CLUB DESCRIPTIONS
The name Aikido is composed of three Japanese words: ai, meaning harmony; ki, spirit or energy; and do, the path or the way. Aikido is the way of the spirit of harmony.
Aikido developed in the 1920s and 1930s as a synthesis of jujitsu, sword-, and spear-fighting. The founder, Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), combined the joint locks and throws of jujitsu with the body movements of sword- and spear-fighting. He ultimately settled on the name Aikido in 1942 to stress the deeper spiritual foundation of the discipline. Ueshiba was a follower of new Japanese religion called Omotokyo, which mixes neo-Shintoism with socio-political idealism to create a harmonious "heavenly kingdom on earth." While this specific religious aspect does not influence Aikido as practiced by most Aikidoka, there at least two fundamental tenets: (1) a commitment to peaceful resolution of conflict whenever possible and (2) a commitment to self-improvement through aikido training.
The techniques of Aikido are circular in nature, and are not designed to stop attacks or to conflict with them. Instead, aggressive motions are converted into circular movements that render attackers helpless. Aikido techniques allow the attacker's movements to continue and complete themselves naturally, so that the attack is diverted and redirected harmlessly. The Aikidoist is trained not to cripple, but to apply various wrist and joint locks, pins, and unbalancing throws to neutralize aggressors without serious injury to either the aggressor or the Aikidoist. The movements are like the motions of a sphere which rolls effortlessly along, joining mind and body.
All are welcome. Aikido can be practiced by both men and women, regardless of age or size. The techniques are based on movement rather than strength, and there is no competition. Aikido is a practical self-defense and helps to develop balance, coordination, concentration, and conditioning. Visit the Aikido web site.
Being the only baseball team on campus, UW Club Baseball's mission is to provide the students at this fine university the opportunity to play organized baseball at a competitive, yet fun level. Visit the Baseball Club web site.
Budo translates as the "way of the warrior" or "the martial ways" and has the goal of personal development through the practice of martial arts. The Budo club (formerly the Judo club) at UW-Madison currently focuses on instruction in Waboku Jujitsu and related martial arts. Visit the Budo Club web site.
Capoeira is a collective art form that brings together dance, music, acrobatics and martial arts. Created four centuries ago by African slaves in Brazil in their struggle for freedom and survival, capoeira has gained enormous popularity among people of all ages and backgrounds in Brazil and throughout the world. Practiced in a circle of players called a "roda" and set to a hypnotic, pulsing rhythm, capoeira calls for strength, skill, grace and intuition. Visit the Capoeira Club web site.
The cycling club is both a recreational and competitive team comprised into one club to attract all riding levels. From the novice, to the enthusiast, to the elite level, you too can be a cyclist. Join us as we ride throughout and beyond the Madison area or get involved in collegiate racing throughout the Midwest. We extend to all cycling: mountain biking, road riding, cyclocross, track, etc. If it involves a bike, you belong with us. Visit the Cycling Club web site.
Dance Elite is a student run competitive dance team who performs at events on campus and competes around the Midwest. We perform at Homecoming, Dance Marathon, All Campus Party, and other events when invited. We have 2 teams and we practice twice a week at the SERF. Some dance experience is necessary. Our dance style ranges from jazz to lyrical to hip-hop. Each member must pay for their own costume and competition fee but fundraising will occur if members are interested. When students have time to lead classes, we offer free classes during the semester for people to work on skills and learn short routines. Tryouts are at the beginning of each semester. Visit the Dance Elite Club web site.
Bak Shaolin Eagle Claw training is intense and extensive. Students start by stretching and conditioning the body with Kung Fu basics: blocking, striking, kicking, jumping and turning. Next they learn forms (classical routines of Eagle Claw moves), self defense techniques, weapons and sparring. Our program is designed to develop a physically, mentally and spiritually well rounded martial artist. Prospective members are welcome to visit any of our training sessions. Visit the Eagle Claw Kung Fu Club web site.
The Fencing Club at UW-Madison is a great place for anyone who's ever had any interest in the sport of fencing. We teach and practice modern Olympic fencing to veteran and new fencers. Fencing Club is a great way to meet new people of all kinds and get a great workout. We also field a nationally competitive team that fences in tournaments around the Midwest, including both USFA sanctioned tournaments and against schools like Ohio State, Northwestern, and Notre Dame. So, whether you're interested in being competitive at the collegiate level, learning a new sport, or just fencing socially, come and check us out. Just come on by to any practice, any time! Visit the Fencing Club homepage.
It is said that figure skating requires the elegance of a royal court, the grace of a ballerina, the speed of a sprinter, the balance of a tightrope walker, the agility of a high diver, the endurance of a marathon runner, the coordination of a juggler, strength of a high jumper, the rhythm of a dancer, and the performance of a mime. Add that all to the unison of the Rockettes, the uniformity of a synchronized swimming team, and the teamwork of soccer players, and you've got synchronized skating. We've got a great club here. If you don't want to do synchro come check out the freestyle ice! Visit the Figure Skating Club homepage.
