The Martial Art of the Future

Greetings, my name is Keith Brooks.  I am 38 years old and a general manager for a major hotel chain.  I have been involved with Choi Kwang Do since the middle nineties, however I did take a large sabbatical of two or three years when my job moved me out west.  Currently, I am training with Mr. Bowen at the Duluth School (the fourth school for me) and one of the best schools I have trained at through the years.  Mr. Bowen and I have been close friends for many years (I consider him a brother), he actually is the person who is responsible for introducing me to the art. 

Through the years Choi Kwang Do has changed in many ways:  The patterns are always being updated by Grand Master Choi, when new techniques are designed or discovered.  Movements and stretches have changed to give the student excellent flexibility and maximum power. Even our belt ranking system was updated to flow better with the current curriculum.  But even with all of these dynamic changes,  the camaraderie and “family  atmosphere” have not change, which is the single and most important thing for me.

There are several reasons why I train: The first reason is health.  I have struggled with my weight all of my life and have always been too heavy.  High blood pressure, diabetes, and alcoholism all run in my family.  The second reason I train is to reduce my stress level.  My job is very demanding and full of stress ( dealing with the public daily)!  Choi Kwang do helps me calm down and relax after a long day on the job ( at least 10 hours per day to be exact).  The third reason I train is a life long goal that I have been after since my childhood. A Black Belt!!!!!!

Choi Kwang Do can be a lot of different things for people.  But, for me it is definitely the Martial Art of the future!
Pil Sung!