At 10:15 on a Monday morning all eyes were on Mr. G.

It's the time in Choi Kwang Do class when each student works on belt patterns, but this morning their instructor, Glenn Wygocki, issued a friendly challenge.

"Who wants to do their pattern?" Wygocki asked. 

He received a good response.

He paused, then questioned, "Or do you want to try my black belt pattern?"

The class went wild. 

Every kid in the class wants to be a black belt, even if they don't know it yet.

Newer students start to catch the enthusiasm of the senior students and soon a dozen children are mirroring the moves of their third-degree black belt instructor.

The focus is intense. The energy is infectious. It's the first week of summer vacation and these kids are right where they want to be—in the dojang with Mister "G."

Choi Kwang Do

Rochester Hills Choi Kwang Do is at the corner of Hamlin and Livernois roads. Wygocki opened the school in 2007, choosing the location for its gymnasium-style facilities. The martial-arts studio houses two separate training areas and a weight room.

With 4,800 square feet, there's plenty of room to let the tiger out of the cage.

But there is also a discipline and structure to the class that teaches children how to put that same tiger back in its cage.

"What we notice is that children have no concept of their own energy," Wygocki said. "Choi Kwang Do helps them visualize that energy and focus it to a task, then, most importantly, put that energy away when the task is done.

"The training is both physical and mental."

Class structure

While Wygocki teaches to the specific energy and needs of each class, the structure remains consistent.

Classes begin with the senior student bowing the class in and leading them in a "children's promise" and in the principals of Choi Kwang Do: honesty, humility, gentleness, perseverance, self-control and unbreakable spirit. Then the senior student will often lead the stretches.

"It's a great opportunity to practice leadership and controlling a group. It also allows the student to get comfortable with public speaking," Wygocki said.

After stretching, the class moves on to techniques, including students' belt level pattern and speed drills. With each belt advancement, another kick and punch are added to the pattern. (A third-degree black belt's pattern has 74 motions.)

"Choi Kwang Do is structured for success. The techniques are learned in steps so the student can do it well and gain confidence," Wygocki said.

After techniques, the class works on strength training and defense drills, including no-contact sparring.  Classes are filled with positive feedback and most end with a fun game.

"Our goal is to have smiley, sweaty kids at the end of class," Wygocki said with his own smile.

Summer sessions

Rochester Hills Choi Kwang Do offers a selection of programs for all ages, including Little Dragons (age 3 1/2-5), Kids (age 6-12), Adult (age 13 and up) and a school favorite, Family Class. 

"My rough and tumble martial arts friends don't understand why I like teaching kid classes the best, but it's changing lives," Wygocki explained.

The summer classes are offered Monday and Thursday at 10 a.m.

"Choi Kwang Do is easy for kids to pick up. It's not religion-based. It's easier on the body — muscles and joints — and it's much more practical for true self-defense," Wygocki said.

With more than 25 years of experience practicing and teaching martial arts, Wygocki has seen its benefits on himself, his own children, as well as his students.

"It's pretty amazing what Choi Kwang Do can do to these kids. My favorite thing is seeing how quickly they improve. It's not just for the athletically-gifted kids either," Wygocki said. "With the training anyone can be good and those are the special kids to me.

"Choi Kwang Do can change lives — and that feels good, it feels important."

Rochester Hills Choi Kwang Do offers summer kid sessions on Monday and Thursday at 10 a.m. in addition to their regular evening classes. Call 248-804-6637 or visit www.​rochesterhillsckd.​com.