Sunday 5 December 2010

Excellence - December 2010/January 2011

Follow the link below to download the December 2010/January 2011 issue of Excellence. As usual, this issue contains details of our last class for 2010 plus scheduled dates for the whole of 2011.

Download Excellence (December 2010/January 2011)

Monday 29 November 2010

Black Belt Gradings 2011

Please see below dates for Black Belt Choi Kwang-Do Gradings during 2011, all to be held at Wembley CKD:

Sunday 20th Mar 2011
Sunday 12th Jun 2011
Sunday 18th Sep 2011
Sunday 4th Dec 2011

Dan gradings are always a 10.00am start. Grading times for Tags will be available here the week preceding the grading.

Sunday 28 November 2010

Black Belt Grading - December 2010

The last Black Belt Grading for 2010 is this Sunday 5th December:

Wembley CKD School
Barham Primary School
Danethorpe Road
Wembley
Middx.
HA0 4RQ

Click here for a map of Wembley CKD School

10:00 Line Up, Promise, Pledge, Principles, Welcome & Introductions.
10:10 Dan Test: Brown Senior, Il Dan Brown & Ee Dan Brown
11:45 Tag Test 1: Il Dan Plain, Yellow, Gold & Orange
12:45 Tag Test 2: Il Dan Green, Blue, Purple, Red, Ee Dan Tags & Sahm Dan Tags
13:45 Scheduled Finish

As always, all times are approximate.

Click here to pay Grading Fees online

Tuesday 2 November 2010

Leadership & Black Belt Training - 05/11/2010 & 19/11/2010

Please note that there are 2 classes scheduled for November, Friday 5th and Friday 19th. Both classes will be held at:

Crowne Plaza London Ealing
Western Avenue
Hanger Lane Gyratory System
Ealing
London W5 1HG
Click here for a map of Crowne Plaza London Ealing

6.30 - 7.00pm Leadership Training (Junior Leadership Team, AIs, HIs & CIs)
7.00 - 9.00pm Black Belt Training (All Black Belts. Advanced level students upon invitation).

At present there is no class planned for December (the December Black Belt Grading is on Sunday 5th). An update will be posted here should there be any change.

Thursday 28 October 2010

Excellence - October 2010

Read the October issue of Excellence below.

Includes an update on gradings and a link to the recently released Choi Kwang-Do documentary!

Download Excellence (October 2010)

Sunday 24 October 2010

Class Update: Ealing CKD 25/10/2010 & 27/10/2010

Please note that our Choi Kwang-Do classes this week, Monday 25th and Wednesday 27th October, will take place at the Crowne Plaza hotel.

Crowne Plaza London Ealing
Western Avenue
Hanger Lane Gyratory System
Ealing
London W5 1HG
Click here for a map of Crowne Plaza London Ealing

As usual the class will be held in the Knightsbridge Suite on the lower ground floor: Children 6.00pm – 7.00pm, Teens & Adults 7.15pm – 8.30pm.

NB. The grading for those attending our Teen & Adults Class will also take place during these classes. The grading for Children has been rescheduled until Wednesday 24th November.

As a reminder, free parking is available at the hotel on a first come first served basis, but clamping is in operation for unauthorised parking or parking in a space not designated for hotel users.

When you arrive at the hotel you should park first, then either get a permit from the hotel Reception or from me which you will need to display in your car. Local street parking is also available a short walk away.

Classes return to Ellen Wilkinson School on Monday 1st November.

Wednesday 6 October 2010

Class Update: Ealing CKD 06/10/2010

A reminder that there will be no Choi Kwang-Do class on Wednesday 6th October due to a school event.

The next class will be on Monday 11th.

Friday 1 October 2010

The Meaning Of Self Defence



What do you think of when you hear the term self defence?

- Practising releases from various restraining positions?
- Avoiding dimly lit streets?
- Hitting an attacker and then running away as fast as you can?

