Martial Arts

Rec Classes Offers Over 20 Varieties of Martial Arts

UCSD celebrates diversity and so does the martial arts program. We offer a variety of Chinese, Japanese, Korean and other forms of martial arts. It can get a little confusing deciding which form is for you.  If you need help please contact our Martial Arts Coordinator, Alfonso Gomez, at:  aegomez@ucsd.edu  and he can point you in the right direction.  Or simply drop in and have a look at our various martial arts offerings. Click here to see the schedule and prices.

Chinese:

 Baguazhang: Baguazhang is an internal style martial art. It is known for its circle walking and fluid movements. The class will focus on fundamentals, basic technique and proper alignment.Not offered this summer but welcome it back in the fall.

San Soo Kung Fu: In this class students will learn fundamental aspects of hand-to-hand combat. Emphasis will be on punches, kicks, leverages, throws and body dynamics. Use of weapons, including swords, staffs, knives and blunt will also be covered. You will learn a variety of real life applications including how to handle crowd situations. Your fighting technique will be developed in a relaxed, non-competitive environment.

Shaolin Kung Fu: The introductory class provides basic meditation, twenty different forms and fifteen grappling techniques. After establishing a firm foundation, more advanced forms such as the Crane, Tiger and Monkey will be taught. Emphasis is on applying and understanding forms, self-discipline and body-strengthening.

Taiji (Tai Chi): Taiji (Tai Chi) translates as 'the supreme ultimate.' Its principles are of balance, relaxation and coordination, within and between body, mind and spirit, with the effect of 'overcoming a thousand pounds with the force of four ounces.' Students in this class will learn poise, grace, ordination, power and the international Taiji forms.

Competition Tai Chi:This class will prepare students and practitioners that are interested in competing. The class will focus on technique and the international competition forms. Students should have some tai chi or martial arts experience for this class. Not offered this summer but will be back in the fall.

Wing Chun Kuen Kung Fu: This Chinese martial art is direct, compact and effective for self-protection. Students  learn to use proper body mechanics to perform drills, application and form. Emphasis is on functionality.

Wushu:  The word Wushu literally means "martial art"  in Chinese but has evolved into a sport derived from traditional Chinese martial arts. Competitive wushu is composed of two disciplines:  taolu(forms) and sanda(sparring). The UCSD Rec Class Wushu program trains students interested in intercollegiate competition in the sport at all levels emphasizing exacting fundamentals including stances, kicks, punches, balances, jumps, sweeps and throws and competition readiness. This class does not include sparring and throws.

Japanese:

Aikido: Aikido means 'The way of harmony with the natural forces of the universe.' This unique art is a powerful form of self-defense, and a sensible model for dealing with conflict. Classes focus on basic technique, centering, responsiveness and basic applications of non-resistance. Not offered this summer but will be back in the fall.

Iaido: Iaido is the art of Japanese swordsmanship. The main emphasis of the art of Iaido is the   use of the sword while still in the scabbard.

Kempo: Shorinji Kempo is not just a martial art or fighting art, it is the art of establishing  oneself. This Japanese art based on the principles of unity of strength, body and mind. Need answers to life's enigmas? Try Kempo.

Kendo: This martial art studies the art of the Japanese Samurai sword. This activity has evolved into one of Japan's major sporting activities.

Aoinagi Karate: Traditional karate with an emphasis on self-control and conflict avoidance exploring deeper levels of martial arts experience, including weapons training, effective self-defense techniques and the artistic dimension through advanced Kata practice.

Judo: Which is translated as the "gentle way", developed from Jujitsu, and does not incorporate kick or punches. It is a Martial Art and an Olympic Sport and teaches the principle of flexibility in the application of throwing, grappling, learning how to fall and submission techniques.  In the Judo class students will learn how to give way, rather than use force, to overcome a stronger opponent. The efficient use of balance, leverage and movement are the essence of Judo.Not offered this summer but will be back in the fall.

Kobudo: This class covers classical Okinawan forms of weapons combat. One starts with the Bo  staff and, through disciplined practice, may advance to other weapons.

Okinawan Karate Workout: This class covers the fundamentals of classical Okinawan Karate Kata (forms) and Kumite (sparring). The training is rigorous and challenging but also lots of fun. 

Shotokan Karate: This class covers the fundamentals of kata and kumite.

Korean:

Hapkido: Hapkido is an eclectic Korean martial art that incorporates kicks, punches, throws and  joint locks into a comprehensive system for self defense. Class atmosphere is friendly and non-competitive.

Taekwondo: Tae (Kick) Kwon (Fist strike) Do (Way of life) is a Korean martial art that involves kicking and hand strike techniques. Although Tae Kwon Do (TKD) is similar to Karate, TKD places a stronger emphasis on kicking (including jump kicks) and self defense.

Tang Soo Do Karate: Beginning and advanced training includes vigorous physical exercise and  self-defense including kicking, punching, judo throwing, grappling and joint lock. Weapons training using staff, cane, nunchucks, knife and sword. Meditation development of inner power through ancient Korean meditation exercises (Ki Kong).

Other:

 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu:The art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is one of the fastest growing martial systems in the world, representing both the standing and ground grappling methods of combat, practiced in a safe classroom setting. BJJ contains a variety of flips, throws, take-downs, sweeps, chokes, arm locks and leg locks. The goal of the training is to teach a student how to effectively neutralize a sudden ground attack and gain an advantage through leverage. We have both beginning and more intermediate levels.

Capoeira: Originally developed in Brazil by African slaves, this martial art form combines self-defense, combat, music, dance-like expression and acrobatics. Capoeira became their source of freedom from slavery and mental oppression. Today men, women and children all over the world train in this unique and captivating martial art. It builds mental and physical strength, endurance and agility while creating an outlet for creativity and self-expression.

Jeet Kune Do:  Is a mixed martial arts style that intertwines Filipino Kali, Wing Chun, Muay Thai, French Savate and Indonesian martial arts. 

Muay Thai - Intro to Basics: The focus of this course will be on conditioning exercises, pad work and clinch drills.  No sparring.

Women's Self Defense: Self defense specifically designed for women. Develop awareness of your surroundings and avoiding physical confrontations. Practice verbal self defense methods. The class is formatted to address each student's individual concerns.