Instructors

Senior Chief Instructor Mr. Alan Tipson is a 3rd Degree Black Belt and an Examiner for Choi Kwang Do Martial Arts International. Mr Tipson started his training in Choi Kwang Do in 1996, after many years of experience in various styles of traditional martial arts.

Mr. Tipson is a Faculty Member of CKDMAI. He teaches adults and children in both Dorking and Horsham and regularly trains with the founder of Choi Kwang Do, Grandmaster Kwang Jo Choi.

Mr. Tipson is currently working towards his 4th Degree Black Belt Examination.

When my son, Alex, was 9, I looked for a martial art that would help to increase his confidence and, should a fight take place he would know how to defend himself. I liked the philosophy and holistic approach of CKD and joined as well - very quickly finding that the mix of proper stretching, defence and attack techniques and exercises were good for my health by releasing stress and were interesting and challenging.

I had never been involved in a martial art before and certainly didn't expect to find myself, at 48, becoming a Black Belt. Two years on and I have recently gained my Second Dan and I'm enjoying CKD as much as ever. Alex is now 14, is also a Second Dan and he's nominated CKD as part of his Duke of Edinburgh programme.

There's an old saying that you don't really know a subject until you teach it. Well, teaching CKD has been a great experience and in the process helped me to grow my communication skills. There's always something new to learn and ways to improve your techniques and reflexes. Plus I've made great friends and we have a lot of fun!

I have been running my own business for the last 18 years getting busier and busier. My two boys started doing Choi Kwang Do in the spring of 2007, and I would sit and watch them. When I was invited to join I thought this would be a good idea, as I could encourage and help them with what they were learning.

Since joining I have found Choi Kwang Do to be an excellent escape from work, as well as gaining a common interest with my children, I feel that this has helped me to tone up slightly, and become a little more supple and self-confident.

As a head instructor I find that it boosts confidence even more knowing that you are helping the children, and new students to learn and enjoy themselves. This in turn brings its own rewards.

I joined Tipson CKD in August 2006 and after only a few lessons recommended it to my friends and family. I am now due to take my Black Belt later this year, my Children (only 5 and 8) are green belts and I have been to Atlanta and met some great martial artists.

The team at Tipson CKD in both Horsham and Dorking are amazing, it is a pleasure to be part of the team. I joined for fitness, weight loss and flexibility, however I have gained so much more. I have made some great friends, enjoy social events and am very slowly becoming a competent martial artist.

My goal now is to better myself, train towards the senior instructor examination, and to enjoy all of the rewards that CKD has managed to give me.

I am a vehicle technician and currently working at our family run garage in Dorking. I trained at Guildford college for 3 years from the age of 16.

I had been wanting to try a martial art for some time for fitness self defence and self discipline. I started Choi Kwang Do September 2007, I was made to feel very welcome by the team at Dorking and so I joined straight away.

Within the first month I had noticed my fitness, stamina and flexibility increasing more and more. In December 2007 I graded to gold belt and was awarded the rank of assistant instructor.

Pil Suhng

My name is Bertie and I am 13 years old. I started Choi Kwang Do in November 03 because I wanted to learn a fun and practical martial art. When I joined I found the dojang to be a very friendly environment and very soon I began to develop new skills such as better balance, co-ordination, flexibility as well as boosting my self esteem.

I graded for my black belt in December 06 and am now working towards my 2nd Dan which I should take in 2009.

Pil Suhng!

Hi, my name is Ross and I'm 11 years old. I started Choi Kwang Do around March 2004. Since then my fitness and flexibility has improved. I wanted to learn Choi Kwang Do because I wanted to know how to defend myself.

Choi Kwang Do is a fun Martial Art and I would recommend it to anyone. I am a 1st degree black belt and I am working towards my 2nd degree black belt.

Hi, I'm Alex and I'm 14. I've been training in CKD for 5 years and I'm now a Second Dan. I really enjoy learning all the different techniques and have made great progress at CKD which has helped with my confidence.

I feel much more confident about defending myself now should I ever have to. I'm now a Team Leader which means I teach younger children and, occasionally, adults on junior belts. This is great fun!

CKD is part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award that I am taking, specifically under the Volunteering section which includes coaching. What's also really nice is that I've made some really good friends at CKD.