Combined Martial Arts Club

Students looking to get in shape that do not want to go to the gym may want to take advantage of the Combined Martial Arts Club (CMAC). The club, started in 1996, offers free martial arts lessons to UB students in various styles, such as Aikido and Tai Chi.

"We just want to promote martial arts to the community; we think this is a good way to exercise and stay healthy," said Mateo Prendergast, a senior computer engineering major and president of CMAC.

"I have been going to self-defense classes since last winter, it is an interesting way to learn self defense method," said Rebecca Fillers, a sophomore exercise science major. "It is also a way to get in shape."

According to Prendergast, the club requires no fees, and students at any skill level are welcome to join.

"We offer it to people who are interested in martial arts," said Prendergast. "We also offer free instruction in martial arts for people who have experience and (people who) don't have experience; it is open for everyone."

Kareem Simmons, a senior communication major and one of seven instructors this year, said he has been training in goju karate for the past 14 years and wanted to share his craft with his peers.

"I have been teaching in UB for four years," said Simmons. "I wanted to help people be aware of themselves and also to help myself train."

Michael Messeroff, a senior finance major and President/Instructor of Judo/Ju-Jitsu/Aikido said that the point of CMAC is to benefit each student and the community as a whole.

"The goal of martial arts is to teach practical self-defense as well as self-respect and respect of others," said Messeroff. "We meet two or three times a week for an hour and a half to two hours each class. It's a relaxed atmosphere and it's fun. Students should join to learn how to protect themselves and the people around them.

"It makes me feel more confident when I walk outside alone too," said Fillers.

In addition to learning basic self-defense techniques, Vice President and instructor of CMAC Toran Gordinier, a sophomore physical therapy major, believes that learning martial arts is a good physical activity. He highly recommends students attend class so that they can build up their self-confidence; also, the club is a good way to meet new friends. He also added that the club is a good starting point for students who may want to pursue martial arts as a living.

"I have been teaching martial arts for four years," said Gordinier. "This is my second year teaching in UB. I enjoy teaching and this is something I want to do professionally someday."

Since CMAC teaches students how to protect themselves, Gordinier said that the club is much more than a simple fitness class.

"Our club offers martial arts and exposes it; we teach self defense and personal safety skills," said Gordinier. "This club is a community service."

Not every student on campus is aware of CMAC, and some have no idea what CMAC stands for.

"I never heard of it," said Daniel Villella, a freshman double major in music and music performance. "I think it is a possibility (that I would attend the class). I miss being physically active. And it also promotes physical activity and self-defense. I think it is great, and it fits into my budget."

For students who are interested in martial arts lessons, free self defense classes are held in the Richmond Aerobics Room every Sunday at 7 p.m. There are also more free classes like Aikido, Isshin Ryu Karate being offered during weekdays. Students looking for CMAC schedule information can visit http://kickme.to/cmac.