Aikido originated in the centuries-old tradition of the Japanese martial arts and is a form of budo-- a way of life that seeks to polish the self through a blend of rigorous physical training and spiritual discipline.

There is no attack in Aikido. Its uniqueness as a martial art lies in its awareness of a deep sense of harmony with all of creation with training to defend not only the self but to bring the attacker under control without the necessity of inflicting injury.

Because of Aikido's noncompetitive, harmonious philosophy, men and women of all ages can train together in a mutually supportive atmosphere, at an energy level appropriate for each individual. New students are welcome to join the class at any time.

The Stanford Judo Club was founded in the Fall of 1980 and has since evolved into a nationally competitive collegiate Judo team. We practice Judo for recreation, exercise and self-defense, but our main thrust is competition. We compete as individuals in tournaments and as a team in tournaments and intercollegiate meets.

JKA Shotokan Karate

Shotokan Karate is a weaponless martial art developed in Okinawa and Japan, emphasizing power and efficiency in combat. Skilled karateka defeat their opponents with minimal number of techniques and effort, which is particularly useful when facing multiple opponents. Shotokan is distinguished from other martial arts by the linearity and strength of its punches, blocks, and kicks. Precise techniques, accompanied by mastery and focus of energy flows and a deep knowledge of the body's vital points, make this karate style a comprehensive system for self-defense and combat.

However, Shotokan Karate is much more than just a way to defend and fight - it is an holistic system in which the training itself has far reaching effects on the trainee. It is an ideal way to become and stay fit, as it combines intense aerobic and anaerobic exercises. It is a way to gain self-discipline and the confidence to surmount everyday obstacles, whether tangible or not. Shotokan Karate encourages and helps in the exploration and understanding of both the physical and mental self.

The JKA Shotokan club is led by Sensei Kenichi Haramoto, a sixth degree black belt and certified instructor of the Japan Karate Association. He started teaching Karate at Stanford in 1970. Please see the club's web page for details.

Stanford Capoeira Club

Capoeira is a breathtaking Afro-Brazilian art which combines practical martial arts, dance, acrobatics, music, history and philosophy. The origin of Capoeira is obscure since the evolution of Capoeira during the Brazilian slave trade was not well documented. Most theories point toward adapted movements from traditional Angola dance which evolved into techniques of self-defense. When Capoeira was outlawed by slave owners the fighting art became disguised as a dance through the addition of music and acrobatic movements. In the 1930's Capoeira was legalized in Brazil and is now spreading throughout the world. We are proud to have classes taught on the Stanford campus by world renowned Mestre Beicola from Rio de Janeiro.

Kenpo Karate is an electic martial art, which seeks to take the most efficient techniques for self-defense from many other martial arts. Kenpo tends to be oriented toward self defense in modern attacker/defender situations, although SKKA also teaches sparring and kata, and encourages students to participate in competitions as a way of advancing their own personal growth in the martial arts.

Kenpo incorporates movements from both Chinese and Japanese martial arts styles (typically identified as circular vs. linear, or soft vs. hard styles), and emhasizes multiple strike defenses, joint locks, evasions, pressure points, sweeps and kicks. The instructors at SKKA typically have experience in multiple martial arts disciplines, and incorporate this other knowledge into their teachings.

The Stanford Self-Defense Class teaches practical methods of self-defense drawn from all the martial arts. This coed course is available to beginners every quarter. Advanced training also is available year-round through senior black belt level, and is offered to improve and widen each student's skills.

All Stanford students, faculty and staff members are invited to join our relaxed atmosphere, as we work on conditioning and coordination. Students who have completed the beginners' course can further refine their basic skills, as well as learn more complicated techniques. Advanced students may continue as long as they wish, with the possibility of receiving formal belt ranks in Aiki Jujitsu.

Taekwondo

The Stanford University Taekwondo Program trains undergraduates, graduates, and community members in the modern martial art and sport of Taekwondo.
Classes focus on basic and advanced footwork, kicking and striking technique, competitive theory, individual and partner drills as well as both recreational and competitive sparring. Stanford Taekwondo also fields a team that competes in tournaments nationwide.

In addition to providing a rigorous workout to both newcomers and advanced students, the club fosters a fun and friendly atmosphere among its members, organizing various social events outside of regular workouts.

Join us this year in our brand new training facility inside the new Arrillaga Center for Sports and Recreation. Classes for various skill levels meet two to three times a week. Please see our web page for more information.

Wing Chun Kung Fu

Wing Chun Kung Fu's roots can be traced from the Southern Shaolin Temple in China to the late Grand Master Yip Man. It is one of the few martial arts that attributes its origins to a woman. Although popularized as Bruce Lee's "mother art", the practice of Wing Chun remains substantially different from his Jeet Kune Do. Taught as a predominantly internally-oriented style stressing technique, sensitivity, and subtle awareness instead of brute force, Wing Chun provides practical self-defense for men and women and a means for developing the mind and spirit.

The classes are taught by Eddie Oshins, a 15-year student of Sifu Kenneth Chung, Director of the San Francisco Wing Chun Student Association. Eddie also does related scientific research on the principles of mind-body action as a courtesy Visiting Scholar with Stanford University's Department of Physics.

Wushu

Modern Wushu is a martial art which combines a foundation in the traditional Chinese fighting arts with a modern disposition towards aesthetics, grace, and performance. It emphasizes a combination of strength, speed, and flexibility rarely seen in other martial arts or sports. Both a martial art and a performance art, Wushu is the national sport of China, and is practiced throughout the world. Along with open hand training, Wushu athletes do extensive training with weapons such as broadsword, staff, spear, and straight sword. The Stanford Wushu Club hold lessons twice a week, and is open to everyone regardless of experience.