The Buckley Family

Perhaps like other parents, we hadn’t planned to make Choi Kwang Do a family thing. We wanted our eldest son to try it to keep fit and to give him the tools to defend himself.
Dad and eldest son (now 10 years old) started 4 years ago, with Mum and youngest son (now 6 years old) starting 3 years later.
In the case of Dad, the plan wasn’t to do anything but watch. Having seen his older brother training, there was no question that our youngest would be joining at the first opportunity. Mum wasn’t going to be left out.

Our eldest says “you learn great skills and have fun”. Our youngest says “I like the games”.
For Mum and Dad, it’s a bit of quality time and a regular commitment to exercise.

Choi Kwang Do isn’t about fighting, it’s about building confidence and seeking self improvement.
The classes are inclusive and different each week. You learn with like-minded people at your own pace. The belt gradings don’t require you to fight others to progress.

Whether you’re looking to exercise, build confidence or just do something together as a family, Choi Kwang Do is a rewarding way to spend an hour together each week.

Family activity

How our CKD journey started.
My son was invited to Choi Kwang Do on buddy week, by his friend. I did not want him to go as he had recently just stopped doing MMA, which I was not a fan of.
After much thought, I decided to let him go.
He came back from the session with a big smile on his face and said ” can I go again?” He was so excited, and he really enjoyed the session. How could I say no? When I went to see the instructors, to fill out the paperwork, Mr Bicknell said “come and try out Choi Kwang do too” I started to laugh and I said “it’s not my kind of thing.” When I was there, I felt that Mrs and Mr Bicknell were very approachable, friendly and down to earth people. Not like other instructors that I have met in the past during other martial art fields.
Funny as it seems, it was buddy week the week after again and my very good friend invited my daughter and I too attended a taster session! we went just for the sake of it. My daughter didn’t want to go, but she came anyway to see how things went. She is such a girly girl and had no interest whatsoever.
After the session, my daughter and I were amazed how much we actually enjoyed the session and how comfortable we were during the session, everyone was so welcoming, since that time, us as a family have become addicted to CKD, especially my daughter, who didn’t want to go at first, CKD has embedded into her blood ! The reason that keeps us going back, week after week, is our lovely instructors, the Bicknells. They are so professional and encouraging. The thing that stands out the most about them is the way they interact with the younger children in class. The way they build up their confidence, by little encouraging words. Choi Kwang Do was a life choice that we made and it is one of the best things we have done! we love being part of the amazing CKD family.

He loves to demonstrate his skills to anyone he meets

I am writing this on Tristan’s behalf to tell you how much he loves coming to Choi Kwang-Do on Wednesday evenings.
When he started as a just five year old he was a little hesitant but as the weeks went on he grew in confidence and couldn’t wait for the next class. He is now a very lively seven (and three quarters) year old and still enjoying CKD immensely. He has benefitted from both the physical and discipline aspects and loves to demonstrate his skills to anyone he meets – sometimes in the most inappropriate places – shops, restaurants, airports ……. He is extremely proud of his progress through the belts, as are we all, and can’t wait to finally attain Black Belt status !! Overall, Choi Kwang-Do is without a doubt the best thing he could have started. Long may it continue. Gill Stallard (pp Tristan Cooke)

The martial art of the 20th century

After 18 years of Tae Kwon Do reaching 2nd Dan and competing in many sparring and pattern tournaments up to UK standard, and finally as a trained referee, I ended up with damaged knees, to the point I struggled to walk down stairs. Through alternative therapy they were able to enable me to carry on normally and suggested I get back into the gym and Martial arts. I looked around for something that would mean less stress on the knees but would challenge me and get me fit. I came across Choi Kwang Do, to start with I thought this was going to be like any other martial art, but after a few lessons and discussions with the instructor (Derek Bicknell) I started to understand that this was so much more. Not only did it follow the traditions of martial arts it also took into account science and medical knowledge to ensure damage to joints during training were taken into account and training methods changed to stop this. It was non competitive and as such all techniques taught were practised against pads which meant if required in a real situation then you would not stop an inch away! It also meant those from a very young age to a good mature age and those with disabilities could also train and not feel pressured because they could not do competitions. It is said that Choi Kwang Do is the martial art of the 20th century, I firmly believe it is. Since starting in Choi Kwang Do 2005 I have been able to gain 2nd Dan (EE Dan) and working hard toward my 3rd Dan. I have also taken over as Chief Instructor and School owner for the Winchester school, which I am loving more than I expected.
I would also like to say that the dedication and instruction that Derek Bicknell, Karen and their family put into the teaching and training of CKD is awesome. They are completely committed to learning more about the art and how to teach it as well as making you feel so welcome that you feel straight away part of the CKD family.

