The past few years have been quite difficult for me. I had not been rehabilitated for long (after 4 years in a wheelchair) when I developed Fibromyalgia, ME and Myofascial Pain Syndrome due to burning myself out! I thought I’d never be able to exercise again because of severe all-over pain, fatigue, my degenerating spine and other problems… until I discovered Choi Kwang-Do.

Karen and Derek Bicknell are fantastic instructors and they actually did some research on my condition to ensure that they could help as best they could. They are very knowledgeable, approachable, considerate, and excellent teachers (I am a qualified college teacher). The one-to-one instruction during the first 6 lessons was extremely helpful in putting me at ease and setting a baseline for my abilities. Choi Kwang-Do it seems works to one’s abilities rather than one’s disabilities and is designed to avoid injury.

The atmosphere in class is great: I feel safe; everyone is friendly, well mannered, respectful, helpful and there is no elitism or cliquishness as I had experienced many years ago doing Karate. It is absolutely invaluable to me to be taught self-defence techniques that I can actually do despite my disabilities and without suffering extra pain unnecessarily! My stamina is slowly building up, I feel less depressed and I feel such an incredible sense of achievement. This is all thanks to my wonderful instructors and fellow classmates at Hampshire Choi Kwang-Do. I have just passed my first grading and I feel confident that it will be the first of many.

Rev. D. M. (37), Portsmouth