The Voice

Issue date: 1/16/07 Section: Inside WCC

Media Credit: Frank Gerlitz Three WTMC judoka students.

Mention the phrase "high school gym class" to the average American and something about that specific memory recollection will cause a physical shutter, an uncadenced heart palpitation, or the ever-popular scream then run away combination. High school gym class is a sweaty insecurity-stimulating scenario that typically involves being pelted with dodge-balls, having to stand in front of your class in your Speedo, exposing your athletic inabilities, being picked last, and learning sports you never liked and will most likely never be included in your future.

But, wait! Washtenaw Technical Middle College (WTMC) is a dual enrollment program of sorts that allows high school students an enhanced high school educational experience by attending classes on WCC's campus. Academic innovation is the inspiration for the WTMC program and it presents new opportunities to its enrolled students every semester. This year is no exception, when Dr. Frank Gerlitz reintroduced Judo as an alternative for WTMC students to earn their physical education credit. WTMC students are allowed to participate in the Judo class for as many semesters as they are interested in continuing in the program. They are welcome to study and practice this martial art on Tuesdays in Warner Gym C on the Eastern Michigan University (EMU) campus.

Judo is often marketed as a form of self-defense. It is effective as a defensive martial art because it incorporates the laws of physics, allowing balance and knowledge of moves to prevail over both size and strength. Many females find this aspect to be quite appealing. WTMC student Cayte Spaulding was attracted to Judo because, "It's self defense. I'm not the tallest person in the world. My parents thought it was important since I'm going to college soon."

Spaulding never imagined herself to be a hand-to-hand combat kind of girl, "This was my first exposure to martial arts. It's pretty easy to catch on." WTMC students have the option of joining the EMU Judo class on Thursday nights. This defying of age barriers is a benefit Spaulding enjoys, "You get to fight with the older kids. Some of them are white belts [beginners] too. We're equal here."

Learning a sport or other form of physical activity typically only results in being familiar with a new way to sweat and stay in shape. Judo has those positive characteristics and the bonus of having a way to protect yourself, should the need ever arise. Knowledge of a form of self-defense can provide students (male and female alike) with the confidence necessary to remained focused on their actual task at hand: studying for and earning their degrees. It's difficult enough finding your car in the parking structure without the added stress of not knowing what to do should an attack occur.

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