Outdoor and Rec Athletics 0112 - Martial Arts: Buki, Wooden Instruments

Please read expanded course description for FULL CLASS INFO! As a replacement for the term "weapon", this class entitled, Wooden Martial Arts INSTRUMENTS, draws from a combination of curriculums typically found in Aikido, Iaido (Japanese swordsmanship), and partially some Kendo (Japanese fencing) practices. At the turn of the 17th century, the samurai class had to adjust to peacetime after a great era of civil war. Without the purpose of their primary occupation the samurai adapted to transform their military customs into vast ritual practices. Although the concept of honing and maintaining skills amongst each other in practices with "weapons" was still very much present after 1600 A.D., new versions of "weapons" began to emerge in dojos (martial arts schools) for practical safety reasons that were symbolic reminders of their lethal ancestors. Form and precision rather than dominance and violence became axioms of martial arts at this time re-directing the emphasis away from cutting down an opponent on the battlefield and instead on cutting down of the ego. Students will experience working with "bokken" (wooden sword) and "jo" (wooden staff - an abstraction of a spear). Form based studies draw their inspiration from application to an external opponent. Students will learn a balance of these solo forms and how they relate to working with a partner. NO PREVIOUS MARTIAL ARTS EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. THIS CLASS IS DESIGNED AS A NATURAL INTRODUCTION TO OPRA #0117: IAIDO, JAPANESE SWORDSMANSHIP. Students should come prepared in clothing that allows for full freedom of movement. Class meets in the South Lounge on the 2nd floor of the Robert Crown Center. 5-College students will be graded pass/fail. Accepted for CEL 1&2 credit. VALID personal equipment acceptable for class use. Please verify equipment with the instructor.

MEETS ONLY Sept. 1st - Oct. 20th. Partial CEL Credit.