Mark Lloyd

St. Johns College – Senior Games sessions

I have used this organization for our Wednesday afternoon senior games sessions for the past two years, giving our students the chance to enjoy a different educational activity while remaining active throughout the spring term.
The agreed scheme of work followed is both comprehensive and thorough and takes students through a really enjoyable range of different skills and ideas. These encompass a range of life skills including self-defence, that pupils will take with them beyond the classes and beyond the school. The classes are active and encourage our pupils to think outside of their comfort zone while working towards increasing their knowledge, skills set and a healthy balanced lifestyle.
Hampshire CKD has become a valuable asset in the production of a range of activities for senior games, and I fully endorse their use across the whole age range (2-18) here at St John’s College.
Matt Sleep
PE Dept, Master

Mountbatten School – Year 11 development sessions

In March, as part of a Personal Development Day, we invited Hampshire Choi Kwang Do to The Mountbatten School to work with our Year 11s.
Derek, Karen and Liam Bicknell put together a bespoke programme, where over the course of the day each of our 284 students were put through their paces in a ‘stress busting session’ for an hour.
Simply put, I cannot thank them enough.
With an emphasis very much on health and safety, and not in any way on ‘fighting’, the programme was thoroughly engaging, active, and most importantly, fun. Many of the students came away with beaming faces, making comments such as ‘that’s the best thing we’ve ever done for PD Day’ and ‘we should do this every term.’
Perhaps what impressed me most was the inclusivity of the programme. It did not exclude those less able students, and encouraged all to participate in a friendly environment. The Bicknells and their team were extremely sympathetic to the students, but at the same time very much had a strong presence which meant we had zero behavioural issues.
I would thoroughly recommend them to any school looking to engage their students with something educational, fun and a little different to the norm. Indeed, following our superb experience with them, I am sure Hampshire Choi Kwang Do would be able to utilise their undoubted expertise to create a programme tailored to suit the needs of any institution or business.

Mr B Parry Head of Year 11

Oaklands School – Personal Development sessions

We have used Hampshire CKD for our Personal Development sessions on our first day back at school with Year 8 students for the past two years.

We have been delighted with the support and service from Derek, Karen and the team. Derek and Karen met with me to discuss and tailor the skills for the sessions and produced a bespoke programme which suited the needs of our students. We had some students with additional learning needs and they were well catered for and included in the activities. We opted for a basic skills and active stress-busting session to give the students a taste of self-defence. Throughout the planning and on the day itself there was a clear emphasis on professionalism, health and safety and building relationships.

The team of instructors who accompanied Derek and Karen were fantastic. They were highly professional, approachable and had a wealth of expertise. I had complete confidence in all of them.

Our students LOVED the sessions – they were active, engaging and full of positivity. The students came away with a feeling of success, self-discipline and confidence. Each movement was well explained and demonstrated and then the students had a chance to try it for themselves. They really felt like they had achieved something tangible and valuable. They said it was one of the best ever sessions that they had had.

Hampshire Choi Kwang Do goes beyond self-defence; it builds confidence, skills and shows young people how self-control and respect for others is a vital part of their personal development and can have a huge influence in their relationships and their studies.

I would highly recommend Hampshire Choi Kwang Do to any school, club or parent who wants their young people to experience a martial art which provides exercise, self-defence, respect for self and others and dedicated instruction.

Mrs Dervla McConn-Finch
Assistant Headteacher

Perins School Self Defence Course

Self Defence Course

The self-defence course was run by Kaz at Perins School for six weeks and it was very popular with our year ten and eleven girls. The girls loved the structured sessions where they got to practice lots of different self-defence techniques which were demonstrated by the very enthusiastic instructors.

