Self defence - Since most street attacks are sudden and violent, and potentially influenced by drink or drugs, the conditioned response needs to be swift and decisive. Emphasis is placed on the presumption that an attack could be life threatening which may require extreme measures to stop an assailant. This way students develop an auto response which will hopefully get them out of trouble in the worst scenarios instead of freezing or panicking. Of course it is explained that not all situations should be dealt with in this way, and a high degree of control needs to be developed to be able to deal with less serious scenarios in a prudent manner!!!
Awareness of surroundings is the priority so as to avoid any confrontations and look for escape routes, or assess the possible danger and act accordingly.
With the proper attitude encouraged in CHOI KWANG-DO, students should be able to conduct their lives without ever getting into any trouble, but with the knowledge that they have the skills necessary if there is no option but to fight. While the training teaches students to deal with aggressors with such force, it doesn't turn them into street fighters or hooligans. Good social adjustment, etiquette and courtesy are high on the list of priorities in Choi Kwang-Do training, as reflected in the pledge and tenets.