Any, if not all of these initial responses could be correct, although in Choi Kwang-Do, I believe the definition to self defence additionally follows two distinct paths:

Firstly, by employing principles of biomechanics, body movements are optimised to create powerful striking techniques while simultaneously reducing the risk of hyper extension damage in the joints.

Small adjustments to techniques can translate to greater output, even for those who are of small or medium build. These techniques are utilised within training drills designed to develop various aspects such as reactions, counter attacks, verbal skills, pre-emptive attacks and releases.

Such drills help to stimulate the central nervous system enabling it to more effectively recruit the muscle fibres required to execute the movements as well as respond with those movements faster.

This definition seems to best fall in line with the initial 'confrontation-based' responses to the definition of self defence.

Secondly, a core objective of Choi Kwang-Do is to employ martial arts training (the movements, combinations, training drills etc.) using the biomechanically designed techniques as a means of serving the well-being of the practitioner.

One example of this is the circular movement of the shoulder joint when punching creates synovial fluid which 'oils' the joint and helps maintain the active range of motion.

Think of this as defence for the self, if you like; protecting your physical and mental health now and in the future by taking moderate and regular exercise through Choi Kwang-Do training today.



I know that there may be some martial arts practitioners that may feel that such views dilute the true essence of martial arts, especially in the ever growing popularity of mixed martial arts and reality based training, but that's exactly the beauty of the martial arts world - there is more than enough choice to cater for everyone's needs and desires.

One could argue that if attacked, martial arts training would come into play to defend yourself. However, if you're never attacked for the whole of your life does that mean that the years spent refining your martial arts skills will have been a waste of your time?

Of course not.

No doubt your will have heard from various sources applauding the benefits of leading an active life, and I'm a strong advocate of martial arts as a stimulating and challenging method to fulfil this need.

If you're not already very active, could you include more activity and exercise in your life? Or to approach the same question from another angle: could you do it if your life depended upon it?

Many would argue that it does.

A few years ago the British Heart Foundation started a campaign called 30 A Day, the objective being to encourage people to take 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week which they say can halve the risk of heart disease.

(The good news is that if you're taking 2 Choi Kwang-Do classes per week you're already close to this).

Looking after your heart, whether through Choi Kwang-Do or any other activity, I hope you'll agree is definitely not a waste of your time.

__________
Jason Wright is a 5th Degree Black Belt and Master Instructor in the martial art Choi Kwang-Do. For further information on Choi Kwang-Do classes in Ealing, West London visit www.TheMartialArtForLife.com

Wednesday 29 September 2010

Wednesday 15 September 2010

Black Belt Grading - September 2010

September's Black Belt Grading is this weekend, Sunday 19th at Wembley CKD:

Wembley CKD School
Barham Primary School
Danethorpe Road
Wembley
Middx.
HA0 4RQ

Click here for a map of Wembley CKD School

10:00 Line Up, Promise, Pledge, Principles, Welcome & Introductions.
10:10 Dan Test: Brown Senior, Il Dan Brown & Ee Dan Brown
11:45 Tag Test 1: Il Dan Plain & Il Dan Yellow
12:35 Tag Test 2: Il Dan Gold, Orange, Green, Blue & Purple
13:25 Tag Test 3: Il Dan Red, Ee Dan Tags & Sahm Dan Tags
14:15 Scheduled Finish

Click here to pay Grading Fees online

Next Black Belt Grading: Sunday 5th December 2010

Tuesday 7 September 2010

First Classes In September 2010

A reminder that Ealing Choi Kwang-Do classes resume on Monday 13th September back at Ellen Wilkinson School at the usual times:

Children 6.00 - 7.00pm
Teens & Adults 7.15 - 8.30pm

Look forward to seeing you all back in class after the summer break!

Cancelled: Leadership & Black Belt Training - 11/09/2010

Unfortunately the session scheduled for Saturday 11th September has had to be cancelled.

If you are due to take the Black Belt Grading on Sunday 19th, please ensure you attend regular classes in the weeks preceding.

Black Belt grading times will be posted shortly.

Tuesday 17 August 2010

To Spar Or Not To Spar?

