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Derek Bicknell326 viewsI first took up Lau Gar Kung Fu at the age of 15 during the Uk craze in the mid 1970’s. With no previous experience to base my training upon it appear to be a very effective style of fighting. I trained on and off for two years before moving home and any option to continue training. I returned to Lau Gar as a healthy 20 yr old following another move and re-started training with a World Champion instructor, Kevin Brewerton (The Jedi). During this 2 year period I sustained fractures to a small toe and collar bone, along with numerous minor injuries, as part of my preparation for Semi-Contact tournaments. I quickly discovered that I did not have the desire to win ‘at all costs’ and I stopped training.
I had no further interest in martial arts, as my belief was that they all offered the same competitive approach to development. It was not until I started to take my eldest son to a ‘new’ self defence class, called Choi Kwang Do, that I met the Chief Instructor (Now Master) Nigel Brophy. With his infectious character, I was drawn to discover that, at 40 years of age, there was indeed a much more beneficial way to train.
With my focus now fully on self defence and fitness I can see that my previous teachings were too stylistic and impractical. Not only have I personally felt the health benefits from training in the revolutionary Choi Kwang Do style but I so strongly believe in system, that I’m now lucky enough to share the discovery with 100’s of my own students as a full time school owner.
Whilst it is true that Ageing is inevitable, decay is optional and I’m fortunate enough to have discovered that whilst I’m in my late 40’s, Choi Kwang Do is holding back the years. Pil Suhng.
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Liam Bicknell314 viewsAt the age of 8 years old, the world was becoming quite scary. I was half way through my years at primary school and things weren’t looking great. I was below average level in my English and maths, all because of my lack of self confidence. This was mainly because I was being bullied by other pupils, that I thought were my friends. I never realised that this was my problem, however my grandmother did. She got my Auntie to take me to this new martial art called Choi Kwang Do. With my low self confidence, I didn’t want to go, but in the end I gave up and went to have a look. I remember walking up to sports hall door and all I could hear was this one loud voice. All I wanted to do was go home. I was scared half to death. I didn’t want to find out what was making that noise, but my Auntie wouldn’t let me go. She knew that this would be good for me. So we took the steps into the Sports Hall. My eyes were immediately drawn to the hugely built guy. We both took a seat by the door, and over he walks. I was so scared it was unbelievable. However, as he came over to us, he went down on his knees and starting talking to me. I was really surprised, I thought he was going come and talk to my auntie but no, he started talking to me, in a really friendly voice. I felt as if he couldn’t hurt a fly (But I’m sure he could hurt many flies). I told me all about the martial art and how many of my age group trained. I felt really at home. For the first class, my Auntie and I just watched what was going on. The Next week, I decided to jump in and have a go and before I knew it, I was part of it.
After a Few months working my way up though the belts, I had grown the confidence to deal with my bullies at school. Weeks later, I also found myself moving up in my English & Maths classes. Everything thing was just getting better and better.
3 Years flew by like 3 days, and before I knew it, I was grading for my 1st Dan Black Belt. I was really nervous and scared all over again. My father had also started training in Choi Kwang Do a few weeks after I did, but he had already achieved his 1st Dan. So he knew what it was like to do the grading. He helped me get my confidence back and a few hours later I had passed my grading.
Months later, My Dad decided that he was going to run his own Choi Kwang Do classes in Hampshire. So my family and I moved to the South of England, were I began a new life and started Secondary school. My life had to re-adjust, and I had to meet new people and make new friends. I didn’t find it as hard because of my new confidence. It took me a few weeks to grow into school, but I found myself in all the top sets of English, Maths and Science. To start with, the new CKD classes were very small and only my family were training. I invited some of my new friends to start training as well, but only after a few months, they left. However, one of my closest did stay and he has now achieved his 1st Dan Black Belt.
The Years flew by again and Hampshire CKD was growing and spreading. In June 2007 I graded for my 2nd Dan Black Belt, and I hopefully will be going for my 3rd Dan in 2010.
Hampshire Choi Kwang Do is now running 6 schools across Hampshire, and I guess it all started with ME :)
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David Mairs294 viewsI started CKD in 2001. Master Brophy had just completed his 4th Dan and was an instructor at the gym I was using in Ewell/Epsom. I went and watched one of the classes he was running at the gym and liked what I saw - a practical martial art. Three of us stuck with it from the gym and made it to IL Dan at Chessington.
