Often confused with violence, certain martial art forms are more than the brutality that people associate with the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) aired on TV. Founded in the late 1800’s, Judo transcends the mere physicality and elevates to metaphysical level by laying emphasis on discipline and self-control.

“You are in an environment where you are testing your physical limits … You are thinking of how you are going to execute a technique,” said Yasas Vithanage, vice president of the WSU Judo Club. “And in the end [you are thinking of] how you can do it effectively, and how you can better yourself.”

Vithanage said the sport is more about technique than brute force.

“You would expect a martial artist to be strong, or be muscular. But once she has her Gi on and is in a fight, she can do amazing things,” Vithanage said about one of the students recently promoted to Black Belt.

Club treasurer Amber Fischer said the club is planning a demonstration for people to learn that Judo is not intimidating.

“It has its challenges,” Fischer said. “But at the same time, I view them as an opportunity to rise to the challenge.”

She said the club’s helpful environment emphasizes mutual respect for sparring partners’ bodies to minimize injuries.

The Wichita State Judo club formed in August 2009 and membership increased steadily during the last four years. Participation in the club increased from 52 participants in 2009 to 124 participants in 2012. The club meets in the gymnastics room in the Heskett Center twice a week, on Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturdays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., and the classes are free.

“We are a collegiate club… which means we serve the interests of a variety of students including those who simply wish to learn Judo for fun to those who are seeking competition with national level judoka,” said Greg Gideon, the primary instructor of the WSU Judo Club.

Gideon, who has been an instructor with the club since it began, said he is especially pleased the club serves the interests of numerous international students and an increasing number of female students.

“We had 34 international students and 24 female students last year — both records,” Gideon said. “We celebrate the diversity in the club and take pride in the quality of our talented students.”