Leatherhead Choi Kwang Do, Surrey

Mr Dave Roper

I left the British Army in October 2005 after serving five years in the Infantry. I was part of the battalion boxing team.

When I left the army, I looked for local boxing clubs, but there wasn’t any in the Reigate area. I took up Choi Kwang Do in Dorking, with Mr Tipson and was surprised to have found something that I enjoyed as much as boxing.

Before long I was training 6 hours a week and helping out at kids’ classes.

I was awarded the rank of Assistant Instructor in March 2006, and knew then that I wanted my own school.

In March 2007 I graded for my 1st degree black belt in Atlanta, USA, and was awarded the rank of Chief Instructor in May 2007.

Leatherhead Choi Kwang Do was officially opened on the 3rd July 2007, and it has been the best decision that I have ever made.