April 28 , 2006

Kenjitsu club slices through problems

By JESSIE SCHMAC
Schmacj@marietta.edu

The Kenjitsu Club is a new club on campus for “sword” fighters. Sword fighting may sound alarming, but these swords aren’t actually sharp, bladed swords at all. Actually these swords have been made to ensure safety. They are made of PVC pipe with a 3/4’’ foam layer making any impact utterly painless.

The Kenjitsu Club was created when several of its current officers realized they all had this common interest in sword fighting. Sophomore Tim Budney has had previous experience and training in Kendo, the martial art that the club is based on.

Budney has received the recommendation by his Kendo instructor that he is talented and experienced enough to instruct and train others in the martial art. Many others involved in the club have had some training. Others still are fascinated with the art.

Anytime the club has to meet they do. The sword club gets together to hold duels and tournaments. They learn new techniques and perfect the act of speed, grace, and finesse.
There is a point system involved in the Kenjitsu Club. Points are awarded based on touch-hits to the wrists and the chest, both of which are protected. The person with the most points after a certain amount of time is declared the winner.

It hasn’t been an easy time for the Kenjitsu Club to establish itself as a MC club. When talk of a sword club reached some of the college staff, safety became a central issue. Melissa Liptak, director of student activities and Greek life, wanted to find out more about the club before they could establish themselves as such.

Twice she halted the club from becoming established. Without proper approval, the club was unable to receive funding at the last two appropriations meetings. “There were several safety concerns that needed to be addressed,” says Liptak, “we had to talk to our insurance agency and Tim’s instructor to make sure their was no risk involved for students wanting to be apart of this club.”

After a long struggle, the club was finally approved. “I’m glad things worked out the way the did,” says Liptak, “I think this is a very interesting club and I hope many more students get involved in it as well.”

“I’m glad that they are official, thanks to the persistence of Tim and James and the help of Lon Vickers,” says sophomore Emily Godard, Budney’s girlfriend.

The Kenjitsu Club will be at the first appropriations meeting next year, hoping to improve their gear and equipment and get more for its growing members so that multiple matches can happen at once.

If anyone is interested in joining the Kenjitsu Club, contact Tim Budney at rtb001@marietta.edu for more information.