus within C.K.D.?
K.J.C.: We do have a syllabus which I designed myself. We also have 21 patterns which I designed and are very exciting even I am amazed at the fact that when I perform and practise them they enhance my conditioning and give me greater overall confidence.
P.C.: How do Choi Kwang-Do's patterns differ from the traditional ones for instance in Taekwondo?
K.J.C.: C.K.D.'s patterns are the complete opposite. Traditional patterns are very rigid, tense and very mechanical. Any form of punching or kicking as an exercise can be beneficial if performed correctly. Tai chi is very good form of healthy exercise but it is not related to self defence martial arts. C.K.D.'s patterns are continually fluent, constantly moving and should be done for at least 30 minutes. I suppose it could be compared more or less to an aerobic workout and is designed to develop stamina, speed, strength and conditioning. After a workout it has been proven that your metabolic rate increases, secondly continuous pattern practise (30-40 minutes) causes the brain to produce mind enhancing chemicals (endorphins) not only make you feel good they strengthen the immune system, thereby making you physically/medically better off.
P.C.: Will you develop more patterns and if so what are the aims of the patterns that you create?
K.J.C.: I will develop more patterns and when designing them I have three aims:
1) To develop the hands, fists and body into a strong weapon. To be able to defend yourself in case something was to happen. Although the best defence is to avoid conflict. For example, if you are confident you don't feel as if you need to destroy your opponent or you could quite simply apologise. Only when you cannot avoid a situation should you use your skill and then only to defend yourself. It should give you more satisfaction to know that your inner strength is as strong as your physical ability. Forgiveness is a virtue and should be used to combat ignorance.
2) All techniques performed must enhance the overall condition of the practitioner and above all be practical.
3) To develop the character and enhance that person's personality. Become beneficial to the community and society in general. I personally believe it is better to give than to receive for instance when I held the last Choi Kwang-Do seminar there were over 1,000 students present and it gave me great pleasure to share my knowledge with so many people. I am also a student of yoga and have been for many years in order to improve my flexibility (incidentally when I reported my findings pertaining to flexibility to General Choi he was not interested).
P.C.: On what grounds do you claim Choi Kwang-Do to be a revolutionary martial art?
K.J.C.: Well one of my students Joe Sennebogen (who has practised Taekwondo as well as being a heavyweight boxer and American football player) is a much respected chiropractor told me that there is a tendancy to undermine the body and apply too much pressure in certain areas. So I studied this in depth, and I found for instance that arm blocks should be carried out with the flat part of the forearm and not the outer part because there is a greater area to absorb the pressure, plus the muscle tissue would protect the membranes against damage. This is just one aspect but Choi Kwang-Do is designed so as to be beneficial to the student physically, mentally and spiritually (inner strength).
Another major difference is that if you see a traditional style practising, it's an art (where) you will find a very formal atmosphere whereas with C.K.D. the emphasis is placed on being happy and enjoying training sessions. I have also spent many years researching into the problems behind ailments connected with martial arts and have used these findings to perfect C.K.D. so to be safe for anyone wishing to learn a very practical form of self defence.
P.C.: Finally, if you had to state what Choi Kwang-Do is all about what would you say?
K.J.C.: I would just like to invite any open minded martial artists that would like to talk about joining Choi Kwang-Do to call in to one of our classes and experience one of our lessons. Because when I talk to people I also learn, so I welcome any interested parties to call on ((770)795-0010 - web masters' change).
P.C.: On that note I will close. Grandmaster Choi thank you for your time.
K.J.C.: It was a pleasure to meet you and I thank you for your time and the coverage given.
P.C.: Thank you.