Ultimate frisbee is a fun, fast paced game that some consider to be a combination of football, soccer, and basketball... played with a frisbee. Visit the Men's Ultimate Frisbee Club web site.
Bella Donna, the women's ultimate frisbee team here at UW-Madison, is a fun-loving group that enjoys playing hard and winning parties. All experience levels are welcome, so even if you've never played come give it a try! Visit the Women's Ultimate Frisbee Club web site.
The Men's Ice Hockey Club is an excellent way for UW students who enjoy playing hockey to participate at a more competetive level then what is available in intramurals. This club would bring together students that are not only passionate about hockey, but also students who are looking for a competetive activity. Visit the Men's Ice Hockey website.
Visit the Women's Ice Hockey Club web site.
We at the Japanese Karate Club practice Shotokan Karate, the traditional form of Karate which originates from Okinawa, Japan . In practice we specialize on three main points. The first is kihon, or basic training to learn the moves and techniques of karate. Second is kata, the group of movements that are used for belt tests and simulate combat situations. Third, is kumite. Kumite, or sparring, is when the techniques learned in class are tested in competition between two athletes. If you have any questions, our website may help answer them and if not contact us at info@mjkc.madcitykarate.com. Visit the Japanese Karate Club web site.
Kendo is a form of martial art using swords made of bamboo and wood that was developed in Japan and is now practiced throughout the world. Here at the UW, Kendo is taught as a course and a club sport that serves to integrate liberal arts and martial arts through the philosophy of body/mind integration that is key to the concept of BUDO - the code of the samurai.
A typical practice session consists of warm-up calisthenics, footwork and suburi (swinging) practice, basic striking technique with partners, and ji-geiko (combat). We also practice kata (forms) using bokken (wooden swords). The primary purpose of Kendo is not self defense, but the development of discipline and self control. We also teach Iaido, (sword drawing) techniques. Visit the Kendo Club web site.
The Men’s Lacrosse Club is an organization that strives to provide a lacrosse experience to anyone interested. Its members draw from locations all over the nation, bringing a diverse atmosphere to the team. The organization has three teams that compete at different levels in the Great Lake’s Lacrosse League and the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association. The organization has a rich tradition on campus and we welcome anyone to join us. Practices in the past have been held during the week in the evenings at University Bay fields. Visit Men’s Lacrosse website for more information.
The women's lacrosse team is a skilled and close-knit group of lacrosse players, who have come together from all over the country to play lacrosse in Madison. We are both a part of the regional Women's Collegiate Lacrosse League, as well as the national WDIA club league. We travel and host tournaments with teams such as Illinois, Northwestern, and Minnesota, and even play teams from further away, such as Kentucky and Louisiana. Players of all levels are welcome and encouraged to attend field practices, which are usually held Wednesday nights at the McClain Center (10 PM), as well as conditioning practices, which are held Tuesdays and Thursdays at the SERF (Tues: 6PM, Thurs: 5PM).
The UW Racquetball Club is a club for anyone interested in the game of racquetball; from beginners to very established players. We have reserved courts for club members on Monday nights from 6-8pm and on Wednesday from 9-11pm. We run leagues based on ability (A, B, C, and D leagues) for those interested, (not required) and we travel to intercollegiate Tournaments around the country including the National Tournament in Arizona. Racquetball Club offers a fun experience to the real beginner or to the player looking for some serious competition. Check us out! Feel free to come to any meeting time to learn more. Visit the Racquetball Club web site.
Visit the Men's Rugby Club web site.
University of Wisconsin Women's Rugby Football Club (UWWRFC) plays a competitive fall season against various colleges in the Midwest and a spring season that has tournaments across the country that we attend. Between the two seasons, we have team fund raisers, training sessions, and other fun events. We strive to teach the game of rugby to interested women’s of all levels of experiences. We are a fun-loving group of girls and we want you to play rugby! Visit the Women's Rugby Club web site.
The Running club is organized to allow runners to have company in an otherwise solitary sport. Our main workout is wednesday night at either the Shell or McClimon track depending upon the season. Also, we have other runs which vary week to week depending upon scheduling. All ability levels are encouraged to come run; we have athletes who vary from Ironman triathletes and elite marathon runners to recreational joggers. Those interested in starting a running program are also encouraged to come and talk to others about the sport. Visit the Running Club web site.
UW Shorin-Ryu Karate is a club sport that has been teaching students martial arts skills since 1972. Currently we have several Senseis (teachers), many of whom are students and staff at the university. Students in this class come from all walks of life, sharing the common desire to study a martial art. The ultimate goals of this dojo are to teach personal self-protection skills, share the rich history of the Shorin-Ryu martial arts, and to create a learning environment for self-mastery.
