June Newsletter

When you step onto the training floor wearing your Choi Kwang Do uniform—called a dobok—you’re wearing more than just clothing. You’re putting on a symbol of discipline, respect, personal growth, and the journey you’ve committed to.

The Purpose of the Dobok

In Choi Kwang Do, our uniform is designed to be functional, comfortable, and symbolic. The lighter fabric is cooler in tropical climates instead of the much heavier fabric used in other martial arts.

Fun Fact #1 The word “dobok” is Korean in origin. You may hear the word “gi” sometimes being used which is the Japanese word for uniform.

The white jacket represents a blank slate—a place to begin learning, free from ego and judgment. Just like an artist starts with a blank canvas, a martial artist begins with an open mind and willingness to grow.

Fun Fact #2: Did you know that up until 2019 students used to have white Dobok trousers? Traditional martial arts doboks are all white, but because some CKD schools had students wearing black trousers, Grand master Choi made the decision to bring everyone into alignment, and to subtlety make a statement that CKD has been created with a different purpose than that of older, traditional martial arts.

The Meaning of the Badges

The badges on your dobok all have a meaning and purpose. They haven’t been chosen or placed at random on your jacket. Starting on the right sleeve is your country of origin flag. Because CKD is practiced internationally, students pay respect to their country of origin by wearing their flag on the right sleeve. The left sleeve has the Korean flag which respectfully recognises the country of origin of our founder.

Over the left breast, and close to our heart is badge that spells “Pil Sueng” in Korean. This is a visual reminder of why we have embarked on our martial arts journey of practicing Choi Kwang Do – one of personal growth, to be the best version of ourselves and to keep working on our goals.

On the right breast is the badge that represents our martial art style – Choi Kwang Do.

Fun Fact #3: The name Choi Kwang Do is derived from the word Do which means “the way” or “the practice” in Korean, Choi which is Grand Master Choi’s last name, and Kwang, which is Grand Master Choi’s first name. Therefor the name Cho Kwang Do means “the way” or “the at” of Kwang Choi.

Even this badge carries meanings – the fist superimposed over a picture of the globe tells us that CKD is practiced internationally, while the small Korean symbol at the top of the badge means “Enlightenment”

So armed with all this knowledge about our dobok one can appreciate that wearing it isn’t just about “dressing for class.” It shows that you respect the art, your instructors, and your fellow students. It’s also a personal reminder that the moment you tie your belt and bow onto the mat, you’re leaving distractions at the door and focusing fully on your training.

Fun Fact #4  The word dobok is made up of two Korean words – Do which we have already learnt means “the way”, “the art” or “the practice”, and the word Bok, which means clothing. Therefore the word dobok means the clothing you wear when you practice the art (of CKD)

The Belt System: A Roadmap of Growth

The belt system in CKD is a visible marker of your progress. Each belt colour reflects the stage you’re at in your training—and the personal qualities you’re developing.

Here’s a quick overview of what your belt might be saying about you:

• White Belt: 🌱 A new beginning. You’re showing courage and curiosity by stepping onto the mat for the first time.
• Yellow Belt: ☀️ You’re starting to grow and learn the foundations of your techniques.
• Gold to Orange Belts: 🔥 You’re developing strength, coordination, and confidence.
• Green to Blue Belts: 🌿🌊 You’re now understanding deeper concepts and refining your movements.
• Red to Brown Belts: 🌄 Your skills are maturing. You’re taking responsibility, helping others, and setting a strong example.
• Black Belts: 🛡️ You’re not just skilled—you’re a leader. You represent perseverance, humility, and commitment to lifelong learning.

And each stripe you earn on your belt tip shows you’re making steady progress. It’s not about being the fastest or the strongest—it’s about being consistent, appreciating the feedback from your instructors, and being committed to personal growth.

Pride Without Ego

In summary, wearing your dobok and belt is something to be proud of—but in CKD, pride doesn’t come attached with ego. It comes with quiet confidence, knowing how far you’ve come and being eager to continue learning. That’s what makes the Choi Kwang Do community so special. We lift each other up and celebrate every milestone and success that we achieve —big or small.

Final Thought

The next time you put on your dobok and tighten your belt, remember what they stand for. It’s a reminder of your courage to start, your effort to improve, and your commitment to become the best version of yourself—one class at a time.

So wear your uniform with pride. You’ve earned it.

Master V.