This semester, Loyola’s Department of Athletics and Well- ness offers Chinese Kung Fu on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Multi-purpose room of the University Sports Complex.
Kung Fu provides both the Loyola community and anyone else interested, the opportunity to become more disciplined and make new friends. Participants will learn self-defense, increase their strength, and improve their balance and flexibility. Classes are taught by visiting assistant professor in the College of Busi- ness and Senior Strategic Consultant at DynMcDermott Petroleum Opteration Company, Ron Schulingkamp. Schulingkamp also owns White Crane Kung Fu Studio in Metairie.
Two sessions are being offered. With the first session coming to a close on Oct. 14, the second session will begin on Oct. 26 and run until Dec. 30. Advance registration is required for enrollment.
Fitness programs such as kickboxing, dance aerobics, and body sculpting are offered free of charge to the Loyola community, but Kung Fu, along with zumba, yoga and pilates, charges a registration fee. A full session of Kung Fu is $50 for students, $75 for faculty and staff, $95 for Sports Complex members and $110 for others outside of the Loyola community. Participants can also chose to pay $10 per class.
Kung Fu’s enrollment fee poses a question for students on a budget: would the class build more interest if it were offered for free? Some students like Alex Marse, music industry senior and Alex Legge, music therapy graduate said that their decision, whether or not to join, was not affected by the enrollment fee.
Other students such as Melodie George, English literature senior said she would be interested in the Kung Fu if it were offered for free.
Mass communication sophomore, Nhi Tieu said she would also join if the classes were offered for free. “It’s cheaper for students to pay per session instead of per class, but I work different days every week and would wind up missing out on some classes,” Tieu said. “I think it would be a waste if I paid but couldn’t attend every class. I would join if it was free because I think it’s essential for females to learn self-defense tactics.”
Kung Fu is a great compliment to academics because the discipline Kung Fu teaches pro- motes skills such as memorization and critical thinking. Kung Fu can also serve as a stress reliever, especially during weeks of midterms and finals. For non-student adults, Kung Fu compliments a healthy lifestyle, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke while rejuvenating both the mind and body. For older adults, the physical activity from Kung Fu improves heart and lung function, mobility and memory.
If anyone is interested in en- rolling for the second session of Kung Fu, please email Kristi Salvaggio at [email protected] or call (504) 864-7349 before Oct. 26.
Scott O’Brien can be reached at [email protected]
