Athletics & Classes

Ba Gua Zhang–“Eight Trigrams Palm”
Ba Gua Zhang is an ancient Taoist movement system from China. It is an exploration of circles and spirals, an expression of the possibilities of change. Through centering, standing, turning, and moving particles, the circulation and connection are enhanced. This class is designed to support students in developing a daily practice. Ba Gua Zhang is led by Able West, DOM, L.Ac. Mr. West has been a student of Chinese internal movement beginning in 1986. Since 1992, he has been studying and learning from DR Zhou Ron Qin Tsai, a Taoist educator and Healer. Info: 505-992-1209.

Basketball Open Play
Basketball games and drills are open to all in the college community.

Black Tiger Kung Fu
In Black Tiger Kung Fu the student develops personal discipline, confidence, and integrity. They increase strength, flexibility and endurance and achieve mental clarity, emotional maturity, and spiritual awareness. Black Tiger focuses on developing the inner warrior. As a warrior, a person has acquired the skills to defend themselves and others. They have also developed a high level of self confidence and find physical confrontation usually unnecessary. This is a beginner class and does not require any previous experience. For students with martial arts experience there is the opportunity to work at an advanced level and develop your skills at your own pace. All are welcome. No special clothing is required.

Black Tiger Kung Fu is taught by Raven Hicks, who has been a student and teacher of martial arts for over 20 years and holds more than four black belts in various disciplines. Info: 505-913-0199.

Breathing Meditation
Breathing meditations offer a time in the middle of the week to quiet the mind, using our breath to touch the silence and to simply be. The breath is a tool that can help us not to identify with those thoughts and emotions that threaten our sense of harmony and well being, and to transform them into light. In the understanding that we are all sharing the same air, we dedicate each meditation in service to the Whole, and complete in remembrance of the Unity and the Spirit of Life on the breath. Breathing Meditation is led by Penny Russell. Meetings occur in the Thorpe Room. All are welcome. For more information call ext. 6070.

Comprehensive Combatives
This program emphasizes reality-based martial arts. The focus is on self defense and martial skills that work in our modern world against unarmed and armed attackers, as well as against single and multiple threats. Students develop physical skills, personal discipline, confidence and integrity. They will learn to control their fears, overcome personal obstacles and respond appropriately in potentially violent situations. In the fall, students learn the striking arts. Winter sessions focus on ground fighting. In spring, students learn how to protect themselves from weapon attacks, such as sticks, knives, and firearms. Students will progress at their own pace and be challenged to improve during every class. Comprehensive Combatives is taught by Mr. Raven Hicks, a student and teacher of martial arts for over 20 years. He holds four black belts in various disciplines. Info: 505-913-0199.

Croquet
A classic game with a friendly rivalry between the two St. John’s Colleges in Santa Fe and Annapolis, we play “backyard” croquet, with nine wickets and two stakes. Two teams of two people play against each other. The first team to complete the course is the winner. The leader of the Santa Fe team is the “Grand Marnier,” a position that is assigned every year by the previous “Grand Marnier.” No, it isn’t a drink. Don’t worry, we will teach you the rules. Come play an easy, fun game which has been part of the long tradition of St. John’s College.

Disc Golf
St. John’s College offers a stunning, world class disc golf course sanctioned by the PDGA for interested players. It is a challenging course that travels through the arroyo between the lower dorms and the SAC and is characterized by tight shots through trees. Maps of the course, discs, and rules of play are available at the SAC front desk.

Fencing
Join one of the oldest clubs on campus! Beginners are welcomed. Classes begin with basic footwork and bladework techniques as well as tactics and strategy. Each class will begin with a review of the previous class followed by a new lesson and bouting. For more information contact Rob Madril at rmadril@sfprep.org.

Ice Hockey
The Genoveva Chavez Community Center in Santa Fe has extended its student (1/2 price) rate to all St. John’s College students, alumni, faculty, and staff who would like to play in its adult hockey leagues. The leagues form each fall, and range from “A” (elite) to “D” (developmental). Contact Ms. Reahard at  jreahard@sjcsf.edu. Equipment is available and transportation can be arranged.

