“Fluid and flexible” would be the best way to describe an East Asian martial art form known as Choi-Kwang Do. This “striking” form of combat is said to have originated from South Korea, and developed by a martial artist known as “Kwang Jo Choi”, and was officially introduced on 2^nd March 1987. Furthermore, this form of combat has basically been created using “yoga” as the base. In addition, the principles of “biomechanics” are also used in Choi-Kwang Do.

a. History/origin of Choi-Kwang Do:

The Choi Kwang Do was created by a South Korean martial artist known as “Kwang Jo Choi”. Apparently, once while teaching Tae Kwon Do in Malaysia Choi injured himself severely. It was this injury that compelled him to travel immediately to North America to find an orthopedic who could help resolve his problem. Furthermore, after consulting specialists he realized that his injury was due to the way he practiced martial arts. And so he underwent several rehabilitation courses in which he learnt various new techniques that help him recover from his injury. It was thus these rehabilitative techniques that he fused together  with his own fighting style that led to the creation of what is today known all over the world as “Choi-Kwang Do”.

b. Weapon based in the Choi-Kwang Do:

Since “kicking and punching” (i.e. striking techniques) are mainly used in this form of combat, the “hand and legs” of the fighter is mainly used in the Choi-Kwang Do.

c. Technique used in the Choi-Kwang Do and training availability:

In terms of technique, the Choi-Kwang Do is based on biomechanics, and other scientific disciplines such as kinesiology, and psychology. Furthermore, this martial art apart from “kicking and punching” also focuses on “natural bilateral movement” and “fluid sequential motion”.  In addition, a number of breathing techniques used in yoga has also been incorporated in this form of martial art.  This form of combat has also been created using a set of principles. They include

1. Humility
2. Integrity
3. Gentleness
4. Perseverance
5. Self-control and
6. Unbreakable Spirit.

As for training centers/schools, there are a number of them available all around the world for those interested in learning this “striking” South Korean martial art form.

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