We really appreciated the organisation of the company coming into School as they were never late and came fully prepared to commence the course as soon as the students arrived. There was a wide range of academic ability within the students taking part and all needs were very well catered for.
We will certainly invite Kaz back in to run another course as the students loved it.

Tracey Aynsley PDL Coordinator

Got fitter and happier…

Hants CKD truly changed my life.
I have made amazing friends, learned incredible skills, got fitter and happier…
With CKD I have traveled the world and taken part in international events. I fulfilled my childhood dream of earning a black belt, and am halfway to my Second Dan.
You cannot overestimate how much good trying something new will do for you – and we are a super friendly family too!

All thanks to Choi Kwang Do

What can I say!! Choi Kwang do has changed my life so much!
I started when I was 17 and I could barely speak to anyone I was very anxious. I came to choi Kwang do after they came to my college for a sports experience day so I tried it out which was a massive step for me! My confidence grew, I achieved my 1st dan black belt and my 2nd dan and now I am a head instructor and teach classes and made some wonderful friends!
I’m 24 now and I will never look back and I will keep achieving! All thanks to Choi Kwang Do!
Justine Hatcher

With an element of discipline

CKD is a fantastic way to meet people, get some exercise, have fun and learn a fantastic skill. It is such a friendly and helpful environment coupled with an element of discipline which I think is particularly helpful for children (including mine).
I would highly recommend CKD to anybody of any age!
Anthony Russell

the right choice of martial art for me and my family

CKD enables you to develop at your own pace and increase your sense of wellbeing, with great support from patient instructors who are to able encourage and train adults and children of all ages. CKD promotes equality, achievement and fun in equal measure, which is why it was the right choice of martial art for me and my family.
Joe Kelly

It wasn’t long before I wanted to join in

Hello! This is me Paula Cooper. A Mother, Wife, hairdresser and assistant instructor for Choi Kwang
do!
I joined Hampshire Choi Kwang Do Oct 2008 totally by chance!
My daughter(13) and Son(12) were introduced by their step brother, and when he went off to university they needed me to take them to classes! I only knew a little about what they were doing and really thought it was one of those hobbies that children would start and it wouldn’t be long till they would get fed up and start missing classes!
But this wasn’t happening they were always full of the new and exciting techniques they had learned. So I found myself taxiing my children! Whilst sitting and watching I was always surprised at how friendly the members of the class were and all different ages! It wasn’t long before I wanted to join in! I love having an interest in which my children are a part of. Its lovely to have a form of exercise that is challenging to the mind and body which is always changing and is so much fun!
I’m still amazed that I’m actually doing a martial art and I’m on my journey which will take me to becoming a black belt!
Amazing!!!! !

I’m having the time of my life on my own journey to becoming a black belt

Well where do I start, firstly I want to thank the Bicknell family for everything. Their kindness and passion are inspiring.
I only started training in Choi Kwang Do in February 2009, but it took me a while to build up the courage to contact them, due to lack of self confidence which was from bullying in school, college and even my workplace. I trained at the gym in Portsmouth where the Hampshire Choi Kwang Do ran classes on a
Friday night. In 2008, I used to watch the students and instructors coming out from their classes and I always a wanted to talk to them but never could. I decided to ask the trainers at the gym about it, but I was told that it was only for children? I was really disappointed as it had taken me so long just to ask that.
That same year I decided to join a Kung Fu class in my local area, I was so nervous but I really wanted to learn a Martial Art, so I made myself go. I was there for a few weeks, but I knew from the first moment I stepped into the hall it didn’t feel right. After a few weeks, I decided to quit, even though I’m not a quitter.
Anyway, 2009 came and again I was training at the gym, when in walked the students and instructors from Hampshire CKD. I spent the whole session thinking to myself right that’s it I’m going to speak to them when they come out, but unfortunately, I missed them.
I went straight down stairs and got one of their leaflets from the front desk, I’m going to call them tomorrow.
I had the leaflet for about a week before I was able to ring them, I even considered getting my mum to call for me. Finally, I made the call, I was greeted by a lovely warm and friendly voice (little did I know that it was Mrs BickneIl) She was so lovely and I felt so comfortable, I booked in my first class.
Well, the day came for my first class, I was so nervous, I nearly cancelled it. I walked into the room, to again be greeted with a huge friendly smile from Sabumnim Bicknell, which magically took away my nerves. She spent the whole lesson with me, going through the stretch and teaching me the basics. I loved every minute, every student in the class greeted me with the same kindness and respect, I felt like I fitted right in. I spent the whole weekend telling my parents all about it and I couldn’t wait for the next class.
And it’s like they say ‘The rest is History, I have been training now for 10 months working through my belts. I can see the difference it as made to me, not just physically but mentally too. I feel so much more confident and have made so many friends. It’s an amazing martial art and I could talk forever about it, I’m having the time of my life on my own journey to becoming a black belt, I’m just glad I found it.
So once again, thank you to the Bicknell Family, you’re more than just Instructors your more like family.
Love & Pil Suhng
Alexandra

