New students without prior training will start at the rank of white belt. An Assistant Instructor or senior student will give each new student individualized instruction in the early stages of training. Since each student may progress at a different rate, initial lessons will be set up for the student on an "as needed" basis. Please feel free to consult your Chief Instructor regarding scheduling or any other questions concerning introductory classes

Class attendance two or three times a week is generally recommended in order to learn and develop skills properly. Light training and stretching may be performed on a daily basis. However, it is a good idea to allow a day of rest in between classes in order to allow your body to recuperate fully. If, for whatever reason, you cannot attend your scheduled classes, it is considered good etiquette to call your Instructor in advance to let him or her know that you will be absent or will be late.

Students are required to wear the regulation Choi Kwang-Do uniform during classes or at official events, such as demonstrations, seminars, or promotional exams. The official Choi Kwang-Do patch is to be worn on the student's left side over the heart, and the Pil Sung patch on the right side. The country flag is determined by the country your school is located in and should be worn on your right sleeve. In addition, your school may have a patch indicating the location of the school within the country you train in or the name of the school. This patch is to be worn under the country flag on the right sleeve. The Korean flag is worn on the left sleeve. Any other patches or emblems or items such as jewelry, watches, headbands, T-shirts, etc. are not to be worn unless specifically authorized by your Chief Instructor through International Headquarters.

Starting at the White Senior (1^st Senior) level, students begin practicing the blocking defense drills. These drills are designed to enhance the development of self-defense skills by teaching the student how to apply movements learned in basics, patterns, and combinations to self-defense situations. In keeping with Choi Kwang-Do's basic philosophy, these drills are non-competitive. Students work with one another as partners, rather than against each other as opponents. Although contact, or actually hitting another student is prohibited, safety equipment must be purchased and worn during these drills to help prevent accidental injury. Students are to bring this equipment with them to all classes as well as promotional exams, seminars, etc.

All uniforms, patches, and safety equipment are to be purchased through the school from your Instructor. This helps in maintaining uniform safety standards and promotes a consistent school appearance. Items such as uniforms and safety equipment should be personalized to help prevent loss or accidental theft (particularly for junior students). It is the school's policy that each individual must keep up with their own belongings since we cannot be responsible for them.

In order to maintain a safe and productive learning environment in the Dojang, students are expected to conduct themselves in a mature and responsible manner. In keeping with this, students must observe all rules and regulations (listed in this guide), and display a proper martial art mannerism and attitude at all times when in the Dojang. Outside of the Dojang, students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that will not discredit the school or themselves.

Aspects such as bowing, use of Korean terminology, demonstration of respect for senior students, etc. are an important part of Choi Kwang-Do's historical heritage and form the basis for the traditional atmosphere that Grand Master Choi seeks to maintain in his schools. It must be understood, however, that these traditional customs have nothing to do with any religion and are not intended to conflict with anyone's religious belief.

Students make progress in Choi Kwang-Do by learning sets of skills, called belt assignments, which correspond with each level of advancement or belt color. As a beginner (White Belt), your assignment will generally consist of the basic movements practiced by all students at the beginning of class, a pattern, and a combination.

After repeating this basic assignment a sufficient number of times necessary to develop proficiency, your Instructor may determine your readiness to take a promotional exam or test through a pre-test process. The pre-test is used in order to evaluate your progress and to provide some feedback on what you need to work on before you can be permitted to test.