Media Release
3 October 2008
Kiwi woman martial arts world leader
Auckland wife and mother, Caroline Hazelden, has become a martial arts leader both in New Zealand and Internationally.
The Choi Kwang Do Black Belt is believed to be the only fulltime professional female martial arts school owner in New
Zealand and leads the world with the fastest growing school in Choi Kwang Do.
Choi Kwang Do was established 20 years ago by Grandmaster Kwang Jo Choi who had previously been the Tae Kwon Do
instructor for the Korean Army and had trained directly under the Tae Kwon Do Founder. After seeing some of the negative
physical effects of long time Tae Kwon Do exponents Grandmaster Choi set about designing a new martial art. Drawing on
yoga for stretching, eliminating competition that can cause emotional stress and adding a true family atmosphere Choi
Kwang Do was born.
Choi Kwang Do is believed to be the fastest growing martial art in the world and Hazelden’s Browns Bay school leads the
world in school growth. The school was opened in February 2007 however its popularity saw fulltime premises officially
opened by Member of Parliament Murray McCully in March 2008. Given her unprecedented growth Caroline was honoured with a
visit by Grandmaster Choi in August this year for a second official opening.
“To have the founder of your martial art visit your school at such an early stage and recognise the success you have
achieved is a true highlight and makes all the hard work worthwhile” says Hazelden.
According to Hazelden, Choi has a positive community aspect with children learning about confidence, self respect and
general wellbeing in addition to keeping fit and learning self defence techniques. It is often the positive experience
of their children that leads many parents to join themselves making Choi a true family activity.
“Many adult members tell me they hadn’t thought of martial arts for their regular exercise because they were worried
about getting hurt” says Hazelden. “But being non-contact the adults are finding Choi much more exciting than repetitive
gym workouts” she says.
Choi Kwang Do is open to all ages from 3 year olds and has members who are well into their senior years. With the many
physical benefits on offer this may be one activity the whole family can share in an age where finding quality family
time is a real challenge. More information about Choi Kwang Do and class schedules are available at www.choi.co.nz.
ENDS