The student attacks his adversary full-force, striking with precision and exhaling sharply with each blow he is unable to block. Participants kick, block and strike to the best of their ability, but in the end there is a clear winner. The ‘losing’ student taps out, signaling the end of the fighting match.

The activity described above is known as sparring, an aspect of several martial arts disciplines. Students have the opportunity to learn sparring and other martial arts techniques through programs offered at the student recreation center.

Classes are available for Ba Gua, Shotokan Karate, Wing Chun Kung Fu, Xingyi Quan and Olympic Tae Kwon Do and are offered for two six-week sessions: Jan. 28 through March 7, and March 17 through April 25.

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A basic knowledge of self-defense is the main reason many people learn martial arts, said Marty Davis, Wing Chun Kung Fu instructor.

“Martial arts has been watered down,” Davis said. “They don’t tell people that [some martial arts] is not going to provide you with what you need to survive a real street encounter.”

Yet while most people never need to use their martial arts training in a practical situation, a lot of confidence comes from knowing they can use it if they need to, said Steve Eberhart, Shotokan Karate sensei.

Learning self-defense is most important for women and children, Davis said.

But martial arts is more than learning how to defend yourself. There are other physical components, such as exercise and increased flexibility.

There are spiritual and mental components of martial arts as well, including becoming more centered and calm, Eberhart said.

“It’s also good for kids; it does help them learn self-discipline,” Eberhart said. “They’ve done studies of children with ADHD and they’ve found that it’s useful in helping them learn to control their impulsivity, inattention and hyperactivity. I think that’s because of the self-discipline.”

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In addition to the martial arts classes that are offered, other programs in dance, Tai Chi, pilates and yoga are offered through the recreation center.

For more information or to register for a class, visit the Recreation Center administrative office or call 453-1263.

Daily Egyptian reporter Audra Ord can be reached at 536-3311 ext. 275 or at [email protected].