College-town beatdown: How to get in fighting shape in Madison
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If video games like Street Fighter have taught us anything, it's that hand-to-hand combat is truly an international language. Not that The A.V. Club advocates physical violence, but now that you're attending school in the 81st-largest city in America, you may end up having to defend yourself against college bullies, drunks, and other assorted street toughs. So in accordance with the code of the streets, here are some local training centers that can help you gain some confidence in a scuffle and maybe get some exercise while you're at it.
Boxing
Where: Ford's Gym, 2114 Winnebago St., 249-4227
Cost: $8 per class, $15 per class for non-members
What you'll learn: Two courses (one on fundamentals, one on techniques) meet weekly for four weeks. In fundamentals, you'll learn the right way to throw a punch, defense, footwork, and all kinds of other things that do a great pugilist make. In techniques, you'll get into more hands-on stuff, like hitting the heavy bag, speed bag, hand pads, shadowboxing, and possibly sparring with that puffy headgear on. Mix that with jumping shitloads of rope, and you have the boxer's workout that will turn you into punching machine.
Street cred: Owner Ford Sheridan does not advocate using your boxing skills out in the real world, but he insists that it's the real deal. Whether the students at Ford's want to learn a little self-defense, prepare for competition, or just take out some frustration, they will leave knowing how to throw down a little fisticuffs.
Actual exercise: Although both of the classes emphasize aerobic exercise, Sheridan says that the techniques class is the most intense. Anyone who has ever sweated through his or her shirt playing Wii boxing can also attest: Punching is hard work.
Kung Fu
Where: Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association, 3361 E. Washington Ave., 347-3836
Cost: First class free, $20 per class
What you'll learn: The beginner's Shaolin course meets twice weekly for four weeks. The classes are divided into two parts. The first part focuses on Qigong (meditative breathing and stretching), holding postures, and stationary punching and kicking. In the second part, students apply the techniques along with Qinna, which is to seize and control an opponent (not unlike how UFC guys roll around on top of each other). Punching, kicking, wrestling, and Qinna are the major elements of kung fu and essential for anyone who doesn't want to look like a poseur.
Street cred: Of course kung fu is totally badass. It makes for some of the best movies, and on top of that, Shaolin is the kung fu of choice for the Wu-Tang Clan. Protect ya neck!
Actual exercise: Practicing kung fu is almost like a hybrid of boxing and yoga, so you'll get your physical activity while learning how to control your breathing. Plus, you'll gain things like discipline and respect for others, which can help in holding back your new fists of fury when people pick on you.
Fencing
Where: Madison Fencing Academy, 5401 Hammersley Rd., 273-3477
Cost: $100 for four weekly classes
What you'll learn: Prevot D'Armes Mike Garrison knows that students can't learn to fence in a four-week course, but they will learn basic footwork, parries (blade defenses), attacks, and a "smattering of the rules." But students will be provided with all the cool equipment, which means you get a chance to swing an actual sword (or at least an epee) and wear that scary-looking mask.
Street cred: Being adept at sword play hasn’t carried much weight in the streets since the early 1800s, never mind that stabbing someone with a sword is one of the most illegal things you can do. But Garrison says that principles like leverage over strength and efficiency over speed are lessons that can be applied anywhere.
Actual exercise: Although Fencing 101 is designed for non-fencers to get their feet wet, says Garrison, it still provides a moderately intense workout, both physically and mentally.
