Choi Kwang Do Martial Arts

[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 !

[markusan]

NO heated response here Ralph. I teach TaeKwonDo but with a remarkably similar philosophy to you. I don't train to get hurt and I don't want someone else's injuries on my conscience.

[delta1]

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 .

 

Interesting. I do American Kenpo, but one of my 'projects' is to take the TKD one steps and forms and work the applications at all ranges, especially close in. There's some good stuff there. So I'd be interested to hear more about what CDK does with these moves. Any web sites or video clips?

 

AK doesn't lock out, or hyperextend, strikes either. But often we do practice at full range of motion so that we are familiar with where our limits are. It's one way to get familiar with your points of reference.

... 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 ?

 

Just a little warm discussion. Training with contact doesn't mean someone has to get injured. And you don't have to go 'full' contact every time you train. But I find that as contact increases, everything changes- timeing, positioning, structure and allignment, ..., everything. You also learn to deal with the inevetable- you get hit. Better to take 100 hard hits in class where your assailant is not trying to seriously hurt you than one from a ( ! ) that is.

 

Not saying your method is wrong, just an alternate viewpoint. And, to be honest, the older I get the less hard contact I do. But I still enjoy it from time to time.