Martial Arts Plus, 1994
Interview by Mr. Steve Grayston
There have been many founders of Martial Arts systems over the years, but not that many who take a deep scientific approach to their art and their training. Grandmaster Kwang Jo Choi is one of those who has a scientific outlook on every aspect of his system. Editor Steve Grayston talks science with the man with the answers...
SG. Firstly Grandmaster may I welcome you to England, I hope you are having a pleasant stay here. I realise this is not your first visit. How many times have you been to Britain now?
KJC. Since 1988 I've been here twice a year, until the last couple of years when I have come once a year, so altogether about ten times.
SG. Over that period have you seen a marked difference in your students in that time?
SG. I note that your system was introduced into England in the late eighties, and has since become quite a phenomenon across the country, with a tremendous number of students practising. What has been the secret of your success in this country?
KJC. I approach it very realistically. I have three very important concepts. First, my concept is how we human beings can develop the highest standard of technique in kicking and punching using our body in a practical manner in terms of bio-mechanics and other scientific principles. Number two is how we train in martial arts for safety, and also, our physical conditioning and overall health. And then thirdly how we can use physical discipline incorporating a mental and emotional approach and even, a spiritual approach to our training.
That three concepts I have been concentrating on, I believe the English people have very scientific minds, although I always believed English people to be very conservative, which is very good, they accept my concepts and techniques.
SG. In the USA you have a large stronghold for your organisation, do you find that American students view your system differently?
KJC. Any people, so far, I have encountered in the Martial Arts, not only in the United States but all over the world, they also accept my concepts and techniques, but still there are many people that have a certain 'fear' to change. The changing gives a lot of strength to anything in the world, therefore in respect to martial artists whilst they come to our activities, like a seminar or testing or demonstration time, they instantly understand what we are doing, but they still have a certain 'fear' to come. So I would say the American people are a little more concerned about that 'fear' with what they are doing.
SG. What direction is your system heading in your own country?
KJC. You mean how my style will go to Korea?
SG. Yes...
KJC. That is the next step. very soon I'm going to Korea to open up my Martial Art as an activity there. The reason I have not done so yet is, in Korea Tae Kwon Do is no longer a martial art, it's become like a national sport. So they are aiming to achieve gaining Tae Kwon Do as a participant in the Olympic Games. I think that the 'coming to light,' or the turning point will be whether the Olympic committee accepts Tae Kwon Do in the Olympic Games or not.
SG. You mentioned to me earlier that you think it very important that philosophy is taught as part of your system. But within TKD as a sport, systems of TKD do not seem to look at that aspect, they purely look at competing aspect. Do you find that your students not only develop a higher level of understanding but they have a better character because of the development of the mind?
KJC. That's why I mentioned this earlier. I developed within the system, the technique, most importantly the practicality. Secondly we maximise our physical conditioning and overall health. Thirdly we develop the natural emotional impact so cultivating the student for building up the character to the highest level. In the Martial Arts, all the time we are talking about traditional training, but so far the Martial Arts go more toward competition, therefore I am concerned about Korea where TKD was born. For kids our concept is better for them, Choi Kwang-Do is not only for older people, but for younger people of the next generation.
SG. I know readers are going to look at pictures of you, as I have done over the years, and wonder, how do you look so young and healthy?
KJC. (Laughs) Thank you very much. When I was learning traditional martial arts, it was the way I trained, and the way I taught that I found physically and mentally punishing. The physical injuries were making me psychologically become old, adding about thirty years or so to my life. Now I am over 52 years old my physical endurance and strength is better than when I was a young guy because I'm even eating like I used to, and, I'm worse than when I was younger in terms of what I do now, more travelling, less sleeping, more activity, more stressful environment, etc. The only difference between my way and the old days is, I'm training different...Our system is developed from a very sophisticated way of the old stretching exercise, and we turn our body in all different directions. This exercise not only improves flexibility but also the elimination of tension in the body. So the body tends to be more relaxed, better circulation in your body, etc. Then the technique what I'm using is fundamental, which of course develops all the basic foundations, and I practise forms that are different from the martial art that I have been training in before, so that these patterns are very natural movements. I practise this every day for one hour maintaining about 70-80% of my maximum heart rate, sustaining 30 minutes cardiovascular endurance. We also practise with the air shield and the focus mitt, and with a partner, so that these techniques can develop actual impact. They are also excellent in an anaerobic capacity. These must be done with resting for recovery.
I think regular training is my key to keeping in shape.
SG. If I ask you to give a comment for your students in this country, what would you like to say to them?
KJC. Between instructor and student is a most important relationship. The relationship grows on the basis of trust. That trust is based on experience. Now if (the) student cannot trust (the) teacher they have only a little thing to learn. The teacher gives the trust to the student by honesty and integrity, so that this becomes the system in human beings, the relationship based on helping each other: Friendship. The reason I'm saying this, is that all the Martial Artists are looking for that type of relationship, but the reality is not, because the student needs the instructor for the knowledge to train, but you actually cannot blame the student because the instructor is a necessary evil who also uses the student for receiving money for his authority that's the way the instructor trusts the student. We are all human beings, without trust can't be creative. Two people live together they split up, because we don't trust or listen to other people.
The most important thing to Martial Artists is their integrity.
SG. I understand you are developing a new headquarters in Atlanta, what facilities will it have over your existing centre?
KJC. It is much bigger with over 12,000 square feet. It has a large main training hall, international offices, a private dojang for myself to teach chief instructors and a research room where we will be using sophisticated machines to test agility, strength, accuracy of movement and so on. There will be dormitories attached with room for 18 visiting instructors.
SG. I believe you have been working with the US army recently, could you tell us about that?
KJC. I have been working with my senior instructors at Fort Benning in the city of Columbus, Georgia. It is a very large installation and one of the main centres for training Army Rangers (US version of SAS). I am working with one of the top hand-to-hand combat instructors Sergeant Max Mullins to train their instructors in Choi Kwang-Do on a regular basis. I am also designing a college course with Dr. Edward Thomas, the head of Upper Iowa University which is located at Fort Benning. The course will be offered as part of a physical education Bachelor of Science degree. It is titled Fitness leadership-restorative and martial arts. Choi Kwang-Do will form the core of the restorative (health) studies as well as the combative section. It is a very exciting prospect for Choi Kwang-Do and may be offered through the many branches of the university throughout the United States.
SG. Grandmaster, I'd like to say that I've always admired your system and your teaching and it has been a pleasure to speak with you.
KJC. Thank you very much, I appreciate you coming.
