Please read expanded course description for FULL CLASS INFO. To be an archer in historical samurai society was considered as being among the elite of a domain. Archers were beholden to defending their lord's stronghold from distant threats. After an era of great civil war ended in Japan by 1600 A.D., samurai warriors lost their primary means of occupation and were compelled repurpose their paradigms of fighting and destructive techniques.

Please read expanded course description for FULL CLASS INFO! Leadership is more than just being "in charge" and being an instructor requires more than having a specific amount of simple experience. People when put in leadership positions are not magically imbued with teaching skills that guarantee and positive learning environment. Being able to effectively lead students demands the presence of axiomatic components that puts the student on the best possible path of growth and development.

Please read expanded course description for FULL CLASS INFO! Aikido is essentially a modern manifestation of traditional Japanese martial arts (Budo), derived from a synthesis of body, sword, and staff arts. Its primary emphasis is defensive, utilizing techniques of neutralization through leverage, timing, balance, and joint control. There is no emphasis on strikes or kicks since one is trained to blend and evade rather than confront. Beginners will practice ukemi (falling), body movement, conditioning, and several basic techniques.

Please read expanded course description for FULL CLASS INFO! "Bokken" are Japanese wooden swords used for training and application of hypothetical combat maneuvers that would otherwise be too dangerous to perform with a real metal sword. Created in a time of Japanese martial arts history when the training and production of scholars in "budo" (The Way of the warrior) rather than expendable battle-hardened soldiers was the objective, bokken were inexpensive and generally safe substitutes for real swords in daily training at martial arts schools.

Build strength as well as mobility in this innovative yoga class. Taught by long time Hampshire yoga teacher Molly Kitchen, this class includes the instructor's knowledge of many movement modalities as well as her study of movement science and functional mobility training. Expect to try some out-of-the-box approaches to yoga asana, as well as learn how to integrate these approaches into your asana practice. Over the course of the semester, you'll experiment with body weight strength training, resistance bands, and updated uses for typical yoga props. Some yoga experience required.

Deepen your practice with the alignment-based class, intended for students who have completed #0105-Beginning Yoga or have outside prior yoga experience. In this class, we will explore a wider range of postures as well as breathing techniques and meditation. Please bring a yoga mat. Yoga mats are available for sale at the Hampshire College equipment room for $14. Class meets in the Small Dance Studio of the Music and Dance Building. Five College students will be graded pass/fail.

Learn the basics of yoga practice, including asana (physical postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), vinyasa (moving with the breath), philosophy and meditation. This class is intended for those new to yoga or those looking for a slower paced, instruction-oriented class. Please wear clothing you can move comfortably in and bring a yoga mat. Yoga mats are available for sale at the Hampshire College equipment room for $14. Class meets in the Small Dance Theatre of the Music and Dance Building. Five College students will be graded pass/fail.

Please read expanded course description for FULL CLASS INFO! Students of all fitness levels will experience aerobic and plyometric training in a full introduction of strikes, kicks, and total body movement. Proper technique of how to safely align hands, wrists, feet, ankles, knees, and hips for absorbing impact from hitting and holding a punching bag will be examined closely. No previous martial arts, fitness or kickboxing experience required. THIS IS NOT A SELF-DEFENSE CLASS NOR A FORMAL METHOD OF LEARNING "FIGHTING" OR "VIOLENCE PREVENTION" TECHNIQUE.

Please read expanded course description for FULL CLASS INFO! Shotokan Karate is a Japanese martial art specializing in linear systems of blocking, striking, kicking, and body movement techniques. Combined with balance, timing, and coordination, single techniques are threaded to create entire sequences of movement dealing with hypothetical opponents. These forms, or "kata" are karate's most valuable capsules of knowledge passed down from generation to generation. Within these kata are lessons on how to negotiate a real opponent with sparring drills, or "kumite".

This course furthers the development of receptive and expressive signing skills. The course introduces the more complex grammatical structure including signing space, body posture and facial expression. More information about the deaf community will be provided through readings, videotapes/DVDs, class discussions, presenters and events. Prerequisite: Successful completion of American Sign Language I or equivalent proficiency.