The transition between online and in-person activities has resulted in many changes for clubs and organizations across the Sonoma State campus, including the removal of countless outlets for student participation and rewarding activities. . With more students on campus, student-run clubs and organizations are starting to provide students with more opportunities to socialize and interact with their fellow students. The Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) club struggled with many restrictions and difficulties that forced the club to switch from the Jiu Jitsu club to MMA. With the sport sometimes requiring close interactions and being entirely managed by the students, they were forced to limit some of the permitted activities. However, after a fair turnout in their first meeting last week, club president Shaemus Cullen is hoping to see what the club has in store in the future.

At their first club meeting of the semester last week, everyone had a moment to break the ice with the other students in attendance, then a few minutes to stretch and warm up the muscles of the body. Once everyone feels comfortable, the chair and vice-chair bring everyone together and discuss some moves and techniques that the class will cover during the remainder of the meeting. Each meeting takes place on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. in the Niagra studio on the second floor of the leisure center and typically lasts around 45 minutes. Students are encouraged to stay as long as they like to learn more and spend more time with club members.

The mix of students who frequent the club makes it inviting for people of all skill levels and provides a welcoming environment for all participants. Under current regulations, the club are only allowed to perform a limited number of jabs and strikes, and will focus primarily on kickboxing for the remainder of the semester. As more and more rules are lifted, the club hopes to teach more forms of martial arts and gain more traction within the school as something anyone can practice.

Mixed martial arts can be a great way for students to be more active and exercise in a welcoming environment. While the idea of ​​fighting may put some people off, the students who teach in the club are more focused on techniques and prioritize the idea of ​​feeling comfortable when it comes to self-defense. . The club president understands how intimidating it can be to step into the ring with someone and tries to focus on the mental benefits of the sport: “Knowing that you are embarking on a scary adventure teaches people to have fun. disciplined. Sport is much deeper than combat and promotes healthy body image and self-confidence. ”

While the club is still limited in what it can and cannot do, basic self-defense skills are a great thing to learn from other students on your college campus.

Follow the MMA club on Instagram (@ ssu.mma.club) to keep up with recent posts, upcoming events, and stay up to date on all club activity.