GW Martial Arts Club Teaches Self Defense, Self Awareness

As students hunker down to study for midterms, members of the GW Japan Karate Association Club spend several evenings a week practicing their back kicks, step-in punches and outside blocks.

Under the direction of Chief Instructor Sensei Kenichi Haramoto, students of all levels learn traditional Shotokan karate. According to the JKA Karate Club of GWU website, Shotokan karate is distinguished from other martial arts by the linearity and strength of its punches, blocks and kicks.

Sensei Haramoto touts the long-lasting benefits of regular karate practice for club members, including stress relief, self-discipline and physical fitness.

The club holds regular practices sessions from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the Hand Chapel and in the West Hall Fitness Studio on Fridays, all on the Mount Vernon Campus.

In addition to practice sessions, the club sends members to karate competitions. Last November, the club sent several members to the 2015 JKA/AF Nationals & Collegiate Goodwill Tournament in New Orleans, taking the top spots in three divisions.