Transitioning between online and in-person activities has caused many changes for clubs and organizations throughout Sonoma State’s campus, including the termination of countless outlets for student involvement and enriching activities. With more students on campus, student run clubs and organizations are starting to provide students with more opportunities to socialize and interact with fellow students. The Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Club has battled against numerous restrictions and hardships that required the club to switch from the Jiu jitsu club to MMA. With the sport at times requiring close interactions and being run entirely by students, they have been forced to limit some of the activities allowed. However, after a fair turnout at their first meeting over the past week, Club President Shaemus Cullen is hopeful to see what the club has in store in the future. 

During their first club meeting of the semester last week, everybody had a moment to break the ice with the fellow students in attendance, then a few minutes to stretch and warm up the muscles in the body. After everybody feels comfortable, the president and vice president get everybody together and discuss some of the moves and techniques that the class will go over through the rest of the meeting. Each meeting is held at 8 p.m. on Tuesdays in the Niagra Studio on the second floor of  the Recreation Center and typically lasts around 45 minutes. Students are welcomed to stay as long as they like to learn more and spend more time with the people in the club. 

The blend of students to attend the club makes it inviting for people of all skill levels and provides a welcoming environment for all of those in attendance. Under the current regulations, the club is only permitted to do a limited amount of jabs and striking, and will focus primarily on kick boxing for the remainder of the semester. As more regulations are lifted, the club hopes to teach more forms of martial arts and gain more traction within the school as something that everybody can practice. 

Mixed martial arts can be a great way for students to be more active and exercise in a welcoming environment. While the idea of fighting may turn some people away, students teaching in the club are more focused on techniques and prioritize the idea of feeling comfortable when it comes to self defense. The club president understands how intimidating it can be, getting into a ring with somebody, and tries to focus on the mental benefits of the sport: “Knowing that you’re getting yourself into a scary thing teaches people to have discipline. The sport is much deeper than fighting and promotes a healthy body image and self confidence.” 

While the club is still limited in what actions it can and cannot do, the basic self defense skills are a great thing to pick up from fellow students on your college campus. 

Follow the MMA club on Instagram (@ssu.mma.club) to keep up with recent posts, upcoming events, and stay updated on any and all club activities.