Martial arts group values focus

By FRANK FERRIOLA
Collegian Sports Writer

The words "Tang Soo Do" might not mean anything to the average person, but for the Penn State Martial Arts Group, they mean dedication, loyalty and hard work.

The group's Korean form of study focuses on self-defense and the inner person, rather than competition and fighting, said Michael Kaye, a third-degree black belt and instructor of the group.

"We train to be in harmony with ourselves and the universe," he said.

The martial artists have a very serious attitude, a look of determination and a look of hunger and a look of desire during training. They only have one thing on their minds two nights each week -- inner strength.

"The things done in class are more centered on defense rather than competing," said Scott Dible (senior-chemistry), president of the group and a black belt candidate. "The concentration is on bettering yourself."

Even though the group members do not focus on competition, they still compete. The group is part of the World Tang Soo Do Association, which has chapters in 30 countries. The Association holds a world tournament every two years and regional tournaments every year.

The Penn State group competes in these tournaments with other groups that study the same form, rather than in tournaments open to all styles of martial arts.

"It's easier to control, mostly for injury's sake," Dible said.

The group, which meets Tuesday and Thursday nights in the wrestling room at the Intramural Building, encourages anyone who wants to join to come out and watch a class or two, Kaye said.

He added prospective members should look at the students while they practice and notice the sense of respect and loyalty among them -- an aspect missing from some other martial arts clubs.

Angela Anuszewski (freshman-engineering), a group member and a four-year member of the Association, said training taught her how to cope with things that happen in life. No matter how hard something is in class, you still have to do it, she added.

Anyone can join the group, which gets its funds by working souvenir stands at Penn State football games. The beginners in the class practice one-on-one with a black belt until they feel they are ready to join the rest of the class.

"When people feel at home, they gain more from the experience," Kaye said.

But it's not easy. Though the training may only be twice a week, it is very intense -- especially for the higher belts.

"As you move up, (practices) get a lot harder," Anuszewski said. "A lot harder."