What is it?

Boxing, of course.

A far cry from the ham-fisted, muscle-bound brutes that hammer on each other in professional bouts, but far closer to the pure form of the sport. "People think boxing is what they see in the professional matches and they don't understand that amateur boxing is very different," said Feyzullah Aydaş, who has taught the Sports Center's fit boxing class since it was initiated three semesters ago. "Boxing is a game of skill that requires tactical thinking as well as physical ability, it's an art that requires dedication and provides benefits like greater confidence, lower stress, better coordination and balance, and improved health," he said. Students from a wide range of disciplines agree, each finding that the lessons learned in class have unique applications to their studies. Take, for example, fourth year Theater student Emre Karayel. He says boxing makes him a better actor. "Using my mind and body at the same time is important to my job. This class helps teach that. It also improves agility and body control." OK, so you can see a connection between boxing and acting. But how about an even more cerebral discipline, like interior design? "They have a saying in architecture - repetition and rhythm gets unity," said first year Interior Design student Serhan Hakgüdener. "That's what this class does for my mind and body and I bring that to my work."

Emre, Serhan, and their fellow fit boxers meet several times a week for sessions directed by Aydaş. The workouts stress exercises that boost endurance and agility, with some time reserved for training in boxing stances, punches, and moves. There is very little physical contact and the head is always off limits. As in the sport of amateur boxing, the focus is on making and avoiding touches, which are worth points, rather than hitting the hardest or knocking out an opponent.

"Our workouts are good for cardiovascular improvement and definition," said first year Management student Tolga Bilgiçer. "Plus, there is a great team spirit," he said. "It's also a big plus that our teacher is an expert," added Serhan.

A six-time Turkish national amateur champion and a veteran of more than 200 amateur bouts, Aydaş easily fits the definition of an expert. The METU graduate attends physical education graduate classes at Ankara University when he isn't directing fit boxing or monitoring the Fitness Room at Bilkent. "The sport of boxing at the amateur level is not harmful, but the training is very hard," he said. "It is a sport that requires study. There is no short-cut to success. You must be prepared to condition your body through a hard but satisfying progressive training routine."

And that's what's attracting a growing number of students, even a few women. "At first I was a bit scared. But it's not like that," Emre said. "To students considering it, I say try it," said first year Management student Kazım Maviş. "It's the same as a chess match against your opponent but it has the extra benefit of a physical workout. Your mind and your body are always working, working working."