During an average class, students practice a wide variety of techniques through drills and kata. The level of activity you may expect is that of an average basketball game. We utilize individual drills, partner drills, and group drills. Sometimes we engage in light to moderate contact.Visit the Shorin-Ryu Karate Club web site.
Still interested in playing competitive softball in college? We are just the ticket! Our women's club fastpitch team is involved in the National Club Softball Association, which allows us to play conference games in the fall and spring. We play around 15 or more games per year and have fun socials and workouts throughout the off season! We focus on building friendships that will outlast your college years, while continuing your love and competitive attitude for the game of fastpitch softball. Come join!
Table Tennis, often called Ping Pong, is the second most popular sport in the world. While most people know it only as a recreational game played in the basement it is in fact a highly competitive international and Olympic sport. In the United States, the National Collegiate Table Tennis Association is the governing body of college table tennis. It holds two area tournaments in each of its 16 divisions and a national championship for the top 104 schools. The UW Table Tennis Club's Co-ed and Women's teams are currently some of the top teams in the Midwest region and are also top-level nationally ranked teams. While the TTC is highly competitive, its focus is on developing beginners. Practices are open to players of all skill levels and primarily consist of coaching so that players can improve their abilities. Anybody enthusiastic about learning and playing table tennis is welcome. Visit the Table Tennis web site.
Tae Kwon Do is a Korean martial art specializing in foot techniques and defensive maneuvers. The club has three officers as well as multiple black belt instructors. There are two classes held back to back on Tuesdays and Thursdays for beginners and advanced students. Visit the Tae Kwon Do Club web site.
Tennis is a game played with rackets and a light ball by two players or two pairs of players on a rectangular court, as of grass, clay, or asphalt, divided by a net. Tennis is an extremely popular sport which has just been accepted as an official club on the campus. The UW Tennis Club is for any interested student who has played or would like to learn the sport of tennis. We have two different levels both recreational and travel. We practice two days per week and play in tournaments at least once a month against teams throughout the country. The team is already ranked in the top 10 in the nation and looks forward to much greater success in the future. Visit the Tennis Club web site.
The University of Wisconsin Triathlon Team is a student organization that was formed in the early '90s as interest in multi-sport activities grew. The club has always been a place where active members of the University are able to train, workout, and socialize together. Since the formation, the club has grown to over 100 members ranging from nationally ranked triathletes to first time racers. Our mission is to provide competitive and social opportunities for athletes of all abilities and interests to experience and enjoy triathlons. The Triathlon Team seeks to provide knowledge, experience, motivation, and a connection to many resources. The Team engages in volunteer activities on campus and in the community, and aims to provide an organization for exercising, racing, socializing, and building friendships through the sport of triathlon. Visit the Triathlon Club web site.
The UW men's club volleyball team is moving into the 2011-2012 season with high hopes, a large group of returning players, and a talented freshman class. Emerging as a prominent team in the Midwest region, we strive to better our showing at all tournaments this year, including a trip to Kansas City for the National Club Tournament. We practice two nights per week and play in tournaments on many weekends. Come join us in competitive competition within the Big Ten, MIVA and NIRSA conferences! Visit the Men's Volleyball Club web site.
Come join Women's Club Volleyball and show your competitive Badger spirit in competing against teams from all over the country! After last season the team was ranked in the top 25 in the nation and is now working towards a higher national title! Women's Club Volleyball practices twice a week and travels out of state about twice a month for tournaments. The tournaments are located at other universities within the Midwest, but the team has also held fund raisers to travel to places such as Charlotte, North Carolina and Columbus, Ohio for the National Tournament. If you want to have some fun, play some volleyball, and travel to compete, this is where you want to be! Visit the Women's Volleyball Club web site.
Grabbing, holding, kicking, wrestling -- all while treading water. Sound fun? Water polo is one of the toughest games on the planet and has been an Olympic sport since 1900. Water polo may resemble a game of soccer played in the water, but it actually began as an aquatic version of rugby. Today, water polo combines elements of both games - the aggression and physical contact of rugby and the skill and tactical approach of soccer. The men's competitive season is in the fall, that is when practices are of the utmost importance. The spring is concentrated on training and conditioning in preparation for the competitive fall season to come. We welcome players of all skills and backgrounds as we compete against other big ten universities and clubs. Visit the Men's Water Polo Club web site.
Water polo is a sport steeped in tradition. As a part of the Olympics for centuries, polo is finally becoming one of the fastest growing women's sports. It combines elements of many sports such as swimming, soccer, and basketball. Water polo engenders camaraderie and competition, while serving as an excellent form of exercise. Here at Wisconsin the team practices Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:30pm-11:00pm in the SERF pool. Visit the Women's Water Polo Club web site.
Visit the Water Ski & Wakeboard Team web site.
This club seeks to provide opportunities for wrestlers to continue their sport after high school. Beginners are also welcomed to come and participate with the team, and we will help you become familiar with one of the oldest sports in the world. Visit the Club Wrestling web site.