The SMSU Tae Kwon Do Club meets every Tuesday at 6:45 p.m. and Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in SS 145. Members train in the art of Tae Kwon Do at no charge.

For those who may not know, Tae Kwon Do is a Korean martial art with a heavy emphasis on kicking. It was developed during the 1940s and 50s by various Korean martial artists who blended different indigenous Korean fighting styles with influences from foreign martial arts as well.

From the start of their meeting on October 22, it was evident that this a highly energetic and engaging club. This was also a special meeting because club member Ryan Riebel would be training for the upcoming Tae Kwon Do tournament on Saturday, Oct. 24.

Aside from their warm-up, which resembles more of an actual work out than a warm-up, they participated in tournament style patterns, weapons, breaking, and sparing.

“It’s a good stress reliever,” said sophomore Ryan Riebel, who demonstrated his pattern in preparation for Saturday’s tournament where he would also participate in breaking.

“It’s not so much as a self-defense,” said sophomore Josh Falk, who has been training since he was fiveyears old and has had a black belt since he was fifteen. “It’s kind of a way of life.”

Falk would also be participating in the tournament and sparred with freshman Paul Ragan in preparation for Saturday. Unfortunately, Falk sustained an injury to his foot and was unable to continue. 

“We are like a big family which makes it so much more fun,” said Becca Scott, president of the club. Scott added that without the feeling of family, they would not be able to encourage each other the way they do.