For the past 20 years, the NEIU Recreation Center’s martial arts program has been a cornerstone of student fitness. It has encouraged physical activity through engaged and structured training. Founded by Dr. Patrick Keating, the program offers judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) and kickboxing lessons, taught by experienced instructors with strong backgrounds in martial arts. The jiu-jitsu classes are popular fitness activities because at least 12 students participate in them daily, which is more than other fitness activities during the facility’s current operations.
Students from all athletic backgrounds⸺from seasoned competitors to total beginners⸺have found a place in these classes. “I like it a lot because it keeps me competitive, Rayven Burnett, a freshman business major, said. I wrestled for four years in high school and went to state and moving around like this kind of forces me to stay in shape like I was when I wrestled.” Since she is no longer competing in grueling wrestling meets, she is able to get her energy from her jiu-jitsu practice by doing many drills and sparring rounds with her training partners.
For others, they enjoy the sense of challenge and stress relief that training gives them. “I like the challenge of testing my body’s limits, and it’s a great way to de-stress myself,” Josue Morales, undergraduate in music education, said. He has been part of the martial arts program since last year and is now entering his freshman year. “I get to make friends while practicing self-defense and it’s fun!” he said.
Many students were drawn to the fitness class because it is currently offered five days per week and is free for current students⸺an alternative to costly gym memberships. “I took a trial class at a club not too far from campus, but it was too expensive for me to keep up with on top of other things that I have going on,” Langston Carrithers, a freshman Biology major, said. “And the fact that classes are taught by a brown belt with a ton of experience just seemed like an opportunity too good to pass up on.” According to EliteSports.com and GoldBJJ.com, a brown belt is the fourth rank out of five possible ranks in BJJ experience levels.
BJJ fitness classes officially launched on Feb. 11 and are held Monday through Friday from 3 P.M. to 4 P.M. It is free for all students and available to staff, faculty and community members after obtaining a membership. The fitness class is currently working with local martial arts organizations to arrange a friendly competition and give students the chance to experience a real tournament setting.
