Choi Kwang Do, the delusion continues

**saman** · Posted On: 9/19/2007 11:13am

Much ado was made that kwang jo choi and choi kwang do were welcomed by the World Tae Kwon Do Martial Arts Federation . I guess this was a ploy to try to make people think that the WTF and Kukkiwon were now endorsing choi kwang do as a legitimate form of TKD. Unfortunately, an extensive search fails to turn up any such organisation that is really an organisation! Also, after all the hoo-ha about how TKD is SO AWFUL, it seems strange that now he wants the validation of some TKD group.

**madmonkey** · Posted On: 9/20/2007 12:48pm

http://www.kennesawckd.com/DSC00173.JPG
Check out this photo looks like you can literally grab a black belt off the wall, Talk about mcdojo this must be the drive through version.

**saman** · Posted On: 9/21/2007 8:19am

They tell us that they hang there for "inspiration" and "motivation" to "persevere" to black belt. I guess we should add, "the general attitude that one GETS a black belt" to the signs of a McDojang:cussing:They believe that you deserve a black belt after persevering (or their parents persevering in bringing the little darling) through 18 paid tests, as opposed to EARNING their black belt when they have personally persevered to gain the mental, physical and technical expertise of a black belt. In fact, they make tons of $$$$ selling a $15 embroidered black belt for $40+. It's just like the testing process. Regardless of how shitty you are, you pass and get promoted, especially in the school where the picture was taken (their headquarters school in GA). Testing is an important revenue stream to choi kwang do and all the school owners are expected to buy into the philosophy. Think about it. All testing fees are shared with headquarters in various %ages - depending on the school owner (although that is not public knowledge) Just in whole numbers, consider this: a student who stays all the way to 2nd degree black belt pays for 17 color belt tests, a $200 (+) 1st dan, 8 more 1st dan stripe tests and a $300 (+) 2nd dan test. In there some place is often the offer, request, demand, coercion to pay for instructor training/certification ($10,000 & up). Even if the student withstands the carrot-on-stick of getting to wear a blue or black uniform and be allowed to teach (no pay - it's an "apprenticeship", you know), that comes up to $1875 (+, because I heard that they went up on dan testing fees). Not that there's anything evil in students paying for testing or in masters making a fair living teaching their art. It's just that choi kwang do purports to be one thing when it is really something else. :eusa_wall

**saman** · Posted On: 9/21/2007 8:25am

:bowdown:This is the choi kwang do organisational chart.

**odyssey11** · Posted On: 9/21/2007 9:17pm

Originally Posted by Fantasy Warrior

His site is well worth a look although the dedicated bullie should be forearmed with a sick-bag because if you missed the other threads what you are about to see will make you sick inside.

I did not take this warning seriously.
I just threw up in my lap.
Next time I'll know better and will heed the advice of the more experienced bullie.

**xxmarkpark** · Posted On: 9/27/2007 12:34am

i never knew this kinda.... dancing existed... yea its art, but it loses the meaning of the word "martial".

**mi_man_us** · Posted On: 9/27/2007 7:30am

I taught Choi's Tae Kwon-Do, then his Kwang Duk-Do before it became Choi Kwang-Do back in the 80's as an instructor for the Head Instructor in the state of Michigan.

Even back then, he would promote people for basically showing up. I saw people forget their forms and get a "probationary" promotion.

At least back then, there were a few less tests, and we actually sparred, and it was a little old school. For my last test with him, I had to spar 3 2nd instructors at the same time...and it was a little ugly.

**Onime** · Posted On: 9/29/2007 12:25am

if you have the time, read this to find out why no one should be doing CKD , and how flawed and hollowed it's system is ...

link: http://www.ksdi.net/resign.htm

**saman** · Posted On: 10/01/2007 12:52pm

Wow. You're a real "old timer". I guess he's changed some moves, but ethically he is still the same old con artist:copdance:

**Fantasy Warrior** · Posted On: 10/01/2007 10:55pm

Originally Posted by mi_man_us

I taught Choi's Tae Kwon-Do, then his Kwang Duk-Do before it became Choi Kwang-Do back in the 80's as an instructor for the Head Instructor in the state of Michigan.

Even back then, he would promote people for basically showing up. I saw people forget their forms and get a "probationary" promotion.

At least back then, there were a few less tests, and we actually sparred, and it was a little old school. For my last test with him, I had to spar 3 2nd instructors at the same time...and it was a little ugly.

Thanks for posting and please share more about CKD. Personally I'm particularly interested in the "self Defence" aspect; whether the training meets the claims presented to the student/customer. But all aspects of McDojoism are also good info to forewarn prospective students and their guardians.