In November of 2014, the Houghton College Athletics Department partnered with the Fillmore Dojo of Tatsu Do to offer free Tatsu Do martial arts classes with an emphasis on self-defense to the Houghton community. The classes take place in the Kerr-Pegula Field House (KPAC) Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 P.M. in the open area by the exercise equipment. Together, instructors Brad Mosiman, 5th Dan Tatsu Do, Pam Duttweiler, a 1st degree black belt, Thom Thompson, a 4th degree black belt, and Peter Torraca, also a 1st degree black belt, lead a group of Houghton students and community members with varying levels of experience.
The classes are typically divided into three, half-hour sections. During the first half hour, the group warms up with exercises focusing on muscle tone, cardio, and stretching. Participants who are mainly interested in a good workout are welcome to stay just for this section. For the second half hour, class members practice simple blocks, kicks, and punches, which Duttweiler described as the quintessential Karate Kid “wax on, wax off” techniques. The last half hour is dedicated to self-defense, when instructors show their students practical uses for the techniques they have learned in class.
“We follow a lot of the Japanese culture, and a lot of their protocol, but at the same time we focus on modern-day self-defense,” Duttweiler said. “We learn to defend against a knife, a chain, a gun. We learn common sense ways of dealing with dangerous situations.”
Duttweiler also emphasized that no experience is necessary in order to participate in the class.
“We have some people attending that have martial arts experience,” she said, “but we also have a lot of people coming who have never done anything like this before in their lives, and they’re definitely welcome.”
She also noted that there is no commitment required for students to attend every class; rather, they are welcome to drop in when they can. Participants are asked to wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing, although shoes are not required. In fact, most students go barefoot. Instructors do request that students remove any jewelry, since even an earring could accidentally hurt another participant. According to Mosiman, “the most important thing [students can bring], really, is a positive attitude. Everyone is a beginner, so there isn’t a person there who can look down on another.”
Students and community members alike have found the classes rewarding; not only through learning how to defend themselves, but also for a workout in a supportive setting. College student Marissa Hollinger recommends the class because it is fun and is offered in a relaxed environment. She adds that it serves as “…a great break from homework and studying.” Bretta Hixson, adjunct instructor of Biology, agreed that the environment is relaxed, noting that the class is also a marvellous stress reliever. The athletic component, she said, has helped improve her physical health. “I like that I’m getting stronger and more flexible, and I am very happy to see positive trends in my endurance and coordination,” she said. She credits her progress to the friendly and supportive help she receives from her instructors.
“They are very patient and not stingy with individualized instruction,” she said. “They’ll help you drill a technique or combination until it becomes second nature, and then move you on to the next thing. You won’t be a black belt overnight, but you may be surprised by how fast you learn.”
Mosiman believes that practicing martial arts and self-defense is a valuable skill for members of the Houghton community, whether or not they’re predisposed to athleticism.
“Softball and baseball careers will generally end after college,” he said. “This is something [students] can take, practice, and use for the rest of their lives. For the combined years of experience of myself and my colleagues, you can’t really beat the price.”