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Iain Laing290 viewsI have been doing CKD for about 4 years now and have been part of the Hants CKD Family for the last 2. I have been very impressed by both the professionalism of Karen and Del and the wider CKD family that operates Under Master Nigel Brophy and the friendly atmosphere that is the key feature of all the Hants CKD Schools. Being in the Royal Navy, I have “enjoyed” many different fitness regimes but have found Choi to be the best by far because it is fun, does what it says on the tin, gives a genuine sense of achievement and has introduced me to a whole new group of wonderful people of all ages. Originally I joined because I was the duty taxi driver for the rest of the family, now I do it for me!
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Barry Vinton283 viewsHello, here is a brief resume of my life so far. (only joking)
I came into Choi Kwang do in the summer of 2007, having just retired and feeling very old and unfit. My only previous experience being a short time boxing at welter weight, a period of wrestling, (that’s a real contact sport, up close & sweaty ) in my mid twenties and then tai chi which is still called a martial art but very soft.
I was quite concerned about trying Choi Kwang do as I was not sure my body would accept this regime after a period of “resting” but they were offering a free lesson, and I can’t resist a bargain.
Needless to say I very quickly got hooked and it is so good to develop at your own pace (sometimes wish it was a bit slower) and within your own capabilities, everyone is so patient and encouraging, and I still find I am looking forward to the next session.
Since joining the assistant instructor team I have had to regain my confidence, as I find it hard to remember my own pattern without trying to help someone with theirs, but perseverance will get me there I guess.
If you come along to any of the schools In Hampshire you can be sure of a warm welcome, especially at Hayling Island.
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Joe Prescott281 viewsI started Choi Kwang Do in the early part of 2005, because my friend Liam Bicknell already was a black belt. I was apprehensive to start Choi Kwang Do because I had never done any martial arts before, so did not know what to expect. The class was not a big class when I first joined because it had just been set up but Sabumnim Derek Bicknell. After 4 months of enjoying Choi Kwang Do my mother Julie Prescott joined and we both enjoyed together. Now we both have our black belts and I'm fast approaching my second dan with my mum just behind. I am also an assistant instructor which means I can teach others, which has been great for my confidence when I am out and other aspects of life. Choi Kwang do has been great for me and I would recommend it for someone who wants to learn a martial art in a comfortable and relaxed manner.
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Graham Todd281 viewsHi there, I'm Graham Todd and I train at the Hayling Choi Kwang Do School.
Having originally taken up Choi to support my son, Jake, I now find myself racing out the door every Monday and Thursday (sometimes forgetting Jake!), to get there.
I've enjoyed becoming an assistant instructor more than I thought I would, although the gradings can be daunting, specially if like me you can barely remember your own pattern?
Having done some other martial arts in the past, they were much more disciplined and regimented, unlike the Family friendly atmosphere you find at Choi. With what other martial art can you claim to have met and be trained by the founding member?
I've introduced a few people to Choi and will carry on recommending it.
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Julie Prescott265 viewsI started Choi Kwang Do in Aug 2005. I then, after two lessons, went to my fist seminar and after a long story (which is in my first testimonial on the web page) I was hooked and have not looked back since.
I joined after my son Joe Prescott so we could do something together. I am so glad Mr & Mrs Bicknell introduced me to Choi Kwang Do. Choi Kwang Do is taught with passion and enthusiasm. I enjoy the ‘common ground’ that Joe and I experience, which I am sure helps; in the trying times of Joe being a teenager. Plus there are not many sports that you can do as a family no matter shape or size. I must say that I am sure it is harder for me than Joe as he has youth on his side but I have the perseverance that comes with age!!
I first became an assistant instructor at Hayling as Mr & Mrs Bicknell needed help as the class took off really quickly. I felt very proud and very nervous and still do. I find it very difficult to stand in front of class as I do tend to forget words as my heart is pounding in my head. But everyone in the family of Choi understands and we are all judged on our own ability. I still work with it and day, by day it gets better. Class is always enjoyable and fun.
I then did my first Dan which I found very hard but also very rewarding as I never really thought I would ever get to that level. Still I go to class and remember the first lesson, like it was yesterday but have improved and moving towards my second Dan which I will hopefully be doing the end of 2010.
Following my first Dan was then promoted to a Chief instructor which again can not quite believe it but still trying and learning. Everyone in Choi Kwang Do are lovely people and that makes it more enjoyable to be involved in.
My partner has also joined Choi Kwang Do and we all have wonderful times ahead!
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Zoe Foster263 viewsI came to my first class in January 2008 when I was in yr 11 after being bullied since yr 7. I had no confidence and was really quite but after a few months training I started to get my confidence back as everyone I meet was friendly and caring.
Being promoted to assistant instructor made me feel unbelievably proud of myself and happy because I had never thought I would be good as an instructor but the Bicknells had faith in me.
