Choi Kwang Do as a path to self development and awareness

by Jan Storey
First steps on my path

When I first moved into St. Margaret I heard that there was to be a gym downstairs.   I had hoped for a pool so was initially disappointed and when I realised that the wellness centre was also a place where a martial art was to be taught I didn’t imagine that I would ever enrol there.

I noticed my closedness to the idea and began to observe what was really happening there.   I was especially interested to see how many children and young people went in and out:   rather than being populated by the ‘tough’ brigade, the centre seemed to cater for families and at least as many, if not more, women than men.  I began to change my mind.

But was it for me?   I have been a dancer since I was 10 months old (I am told) and even now in my sixties I love to move to music so where would a martial art fit in?   But despite my love of dance, one of my power archetypes (a symbol that helps to give meaning to my life) has always been a warrior, plus the discipline, respect and ritual that such a person would embrace.  Although Choi Kwand Do is predominantly a  self-defence art, I began to see that should defending be insufficient in itself to repel an aggressor, I would be willing to learn how to take stronger measures.

I expected to find this distasteful, but there has been a time in my life when I have been physically attacked and severely injured.   I don’t expect to freeze if such a thing should happen to me again.   I wondered whether the practice, especially when working with a more experienced partner would raise my fear:  but that didn’t happen.   I realised that I had developed trust in myself, my teachers and my fellow students. 

One of my first self-learnings was that there was a fire deep inside that would give strength to a fist or foot.   When working with a partner using a shield I watched to see whether this fire would turn itself into something uncontrolled; wishing to hurt, but it never did.   Still, it seems good to watch and say as Mr Pinker said to me today ‘where did that come from?’.

My body isn’t strong in build, but it can become effective if the energy and the intention come together.  I have watched my teachers carefully.   They, (usually Mr Pinker and sometimes Mr Butcher) hold us all with deep concentration.  I try to bring my concentration to a quieter place and to let the over-thinking and worrying drop away.   Sometimes this is hard to achieve, but at other times, it just flows and I feel I can too.  For me this concentration is a quiet, centred mind, not a babbling ‘you should do it this way or that way’ sort of mind. 

Dancing taught me that the body, the heart and the spirit concentrate to bring the will together to act.  After watching Nureyev the great ballet dancer leap from the wings seemingly six feet in the air I have always know that mind alone cannot do that.  Choi requires this integration of mind/body/spirit too.

Perhaps the most painful realisation at first was not just that I wasn’t very good at remembering what I had learnt from one week to the next in class, but that I really disliked that this was so.   I watched my ego have its way with some amusement (but not always).

So what is it that my ego wants and clamours for.   I suppose it wants me to be (and to be seen as being good at Choi Kwang Do).  I took this into my silent sitting and only gradually did it leave me be.  I realise that what I want to want is to bring grace, discipline and kindness to my practice as well as the expected form.  

One day that I remember well was when I was practicing my white belt pattern and losing my place many times.   Suddenly, I felt a wave of grief come up from my feet and I thought I would begin to cry.   Eugene spotted this and asked me what was the matter (or something like that).   The feeling was strong and petulant and very young.  I realised that I was probably about 4 in that moment and experiencing a time when I felt shame at not being able to learn.   

Somehow the Choi had re-energised some undealt with ’stuff’ and allowed it into my consciousness for healing.  I was feeling deep shame and very much wanted to run away out of the room.   I also knew that it was ok to stay there like that and it would be safe enough for the feelings to be there until they weren’t. 

That didn’t happen again until I froze at my first grading when I was able eventually to breath my way through it and maintain equilibrium.  The lesson Choi taught me here I think is that I cannot always know everything, but I can maintain integrity if I develop a deeper understanding of my self and know what is arising in my consciousness in any given moment.  If what is arising is egoic and self disparaging, then there is centering and focusing to be done before I can apply myself as true student to the art.

But all of the above takes time, so the journey from one belt to another might be rather slower for me than for some others.   I wonder whether others think about Choi as I do:   I would love a conversation if anyone is interested.

Another important part of my beginning is learning to be part of the group (whoever is in it at any given time).    I am both very at ease within and also happy on the edges of groups.  The ritual greetings and handshaking are just wonderful:   I love it.   I’m sure I bow much more often than everyone else, but it just feels so right!!

