WHAT HAPPENS IN A CHOI KWANG-DO CLASS?

All classes start with a yoga based stretching programme.  The stretching exercises are all complementary and fairly simple to do.  Most of the stretching exercises have an alternative exercise, which can be given to avoid causing pain to weak or previously damaged joints.  The junior stretch is a shorter version of the adult stretch because children naturally tend to be more flexible than adults.  During a Choi Kwang-Do class the assistant instructors will be on hand to look after the juniors and assist them with their punching and kicking techniques.  

After the stretching exercises there will be a set of warm up exercises.  Once the muscles are fully warmed up the rest of the class will consist of a mixture of patterns, speed drills, defence drills and various exercises against focus mitts and air shields.  All these exercises can be done in different ways to achieve different goals i.e. fitness, technique, power.  At the end of the children’s classes we often have games.  These games are all designed to improve focus, concentration, awareness, co-ordination and discipline as well helping them to learn and apply the techniques whilst having fun.

Due to the fairly large number of Students training at the Ashdale Hall in Westhill, the class has been split into three sessions.  The first class is for our Wee Choi’s, usually in the 5 –7 age group.  The second class is for Juniors but a few parents also train in this class along with their children.  The third class is for Adults but some of the older juniors and senior belt juniors also train in this class.

We believe this arrangement will allow the juniors and the seniors to get quality training time.  

What happens in my first class?

In your first class, after the stretching exercises, an assistant instructor will give you a one to one lesson.  You will be shown some of the basic blocks and punching and kicking techniques.  You will also be shown some close combat releases e.g. what to do if you are grabbed from behind, from the front etc.  You will be told a little about the history of Choi Kwang-Do and its aims.  

On your return visit, you can decide whether you would like to train with the rest of the class or if you would like to have some more one to one teaching the instructor will usually ask which you would prefer.  We are all friendly and very approachable, so if you are in doubt, just ask.  We know it takes time for all the information to be put into practice.