Alongside health and personal development, as a martial art Choi Kwang-Do also has a focus on developing self defence skills. Having said that, the fact that learning Choi Kwang-Do does not entail sparring often raises questions (and a fair amount of criticism).

Sparring is commonplace in many martial arts and can take a number of forms. Loosely speaking, sparring defines students engaging in combat with one another for the purpose of training or competition. Some martial arts allow no contact, some light or semi contact, and some full contact. The rules and format of sparring will vary between different martial arts.

The question is: do you believe that you have to practise sparring to be able to defend yourself effectively?

In Choi Kwang-Do we believe the answer is 'no'.

Based on this premise, Choi Kwang-Do Defence Drills comprise of a series of exercises which allow students to practise and develop their self defence skills progressively with another student.

More specifically, the Defence Drills are geared towards developing the confidence and ability of both students in a safe and controlled manner. (Point to note: Choi Kwang-Do Defence Drills are often described as non contact. I prefer to use the term non impact contact: while no contact is intentionally made when striking your partner, contact is obviously made when blocking).

Working in pairs, the Defence Drills start off by introducing basic foot work and dodging (evading an attack). An attacking partner will move in with punching techniques, and a defending partner will move back, begin to read and anticipate body movement prior to an attack, and dodge accordingly.

Then, instead of merely anticipating body movement, the defending student will start to respond by applying blocks to the attacking punches.

In the next stage of Defence Drills this basic conditioning is extended to include defence against combinations of punches and kicks combined with more advanced footwork, eg. angling off.

As the student’s confidence grows during these preliminary exercises, the Defence Drills become more dynamic and move closer towards a ‘real life situation’; a sudden suprise attack.

At this stage the Defence Drills focus on conditioning the student’s reaction to an attack using both defence (blocking, dodging and footwork), and offence (combinations of punching, striking and kicking). Pre emptive striking is also practised.

Visually, certain Drills may bear some resemblance to sparring, but the explanations above hopefully give an indication of how the drills are designed to develop student ability in a structured fashion.

Attempting to develop self defence skills in a highly stressful and competitive environment such as sparring can drastically impair some student’s ability to work with their partner, and the developing student’s opportunity to learn and develop their abilities. Hence, the Defence Drills begin by being cooperative, rather than competitive. However, once foundation skills are in place students work with increased intensity and intent and less cooperation, whilst maintaining the theme of mutual respect.

__________
Jason Wright is a 5th Degree Black Belt and Master Instructor in the martial art Choi Kwang-Do. For further information on Choi Kwang-Do classes in Ealing, West London visit www.TheMartialArtForLife.com

Friday 30 July 2010

Excellence - July/August 2010

Everything you need to know about Choi Kwang-Do at Ealing this summer can be found in the July/August issue below.

Download Excellence (July/August 2010)

Wednesday 28 July 2010

A Closer Look At Belts























In Choi Kwang-Do, like many other martial arts, the colour of the belt that you have will signify your rank within the system.

Even if you have never taken martial arts before, you'll have some idea that white belt indicates a beginner while black belt indicates someone advanced.

However, aside these two belts, white and black, there is no universal means of ranking within the martial arts world. Different styles (and even different martial art groups teaching the same style) may have a different number of belts and colours of belts in their system. Some martial arts do not use belts at all.

In some styles of martial art a student can earn their black belt within 2 years.
In others it could be as many as 7 years or longer.
In Choi Kwang-Do the is average is around 3½ years.

In my opinion, belts serve 3 main purposes:

1. They tell others how much you know about your specific martial art.
2. They imply one's level of technical expertise.
3. They indicate how long you have been training (bear in mind that this last point can be affected by breaks in training).

In addition, the belt system and our movement through it displays progression of learning; a visual indication to both yourself and others on our improvement over time.

Belts also create strong emotions; we all enjoy the feeling of being rewarded for our achievements, like being presented with a new belt if successful at a grading, especially if we've had to work hard towards that achievement involving lots of planning, preparation and training over a period of time...not to mention sweating in the dojang!

