| Karate Provides Many Services For Students |
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Karate is one of Iowa State's most popular sports clubs, and ISU has the opportunity to gain valuable experience with this form of martial art first hand. Karate, along with Hapkido and Judo, are taught by internationally respected Master Instructor Yong Chin Pak, who holds the rank of 7th degree black belt in Taekwondo and 6th degree black belt in Hapkido and Judo. The ISU Karate Club practices Korean Karate, better known as Taekwondo, or "the art of hand and foot." Emphasizing fast, powerful blocks, kicks and strikes, Taekwondo is a comprehensive system of self-defense. It trains students in both defensive and offensive techniques, and gives the student an excellent physical workout. The Karate Club offers instruction not only in traditional Taekwondo, but in sport Taekwondo as well. The club, a member of the U.S. Taekwondo Union, practices Olympic-style free-sparring, and students have the opportunity to compete at the local, national and international level. Competitors can participate in more than 10 club-affiliated local tournaments in a four-state region every year. The ISU Karate Club's own tournament is one of the largest in the state, second only to the annual Iowa Games Sports Festival's Taekwondo tournament, (which is also directed by Master Pak.) The Iowa State Hapkido Club is the fastest growing of the three martial arts clubs, and offers students an entirely different style of martial art. Hapkido, "the art of coordinated power," is one of Korea's newest martial arts, but its roots are many centuries old. Based upon the three principles of circular motion, non-resistance, and the powerful force of flowing water known simply as the water principal, it is also one of the best forms of personal self-defense. Because Hapkido is an art developed strictly for self-defense purposes, there is no sport competition. For the past four years, Hapkido has been active in the ISU community providing self-defense demonstrations and seminars for many different groups including dormitory floors, sororities, and off-campus organizations. Recently, with the support of the GSB, Master Pak and the Hapkido club produced a self-defense video and manual to be used as part of the self-defense training seminars. The video is now being marketed to other colleges and institutions, where it will be used to teach people the benefits of even the most basic aspects of Hapkido training. The ISU Judo Club continues the longest martial arts tradition on campus. Called "the gentle way," Judo uses throwing, grappling, choking and joint-locking to form an art that can be used for both self-defense and sports competition. In addition to regular workouts, Judo members compete in several local, regional and national tournaments each year. The club, under Master Pak's careful instruction, has produced several students of national and international stature, including one current member who is the 1st alternate for the U.S. National Team, and is currently competing in international tournaments around the world. Classes are taught year round for all levels of ability, and new students are always welcome. Workouts are in 301 Beyer Hall, which is the old wrestling room above the weight room. The Karate Club works out Monday, Wednesday and Friday with beginners at 6:00, intermediate at 7:00 and advanced Monday and Wednesday at 8:00 and Friday at 7:00. Hapkido workouts are held on Tuesday and Thursday with beginners at 5:30, intermediate at 6:30, and advanced at 7:30. Judo follows Hapkido on Tuesday and Thursday with all ranks working out at 8:30. Taekwondo is also available through P.E. 170 (beginners), and P.E. 171 (advanced). Hapkido is available in P.E. 173 (all ranks). For more information on any of the three clubs, please feel free to stop and observe, or call Master Pak at 294-5966. |