Choi Kwang Do
Named after its founder, Grandmaster Kwang Jo Choi (9th Degree Black Belt), Choi Kwang Do was inaugurated on his 45th birthday in March 1987. Today, from Choi Kwang Do international headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A; Grandmaster Choi oversees hundreds of schools worldwide.
Choi Kwang Do is today, one of the world's youngest martial arts. A living and growing testimony as to how modern science can work effectively alongside traditional values, to create a martial art relevant to the needs of 21st century living.
Every single movement has been analyzed by scientists and doctors of various disciplines to ensure they are health enhancing and not damaging to its practitioners.
The 3 P's
The building blocks of Choi Kwang Do
Promises
Pledges
Principles
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To always do my best and never give up
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To obey my *parents and teachers
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To always be polite
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To tell the truth and honor my word
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To never misuse what I learn in class
*for children
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To set positive goals and strive to achieve them
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To apply self-discipline to further my personal development
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To stand for justice and honor my word
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To promote friendly relationships among all people
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To use what I learn in class in a constructive manner
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Humility
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Integrity
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Gentleness
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Perseverance
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Self-Control
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Unbreakable Spirit
Benefits of Choi Kwang Do
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Environment
With competition ruled out, a non-aggressive classroom environment with an emphasis on support and encouragement is created. Choi Kwang Do's emphasis is on learning as an individual. Without the need to feel better or worse than other students and the absence of unhealthy egos, students may well experience a feeling of belonging described by many students as "my second family".
The combination of classroom etiquette and natural techniques makes Choi Kwang Do effective and very safe for the practitioners. As Choi Kwang Do is a light contact martial art, there is no free-sparring. This allows students, families and friends to train together, irrespective of age, gender and ability.
Mind
Choi Kwang Do's integrated movements require balance and coordination. The movements have been designed specifically to stimulate the production of neurotrophies - natural substances that stimulate the growth of nerve cells and increase the number of neural connections in the brain.
Unlike other martial arts, which employ homo-lateral movements, the utilization of one side of the body which can be harmful for the body and stressful to the brain; Choi Kwang Do utilizes cross-lateral movements that uses both sides of the body. These techniques work both sides of the body evenly; hands and feet, left and right side, all in coordination with the eyes.
As a result, the corpus callosum, which is the nerve that connects the left and right side of the brain becomes more fully developed. This activates both hemispheres of the brain, which in return heightens cognitive functionality and increases the ease of learning.
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Body
Choi Kwang Do's yoga-based warm up stretches muscles and tendons that minimizes the risks of strains and tears during training. These stretches also improves flexibility long-term.
The involvement of cardiovascular exercises regulates blood pressure and cholesterol, which reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke. The control of weight reduces the risk of developing diabetes, whilst the weight-bearing exercise reduces the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. The physical exercise also reduces the effect of ageing on the heart, muscles, joints and even brain, and reduces the risk of injuries to muscles, tendons and joints from daily wear and tear.
With regular training, stamina and general cardiovascular fitness is increased, whilst muscle strength is improved resulting in more stable joints. The exercises also helps improve mood – the ‘feel good factor’; boosts the immune system and has a calming effect on stress, due to the release of natural morphine like hormones called endorphins.
Personal Development
Here is where Choi Kwang Do rises above all other sports activities.
Choi Kwang Do is taught according to the individual's needs and level of skill. There are empowering programs for all individuals. The study of Choi Kwang Do at CHOICES emphasizes the positive attributes of students, whilst making allowances for each individual's personal limitations.
Practitioners gain better self-control, personal self-discipline and increased ability to stay focused, relaxed, and calmer in dealing with some of life's challenges and to achieve their goals in life.