Wing Chun: Moving Like Water

It's about as far from the stereotypical view of the martial arts as you can get, but it's no less powerful. Wing Chun, a style of Kung Fu, was developed about 300 years ago by a Chinese nun as a way to defend against strong opponents using the opponent's own power.

At the heart of the style is the imitation of the properties of water: it gives when pushed and flows to the area of least resistance. Like water, the Wing Chun practitioner reacts to an attack by moving away from the strike and immediately attacking the part of their opponent's body that is left open by the strike. It sounds simple, but it requires quick reflexes and the ability to close with an opponent to anticipate and sometimes literally feel his or her movements. The class includes rigorous fitness training as well as some light hitting as Wing Chun movements are practiced.

"After some training you don't think about what you do - in fact thinking can hinder you - you just do it," said Ahmet Durukal, an instructor in the Vocational School of Computer Technology and Office Management who is among the students of varying skill levels taking Wing Chun this semester. Among Durukal's classmates are second year Interior Architecture and Design student Cüneyt Narbay and first year Applied Languages Student Osman Çöllü, both martial arts novices who joined the class for different reasons. "I want to learn to defend myself in case of a fight," said Cüneyt. Osman said, "this training helps you stay fit and gain better control over your reflexes. These are things I want to do in my life. People may be afraid of trying the martial arts, but it is not so when you start practicing."

Tae Kwon Do: Sport Rooted in Culture

An ancient sport first developed in Korea as protection against attacks from wild animals, Tae Kwon Do stresses observing an opponent and anticipating the opponent's next move. With its roots in traditional Korean culture, the discipline requires obedience to the instructor, respect for one's self and classmates, and, emphasizing its self-defense philosophy, a strong desire to maintain and cultivate peace. The combination of physical, mental, and cultural aspects of the sport is one of its greatest attractions for many students.

"It gives me some ideas about life, and some philosophical and historical background in addition to providing fitness," said second year Political Science and Public Administration student Cansel Poyraz, who even used some of the Korean she's learned in class to surprise some Korean restauranteurs with a greeting in their native language.

Fellow class members Barış Bayram, a third year Electrical Engineering student, and Emrah Zarifoğlu, a first year Industrial Engineering student, point to the physical benefits of the sport. "Through the class I get rid of my stress and strain and get rid of a lot of mind-blocking things," Barış said. "I benefit from having a healthy lifestyle and knowing the abilities of my body," said Emrah.

Although the class involves rigorous fitness, cardiovascular, and stretching exercises along with some light hitting as moves are practiced, class instructor Murat Kılıçman, who has 23 years of experience in the sport, said "willingness to learn is what's most important, not physical strength. This is a sport that will help you find the best in yourself."

SPORTS SHORTS

Badminton Team Takes Third

The Bilkent University Badminton Team finished third among 10 universities participating in the 2nd Division Inter-University Badminton Championship in Kayseri between February 26 and 28.

The team members are: Emine Yeşil, Hidayet Halilbeyoğlu, Sıla Konur, Dilek Çopur, Burcu Cezayirli, Habib Salkaya, Abdullah Mirza, Tahsin Tuna, Aykal Toker, and Fatih Canım.

Tennis Anyone?

Registration for the second session of Tennis Courses will be accepted today, Monday, March 15, through March 22 at the Main Campus Sports Center. The tennis courses will run from March 22 to May 9.