A martial art with a difference, ie. it was designed to avoid injury!

As a founder member of the baby boomer generation exercise has been important to me throughout life, usually by way of various sporting activities. In recent years this has been somewhat curtailed by a knee injury. Looking around for a suitable activity with which to stay fit I was told about Choi Kwang-Do, a martial art with a difference, ie. it was designed to avoid injury. Taking that on trust it was nevertheless with some trepidation that I thought I would give it a go. I need not have been concerned as training is incremental and done at a pace that suits the individual. So far, after six months, I am generally fitter and not only no damage, but the knee is if anything becoming more stable; this plus a bonus of noticeably increased mental awareness, stamina, sense of balance and greater confidence in my ability to cope with the stresses of life. My work as a nutritional therapist has given me an understanding that good health is predicated upon some basic foundations these being nutrition, of course, but also exercise, mental and spiritual health, life style, sleep and rest. It is my experience that Choi Kwang-Do makes an excellent contribution to these latter elements. Then another bonus – it’s great fun, especially trying to keep up with the high octane energy output of youngsters although that is not obligatory. All in an orderly, disciplined environment where all students of all ages are both shown and taught respect, high standards of conduct expected and the encouragement of others is the order of the day. To repeat –it’s great fun and the only way to find out if it would be fun for you is to give it a try!
Tim Walden

The Bicknell’s have made me feel at home from day 1

I came across CKD purely by accident while looking for a new martial art type hobby to take up.
I had a friendly and welcoming response to my initial enquiry so decided to have a trial session.
I’m so glad I did – I found CKD interesting due to its non competitive nature, and it being a fairly new form of self defence, and goals were to improve my self-confidence, fitness and to make new friends.

I have been learning Choi for nearly 4 months now, and would just like to say how much I’m enjoying it. This is largely due to the teaching, and encouragement, patience, and enthusiasm from Del and Karen that is so infectious, but also due to the friendliness, and encouragement from other classmates.
I get a real buzz from learning new skills and techniques in a warm, friendly environment. I hope to progress through many belts.

The teaching methods are easy to understand and clear.
I’ve noticed a big improvement in my fitness level, and even though I have a very long term elbow injury this has caused me very few problems in my CKD progression, due to the non-sparring/jabbing nature of the techniques we learn.

The Bicknell’s have made me feel at home from day 1, and I look forward to starting each weekend with such great people, and relieving some stress!

I would highly recommend Choi to anyone of any age.

With many thanks,
Helen Lancaster

kindness, respectful discipline and good humour

Dear Sir,
You love what you are doing and it really shows. From the perspective of a mother with three boys; the effects of just a few classes of Choi are highly noticeable. We have become more unified as a family, through a sense of purpose and achievement.
I came to Choi looking for good role-models for our boys and have certainly found them. The kindness, respectful discipline and good humour we have received has been priceless.
Thank you,
Kind regards
Tracy Frost
Pil Sung!

Child friendly and secure

Dear Derek and Karen

I originally signed my children up for Choi Kwang-Do to give them a grounding in self defence and to encourage their fitness. I thought the class would help them with focusing skills as well as giving them another social outlet. I have found the classes offer all of this and also help to raise self-esteem, due the frequency of upgrade in belt with certificates and constant challenges to motivate them.
The reason for my writing however, is to express my delight and satisfaction as to how ‘child friendly’ yourselves and all of your staff have been. My children were received with a very warm welcome and all of the staff have been gentle, polite and courteous, giving both of my children a secure and positive feeling towards the classes.
Mr Bicknell, in particular, is most remarkable gentle in his nature and I feel very comfortable leaving my children in his care.