The integrating of the different grades, ages, experience and strengths of the individuals within the group amaze me.   I keep expecting everyone to get into a muddle, but it rarely happens.   No-one appears to resent having a milder, gentler practice because their partner may be older or less able (or if they do, they are prepared to put it to one side which is admirable).

No-one is ever scolded for getting something wrong: everything that is effortful or a step forward is noted and praised.    I just love carrot not stick teaching.   I find disrespectful and unconscious treatment hard to receive or to witness and I have never seen it anywhere in the school.  I am grateful to Mr Pinker and Mr Butcher and other teachers for what they are able to offer me.

One last piece of learning touches on the area of respect.    I had been having a conversation with another person about something he was wearing when he replied in a way not in keeping with the family atmosphere of the centre.   Mr Butcher reminded him of what was expected.   What Sir said enabled me to question my own naivety in starting the conversation which took an unexpected turn and not extricating myself from it immediately. Innocence and simplicity are valuable attributes and deserve to be guarded well.

So as you see, my first few months of being a Choi student have taught me so much more than where to put my arms and legs.   Someone famous (whose name I forget) said that ‘performance without integrity is disastrous’.  I can see both being co-created for us and within us in the Choi classes and I am very grateful.   

Jan Storey  

Technorati Tags: Choi Kwang Do, path, self development

For the past 20 years my wife, Sharmila and I have been passionately exploring the fields health, wellbeing and human potential. 

If you think about it, which is more important to you, your chronological age (the amount of candles on your birthday cake) or your biological age which is the way you look feel and perform?

Over millions of years the human body and brain have developed a system of messages that signal the body to grow or decay, to renew or age.  We live at a very fortunate time in history where thanks to developments in fields like physiology, psychology, evolutionary biology, biomechanics, nutrition and ecology we understand so much more about how to trigger the body to send the right messages to support wellness, health and longevity.

Our aim at Oceans is simple, to help you turn back your biological clock and stay younger longer and enjoy the freedom to live life to the full at every age. 

In 2008 we finally fulfilled a long ambition to open our own health and wellbeing centre.  Having been involved in teaching fitness and martial arts to students and instructors for than 21 years this seems like a lifetime goal.  Sharmila has been an instructor for 11 years and is also medical doctor with a passion to explore natural and preventative approaches to health

Having settled in Rottingdean 6 years ago with our 4 young daughters we’ve been lucky to work with a great bunch of people who have helped us establish a unique wellbeing centre.
 
Natural health research during the past 10—15 years has shown the human body is designed to function effectively for somewhere between 120 to 170 years and there are many cultures around the world who remain active and healthy beyond 100 years of age.

We believe that Great Britain as a culture could do so much better and we are on a mission to prove it.  We don’t have any 120 year olds working out yet but the results so far working with people of ages and abilities are very exciting.  But don’t take our word for it, we welcome you to have a chat with some of our members.

At Oceans we offer a comprehensive wellbeing programme this includes forms of exercise that signal the body to naturally grow and renew and can help avoid 70% of the issues associated with the normal model of ageing.  

Having fallen in love with Rottingdean after moving here with our family it took 2 years to find the right venue for the centre.    After numerous knock backs and set backs we finally found the ideal venue in beautiful natural setting looking right down the coast at Rottingdean.  It was a slow gradual process over the following 3 years with numerous planning and development challenges.  During this time though we continued to teach our classes at evenings and weekends and pioneered the teaching of the art for life that is producing excellent results. 

Our main programme is taught in an exciting, supportive group format, which is very powerful and acts as another signal to the body to grow.   It took another 3 years for planning and development of the centre which is spread across 3 floors of more 4000 sq’.  The front door pretty much opens up onto the beach and the sea, hence the name Oceans.  We have 2 nice size exercise studios where the main wellbeing programme takes place and a circuit gym overlooking the beach. 

Though the location and venue is fantastic, Oceans is really about the people and we have been very fortunate to have found a great group of students and instructors who share our vision for an exciting healthy future.  We all consider ourselves students, instructors included as we are constantly studying and discovering more about supporting health, fitness and wellbeing.

All guests are welcome to come in and try the centre with a free guest pass.
If you’d to find out more we’d love to hear from you and take time to show you around.

