Choi Kwang Do is more than just a martial art—it’s a dynamic system designed to enhance physical health, mental clarity, and personal growth through natural, science-informed movement.
What Is Choi Kwang Do?
Choi Kwang Do is a martial art developed by Choi Kwang-jo. The style relies on flexibility and fluidity of movement as opposed to the more rigid lines of other martial arts. To achieve this, it employs yoga-based stretching to develop the flexibility of practitioners.
The Origins of Choi Kwang Do
Choi Kwang Do was founded by Choi Kwang-jo on March 2, 1987. Choi Kwang-jo was born in South Korea before emigrating to the United States in the early 1970s. Choi was a successful ITF Taekwondo practitioner and trainer (serving as a chief instructor) before establishing his own style.
While teaching and demonstrating ITF Taekwondo in Southeast Asia, Choi Kwang-jo became injured through his training and demonstrations to the point where he was unable to continue with the discipline. So he left Malaysia for North America, in hopes of finding an orthopaedic surgeon who could help with his injuries. He determined that the injuries were caused by the way he was performing his martial arts, and he undertook rehabilitative exercises. Choi Kwang-jo then incorporated these techniques into his own fighting style, and from that he developed Choi Kwang Do.
The Styles of Choi Kwang Do
Choi Kwang Do emphasises the use of biomechanics and employs a number of modern disciplines, such as Kinesiology and psychology, in its design. As a result, the are place emphasis on the use of natural bilateral movement and fluid sequential motion to develop optimum force on impact to place less pressure on the joints. This style of martial arts also incorporates breathing and stretching exercises from yoga.
Benefits of Training In Choi Kwang Do
Holistic Physical Fitness
Choi Kwang Do's training incorporates aerobic and anaerobic conditioning, flexibility, strength, and coordination. Movements are biochemically sound, reducing joint stress while building real-world strength and agility.
Safe And Accessible For All Ages
With a non-competitive philosophy and emphasis on natural movement, it’s suitable for everyone, from young children to seniors. Injury rates are low, and the focus is on personal progress rather than comparison.
Mental Clarity and Emotional Balance
The training includes breathing techniques and mindfulness elements that help reduce stress, improve focus, and build emotional resistance.
Grounded in biomechanical principles and built on a foundation of personal evolution, Choi Kwang Do delivers meaningful benefits to practitioners of all ages and abilities.