In innovation to martial arts, belts give students something to aim for and a reason to keep learning, practising and improving.

What belt are you...and what do belts mean to you?

__________
Jason Wright is a 5th Degree Black Belt and Master Instructor in the martial art Choi Kwang-Do. For further information on Choi Kwang-Do classes in Ealing, West London visit www.TheMartialArtForLife.com

Wednesday 21 July 2010

Ealing CKD Summer Schedule 2010

Our schedule for the summer period is now confirmed.

The last class at Ellen Wilkinson School will be on Wednesday 21st July. After this date, classes continue at:

Crowne Plaza London Ealing
Western Avenue
Hanger Lane Gyratory System
Ealing
London W5 1HG
Click here for a map of Crowne Plaza London Ealing

Classes will be held Knightsbridge Suite on the lower ground floor. The class times remain the same: Children 6.00pm – 7.00pm, Teens & Adults 7.15pm – 8.30pm.

The dates for these classes will be:

Monday 26th July & Wednesday 28th July
Monday 2nd August & Wednesday 4th August
Monday 9th August & Wednesday 11th August
Monday 16th August & Wednesday 18th August

NB. The August Coloured Belt Grading will take place in the classes on Monday 16th and Wednesday 18th August.

Classes then close for summer holidays returning to Ellen Wilkinson School on:

Monday 13th September

IMPORTANT: Free parking is available at the hotel on a first come first served basis, but clamping is in operation for unauthorised parking.

When you arrive at the hotel you should park first, then go immediately to the hotel Reception and request a parking permit to attend the martial arts class (Reception staff have been informed). You will then need to return to your car to display the permit.

Saturday 10 July 2010

What Inspires You?



If you are in any way connected to Choi Kwang-Do, or follow Choi Kwang-Do through the various websites, blogs and social media, you will no doubt have seen many comments about the UK seminar in May (not to mention lots of talk about the landmark Choi Kwang-Do seminar in Korea in October 2010).

Seeing Grandmaster Choi perform, teach and talk about the development and evolution of Choi Kwang-Do is highly inspirational for Choi Kwang-Do students and instructors the world over. Many of the images, videos, reports and conversations convey how inspiring the seminar was...and continues to be.

Maybe you were at the seminar yourself?

Or if you weren't at the seminar, imagine you've watched an excellent film on TV or at the cinema.

Or you've seen your favourite musician perform.

Or you're engrossed in reading a biography of someone you respect or admire.

We all know that feeling; how each of these events can touch us emotionally, dwell in our minds and inspire or motivate us in different ways.

A great way to get motivated is to associate, watch or read about others who are either successful, or have made achievements in your field of interest. Whether that be martial arts, your current occupation or your desired one.

Part of the reason for this is that by associating yourself with others who are successful will make their goals and stories seem more real to you.

You can also get a feel for the challenges they faced and overcame, which may help you to see how you could overcome them too.

So what inspires or motivates you?

Or if relevant, what motivated you to begin martial arts?

__________
Jason Wright is 5th Degree Black Belt and Master Instructor in the martial art Choi Kwang-Do. For further information on Choi Kwang-Do classes in Ealing, West London visit www.TheMartialArtForLife.com

Thursday 24 June 2010

Excellence - June 2010

Below is the June issue of Excellence. This issue should answer a number of questions about the grading process and procedures, plus an update on the August grading.

Download Excellence (June 2010)

Tuesday 22 June 2010

Coloured Belt Grading - June 2010

The June Coloured Belt Grading will be held this Saturday 26th.

White 10.00
White Senior 11.00
Yellow 11.00
Yellow Senior 11.00
Gold 11.45
Gold Senior 11.45
Orange 11.45
Orange Senior 11.45
Green 12.30
Green Senior 12.30
Blue 12.30
Blue Senior 12.30
Purple 12.30
Purple Senior 12.30
Red 12.30
Red Senior 12.30
Brown 12.30
Scheduled finish 13.15

Click here to pay Grading Fees online

As always, grading times are an estimate but please aim to arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled grading time, ie. the time beside your current belt rank.