Iron Bookworm
The Iron Bookworm workout is an original and unorthodox fitness routine that emphasizes isometric and dynamic body weight exercises. Many of the exercises are imported from other countries. WARNING: this workout is NOT for the faint of heart!

Karate-DŌ
The style is Japanese Wa Dō Ki Kai, a type of Shōtō Kan. People may join this class only at the beginning of the Fall semester. Students wishing to join MUST be present for the first meeting. You may borrow a gi from the SAC for the first two meetings. Karate-Dō is led by Jorge Aigla, tutor, 7th Dan and Kyoshi (head instructor), and Bill Kerr, tutor, 5th Dan (assistant instructor).

Medicine Ball Ping-Pong
Join us in the gym for a thrilling hour of medicine-ball throwing: a game of skill, strategy, nimbleness, speed, cunning, and brute strength. Get strong without feeling as though you are working out.

Qian Tian Ti Ji Chuan
Pre-heaven practices support of the body by strengthening the root connection and by maximizing circulation. Standing, turning, and moving enhance the transformation and develop a deep connection and feeling. Today, Tai Ji is typically practiced for a variety of reasons including: aesthetics, health, flexibility, mastery of physical control, meditation and mental health. Qian Tian Tai Ji Chuan is led by Able West, DOM, L.Ac.

Racquet Sports and Handball
The SAC has two racquetball/squash/handball courts and three tennis courts available for student use. Students may check out racquets, balls, and goggles at the SAC front desk. Please contact ext. 6149 to sign up for an hour play. Tutor Lauren Brubaker has enthusiastically brought the sport of handball to St. John’s College. Handball is a full-body workout with rules similar to those of racquetball, sans racquet. It is played on a standard racquetball court, and requires a ball, protective eyewear and gloves. The SAC provides gloves, balls, and goggles.

Russian Kettle Bells
Russian Kettle bells are the ultimate full-body workout experience. These cast iron weights can replace many other types of weight lifting equipment while allowing the benefits of flexibility, muscle and cardio training to occur simultaneously.

Soccer Open Play
There has recently been an explosion of interest in open play soccer at St. John’s. It is quickly becoming one of the largest athletic groups on campus. Check the schedule for times. All skill levels welcome and encouraged to join us on the soccer field for some fun and friendly competition.

Squash
Steeped in tradition, the game of squash evolved from at least five other sports involving racquets, gloves, and balls, dating back to the twelfth century. Often compared to a physical form of chess, squash requires quick reflexes and encompasses physics, geometry, and athleticism while providing an excellent cardiovascular workout. Call ext. 6148 for information regarding personal lessons with Charles Khan.

Ultimate Frisbee
The St. John’s College Ultimate Frisbee team, “The Books,” holds regular team practices and competes in tournaments throughout the Southwest. All interested students are encouraged to join, or at least to come find out what the game is all about!
View the gallery of karate photos

Wonder Woman Workout
Fitness boot-camp for women only; students, faculty, and staff welcome. This class offers strength, core, and cardio training using dumbbells, elastic bands, balance balls, medicine balls, Bosu ball, kettlebells and more. Every class is different—and perfect for women at every level of fitness. 

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 12:10–1 p.m., in the SAC gymnasium

For more information contact Mary Anne Burke at x6109 or maburke@sjcsf.edu or Susan Patten at x6116 or spatten@sjcsf.edu.

Yoga with Jessie
Jessie’s classes are guided by basic principles of spinal and hip alignment to better protect practitioners from injury and target specific muscle groups within the various asanas. Her classes incorporate Yin influences (holding poses for 3–5 minutes) along with more dynamic movements traditional in a Vinyasa flow style of yoga. Holding the asanas for an extended duration reaches deeper fine-movement muscles and stretches fascia, while transitioning between breath and movement and strengthens the heart. By coupling styles, her classes enable students to experience the benefits of long lasting openness in the body as well as the confidence that comes with a strong body and mind. Jessie received her 200-hour Yoga Alliance Certification from the Shambhava School of Yoga after completing an immersion course at Shoshoni Ashram outside of Nerderland, CO. Since receiving her certification she has taught at Blosson Yoga Studio in Laramie, WY, and at La Posada in Hidalgo, Mexico.