The three ISU martial arts clubs teach self-defense skills to improve the safety and self-confidence of students and staff members in the ISU community.

“Martial arts is about developing self-esteem,” said Master Yong Chin Pak, adjunct instructor of health and human performance. “It builds confidence in oneself through physical and mental developments.”

Pak has taught tae kwon do, Hapkido and judo for Iowa State’s sports clubs for the past 28 years.

Students learn martial arts through a step-by-step process. A student must master certain skills before advancing to higher levels, said Master Instructor Jill Hegland, Hapkido Club judge.

“Through this process, martial arts teaches people to work toward their goals and expect more from themselves,” she said.

Martial arts includes philosophy, which is learned along with physical training, Pak said. The five tenets of martial arts are courage, integrity, self control, indomitable spirits and perseverance. Martial arts students are expected to apply these tenets to their daily lives, he said.

“These students are proud and confident,” Pak said. “They know the meaning of respect and responsibility.”

Students in martial arts also learn to caution themselves and be prepared to defend themselves in any situation.

“The recent attacks on the United States remind us of the need to be prepared physically and mentally for whatever may happen,” Pak said.

John Gilbert, ISU Judo Club president, related his martial arts training to the current terrorist situation.

“In this time of crisis, martial arts can be helpful,” said Gilbert, senior in agricultural engineering. “It provides a base to guide people.”

Hapkido, judo and tae kwon do follow the same philosophies, but each has a different approach to martial arts teaching.

The ISU Karate Club practices tae kwon do, or “The Way of Fist and Foot Fighting.” Master Pak founded the club in 1975. Its membership has grown to about 150 members, which makes it the largest martial arts club on campus, according to the Web site.

“Of all the martial arts, tae kwon do is the most easily accessible,” said Craig Rueter, Karate Club president and senior in computer science. “Tae kwon do uses mainly arms and legs. It does not require as many of the unnatural movements found in Hapkido and judo.”

Judo, translated “The Gentle Way,” is often compared to wrestling, Gilbert said. The opponents attempt to throw, pin and choke each other. Unlike Hapkido and tae kwon do, judo concentrates more on competition and less on self-defense, he said.

The ISU Judo Club, founded in 1963, has about 30 members. Its goals are to increase membership and attend as many competitions as possible, Gilbert said.

“Judo is a fun sport to learn, because the moves include chokes, throws, arm bars and pins,” he said. “It allows people to test themselves and see what they can do.”

Hapkido, or “The Way of Coordinated Power,” teaches only self-defense. There is no attacking or competition involved. Students learn to manipulate an attackers body to escape physical harm, Rueter said.

The ISU Hapkido Club, formed in 1973, has taught self-defense to hundreds of sororities, dorm floors and other campus organizations, Pak said.

“Hapkido is excellent for women,” Hegland said. “It is based on physical movements instead of physical strength. Women and smaller men excel after only a few months of practice.”

Pak stressed self-defense and awareness for women.

“Men think they can handle women any time, anywhere,” Pak said. “We have to wake up women, so women can fight back.”

Anyone interested in learning martial arts is encouraged to attend a practice, Rueter said. Additional information on each club can be found on their Web sites at www.stuorg.iastate.edu/karate, www.stuorg.iastate.edu/judo and www.stuorg.iastate.edu/hapkido.

“Everybody – young and old, women and men – can learn martial arts,” Pak said. “However, becoming strong takes dedication and sacrifice. Many do not have the patience it takes to succeed.”