What is Choi Kwang-do?

A message from Grandmaster Kwang Jo Choi
9th Degree Black Belt and Founder of Choi Kwang Do Martial Art

As President and Founder of Choi Kwang-Do Martial Art International, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to learn about Choi Kwang-Do. This art is the culmination of a lifetime of studying and teaching martial arts worldwide. My observations and first hand experience with traditional martial arts motivated me to create a superior form of exercise, self-defense training, and a means towards realizing one's highest mental and physical potential. With time and dedicated training, I am sure that you will find the benefits from your commitment to Choi Kwang-Do to be great and the rewards many.

As a member of an international association, you can take pride in the fact that you are receiving the most thorough and professional martial arts instruction available. You will find each of my instructors to be helpful, courteous, and glad to answer your questions. Through your instructor, you will have access to videos and written literature being developed, as well as information on seminars, workshops, and other events sponsored by your organization.

If your goal is to become a professional instructor, consult with your instructor concerning eligibility requirements and special training regarding this.

In closing, I again welcome you and give my best wishes for a long and rewarding membership.

GrandmasterKwang Jo Choi
9th Degree Black Belt

Overview of History, Philosophy & Concepts of Choi Kwang Do 

Choi Kwang-Do (The Art of Grand Master Kwang Jo Choi) is a dynamic, innovative approach to martial arts training that is recognised as one of the fastest growing martial arts in the world. Founded by Grand Master Kwang Jo Choi, 9th Degree Black Belt, Choi Kwang-Do is the culmination of Grand Master Choi’s more than 40 years of training and teaching the martial arts and has resulted in the most effective martial art system for today’s modern society.

Choi Kwang-Do is based on traditional martial arts philosophy that emphasises the ideal of personal and social development being paramount, rather than sports competition. Choi Kwang-Do classes provide a safe and non-competitive environment for students that helps them to grow not only physically, but mentally as well. The development of good manners, courtesy, self-discipline, self-confidence, and good social adjustment can be considered primary objectives of this art, along with the development of practical self-defence skills.

The techniques and concepts of this art can be considered very non-traditional. Principles of modern science, derived from psychology, kinesiology, and biomechanics, form the basis for Choi Kwang-Do. Conventional martial arts methodology is more often based on mysticism, impractical traditional techniques, or sports competition. Choi Kwang-Do is not designed nor optimized for athletic competition. Instead Choi Kwang-Do is designed to be a devastatingly effective self-defense system that can be used in real street situations.

Furthermore, Choi Kwang-Do has been designed to enhance the student’s overall health, fitness, and well being rather than cause the injuries and damage that many competitive activities do.

Finally, Choi Kwang-Do is a dynamic art that continually evolves. As new information on health, fitness, and improved training methods are discovered and developed, it may be formally integrated into the Choi Kwang-Do training system. As students in Choi Kwang-Do, it is welcoming to know that you are not training in a system that is static or based on outdated training methods.