(Justin Hartshorn)
Wednesday evenings contained in the University Recreation Center (UREC), a gaggle of scholars circle up on padded mats. The sound of motion, regular footwork, laughter and the sharp thuds of managed strikes was filling the air. For the members of the Seattle University Martial Arts Association (MAA), that is greater than a exercise: it’s an area for self-discipline, connection and development.
Founded in 2023, the MAA has shortly grow to be a hub for college kids interested by working towards martial arts in an accessible and inclusive atmosphere. Ethan Gaspar, a fourth-year laptop science main and the present president of the membership, stated that the group started as a strategy to make martial arts coaching extra accessible to college students.
“I met the former president in class, we both trained and connected over martial arts,” Gaspar stated. “Eventually, I went from just attending practices to helping coach, and now I’m leading the club.”
Under Gaspar’s management, the MAA supplies numerous coaching choices for each freshmen and seasoned martial artists. Members presently prepare in No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays at 1:30 p.m., and in Muay Thai (Striking) on Mondays at 8:30 p.m.. The group can be versatile, welcoming different martial arts kinds based mostly on teacher availability.
“We’re a very inclusive club,” Gaspar stated. “If someone has experience in another martial art, we’re more than happy to have them share and train with us.”
Beyond studying methods, MAA emphasizes the significance of making a way of group. Gaspar stated that welcoming freshmen is a high precedence.
“We take the personal approach, talk to people, build relationships and make sure they feel comfortable,” he stated. “That’s how we promote an inclusive environment.”
Another main focus of the membership is accessibility. While many off-campus gyms can price properly over $100 monthly, MAA stays free to all Seattle U college students. Gasper goals to make martial arts coaching extra accessible to all people who’re within the sport.
For college students like Kyler Saoit, a third-year and membership member, that accessibility made all of the distinction. Before becoming a member of, Saoit was interested by boxing however struggled to search out an inexpensive place to coach.
“I checked out a gym nearby, it was around $200 a month,” Saoit stated. “I couldn’t afford that, so I started teaching myself using YouTube videos till I found this club.”
After assembly MAA members at UREC, Saoit joined and instantly discovered the sense of belonging he’d been lacking.
“Martial arts has helped me build confidence and resilience,” Saoit stated. “You learn how to push through challenges, and the people here make it a good community to grow in.”
For Max Gran, a fourth-year laptop science main, becoming a member of MAA was a return to one thing acquainted. He grew up doing jiu-jitsu together with his father and needed to reconnect with that a part of his life.
“My dad got me into it when I was a kid,” Gran stated. “When I found out there was a martial arts club here, I knew it was time to start again.”
Gran described a typical assembly as balanced and hands-on.
“We start with warm-ups, then move into a technique of the day,” Gran stated. “Sometimes we finish with free rolling, where people can practice more freely.”
Gaspar hopes that the membership continues to develop and attain new college students who could also be interested in martial arts however are intimidated to begin.
“It’s not about being the best fighter,” Gaspar stated. “It’s about having fun, learning something new, and finding a place where you belong.”
As the session ended and college students bowed out for the evening, the mats grew quiet however the power lingered. The crew meets once more for Muay Thai on Monday at 8:30 PM and No-Gi Grappling on Wednesday at 7 p.m., welcoming anybody interested by becoming a member of. To get entangled or keep up to date, take a look at their Instagram page or go to their CampusGroups profile.