Technorati Tags: Brighton, Oceans Wellbeing Centre, Rottingdean

"Hi – thought it time I found time to write something…

- I discovered Choi when reading the village mag (at work) and thought it would suit me, as I can cram sessions into my lunch hour without having to make an extra journey in an already over busy life. 

It was when I realised how old I am and couldn’t believe it, that there is still so much yet to do, that I had a major panic and thought I’d better try and reverse the aging process!

So far so good, I’ve achieved yellow belt, but still cant get my legs wrapped round my ears or bend over double backwards, but I do feel fitter and I dont get so ratty and short tempered.

Neither can I ride a dressage test without losing my way – so I’m still waiting for the ‘improved concentration bit’ to kick in.
 
Dot"

Technorati Tags: Choi, Dot, Oceans Wellbeing Centre, reverse the ageing process, Seaford, Vitality

Some years ago I did a fair amount of Shotokan karate but became disillusioned with the teaching methods, undue strictness and actual usefulness in a real life situation. As a result I laid off for several years but at the delicate age of 53 I realised I needed to start something again to help me get fit and to have an enjoyable past-time.

I work in an environment where I am making all sorts of decisions daily, but, without doubt, the best decision I have made for years was to pick up the phone and speak to Mr Butcher about Choi–after seeing an advert in my local post-office.

Everyone will have a certain amount of apprehension in starting something new, meeting new people for the first time and actually making the first visit to a new club. All I can say is not to worry.

I can reassure anyone thinking of starting that they will receive a fantastic welcome in a friendly and non competitive environment where there is a real concern and focus on you as an individual with individual needs, different aspirations and goals.

This applies equally to those who may have trained in other styles of martial arts in the past and those who are completely new to it.

I am now totally hooked and convinced it is the most practical, useful and enjoyable forms of martial arts around. I am also, almost one year after starting, fitter than previously — as demonstrated skiing in March where my legs and knees survived much longer into the day than the year before — and have become a total Choi bore at parties because I simply want to convince everyone to give it a go because I truly think they will never look back."

Thank you

Nick Gorvett"

Technorati Tags: Brighton, Choi, Mr Butcher, Nick, Ovingdean, Shotokan karate, Vitality, Why Choi

"I joined Choi Kwang Do about two years ago after a good ten years of doing pretty much no exercise , apart from a couple of attempts at the gym and some martial arts , both of which I soon lost interest in.

Another reason I stopped these was ongoing problems with flexibility and back problems so I was on a quest to find something that got me fit, but did it in a way which wouldn’t cause more damage. I was looking at some sort of Yoga or Tai-Chi though I was concerned I would lose interest in these as I wanted something a bit more engaging and active.

So when my friend told me about Choi Kwang Do it sounded exactly what I was looking for . On joining I found it ticked all the boxes and many more. I have barely any problems with my back anymore and my flexibility is so much better and with both continuing to improve.

On top of all this I am learning to defend myself and will hopefully get my black belt within the next year which I have alway’s wanted, but never would have thought possible a few years back!

I hope to continue with Choi for many years, not only for it’s physical benefits but for it’s psychological benefits and healthy philosophy which have been a huge help in my everyday life."

Thanks

Ben Muffett"

Technorati Tags: Choi Kwang Do, Heathfield, physical benefits, psychological benefits, Vitality, Why Choi

"My exercise regime consists of golf and occasional swimming, I found that it was not enough to compensate for the job I do, I do not enjoy gym type solitary exercising. I explored other martial arts but found they were too violent for me personally.

Choi Kwang Do has given me the perfect balance of exercise, defence skills and mental stimulation. As I work nights, the option of daily classes suits me perfectly. The instructors at Oceans Choi Kwang Do and other pupils are interesting and very supportive.

Side effects:
In my swimming I always have been a lazy kicker, since taking up Choi Kwang Do I now naturally kick strongly. My body shape is changing, for the better my girl friend tells me.

Thank you.

Graham"

Technorati Tags: Brighton, Choi Kwang Do, Graham, Kemp Town, Vitality, Wellbeing Martial Art, Why Choi

"I first heard about Choi Kwang Do when Mr Butcher approached me to advertise in Village Brighton. He has always supplied informative editorial alongside the ad which explains how learning to train in Choi can benefit your health. I’ve always enjoyed reading them so along with my daughter, decided to give it a try and we’re both so glad we did.

