Grandmaster Kwang Jo Choi
Early Life and Martial Arts Beginnings
Grandmaster Kwang Jo Choi was born on March 2, 1942, in Daegu City, Korea, during a time of Japanese occupation. At the age of 12, he began martial arts training after his father, concerned about his small stature and physical weakness, encouraged him to learn self-defence in the war-torn environment of post-war Korea.
His first formal instructors were Grandmaster Dong Ju Lee and Grandmaster Jung D. Cho, who trained him in Kwon Bup, a Korean form of karate.
Military Service and Taekwon-Do Leadership
During his national military service, Kwang Jo Choi became Chief Instructor of the 20th Infantry Division. It was during this period that he came into contact with General Choi Hong Hi, founder of Taekwon-Do, as the Korean military adopted Taekwon-Do for unarmed combat training.
After completing his military service, he travelled to Seoul to study directly under General Choi. He was subsequently appointed Chief Instructor for the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF), teaching instructors from Korea and overseas.
He also served as an instructor for the Korean National Police and trained military personnel and armed forces members. In 1967, the ITF selected him as one of six instructors to demonstrate and promote Taekwon-Do throughout Southeast Asia.
Injury, Rehabilitation, and Scientific Study
Despite his success, the lockout-based movements common in traditional martial arts training caused serious physical injury. Techniques that drove joints to full extension placed repeated strain on the body.
In 1970, due to the severity of his injuries, he relocated to North America for medical treatment. Rather than undergo surgery, he chose to rehabilitate himself through study and experimentation.
During this period, he began researching anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and physical therapy. As he restored his health, he recognised that many traditional martial arts systems relied on movements that could be damaging over time.
This discovery would fundamentally change the direction of his life’s work.
The Creation of Choi Kwang Do
Between 1978 and 1987, as he fully restored his body, Kwang Jo Choi developed a new martial art system built on modern scientific principles.
He named it Choi Kwang Do — “The Art (or Method) of Kwang Choi.”
The system was designed to:
• Maximise force production through natural sequential movement
• Avoid joint lockout and long-term damage
• Improve cardiovascular and neurological function
• Promote sustainable, lifelong training
These values of discipline, integrity, and resilience later became formalised within the Pledges and Principles that guide students today.
Today, Choi Kwang Do is practised internationally, with schools across the United Kingdom, Canada, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
International Teaching and Influence
Grandmaster Choi has taught members of the American military at Fort Benning, Georgia, U.S. Rangers, law enforcement officers, narcotics agents, and tens of thousands of students worldwide.
His work continues to influence instructors globally through ongoing curriculum development and system refinement.
A Living Example of His Art
Now in his eighties, Grandmaster Choi remains an active practitioner and instructor. His agility, strength, and vitality are widely regarded as a living demonstration of the principles underlying Choi Kwang Do.
He continues to evolve the curriculum in line with modern sports science and health research, reinforcing the system’s commitment to resilience, adaptability, and lifelong growth.
Hear Grandmaster Choi’s Story
Grandmaster Choi shares his personal journey, the development of Choi Kwang Do, and the philosophy behind the system in the video below.
Early Choi Kwang Do Demonstration
Archival footage of Grandmaster Choi demonstrating the early evolution of Choi Kwang Do, showcasing the natural, sequential movement principles that define the system.
Learn More About the System
If you would like to understand how Grandmaster Choi’s work shaped the system taught today, explore our What Is Choi Kwang Do page or discover the Benefits of Choi Kwang Do.
