 "Photo: Sarah McGuan")
Sometimes, the most enjoyable activities in life are not easy to find.
And while most people don't go to the Student Organization Fair to find a club that involves martial arts, Matthew Johnson did.
This is how Johnson, now a junior, discovered Aikido.
"I stumbled across them at the Student Org. Fair, thought they looked interesting, and attended the training sessions," Johnson said. "I was hooked and everyone's kindness. Here were all these people who only wanted to see you improve and get better. There was really no greater feeling."
Johnson and the club host "Taste of Aikido" at 8 p.m. today in the Williams Center.
The event is to introduce a form of martial arts for those who are interested.
"Taste of Aikido is a free event for all UWW students to come in and see what exactly Aikido is," ORorke said.
Other club members, such as sophomore club president Justin ORorke had experience in martial arts, so they were looking for a place to keep improving their skills when they joined the club.
"I had been doing martial arts for seven years before I found Aikido," ORorke said.
Aikido is technically a Japanese form of self-defense similar to other forms of martial arts.
Although martial arts can get pretty violent at times, Johnson said Aikido is not only about fighting and self-defense.
"Aikido is a blending art," Johnson said. "You learn how to take your opponents energy, when they attack you, away from them and turn it against them. And in times of stress, Aikido teaches you how to relax."
Both ORorke and Johnson said the club is looking for new members.
"We are always encouraging and accepting people to join," ORorke said.
Johnson added that experience is not a factor for new members and hopesv students attend tonight's event.
"We are always welcoming people to come and train with us," Johnson said. "It does not matter what kind of ability or training you already have."
Be the first to comment on this article!