On March 24, the CU Judo club held one of their many training sessions in the Performing Arts Annex where the students learned and performed different martial arts techniques. 

The club meets on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays where they focus on martial arts, physical training and character development. Samuel Lee, junior and club president, says that the mission of CU Judo is to “provide a place for participants of any level to refine existing skills and learn new ones whilst developing discipline and self-confidence.” 

The training session started with a high-intensity warm-up consisting of jogging, side steps, squats and push-ups. Club members warmed up using different martial arts techniques, like figure skates, over the shoulder rolls and scissors sweeps, to prepare for later sparring.  

The focus of students when sparring was keeping their opponent in front of them, and utilizing their own weight and their opponent's weight for their advantage. Students could do this by using their opponent’s uniform to shift their weight, and were also taught how to efficiently use an armbar to take down their opponent. Students then broke up into pairs, where the instructor gave directions and tips to help them improve their form and movements. 

Freshman Ruth Pearson said that CU Judo and martial arts have given her “tools for self-defense that are proven to work and a confidence to protect [her]self and others.” Peason added that it has also helped her “be more aware of [her] surroundings” and given her “the ability to diffuse a conflict that could lead to a physical altercation” because she knows she would be able to step in and handle it. 

Pearson said, “Judo club creates a community that encourages each other to progress.” Lee also commented that his favorite thing about CU Judo is “waking up at 6 a.m. to train” and “developing comradery with new members.”

The club’s advisor and primary instructor, Dr. Nathan Meier (Kinesiology), has a long history of Judo and martial arts training that have made him an excellent teacher. During sessions, Meier likes to focus on physical training, character development and competition possibilities. “Traditional martial arts promotes courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit,” he said. 

“Training is intended to improve health, develop confidence, transfer physical discipline to moral and spiritual discipline, and build community,” said Meier, as he hopes that he is able “to train students sufficiently to allow them to compete in local and national competition.” 

If you are interested in learning more about Judo or self-defense, CU Judo is hosting a women’s self-defense seminar on April 11 from 6-7:30 p.m., taught by Pearson and all are welcome! If you are interested in joining CU Judo or have any questions, email Samuel Lee at samuel.lee@eagles.cui.edu.

Tags: clubs, event, leadership

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