Choi began practicing tae kwon do, a form of martial art and combat sport that originated in Korea about 2,000 years ago, as a child in South Korea. Choi moved to America in 1978 at the age of 18.

Tae kwon do was created by traveling Buddhist monks who needed "an animated way to defend themselves," Philip says. Every form, as an example, begins with a blocking motion.

CHIEF instructor Russell Perks led by example at Kidderminster and Bewdley Tae Kwon Do Schools of Excellence's annual blackbelt grading.