I am now a blue belt senior and have been training for two years, been an assistant instructor for a year and am a confident happy person. Hopefully going to university in September
I have made loads of true friends.
Another benefit I have found through training with Choi Kwang Do is my fitness has improved, have lost weight and toned up.
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Becky Lardner256 viewsI used to train in TKD, then Choi Kwang Do, and then later a style similar to CKD called Choi Karate (ProMai). That’s a few years ago…but when I moved back to Southampton in July 04. I started looking at getting back into the martial arts and found Mr Bicknell’s school in Winchester. I re-started training in Jan 05, and I have to say, I was welcomed back into the fold with open arms, both by Mr Bicknell & the organisation headed by Master Brophy. It’s been one of the best things I’ve ever done, for a wide variety of reasons, including fitness, discipline, and meeting some fantastic people, as well as personal satisfaction & self esteem. Can’t beat it! Pil Suhng!
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Karen Bicknell252 viewsI started training with my youngest Son in February 2005. After only a few months of training I could feel the benefits that CKD has to offer. My general health had improved, my fitness level had increased, my blood pressure had gone down and my weight had started to fall off.
In November 2005, I became an Assistant Instructor. Even more benefits followed. Not only health issues but my techniques, stamina and flexibility were improving every day. By teaching new students I was able to improve how I did my own curriculum. While donating blood, the nurse asked what I did to keep fit, as my pint of blood was out of my arm and in the bag in under five minutes. She told me that this was a sign of being extremely healthy. I told her I was a Choi Kwang Do Instructor and explained what I did.
In September 2007, I took my first degree Black Belt aged 41 (and 31lb lighter than when I started CKD). It was hard work, especially as I was testing next to a young man of just 16 years old. I did a great job and really enjoyed my grading. My belt was presented to my by Master Brophy (5th Dan from Surrey CKD).
I am still fortunate enough to train with Master Brophy and Surrey CKD on a regular basis. I attend Ladies Only classes/Senior Rank Classes/ Black Belt Academy Classes and Instructor classes. I am also very honoured to be able to sit on Master Brophy’s Examiners Table and test the students for their next belt ranks.
Also in September 2007 I become a Chief Instructor. I teach Ladies Only Self Defence Courses and help run seminars with my Husband for the local clubs and groups.
In April 2008, we attended Choi Kwang Do’s European 20th Anniversary Seminar in the UK. Of course the guest of honour was Grandmaster Kwang Jo Choi. I have met Grandmaster Choi on several occasions and he never fails to impress with his friendliness and awesome techniques at age 67. We were very humbled to be invited to International Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia by Senior Master Pereira this June. We spent a week at HQ where I was extremely lucky to be able to test in front of Grandmaster Woo, Senior Master Pereira and several high ranking Instructors from America. What a truly unbelievable experience. We were even more excited when we were able to spend 4 and half hours with Grandmaster Choi himself. Which other martial art would you be able to spend this amount of time with it’s Founder?
If you are looking for a healthy, fun, and fabulous martial art you could look no further than CKD. It is does exactly what it says on the tin.
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Jon Webster241 viewsWhat can say that's different from the others? Not a lot really as my experience seems to be very similar to the other instructors/students.
I'd trained in Ju-Jitsu (many moons ago), so I had my own idea of what "all" Martial Arts training involved and having broken two fingers attending
Kickboxing (after just a couple of weeks), it kind of confirmed what I thought I knew.
That wasn't my idea of fun, so I didn't go back!
CKD is different, very practical and beneficial in it's defence systems, but the biggest difference for me is the atmosphere.
You train to your own level in a fun class, everyone is very friendly and it is just like having an extended family.
Myself, my wife, my son and daughter all train under the guidance of Hampshire CKD and all of us have benefited in our own unique ways.
We've seen our children's confidence and ability grow in something they really love to do. There aren't many activities that a whole family
can do together, it just means that I have to defend unprovoked attacks whilst getting ready for work from a 6 and 8 year old!!!
From the initial welcome, to the support I now need as an Assistant Instructor, from all involved in CKD (and especially from Mr & Mrs Bicknell)...
it's nothing short of amazing.
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Karen Anwar229 viewsI have been doing Choi Kwang-Do since 2007 and never dreamed that I would love it as much as I do.
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Elektra Madikopolous228 views
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Oliver Pope224 viewsI joined Hampshire CKD in late 2008, and I have loved every minute of it.
I started doing martial arts when I was about 6 years old. I used to go with dad when he went to the gym, and other than an unfortunate/hilarious incident involving an operating treadmill, I did very little except wander around the centre where the gym was situated. One day however, drawn by a loud series of yells, I wandered in the aimless manner of a 6 year old to one of the main halls where I saw my first martial art lesson. And I was hooked.
