Pursuing the Tradition of Excellence

A prominent feature of the University of California at Berkeley, the UC Martial Arts Program is an expanding, dynamic organization dedicated to providing outstanding martial arts instruction to the campus and surrounding communities. Henry Stone introduced martial arts to UC Berkeley in 1915 with the first Judo club. Under the guidance of dedicated individuals like Stone and Dr. Kyung-Ho (Ken) Min, the present technical director and creator of today's martial arts program, UCMAP is a nationwide leader in the promotion, development and overall growth of the martial arts. It has grown into an organization that is recognized throughout the world and is a model for other universities.

Our Mission Statement

Statement of Purpose

It is the purpose of the Martial Arts Program to preserve the philosophy, techniques and tradition of martial arts and to develop scientific understanding of the physical and spiritual implications of human performance.

Statement of Objectives

The following are objectives of the Martial Arts Program:

• All activities of the Martial Arts Program will strictly observe all university safety standards.
• Provide quality instruction for the university community in a culturally eclectic group of martial arts.
• Host championships, demonstrations, symposiums, clinics and camps to develop martial arts within the campus community on a national and international scale.
• Provide techniques and knowledge of martial arts to develop and enrich the campus community.
• Promote and teach the positive impact of martial arts training for the enrichment of martial arts in our country.
• Reach out to youths both locally and statewide to encourage them to enrich their lives through fitness of mind and body by training in the martial arts.
• Promote the development of positive personal character which will contribute to the student's academic success and professional success.

Implementation of Programs

The following specific programs are identified to help accomplish the goals and purposes of the Martial Arts Program:

• Serve the martial arts instructional needs of the campus community in all possible venues.
• Host championships frequently: Judo, Taekwondo, Karate and Wushu.
• Host an annual Martial Arts Exposition.
• Send qualified athletes to participate in state, national and international championships: Judo, Taekwondo, Karate and Wushu.
• Develop and implement a recognition system for those who succeed and promote the program.
• Establish a library and audiovisual system for better instruction and research.
• Host symposiums and colloquiums to exchange and share knowledge and techniques of the martial arts.
• Develop a working relationship with other health, fitness, exercise and sports activities to enhance and further martial arts.
• Assist performances and supply education in the artistic, aesthetic and cultural segment of the general public.
• Establish and conduct research in all martial arts areas.
• Interact with other universities and nations to help develop philosophy, techniques and knowledge of martial arts through goodwill or educational exchange visits.

• Rigorous fund raising.
• Develop positive communication tools among participants and previous participants.
• Provide top quality instructors.
• Invite prominent Masters and Grandmasters for clinics and instruction.
• Develop Good Volunteers system to run all special events.
• Develop management and leadership training throughout Black Belt class instruction.
• Provide quality facilities.
• Make available superior teaching aids.
• Maximize campus resources for the development of various needs of martial arts, instruction and research.
• Develop a consistent leadership position for the Program.

Since its inception almost 30 years ago, the Martial Arts Program of the University of California's Berkeley campus has had a twofold mission. In addition to providing successful, quality technical instruction in all martial arts/sports, the UC Martial Arts Program also endeavors to maximize the academic resources of the university to develop martial arts/sports through research into their philosophical, spiritual and scientific implications.

Technology influences and controls our lives more strongly as time goes by. Although the human effort has struggled to remain close to nature, contemporary science calls for a balance between "high tech" and "human touch." The yin and yang principle of equilibrium is not only practical for understanding nature, but is applicable to maintaining a healthy mind and body for longevity of life in our modern society. Following this principle, the UC Martial Arts Program strives to promote the balanced development of technical knowledge alongside martial arts philosophy and science.

Wisdom and knowledge are difficult to perceive within the short life span of mankind. Therefore, one should not waste even a second in the ongoing challenge of understanding the truth and educational value of the martial arts.