BEGINNER'S GUIDE
WHAT IS CHOI KWANG DO? A GUIDE FOR TWICKENHAM FAMILIES
If you've been looking for martial arts in Twickenham, you may have come across Choi Kwang Do (pronounced "choy kwang doe") and wondered how it differs from karate or taekwondo. Here's a plain-English guide to what it is, who it suits, and how to try it locally.
Choi Kwang Do in one sentence
Choi Kwang Do is a modern, non-competitive martial art focused on practical self-defence, fitness and personal development, built around natural movement that is kind to the body.
Where it comes from
Choi Kwang Do was founded in 1987 by Grandmaster Kwang Jo Choi. He trained in traditional Korean martial arts and, after suffering injuries from years of rigid, high-impact training, set out to create a system based on biomechanics and an understanding of how the body moves. The name means "the art of Kwang Jo Choi".
What a class involves
A typical session mixes:
- A warm-up and dynamic stretching to build flexibility
- Pad work: powerful strikes and kicks delivered with relaxed, fluid technique
- Self-defence drills for realistic situations
- Patterns: set sequences of movements that build coordination and focus
- Breathing, balance and confidence work
Students progress through coloured belt grades. At Twickenham Martial Arts, all members are registered with the British Martial Arts & Boxing Association (BMABA) for national certification. Read about certification.
How it differs from karate and taekwondo
The biggest difference is philosophy. There are no tournaments or point-scoring, so training is about improving yourself rather than beating an opponent. Techniques use a relaxed, whip-like motion instead of locking the joints, which aims to generate power while reducing strain on knees, elbows and back. That makes it popular with families, adults returning to exercise, and anyone who has found other styles too harsh. See our Choi Kwang Do vs karate comparison.
Who is it for?
Kids 6–11
Confidence, focus, listening skills and anti-bullying awareness.
View classesTeens 12–17
Fitness, self-defence and self-belief through the teenage years.
View classesAdults
Stress relief, fitness and practical self-defence, at any age.
View classesChoi Kwang Do in Twickenham
Twickenham Martial Arts teaches Choi Kwang Do on Monday and Wednesday evenings, with Kids classes for ages 6–11 and Teen/Adult classes for ages 12 and over. Families train with us from across Richmond upon Thames, including Teddington, Whitton, Richmond and Strawberry Hill. Venue details are coming soon. See the full timetable.
Frequently asked questions
Is Choi Kwang Do the same as Taekwondo?
No. Both have Korean roots, but Choi Kwang Do was founded in 1987 as a separate art. It uses fluid, biomechanically efficient movement and is non-competitive, whereas Taekwondo is an Olympic sport with a strong focus on competition.
Is Choi Kwang Do good for self-defence?
Yes. Training focuses on practical self-defence, awareness and confidence, using techniques designed to generate power without straining the joints.
Do I need to be fit to start?
No. Classes are suitable for complete beginners, and you build fitness and flexibility gradually at your own pace.
When are classes in Twickenham?
Classes run on Monday and Wednesday evenings: Kids Choi Kwang Do for ages 6–11 and Teen/Adult classes for ages 12 and over. A free trial class is available.
TRY CHOI KWANG DO FREE IN TWICKENHAM
The best way to understand Choi Kwang Do is to try it. Book a free trial class for yourself or your child.
Book a free trial