I started doing Tae Kwon-Do with my mum (can't remember whose idea that was :P) and at the time it was really good fun. I spent a while training under the World Championship team sparring silver medallist which was an absolutely fantastic experience and, in a separate dojang, under the second highest ranking black belt in England. Doing my black belt grading was one of the most nerve-wracking and amazing experiences of my life. However, I can remember coming back from the English championships exhausted and hurting (rather than aching) and it was at that point that I started to become disaffected with martial arts.
Unfortunately, I am far too lazy to have done anything about it! It took my little brother Allan, and my mum to start doing Choi Kwang-Do under the Bicknell's in Southampton to motivate me to try again. And for that I am really grateful to them (but don t tell them, I'd never hear the end of it!) and to the Bicknell's (and everyone else involved) for holding a class that is what martial arts are all about.
Being invited to join the A.I. team was a brilliant moment. The opportunity to become part of the system which had made me so welcome in the first place, to have amazing experiences and completely new ways of thinking thrown at me from every direction is incredible. I can't wait to pass on what has been imparted to me, and progressing my own development in Choi.
Bring on that black belt! Pil Suhng.
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Rose Rixon223 viewsI joined Choi Kwang Do in 2007 and really enjoy it. My sons Jack and George also do CKD and have made me a very proud Mum! The help and support from all the Bicknells is amazing, they are like an extended family to us.
Beening promoted to Assistant Instructor is something that has made me very proud of myself and has boosted my self-confidence.
I look forward to achieving higher belt ranks and helping new members of the team.
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Greg Evans218 viewsI started Choi Kwang-Do (CKD) in November 2008 at the age of 45, with my 5 year old daughter. I was particularly impressed by the friendly family atmosphere in the classes thanks to the Bicknell's (the school owners), the instructors and students.
Since starting CKD I have seen a dramatic improvement in my levels of fitness, coordination, flexibility and strength. The CKD system of movements have been designed to be sympathetic to your joints and having suffered from a dislocated knee many years ago in Judo this aspect of CKD is vitally important to me personally.
CKD has provided me with a conduit to change my lifestyle and in doing so I have noticed many other benefits including controlled weight loss, reduced stress levels and a general feeling of well being
In my new role as assistant instructor I now look forward to helping new and existing students achieve their personal goals and hopefully they will also enjoy the amazing benefits I have experienced.
I would recommend CKD to anyone of any age, ability or fitness level. Please come and have a look or even better give it a try you'll be glad you did!
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Andrea Wells212 viewsI've been training with the Bicknell family for what seems to be only a short time, but I don't know what I would do without it now.
A great place to feel welcome, valued and good about yourself. I never thought I would do a martial art... but here I am helping to teach one!
As you can see from the other photos here there are just as many girls as guys teaching Choi Kwang Do, it just shows how the first step through the door is all you need to do....just come and see....
It's just sooooo much fun, for me, Hubby and the children.
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Sally Pownall210 viewsI started Choi Kwang Do in October 2008 when I started university and was looking for a fun way to improve my health and fitness. The idea of learning a martial art had always appealed to me but the bruises and other injuries sustained by my school friends on a weekly basis through Kung Fu training did not! I had heard of CKD before and it seemed to be different to other martial arts so decided to give it a go. I was very nervous, but everyone was so friendly that I soon felt at home. I was struck by how fun the classes were and that they were suitable for people of all ages and abilities. As well as having fun, meeting lots of new people and learning practical self defence I have seen my fitness and confidence levels improve. Throughout my time at CKD the instructors have been really friendly and helpful, and offered me plenty of support and encouragement to achieve my goals. I hope that I can now do the same for other students.
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Mark Lloyd194 viewsYes the suit is all shiny, but not now! 18 years (On and off) with ITF Tae Kwon Do reaching 2nd Dan black belt. Stopped when left knee gave out (Too much bouncing on one leg!). After 3 years and alternative treatment later, found Choi. 2 years now and no problems (Touch Wood!).
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Nicola laing192 viewsI have been doing Choi Kwang Do since 2005 and graded for my black belt with Grand Master Choi, which was a once in a life time experience. I have a disability, but this has not stopped me from achieving what I want within CKD, in fact it has been the best thing I have done in my life, apart from the usual.
I would like to thank Derek and Karen, for all the help and support they have given, also the rest of Hampshire and Surrey CKD. I am keeping fingers crossed to achieve my 2nd Dan towards the end of next year
PIL SUHNG
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