Seidokan Aikido Club President Zoe Toth explains why Aikido is an important art.By: Kim Gaffney
USC students can lower anxiety and stress levels by taking part in this self-defense club say Seidokan Aikido Club members.
Seidokan Aikido is an ancient Japanese form of martial arts that focuses on harmony between the body and mind.
Club President Zoe Toth says she's been hooked up on the club since ever since she started last October.
"There were these people throwing each other through the air and I'm just like, 'wow that looks fun,'" said Toth.
Rolling, punching and bowing are some of the techniques used in the practice. Members say the club has helped them relieve stress and aggression.
"It's good if you're a really angry person and you don't want to go into something angry like mixed martial arts," said new member Sulaymaan Benoit.
The American College Health Association reports stress and anxiety are among the top problems American college students face. Club members say Seidokan Aikido offers an outlet to alleviate the stress and pressures of exams, projects and homework.
Toth says it's also helped her become a more understanding person and has resolved conflicts in her life.
"I don't fight with my mom as much as lame as it sounds," said Toth.
USC Psychology professor Doug Wedell founded the club in 1990. He says this peaceful art is not like competitive sports.
"We're trying to learn together how to overcome conflict," said Wedell.
Toth and Benoit say they plan to practice Seidokan Aikido for life to stay stress free even after college.
