Combat, January 1996
Cover Story and Interview by Mr. Paul Clifton
I first met Grandmaster Kwang Jo Choi in the winter of 1990 to conduct an interview that was to be featured in the January 1991 issue of COMBAT. I had heard many rumours about the man and the fascinating martial art system that he had created. I admit to entering into the interview with a certain ominous feeling of how it would go. However, I couldn't have been more pleasantly surprised. The aims of Grandmaster Choi and the principles that his martial art embodied were, and still are, similar to those of many other martial art systems. The refreshing change was that this man (who had experienced the pitfalls of blinkered vision) was prepared to adapt, adopt and utilise the experiences of instructors and students alike to further develop his system.
The first thing that struck me about Grandmaster Choi was how content he appeared to be and how much younger he looked since our last meeting. Choi Kwang-Do obviously suits him and he serves as a fantastic example of the benefits his system has to offer. The other thing I noticed was how much his command of the English language had improved.
Grandmaster Choi was accompanied by another old acquaintance - Marshall Pereira - and together with Parviz Nikkhoo (who arranged my most enjoyable visit), many hours were spent discussing the finer points of Choi Kwang-Do's world-wide progress. I put the following questions to the Grandmaster, who was more than happy to oblige with detailed replies:
What is Choi Kwang-Do?
Choi Kwang-Do is a modern martial art based on principles derived from the scientific fields of biomechanics, kinesiology, psychology, chiropractic and psychoneurology. It was founded on March 2nd 1987 by Grandmaster Kwang Jo Choi (9th degree black belt) a former chief instructor of the International Tae Kwon Do Federation, following many years of research with American scientists and doctors.
Why should people consider joining Choi Kwang-Do?
Traditional martial artists sustain many injuries to the knees, spine, elbows and other joints through stressul and unnatural lockout movements. Choi Kwang-Do movements are natural and stress-free, hence they are therapeutic and their practice leads to positive self-improvement.
Many traditional movements are difficult to learn and unrealistic in actual self-defence, even though they may look impressive. Choi Kwang-Do movements are easy to learn and are very effective. From your very first lesson, your techniques are practical and street oriented.
Who can learn Choi Kwang-Do?
Choi Kwang-Do can be learned by everyone, young or old, male or female. Through practice of Choi Kwang-Do, children/adults can learn to accept discipline, concentration, and develop self confidence and respect for other individuals. The youngest student in our schools is four and the oldest, over sixty.
What would I get out of this?
Cardiovascular exercise, heart conditioning, increased fitness & stamina, weight reduction & control, improved balance & coordination, practical self defence (not gym competitions), increased self confidence, security and peace of mind, self-discipline (mental and physical), yoga stretching leading to lubrication of joints, increased flexibility & agility, deep muscle toning & internal health, increased energy (mental & physical), stress reduction & relaxation.
How does one develop a strong mind?
Here is where Choi kwang-Do rises above all other exercise and sport activities. Choi Kwang-Do is taught according to individual needs and levels of skill. Through the instructor's guidance and encouragement, students begin to establish personal goals and actually achieve them. Students learn that by setting realistic goals, dedication and hard work - anything is possible. So they develop self confidence! Also the virtues of respect, concentration, discipline and motivation are the characteristics of a truly confident individual and all are properly stressed throughout Choi Kwang-Do.
What are the tenets of Choi Kwang-Do?
Courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, indomitable spirit.
The new trend for the Nineties is cross training. How can CKD be of benefit? Choi Kwang-Do offers training which will improve your level of performance in the sport you play now, while breaking the monotony of every-day training. Using different exercise disciplines to achieve peak performance will make a difference in all the sports you play. More and more sports enthusiasts are using Choi Kwang-Do training not as an alternative to health clubs, but in addition to their health clubs.
What is Grandmaster Choi's martial background?
The founder, Grandmaster Kwang Jo Choi, is a ninth degree black belt. He was personally selected to serve as an elite member of a group of experts chosen to spread Tae Kwon Do throughout the world.
Motivated by his continuing dedication to the advancement of the martial arts and his desire for ways to improve on techniques and teaching methods, he discovered new practical techniques which were safer than anything known at the time.
Using these observations, coupled with years of research with American scientists, doctors and practical experience, Grandmaster Choi pioneered the most revolutionary change in martial arts history: the introduction of an entirely new martial larts system - Choi Kwang-Do.
What is Choi Kwang-Do and where is it practised?
Named after its founder, Choi Kwang-Do was officially introduced to the world from Atlanta on March 2nd 1987. Instructors and students alike travel to Atlanta to advance their training. Grandmaster Choi has since founded his own world organisation which is called Choi Kwang-Do Martial Arts International.
Based in Atlanta, Grandmaster Choi has travelled the world, introducing his new concept in martial arts. He recently visited Russia where he taught Choi Kwang-Do to Russian gymnasts, boxers and wrestlers. He has now introduced several videos which can help members perfect their techniques.
The martial arts press describes Choi Kwang-Do as the fastest growing martial art in the world today.
What benefits does CKD offer to the practising student?
Stress management through Yoga stretching within the student's own personal limits; increased concentration through focused repetition of fluid natural movements; motivation from achievement through unlocking one's own potential; goal achievement through setting small and conceivable, therefore achievable goals; vitality/energy from an enhanced aerobic base and oxygen distribution; reduction in illness through natural invigoration of lymph system (crucial to the proper functioning of the body's immune system).
So who is Grandmaster Kwang Jo Choi?
Born March 2nd 1942 in Tae Gu City, Korea, Kwang Jo Choi begann his formal study of martial arts at the age of 12 under the famous master instructor Dong Ju Li. Driven by the need to survive in the war torn streets of South Korea and an innate desire for perfection, Kwang Jo Choi soon became one of Master Li's start pupils. After (sic) his tenure in the Korean army, Kwang Jo Choi began his study of taekwondo (sic) (Korean hand and foot fighting art) under its founder, General Choi Hong Hi. Through Kwang Jo Choi's talent and dedicated training, he was awarded the prestigious title of Chief Instructor under general Choi's International Tae Kwon-do (sic) Federation before he was 25 years old.
In addition to teaching self defence to the Korean Army and National Police, Kwang Jo Choi was personally selected by General Choi to serve as an elite member of a group of experts chosen to spread taekwondo (sic) throughout the world. Through his mission, Kwang Jo Choi became one of taekwondo's (sic) most preominent ambassadors and he was directly responsible for its spread throughout South East Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and eventually the USA.
Motivated by his continuing dedication to the advancement of the martial arts and his desire for self improvement, Master Choi searched for ways to improve techniques and teaching methods. On March 2nd 1987, after years of research and practical experience, Grandmaster Choi pioneered one of the most revolutionary changes in recent martial arts history: the introduction of an entirely new martial arts form - Choi Kwang-Do.
Today Choi Kwang-Do has students in over forty countries throughout the world and is the fastest growing martial art in the world today.
