This class begins after Spring Break and meets on Thursdays from March till May. It is for students with little or no climbing experience. Students will learn basic safety techniques, rope work, knots, and climbing techniques. Enjoy the opportunity to exercise your body and mind using the indoor climbing wall and local climbing areas. This class is the same as OPRA 152. 5-College students will be graded pass/fail.

Resisting Aggression with Defense (R.A.D.) addresses violence as a sexist phenomena. Social constructs of masculinity promotes the notion that all men know "to fight" and that they are never the victims of violence. Violence can affect and victimize all genders. Statistics and recorded data indicate that a high percentage of reported aggressive or violent instances involve men in some capacity. This program's directive is the development of realistic and responsible self defense options for men that resist and deescalate confrontational situations.

The Rape Aggression Defense system (R.A.D.) is a program of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques. The system is a comprehensive course for women that begins with risk awareness, prevention, reduction, and avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training. It is dedicated to teaching women defensive concepts and techniques against various types of assault, by utilizing easy, effective and proven self-defense/martial arts tactics. The RAD system of realistic defense provides women with the knowledge to make an educated decision about resistance.

Please read expanded course description for FULL CLASS INFO. Perhaps the most superbly engineered sword in the world, the katana perseveres in the modern age with deep roots in Japanese history. Popularly recognized as the icon of samurai warriors as their primary weapon on the feudal battlefield, Iaido reinvents the use of the sword as a means of practicing precision, refinement and manners. No previous experience in martial arts is required. As a form-based martial art, Iaido traditionally is practiced without any physical opponents.

Students will review topics on handling equipment, maintenance and the practice of Shichido. Introduced at the intermediate level are two-arrow forms called Hitote and Tsukubai. Both will be practiced at short range and then gradually at a more distant target. Students will learn the difference in equipment required for long-range shooting and how to synchronize with other archers in their practice. In order to harmonize with others, surrendering the ego becomes a necessary objective. Being too fast or too slow during this process of the form is an indication of undesired individuality.

Archery was historically considered the most elite of samurai military forms. To be an archer meant you were beholden to defending your lord's stronghold from distant threats. After the era of great civil war had ended in Japan by 1600 A.D., samurai warriors were at a loss for a way to keep current their military tactics. The need to repurpose the paradigm of their fighting and destructive methods caused the samurai to shift towards scholastic pursuits, religion and philosophy. Students will encounter a standing form of Zen meditation or Ritsuzen, by way of the Japanese bow.

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. Purchase of a uniform or gi is highly recommended but NOT REQUIRED. Purchases can made directly with the instructor.

Students of all fitness levels will experience aerobic, plyometric training in a full introduction of strikes and kicks. Proper technique on how to safely align hands, wrists, feet and ankles for absorbing impact while hitting and holding a punching bag will be studied. (((This is an advancing course - continuing students will progress to more complicated material each semester.))) NOTE: This course is NOT a formal method of practical combat, violence prevention training nor a means to practice free form sparring.

Please read expanded course description for FULL CLASS INFO. Shotokan Karate began as an unarmed form of self-defense for civilians on the island archipelago off the southwestern coast of Japan: present day Okinawa. During its forceful annexation to the main island of Japan in the late 19th century, any individual with a working knowledge of hand-to-hand combat was considered a threat to the Japanese military incursions. Training and practice of karate had to be held in secret and late at night. No previous experience in martial arts is required.

Students travel to NYC for intensive weekend encounters with architecture and design professionals: architects, landscape architects, builders, & public officials who will provide insight into career pathways. Requires 4 overnight stays in New York City.