The classes are filled with a variety of different people, different ages and abilities but the beauty of Choi is that you all learn at your own pace, the instructors are very knowledgeable, helpful and most importantly very patient!!

They explain & demonstrate everything to you. (as many times as you need).  hat I enjoy most of all is there is no pressure on you to learn everything at once, the classes are very friendly and encouraging which makes you feel positive.

I’ve been attending for over 4 months and have already achieved my senior white belt which is a huge accomplishment for someone who has not exercised for many years!!

My daughter is now on her yellow belt and it’s been great to see her grow in confidence since she has been learning Choi.

My advice to anybody considering this different form of exercise is to "GO FOR IT!!"

You won’t be disappointed, it’s great fun, an experience you definitely benefit from.

Regards

Karen

Publisher – Village Brighton"

Technorati Tags: Brighton, Choi Kwang, Karen, Oceans, Saltdean, Vitality, Why Choi

"My name is Cheryl Hughes, I am 23 years old and I am a trainee Solicitor.

I joined Choi Kwang Do under the strict instructions of my partner, who is a head instructor. To be quite honest, I was very nervous about joining a martial arts class which I knew was then dominated by male members. The closest I had ever come to martial arts was in the movies, so I did not expect to stick with it.

However, I was quickly made to feel like a valued member of Choi Kwang Do by the whole class. I noticed very early on that all the Instructors and Assistant Instructors were just as concerned with their classmates progress, as their own and would donate their own training time to help others improve their techniques. I found this to be very inspiring, in all other hobbies I had taken part in, the members were only concerned with their own progress or enjoyment.

Before joining Choi I was a very quiet, nervous person and I had little or no self confidence. Over the time that I have spent training at Choi Kwang Do, I have developed a sense of self confidence that I never believed possible. In the past I would approach situations with a negative outlook, however I now approach the same situations with a positive, determined attitude. I have developed confidence not just in my ability to defend myself, but in my abilities generally, I now have faith and confidence in myself.

I am now physically fitter than I have ever been before, I partake in other forms of exercise, which before joining Choi was unheard of! This is actively encouraged by the instructors at Oceans. The Instructors actively encourage us to become healthier and they provided with advice on how to do so.

Our instructors regularly attend health seminars and conferences in order to provide us with the most accurate and specific information that they can, they are genuinely concerned with our welfare, which is a very comforting feeling, knowing that someone cares for your wellbeing as much as you should.

I joined Choi Kwang Do because my partner bullied me into it! The reasons I have stayed are all of the above and more, however the main reason is because of the friendships I have formed. The members of Choi Kwang Do span all ages and backgrounds, and I can honestly say that each and every member has become a friend. We socialise at Choi and also outside of Choi, attending weddings, birthdays and other various social occasions. I have formed friendships that I know will last.

I genuinely believe that since joining Choi Kwang Do I have become a happier and healthier person, Choi Kwang Do gives you the platform to become the person that you want to be."

Regards

Cheryl

Technorati Tags: Brighton, Choi Kwang Do, Peacehaven, Testimonial, Vitality, Why Choi

"I’m very glad I took the time to find out about Choi for Life.  I’ve found that it is suitable for all ages and helps with problems with movement, balance, and control of your own body.

I’ve been in two car accidents which caused whiplash for which I had to wear a neck collar.  I’ve also had  a hip replacement yet I found Choi for life ideal because you go at your own pace and progress when your body is ready.  I have found that I am more flexible and look forward to going as many times as I can fit in. 

 It makes you feel really good about yourself knowing you can improve the more you do.  Its like a club with guys and girls all trying to reach their own goals and helping and supporting each other.

Everyone is so kind and friendly.

Tess"

Technorati Tags: choi for life, hip replacement, Rottingdean, Tess, Testimonial, Vitality, Why Choi

"My name is Mick Bensley, I’m a 64 year old artist, and until recently I was leading a fairly sedentary lifestyle.

I began training, approximately two months ago and feel fitter and more alive than I have in many years. The age of my fellow students varies from 14 to 83 and I find them a very sociable and humorous group.

Plus I’m losing weight which is an added bonus.

Pil Suhng!

Mick Bensley"

Technorati Tags: feel fitter, losing weight, Mick, Mick Bensley, Rottingdean, sedentary lifestyle, Vitality, Why Choi