Get in with Ord

Editor's note: This is the 14th story in a weekly series featuring recreational opportunities through SIU and the Southern Illinois region.

Any kid who has ever watched Mr. Miyagi of "The Karate Kid," or any Jackie Chan or Bruce Lee flick, has probably wanted to emulate the awesomeness, discipline and power of these Hollywood heroes.

But martial arts is more than throwing punches and kicking. Life lessons such as discipline, self control and respect are also taught and impressed upon martial arts students.

"You have to have a focused and disciplined mind to have a focused and disciplined body," said Brian Stanfield, president and instructor of the Aikido club.

There are seven martial arts sports clubs offered through SIUC, and several martial arts classes are offered through the Recreation Center each semester.

Stanfield, a graduate student from Indianola, Iowa, in philosophy, said he enjoys the spiritual aspect of Aikido as much as the physical aspect. He said Aikido is not a punch-and-kick, competitive style of martial arts - it has more to do with subduing an attack using grappling, pins and submission rather than counterattacking.

"(Aikido) focuses on self-cultivation and self-discipline and emphasizes a peaceful resolution of violent conflict," Stanfield said.

Other martial arts disciplines place equal importance on discipline and respect.

Shinkendo, a Japanese martial art that translates to "way of the living sword," teaches the ideology of the ancient Samurai, said Shinkendo club president Kit Teatock.

Teatock, a senior from Mattoon studying aviation management, said that although many martial arts have become more of a sport or have lost practicality, Shinkendo is practical battlefield combat in the way the Samurai practiced it.

"We teach what a Samurai would've actually learned going out onto the battlefield," Teatock said. "It's not in anticipation that we would ever have to use this, but it's trying to hold onto those traditions."

Evan Clark, the former president of the Kendo club, said the presence of different martial arts forms in popular culture sparks interest in the disciplines.

"In many instances, it is becoming more popular," Clark said. "But as far as how people view it, I think in film ... martial arts gets very easily misconstrued."

Clark, a senior from St. Louis studying electrical engineering, said his experience in martial arts has helped him in job interviews because employers expect martial artists to be disciplined and well-trained.

Though martial arts is generally often misrepresented as a violent and dangerous activity, Clark said those who practice martial arts treat each other with respect. He said the people he practices and trains with become family, and they take care not to injure each other.

Stanfield said the discipline of Aikido also encourages control and safety.

"It's a friendly art," Stanfield said. "We spend a lot of time working together in precarious situations, so we protect each other as much as possible when we train. ... We spend most of our time teaching people how to cooperate with each other ... rather than fighting against each other."

Audra Ord can be reached at 536-3311 ext. 275 or at amarie06@siu.edu.