I always wanted to learn a Martial Art as a youngster and it wasnt until I was 25 (2001) that I made the time and space in my life to start learning. Once I started I was hooked. The combination of scientific principles being applied to martial art techniques made complete sense in comparison to other Martial Arts that I had 'dabbled' in throughout my younger years.

Unlike some Martial Arts whereby lack of experience, ability, fitness, flexibility or confidence are seen as weakness; My Instructors, Chris & Ginny Ellis (of Ellis Academy of Choi Kwang Do) taught me that these characteristics are human, and can be developed with commitment, enthusiasm, encouragement and perseverance. I soon learned confidence in what I could achieve and after three years obtained my Black Belt. Now (August 2008) I am halfway through my 2nd Degree Black Belt and still enjoy my Choi Kwang Do not only as a Student, but also as an Instructor.

As Senior Chief Instructor of West Sussex Choi Kwang Do (WSCKD) I have the pleasure to meet some fantastic people and the privilege to teach them the 'essence' of Choi Kwang Do so they can experience the benefits in themselves. As an Instructor it is my task to teach the modular syllabus of Choi Kwang Do in a way that each Student understands and wants to improve themselves.

My Choi Kwang Do experience has taught me that people train for difference reasons and every student IS different. As Senior Instructor seeing Students succeed and achieve, whether this is in the Dojang (training hall) or in their personal lives is the greatest reward, it is my objective for all my students to feel that they are succeeding or benefitting from the Choi Kwang Do experience in their lives.

I feel that the benefits of Choi Kwang Do are too numerous to mention as they vary between Students. One may say they have better fiitness flexibility etc, and another say that it gave them confidence to ask for a pay rise. All I can say is that today my main benefit is meeting fantastic people; all wanting to make positive change to their lives via the median of Choi Kwang Do. This is why it is more than a Martial Art.

I teach at all classes we operate at West Sussex Choi Kwang Do (from ages 5+) and am proud to say that in the next year we will see our first Students come through to their Black Belt Testings (from April 2008 onwards). I wish them all the best with their efforts and commitment that they have shown, especially Mr A. (6yrs old - green belt) who will be a living legend when he is older.

I am slowly getting the Students to write testimonials for the website so you can get experiences first hand.

Wising you all the Best

Adrian Hughes

Associate Examiner, School Owner West Sussex Choi Kwang Do - 2nd (1/2) Degree Black Belt.