Yours sincerely
M Kemp.

Robert’s confidence

Dear Derek & Karen,
As you know, our son Robert has just qualified for his gold belt as is now part of your Black Belt Academy. As Robert as only just turned 7 we are very proud of his achievement and we would like to thank you both for supporting him so well over the past 16 months.
The fact that Robert has done so well is in no small part due to the helpful, friendly and fun instructors as well as the general ‘respect your help and fellow students’ ethos, that is so successfully promoted within Choi Kwang-Do.
In personal development terms we have seen great improvement in Roberts self confidence, since he has realised that he can defend himself (which is exactly what we had hoped for when we enrolled him).
We also feel that 2 classes of Choi each week has certainly has made him fitter and more agile.
We’d like to thank you once again. Enrolling Robert has been a great success, hugely rewarding on every level & on a practical level incredibly good value for money.
Kind Regards, Dave & Sam

J. Winney

MY CHOI JOURNEY.
I have always been a late developer; I left school at fifteen with no qualifications. At 40 years of age having worked with homeless people I was selected to attend Southampton University and study for a diploma in social work studies (if I had waited a year it became a degree!). After completion I was employed by Hampshire County Council as a Probation Officer, working with all ages of people in the county and in Prisons! I did this for 19 years when on Christmas Day at home with my family I suffered a stroke. This put paid to continuing work, although I had not lost the use of my limbs I had lost the use of my brain (I was forever confused.com!) I stopped work at 60 years of age unable to fulfill my obligation to the service. I had to seek new challenges as I am a busy person and like to be occupied.
I was diagnosed with Lupus in my twenties and have lived with this condition all my life it is when the body attacks itself, it left me with stiff joints pains in my hands and resulted in Arthritis, I was often in a lot of pain the only way I knew how to deal with this without taking steroids was to keep active.
I joined the local Bowls club where I made many new friends and became the Club Secretary, I still enjoy bowling.
Then after attending a class for speeding motorists ( rather than take the points)I met a very attractive and fit young lady who told me about attending Choi Kwang Do classes and the benefits, she told me she was very confident in herself learning to protect herself whilst getting fit. I was interested and in the break, she gave me a pass for a month’s free trial. What had I to Lose!!
I attended my first session with trepidation at West End centre and was made to feel very welcome and I decided to give it a go!
I must admit I found it a bit difficult to start so much information! But I was gently guided through the belts am now a red belt (who would have thought!) I intend to be a black belt before my 70th birthday next year (told you I was a late developer!)
The benefits have been endless I walk tall and not afraid to be on my own anywhere! I have no joint pain and I consider Choi has also helped my memory! I have better recall now. If not for a Speeding Drivers Course I would not have found this Martial Art that has helped me so much!
I would recommend Choi to anyone, age is not a barrier. What have you got to lose!
It is good to have a target in life –Mine is the Black Belt with my name on! What’s yours?
Mrs Jeni Winney

T. Gray Lt Cdr RN

Mrs Bicknell’s 6 week self defence course has been inspirational. Each week she has taught different techniques to cope with varying confrontations whilst building up our self confidence to deal with awkward and potentially threatening situations. In the final session, we were taken out of our comfort zone with simulated attacks providing that much needed realism to put into practice what had been taught.

Throughout the course, Mrs Bicknell’s delivery was clear and simple. We all understood what was needed and how to follow through a would-be attack. We learnt to make ourselves less likely to be targeted, how to defend against attacks and how to gain control over an attacker. Although it is hoped that we will never have to put into practice what we have learnt, the feeling of self-assuredness that I am left with is hard to describe. Knowing that you can react if needed to the worst of a situation is well worth the cost. This wasn’t a technique-heavy hobby or exercise session – it was all about common sense, street smart awareness and a skill that all women should be exposed to. Simply put, Mrs Bicknell changed my outlook on self defence and I can not over emphasise the values that this course can bring. Her dynamic, enthusiastic and dedicated approach to ensuring we all got the best of the 6 week package was outstanding and this combined with her natural ability to teach provided us with a very rewarding learning experience.

I can not rate this course highly enough and I have no hesitation in strongly recommending this course to all females.

Tina Gray

Lt Cdr RN