My name is Joey Stafford-Woody. I am 36 years old, an assistant instructor and a 1st degree black belt. Choi Kwang Do was introduced to me in 1997 by my brother, chief instructor and third degree black belt, Jason Bowen. After listening to Mr. Bowen describe the life changing effects it was having on him I could not resist the free introductory training sessions. I WAS HOOKED ON THE GREATEST MARTIAL ART IN THE WORLD!!! Mr. Bowen, Mrs. Whitfield, and Ms. Elvira were so inspiring - to this day I aspire to be a martial artist of their caliber.
I worked very hard over the next year and even became a member of the Lawrenceville CKD Super School Demo Team. Unfortunately, in 1998 I moved to Newton County and could not make the drive to Gwinnett county enough for adequate training. When I left the program I was a purple belt in the "old" belt system. I missed the introduction of dodging into our patterns. Most of all I missed CHOI KWANG DO!!!
I moved back to Gwinnett a few years ago. In June 2004, my favorite instructor (other than Grand Master Choi) opened Choi Kwang Do - Duluth. I was so excited to return to CKD and even more excited that my whole family was making a commitment to the program! In the near future we will be a family of CKD Black Belt martial artists. My husband, Jeff Woody is a purple belt and on track to test in March 06'. My son, Chaz Stafford just earned his black belt in September 05'. My daughter Caley Stafford is an orange belt in the children's black belt club. Even the newest member, just adopted into our family, Matthew Moreno is a yellow belt. I earned my black belt in March 2005 and it felt like a family reunion ... Master Pereira, Mr. Gettig, Mrs. Whitfield, and Mrs. Gamble were all there and Mr. Coleman called the test. I stood proud -- ready to test before Grand Master Kwang Jo Choi!
This is the beginning to a very long future in the Greatest Martial Art in the world ... Choi Kwang Do!
Pil Sung!