Our art
Choi Kwang Do isn't a collection of techniques — it's a way of training built on clear principles, developed by Grandmaster Kwang Jo Choi and shared by every CKD International school in the world. These are the ideas behind every class at Firebird Martial Arts.
Nobody at Firebird Martial Arts fights for a trophy. Choi Kwang Do was designed so students train with each other, not against each other — techniques are practised on pads and shields rather than on opponents. Every student progresses at their own pace, regardless of age, fitness or natural ability, so classes stay encouraging rather than intimidating.
Grandmaster Kwang Jo Choi developed the art after injuries forced him away from traditional hard-style training. Every technique in Choi Kwang Do follows the way the body is designed to move — biomechanically correct stances, relaxed natural motion, no locked joints or forced positions. That's why the art suits children from age six to students well past retirement.
Rather than relying on muscle alone, techniques generate power in a wave-like sequence — from the feet, through the legs and hips, up the torso and out through the hand or foot. Each part of the body relaxes and contracts in turn, so even a smaller student can strike with real force without straining their own body.
Every technique is paired with a sharp, timed exhale. Coordinated breathing adds power, keeps movements sharp and teaches students to stay calm under pressure — a habit that carries over into school, work and everyday life.
Choi Kwang Do is a lifelong art. Yoga-based stretching keeps the body flexible, low-impact drills protect the joints, and the syllabus is continually refined with input from modern health science. The aim isn't to make champions — it's to make people healthier, more confident and more capable for the rest of their lives.
Pil Seung is Choi Kwang Do's motto, meaning 'certain victory'. It isn't about beating an opponent — it's about the determination to keep going, meet every challenge with a positive attitude and never give up on yourself. Students recite it at the end of class and, more importantly, learn to live it.
Alongside the physical principles, every Choi Kwang Do student — from Little Dragons to black belts — trains by five tenets. They're the character side of the art, and they matter as much as any punch or kick.
Respect for instructors, fellow students and yourself — shown in bowing, listening and how you treat others on and off the mat.
Doing the right thing even when nobody is watching, and being honest about your own effort and progress.
Progress in Choi Kwang Do is earned belt by belt. Perseverance is what turns a first lesson into a black belt.
Power without control is dangerous. Students learn to command their techniques — and their temper.
The courage to stand back up, try again and refuse to be discouraged — in training and in life.
The best way to understand Choi Kwang Do is to step onto the mat. Book a free taster class at any of our three locations — Twickenham, Shepperton or Teddington.
Book a free taster