Ju-Jitsu teaches living everyday as a warrior
The Penn State Ju-Jitsu club instills in its members confidence and focus.
By Jordan Hoover
For The Collegian
Through patience, diligence and hard work, virtually any one can achieve anything. At least that’s what the students in Penn State’s Quantum Ju-Jitsu club believe. They incorporate these practices daily in trying to attain their goals. Not simply goals on the mat, but goals of everyday life.
All of these components are part of living everyday as a warrior.
In a real life situation, when two men of differing sizes are prepared to fight, the larger, stronger one will usually win. But what is emphasized in Ju-Jitsu is relying on learned techniques, not strength.
“In your basic street-fight situation, it helps,” said Alex Romanenko (freshman-journalism), a member of the club. “It teaches how to use your body when it is in uncomfortable or awkward situations.”
Ju-Jitsu is defined as a method of defending oneself without the use of weapons by using the strength and weight of an adversary to disable him or her. In Quantum Ju-Jitsu, not only is defense important, but focus and breathing play important roles, too.
Dave Light, instructor Penn State’s Quantum Ju-Jitsu club, is a current standing brown belt in Ju-Jitsu.
“Inside of class is where we learn most of the techniques,” he said. “Where as Warrior Yoga is where most of the philosophy is taught.”
Ju-Jitsu is a staple in the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), which has grown in popularity over the past few years in the United States. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has introduced Ju-Jitsu and other forms of martial arts to the American public. Like the UFC, Quantum Ju-Jitsu incorporates groundwork, throwing and striking. Unlike the UFC, striking is done in a controlled setting with pads.
The motivation for learning ju-jitsu varies between students. Some choose to learn to be a more complete fighter in the MMA world. Others want to be able to defend themselves in a dangerous situation.
“Along with ju-jitsu, I also wrestle and do boxing. I’m just trying to be a well rounded and a well versed fighter,” Romanenko said.
The most essential part of living the “warrior way” is through breathing. Simply learning to breathe in the proper way can make all the difference in the world.
“When someone experiences the mind-body connection, that’s when they can experience life authentically,” Light said.
http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/2006/11/11-07-06tdc/11-07-06dsports-08.asp
“When someone experiences the mind-body connection, that’s when they can experience life authentically,” Light said. :icon_roll