Choi Kwang Do (CKD) was first developed between 1978 and 1987, it represents one of the most influential forces in martial arts in recent years.

CKD promotes a modern and innovative approach to Martial Arts. Techniques have been developed from a close study of recent discoveries in sports science and a deep understanding of martial art styles.

Choi Kwang Do’s creator, Grand Master Kwang Jo Choi is a recognized expert exponent of Korean Karate, and Taekwondo. He decided to develop his own defensive system as he became increasingly aware of how impractical the traditional styles he was using were, as well as the effect that regularly training with these techniques was having on his health.

Grand Master Choi set out to create far more than just another sport or fighting system, he had a clear agenda of what Choi Kwang Do needed to be;

• Highly effective, practical whilst avoiding damaging hyper extension injuries.


• Each technique breaking down into simple of elements so it can be easily and quickly learnt. Allowing training to be more accessible to all ages and abilities.


• The overall syllabus is logically structured increasing incrementally the skills and applications of these techniques.


• The exercises and training environment are designed to promote positive physical and mental conditioning, not only improving self-defence skills but self confidence as well.


• Providing a martial art that is in itself a safe and healthy all round training regime.

Through the study of sports biomechanics, Grand Master Choi developed his defence system to maximize power whilst protecting joints from over extension and lockout injuries, which are often sustained through repetitive training.

A Choi punch for example utilizes a chain of movements which uses the whole body from foot to fist (much more powerful than a punch which uses the arm and upper body alone).

These chains of sequential movements exist in all CKD techniques from the simplest block through to the most complex of kicks. All movements use circular motion to prevent damage to limbs through over extension.

Self defensive skills are taught and conditioned for use on the street where there is no expectation of referees or protocols to protect you from harm.

In a street fight there aren’t any real winners. For this reason Choi Kwang Do does not teach you to fight in the same way as you would for a sporting combat event. CKD teaches you what you need to do to get out of danger as quickly as possible. Violence is a last resort not an inevitable solution, or an end in itself.

CKD training constantly re-enforces awareness of what is going on around you, the aim being to avoid conflict wherever possible. Only when there is no other alternative, should you resort to using Grand Master Choi's devastating fighting and grappling techniques. CKD practitioners are never taught to pull a punch or perform an incomplete technique. The movements are all designed to flow from an innate awareness of your body position and weight distribution.

CKD training provides self defence skills in a supportive structured training environment.

The training program is logical and structured. As in most traditional martial arts CKD uses a system of coloured belts to define the level you have reached. The belts run through introductory and intermediate coloured belts through to an advanced black belt syllabus.

Each belt level has a pattern, a defense, a close range and a speed drill. Choi associates all it's movements with practical and realistic situations. This helps the student gain more advanced levels of skill and understanding, as they progress through the syllabus.

The drills and stretches learnt at each belt level are designed to develop strength, coordination and flexibility, in readiness for the demands of the next techniques in the syllabus.

Each technique (like a punch for example) is broken down into an easily learnt sequences of movements. Ensuring the biomechanics of the technique are performed correctly maximising power and preventing lock out injury.

Individual techniques are then grouped together to be practiced as a “pattern”. As the student progresses through the belts, the patterns become increasingly demanding. Techniques are practiced in such a way that they become naturally flowing, powerful streams of movement. Each pattern is practiced on both sides of the body to improve left right acuity.