allisonralph

For the record : Choi Kwang Do is not to be confused with Tae Kwon Do . Choi Kwang Do Martial Arts was created by a Tae Kwon Do Master by the name of Kwang Jo Choi who changed the "lock-out" punching and kicking-style of Tae Kwon Do to a method looking similar to boxing . Grandmaster Kwang Jo Choi incorporated health-considerations whilst creating this new style of martial art which is often compared to Kickboxing . Perhaps an introduction of myself would be in order at this point : My name is Ralph Allison 3rd Dan Chief Instructor with Choi Kwang Do schools in London UK ( Mitcham area ) and Surrey UK ( Sutton area ) . I have trained in various styles in over 20 years like : traditional Karate , Jiu Jitsu , Judo and Choi Kwang Do Martial Arts . I have written articles in the " Tae Kwon Do & Korean Martial Arts " magazine , was on its front cover ( October 2003 issue ) and have a regular monthly column in there called " On The Streets With Ralph Allison" . In that same year I received the " Combat Hall of Fame " Award for my dedication to martial arts in the UK & worldwide . I love all types of martial arts (including Tae Kwon Do) but prefere Choi Kwang Do for Health-reasons : There is no full or semi contact sparring between partners - although sparring still looks "real" ( like in the movies ) stopping the punch or kick just before it reaches your partner BUT all punching and kicking is blocked with contact . Also : lock-out punching and kicking ( even semi-lock outs ) create a strain in the body`s ligaments and tendons and therefore produce a " wear-out-effect" whcih accumulates over years of training . Is there sparring in Choi Kwang Do ( or : CKD) ? Yes ... but the " full contact" is only used on sparring shields held by a partner or focus pads - again held by a partner . Now this is my opinion and I do not expect all to agree with me : Full contact or semi contact punching desensitizes your body .... but ... the main reason for doing a self defence art is ... self defence ...is it not ? So why get beaten up in a martial arts club if self-protection is the reason why you joined a martial arts club in the first place ? Well , what controversil question and a "heated" response may well ensue ! Whatever your style : Have Fun !