Sports Skills and Martial Arts

Sports Skills and Martial Arts Classes

People learning martial arts in a studio.

Sports Skills and Martial Arts Classes are a way for individuals to enhance or learn new skills. UW students, employees, and those with Plus One memberships to the IMA are eligible to participate.

Visit https://reg.recreation.uw.edu/ to learn about class prices and offering days and times.

To register:

Go to https://reg.recreation.uw.edu/
Click on the purple “Log In” button in the top right corner.
Click on the purple “UW NetID” button to log in if you have a UW email / All other rec members click “non-uw username”
Click on the “Special Interest” Icon.
Click on the class you wish to register for.
Click on “Register”
The quarter field will automatically change to the correct quarter. Click the purple “Add to Cart” button.
Click the purple “Checkout” button. This will happen twice to confirm you want to checkout.
You will receive a receipt via email (to the email on file, usually your UW email). MAKE SURE YOU READ YOUR EMAIL.

Need Financial Assistance to participate?

Apply for up to an 80% discount via the Student Recreation Fund!

Sports

This class is intended to introduce badminton to beginners and to improve basic skills for students with some prior badminton experience. Students will learn and practice the basic strokes (clear, drive, drop and net), standard drills to improve footwork, and the strategies employed in singles and doubles play.

This class is intended to improve badminton skills for intermediate players, so that the students can be consistent in hitting forehand (lob), backhand, net shot, drops and smashes. Students in the class will also be able to learn how to improve court coverage and game strategies.

This class is open to all levels of players, whether you have never touched a squash racquet or are looking to refine your advanced skills. Participants will learn everything from the basics of racquet grip, swing mechanics and game rules to executing essential shots like drives, serves, lobs, and drops. Through tailored drills, the course aims to improve footwork and introduces strategies for singles play.

The beginner class introduces players to the forehand, backhand, serves and volley, and teaches students how to keep score in a game. This class is for players with little or no tennis background.

The intermediate class gives a review of forehand and backhand ground strokes, serve and net game, as presented in the beginning class. Emphasis is given on increasing control and length of rallies with drills geared to play situations. Time for playing is increased. This class is for students who have taken a beginning class before.

The competitor class is geared to players who have good consistency in hitting their forehand, backhand, ground strokes and can keep a rally going. Players at this level should have had some exposure to net play and will work on refinement of the volley, overhead and approach shots. In addition, there is an emphasis on improving court
coverage and strategy.

Martial Arts

Aikido is among the modern disciplines of self-defense derived from the various forms of jujitsu (armed and unarmed) practiced in Feudal Japan. It’s principal aim is to avoid clashing directly with an opponent’s strength and force by blending and redirecting their energy with flowing spherical movements. At all levels of training, Aikido provides an effective means for personal development and growth. Instruction in the use of the Japanese sword (bokken) and Jo (staff) are a part of training.

Brazilian jiu jitsu is a grappling-based martial art whose central theme is the skill of controlling a resisting opponent in ways that force them to submit, most commonly through a choke or a joint lock. Having originally evolved from judo, Brazilian jiu jitsu places a much greater emphasis on newaza, or groundwork. Much of the technique of Brazilian jiu jitsu is centered around the skill of taking an opponent down to the ground and wrestling for dominant control positions from where the opponent can be rendered harmless.
Brazilian jiu jitsu is an ideal martial art for individuals an of all stature, as using superior technique and leverage to control and overcome opponents of greater size, strength, and aggression is the keynote of the sport.

Hung Ga Kuen is a hard style of Kung Fu. Hung Ga is the Tiger-Crane style. Students undergo arduous training to develop speed, balance, and stamina. The style utilizes powerful blocks, punches, and kicks. Hung Ga is an excellent means of developing a strong, healthy body as well as an efficient form of self-defense.

Shotokan Karate is a traditional Japanese martial art practiced by men and women of all ages and abilities. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of blocking, punching and kicking through basic drills, special forms called Kata and controlled engagement practice. While stamina and body toning are natural results of karate training, many beginners quickly notice increased levels of self-confidence, discipline and determination.

Taekwondo is a modern Korean martial art and combat sport characterized by its emphasis on kicking, footwork, and speed. It is a collegiate rec club and an Olympic sport popular around the world. Taekwondo at UW focuses on fundamentals of sparring, kicking technique, and strategy for all levels of practice. Classes are beginner-friendly and a great way to be introduced to taekwondo fundamentals while improving your flexibility, strength, and overall fitness.

T’ai Chi Chuan students practice smooth, graceful movements to strengthen, stretch and relax the muscles and increase circulation. T’ai Chi is a calming exercise, sometimes referred to as the “flowing meditation” which releases stress and promotes health, vitality and longevity. Through these movements, students develop the speed and agility necessary to turn an opponent’s own energy against them.

Questions About Accessibility?

UW Recreation’s programs, operations, and facilities are intended to be inclusive and accessible. If at any time, you have a need or concern please contact us, we encourage everyone to participate in our department offerings. For accommodation requests connected to a disability or health condition contact us at (206) 543-4590 or at recinfo@uw.edu. Requests can be responded to most effectively if received as far in advance as possible, preferably at least 10 business days.

Request Disability Resources for Employees:

Request Disability Resources for Students:

Insurance

UW Recreation does not provide accident or medical coverage for participants. It is recommended that participants obtain their own personal coverage. Students may obtain additional information on student accident/sickness insurance by contacting: Insurance & Cost | Husky Health & Well-Being (uw.edu)

Sports Skills and Martial Arts