Regular Class attendance is the single most important factor towards your development as a martial artist. In class, you are able to have your movements corrected and developed by a qualified Instructor, as well as having both technique and mental aspects enhanced through group interaction. Therefore, Choi Kwang-Do literature, such as this manual, handouts, videos, etc., are to be used along with self-training to enhance your class experience, rather than taking its place.

In Choi Kwang-Do, each individual is accepted for what they are, regardless of race, sex, creed, national origin, talents, or disabilities, with the basic premise that we all share a common goal; self-improvement. With this idea in mind, you should come to feel as if the Dojang is almost like your "second home", with a feeling of warmth and fellowship towards all of your Dojang mates and Instructors.

Upon entering the Dojang, try to empty your mind of the day's worries and events so that you can better concentrate on the development of Choi Kwang-Do techniques, tenets, and philosophy. By this, you and your fellow students can derive more benefits from your classes, and leave feeling refreshed and invigorated, having put day-to-day life on hold for awhile.

The basic philosophy of Choi Kwang-Do is noncompetitive. Naturally, you should be inspired by the performance of your peers, particularly senior students. However, comparing your progress against that of another student with an attitude of competitiveness is not only stressful, but is also a waste of time and energy. Instead, you should devote your energies to enjoying your training. Let your accomplishments, as well as those of others, inspire you towards higher goals in the techniques and the tenets of Choi Kwang-Do.

If any one trait could be considered the most important towards becoming a martial artist, it would certainly have to be enthusiasm. As far as physical training is concerned, intensity levels may have to vary according to your conditioning, experience, etc. However, each student is expected to put 100% mental and spiritual energy into every class.

For example, Ki Haps (yells) or your "Yes, Sir!" or "Yes, Ma’am!" to the Instructors should be performed loudly and with lots of enthusiasm. Furthermore, your Instructors will appreciate your sincere eagerness to learn and ask questions. With this attitude, you not only motivate yourself and your fellow students, but you also motivate your Instructors, who consider enthusiastic and dedicated students to be one of the greatest rewards of their profession.

Along with being able to demonstrate outstanding technical ability and leadership, the most unique trait of Choi Kwang-Do Instructors is their genuine love of teaching and helping others. With this in mind, never hesitate to consult your Instructor regarding any problems you or your child may be having with motivation, attendance, or training in general.

During the course of your training, you may, from time to time, have different Instructors. This is perfectly normal and is necessary not only for other Instructors to develop their teaching skills, but also to free the Chief Instructor to perform other duties and functions of the school. With this in mind, you should give the same respect, enthusiasm, and support to other Instructors as you would your Chief Instructor, since they are conducting class on his or her behalf. You should further enjoy some of the individual differences of each Instructor's class, rather than being alarmed by them. You will greatly appreciate the significance of this when you begin assisting or teaching later on.

As you progress, you will find that one of the most gratifying aspects of Choi Kwang-Do is the opportunity to share your knowledge with others. Through teaching, your own techniques are refined and brought to higher levels, while developing strong leadership and social skills. For this reason, and in the spirit of helping your school, adult senior students are expected and encouraged to help teach whenever possible, particularly in the children's classes. Those who are interested in becoming regular or professional Instructors may consult with the Chief Instructor regarding special training and eligibility requirements.

All students need to understand that practicing in Choi Kwang-Do is not something that is simply "bought" in exchange for monthly dues. Likewise, Instructors should not be considered as simply "hired help". Dues and tuition are a basic necessity in order for the school to operate and for the Instructors to make a living. However, proficiency in Choi Kwang-Do can be gained only through sincere effort and, above all, dedication to the school, the Instructor, and to Choi Kwang-Do as an organization. The old adage that "by giving, we receive" certainly applies to Choi Kwang-Do.

For example, by volunteering to help teach or with clean-up duties, or by introducing new members to the school, you experience a deeper feeling of pride and commitment for your art and Instructor as well as for your school. By having such an attitude of dedication, you will derive more benefit from your training because you value it more.

Similarly, by seeing your attitude of devotion and sincere willingness to help, your Instructor will tend to value you more as a student and will naturally want to help you with your training as much as possible. This spiritual commitment between student and Instructor (junior/senior relationship) forms the traditional basis for the exchange of martial arts skills and knowledge as opposed to the strictly money-oriented type of attitude of "payment for services rendered".