What is the difference between Choi Kwang Do and Tae Kwan Do?
I’ve taken a three month promotional training in Choi Kwan Do, and currently taking a 2 and half month training program for Taekwondo. It’s only my first week in Taekwondo, but the differences I saw between to two dojangs affect my decision on which style I want to choose from. Both Grandmasters have almost 50 years experience and has been established school for over 70 years.
Taekwondo class is no nonsense and I felt like giving up half way through the hour class. They make manners and respect very important, but I like that. Taekwondo will train your lower body, and it isn’t easy for us beginners. My legs are so sore that I almost fall over everytime I get out of bed, but I know that this will go away when my body gets use to it. While in Choi Kwan Do, I was told that Taekwondo training could destroy your body. I don’t believe that though. You’re body is trained and will eventually be prepared to perform the taekwondo forms and kicks. I feel like I am going to get a lot stronger if I keep this up.
Choi Kwan Do class was a lot more relaxed, and a lot easier on my body. I knew that I could get through class at half the pace I was going, and that discouraged me a little. Choi Kwan Do is fun, but I wanted a stricter classroom with more emphasis of pushing myself. They do push you a little bit, but if they can tell you are struggling they will let you go easy on yourself. Also, they do not have full contact sparring or tournaments to look forward to. I am learning a martial art, and eventually I want to test my own skills against another opponent without having to wait for a street fight to happen (Which I still try to avoid) lol
I say try both if you can! I personally prefer Taekwondo. I know my answer is based on my own experience but I hope that it helps you a little.
The essential differences between the two arts are that in Tae Kwan Do the emphasis is on ‘unnatural’ movements, i.e. the techniques can be detrimental to the student. In CKD, they are not, since the techniques are developed to work how the body works. We do not have tournaments as we are non-competitive. The emphasis is on street orientated self-defence and the personal development of the individual.