Tuesday 8 June 2010

Black Belt Grading - June 2010

June's Black Belt Grading will be held on Sunday 13th at:

Wembley CKD School
Barham Primary School
Danethorpe Road
Wembley
Middx.
HA0 4RQ

Click here for a map of Wembley CKD School

10:00 Line Up, Promise, Pledge, Principles, Welcome & Introductions.
10:10 Dan Test: Brown Senior, Il Dan Brown & Ee Dan Brown
11:45 Tag Test 1: Il Dan Plain, Il Dan Yellow & Il Dan Orange (Children Only)
12:45 Tag Test 2: Il Dan Orange (Adults Only) through to Sam Dan Blue
13:45 Scheduled Finish

Click here to pay Grading Fees online

Next Black Belt Grading: Sunday 19th September 2010.

Thursday 3 June 2010

Leadership & Black Belt Training - 05/06/2010

June's Leadership & Black Belt Training session will be this Saturday 5th June:

10.00 - 10:30am Leadership Training (Junior Leadership Team, advanced level AIs, HIs & CIs).
10.30 - 12.30pm Black Belt Training (All Black Belts. Advanced level students upon invitation).

NB. This is the last session before the Black Belt Grading on Sunday 13th June.

Monday 17 May 2010

Excellence - May 2010

The May issue of Excellence is below. Includes a brief update on the school resources available online and where to go to access them.

Download Excellence (May 2010)

Tuesday 11 May 2010

Choi Kwang-Do UK Seminar - 15/05/2010

A final reminder about Grandmaster Choi's visit to the UK for the Choi Kwang-Do seminar this weekend.

Woking Leisure Centre
Woking Park
Kingfield Road
Woking
Surrey G22 9BA

9.00am - 4.00pm

If you've not already bought your ticket there will be an option to purchase tickets on the door on the day. NB. Payment on the door will be by cash only.

Bear in mind that students and Instructors will be travelling from all over the UK (and beyond) to attend this event. For your convenience, register and purchase your tickets online at the seminar page.

Friday 30 April 2010

Class Update: Ealing CKD 03/05/2010 & 31/05/2010

There are no martial arts classes at Ealing on the two Bank Holidays in May. These are:

Monday 3rd May
Monday 31st May

If you normally attend the Monday class, please try to attend the Wednesday class instead.

If you're planning to attend a different class to continue your training, view the list of UK Choi Kwang-Do schools.

I strongly recommend contacting the Instructor first to confirm class details.

Leadership & Black Belt Training - 01/05/2010

The Leadership & Black Belt Training session for May will on Saturday 1st at Ealing CKD:

10.00 - 10:30am Leadership Training (Junior Leadership Team, advanced level AIs, HIs & CIs).
10.30 - 12.30pm Black Belt Training (All Black Belts. Advanced level students upon invitation).

Wednesday 21 April 2010

Coloured Belt Grading - April 2010

Our April grading will be this Saturday.

Click here for Grading Times for Saturday 24th April

Click here to pay Grading Fees online

The last few weeks of classes have been spent preparing for the grading, but don't forget you can access the Student Login to review your syllabus. You'll need your Student ID and PIN.

Thursday 8 April 2010

Leadership & Black Belt Training - 10/04/2010

A reminder that April's Leadership & Black Belt Training session will be this Saturday 10th April.

10.00 - 10:30am Leadership Training (Junior Leadership Team, advanced level AIs, HIs & CIs).
10.30 - 12.30pm Black Belt Training (All Black Belts. Advanced level students upon invitation).

Excellence - April 2010

Please see below for the April issue of Excellence, our monthly class newsletter.

Includes important information about the UK seminar with Grandmaster Choi on 15th May - not to be missed!

Download Excellence (April 2010)

Monday 29 March 2010

Class Update: Ealing CKD 05/04/2010

A reminder that there will be no Choi Kwang-Do class next week Monday 5th April as it's Bank Holiday Monday.

Classes continue on Wednesday 7th April.

