Master Harrison Rafferty
I am very lucky to have started my martial arts journey as a student of CKD at 4 years old. I don't remember my first class but I remember spending time with my family and learning about self-control, integrity, perseverance and other important values. CKD is not just a sport it's a lifestyle that includes health, fitness, personal development and self defence. As a child training in CKD I gained confidence knowing that I was powerful and strong. I learned as an 8 year old when I achieved my 1st Dan black belt that if I work diligently over a long period of time and stay focused on my goals that I can achieve them, even the difficult ones. Over the last 20 years I've been very fortunate to receive guidance from international instructors and have been able to travel to Argentina, Australia, London, Portugal, South Korea, the US and New Zealand because of seminars and exchanges.
What benefits do you get by training in Choi Kwang Do?
In the 20 years that I've been involved in CKD it's helped me become a better version of myself, especially concerning education and spirituality. There's a magical moment in a CKD class when a student asks, "why do we do this in this way and not that way"? And then there's a logical explanation based on scientific principles - no "because it looks good" or "because that's how we always do it". As an instructor the theory side is amazing because you have to understand anatomy, physics, psychology and other sciences, that's how you improve your own understanding of CKD - and then you have to transform that understanding into explanations, drills, games and ultimately something someone can do. I enjoy the process of learning, unlearning, re-learning and having to let go of your ego in order to progress.
CKD was really helpful during my university studies. Attending CKD classes was a great way to release stress and stay healthy while under pressure. The CKD International Contests are a lot of fun and I enjoy taking my nutrition and training more seriously in the months leading up to these events.
What advice would you give to a beginner?
Ask plenty of questions, have a good chat about your goals and learn about whether CKD could help you get there. I'm always available to talk about these things and you'll find that other members and parents are very open to talking about CKD, their experience and how it could work for you.
What benefits do you get by training in Choi Kwang Do?
In the 20 years that I've been involved in CKD it's helped me become a better version of myself, especially concerning education and spirituality. There's a magical moment in a CKD class when a student asks, "why do we do this in this way and not that way"? And then there's a logical explanation based on scientific principles - no "because it looks good" or "because that's how we always do it". As an instructor the theory side is amazing because you have to understand anatomy, physics, psychology and other sciences, that's how you improve your own understanding of CKD - and then you have to transform that understanding into explanations, drills, games and ultimately something someone can do. I enjoy the process of learning, unlearning, re-learning and having to let go of your ego in order to progress.
CKD was really helpful during my university studies. Attending CKD classes was a great way to release stress and stay healthy while under pressure. The CKD International Contests are a lot of fun and I enjoy taking my nutrition and training more seriously in the months leading up to these events.
What advice would you give to a beginner?
Ask plenty of questions, have a good chat about your goals and learn about whether CKD could help you get there. I'm always available to talk about these things and you'll find that other members and parents are very open to talking about CKD, their experience and how it could work for you.