Campus Life in Santa Fe
Extracurricular Classes
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Aikido
Aikido is the most recent and perhaps most beautifully conceived of the Japanese martial arts. Developed by Uyeshiba Morihei in the 1930's, Aikido is considered a non-aggressive art, using the opponents' energy against them. The practice can be vigorous, and utilizes the entire body. Students of all levels practice together. Beginners start with footwork and falling practice, and later move on to a study of basic techniques. As students become more advanced, they progress to more dynamic practice. The class follows the principles of formal Japanese etiquette.
Karate-DŌ
The class is being offered for the 22nd consecutive year. The style is Japanese Wa Dō Ki Kai, a type of Shōtō Kan. People may join this class only at the beginning of Fall semester.
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini Yoga keeps the body in shape and trains the mind to be strong and flexible in the face of stress and change. It increases oxygen capacity, boosts blood flow, balances the glandular system, strengthens the nervous system, and reduces stress induced toxins such as adrenaline and cortol. The effect is a heightened self-awareness and vitality that allows one to harness mental and emotional energy. Individuals feel more in control of themselves, with enhanced peace of mind, concentration, and a deep inner calm and self confidence. Regardless of age or physical activity, Kundalini yoga and meditation offers immediate benefits
Breathing Meditation
Students will devote this time every week to quieting the day and centering themselves through conscious breathing. Bringing their attention to the breath, students will discover the value of the breath as a tool of awareness and well being. Students are welcome to any session at any time to make use of the meditation as needed for balancing, or to attend as regular practice.
Zazen Meditation
In Zazen Meditation, students concentrate on zazen and learning the craft and form of practice. Zazen Meditation focuses on both sitting and walking meditation. Practicing students chant the Heart Sutra and dedicate the merit. Meditation instruction is given as well as guidance through the forms. Noble silence is observed and discussion is limited. All are welcome. Students are instructed to bring a zafu, pillow, or blanket to sit on.
Ba Gua Zhang
Bha Gua Zhang is an ancient Taoist movement system from China which can help to harmonize the cycles in our bodies with the cycles in nature. Class consists of standing, slow walking, and interactive practices with an emphasis on connection, balance, and perception.
Ballroom Dance
The Ballroom Dance class teaches the fundamentals of social partner dancing. Students learn and practice Swing, Latin and Ballroom styles of dance. The goal of the class is to enable students to feel comfortable dancing in a social setting, whether at a St. John’s Waltz Party or at a nightclub in town.
Afro-Fusion Dance
With Jaime Duggan and percussionists including Andy Otterstrom. Drawing largely upon West African dance vocabulary and principles, students will also practice movements that have clarity and relevance in everyday life. The warm-up focuses on clearing the mind, lowering the center of gravity, realignment, becoming present in the larger body-mind-spirit, as well as physiologically warming up for this high-energy, rhythmic dance experience. No experience necessary.
Pottery Class
The pottery class offers instruction on the fundamentals of wheel thrown and hand built ceramics. Basic throwing, trimming, and glazing techniques are taught for many functional forms including cups, bowls, and plates. Hand building and sculptural techniques such as coiling and slab construction are also explored. Demonstration and technical information will be provided with attention to individual needs.
Photography
The darkroom at St. John’s is open to all students, and once a student is approved, it is accessible at all times. Instruction is available to newcomers, and a collection of books is available. The darkroom is equipped for B&W developing and printing. Standard chemistry is provided by the college, as well as the necessary hardware. Students are responsible for film and paper. Experimentation is encouraged with formats, chemistry and techniques.
Athletics
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