Wednesday 17 March 2010

Black Belt Grading - March 2010

The first Regional Black Belt Grading for 2010 takes place this Sunday at Wembley CKD:

Wembley CKD School
Barham Primary School
Danethorpe Road
Wembley
Middx.
HA0 4RQ

Click here for a map of Wembley CKD School


10:00 Line Up, Promise, Pledge, Principles, Welcome & Introductions.
10:10 Dan Test 1: Brown Senior Ranks (Children Only)
11:15 Dan Test 2: Brown Senior (Adults Only) & Il Dan Brown Ranks
12:45 Tag Test 1: Il Dan Plain & Il Dan Yellow (Children Only)
13:30 Tag Test 2: Il Dan Yellow (Adults Only), Il Dan Gold, Orange, Green & Blue
14:15 Tag Test 3: Il Dan Purple, Red & Ee Dan Tags
15:00 Scheduled Finish

Click here to pay Grading Fees online

Next Black Belt Grading: Sunday 13th June 2010.

Monday 8 March 2010

Excellence - March 2010

The March issue of our monthly class newsletter is below. This issue contains some helpful information for parents of children attending our new Children's Martial Arts Class at Ealing.

Download Excellence (March 2010)

Wednesday 3 March 2010

Leadership & Black Belt Training - 06/03/2010

The next Leadership & Black Belt Training session will be this Saturday 6th March:

10.00 - 10:30am Leadership Training (Junior Leadership Team, AIs, HIs & CIs)
10.30 - 12.30pm Black Belt Training (All Black Belts. Advanced level students upon invitation).

This is your last chance to review your curriculum in view of the Black Belt Grading on Sunday 21st March.

NB. The Leadership & Black Belt Training session in April has been rescheduled from the 3rd April to the following week, Saturday 10th April (3rd April is Easter weekend). A reminder will be sent closer to the time.

Monday 1 March 2010

Black Belt Gradings 2010 - Update

Please note that the March Black Belt Grading will take place Sunday 21st March, not 14th March as previously communicated. The 14th was a provisional date but is actually Mother's Day.

Apologies for any inconvenience.

The Calendar at the bottom of each page has also been updated to reflect this update.

Thursday 25 February 2010

Coloured Belt Grading - February 2010

The first Coloured Belt Grading for 2010 will be this Saturday at Ealing, 27th February:

Ellen Wilkinson School
Queens Drive
North Ealing
London
W5 0HW

Click here for a map of Ealing CKD

Click here for Grading Times for Saturday 27th February

Click here to pay Grading Fees online

Please remember that while gradings times are an estimate it is advisable to arrive 10 - 15 minutes before your scheduled time in order to warm up and prepare.

Wednesday 3 February 2010

Leadership & Black Belt Training - 06/02/2010

February's Leadership & Black Belt Training class takes place this weekend at Ealing CKD:

Ealing CKD
Ellen Wilkinson School
Queens Drive
North Ealing
London
W5 0HW

Click here for a map of Ealing Choi Kwang-Do School

10.00 - 10:30am Leadership Training (Junior Leadership Team, AIs, HIs & CIs)
10.30 - 12.30pm Black Belt Training (All Black Belts. Advanced level students upon invitation)

Saturday 9 January 2010

First Classes For 2010

Welcome to 2010!

A reminder that Choi Kwang-Do classes resume at Ealing on Monday 11th January:

6.00 - 7.00pm New Children's Class for students aged 6 - 12 years.

7.15 - 8.30pm Teens & Adults.

Friday 8 January 2010

Leadership & Black Belt Training - 09/01/2010

Our first Leadership & Black Belt Training session for 2010 will be this Saturday:

Ealing CKD School
Ellen Wilkinson School
Queens Drive
North Ealing
London
W5 0HW

Click here for a map of Ealing Choi Kwang-Do School

10.30 - 12.30pm Black Belt Training (All Black Belts. Advanced level students upon invitation)

NB. There will be no Leadership Training session on this date. The class will start at 10.30am to give students and instructors extra time to travel given the weather conditions.