Wednesday evenings inside the University Recreation Center (UREC), a group of students circle up on padded mats. The sound of movement, steady footwork, laughter and the sharp thuds of controlled strikes was filling the air. For the members of the Seattle University Martial Arts Association (MAA), this is more than a workout: it’s a space for discipline, connection and growth.

Founded in 2023, the MAA has quickly become a hub for students interested in practicing martial arts in an accessible and inclusive environment. Ethan Gaspar, a fourth-year computer science major and the current president of the club, said that the group began as a way to make martial arts training more accessible to students.

“I met the former president in class, we both trained and connected over martial arts,” Gaspar said. “Eventually, I went from just attending practices to helping coach, and now I’m leading the club.”

Under Gaspar’s leadership, the MAA provides diverse training options for both beginners and seasoned martial artists. Members currently train in No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays at 1:30 p.m., and in Muay Thai (Striking) on Mondays at 8:30 p.m.. The group is also flexible, welcoming other martial arts styles based on instructor availability.

“We’re a very inclusive club,” Gaspar said. “If someone has experience in another martial art, we’re more than happy to have them share and train with us.”

Beyond learning techniques, MAA emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of community. Gaspar said that welcoming beginners is a top priority. 

“We take the personal approach, talk to people, build relationships and make sure they feel comfortable,” he said. “That’s how we promote an inclusive environment.”

Another primary focus of the club is accessibility. While many off-campus gyms can cost well over $100 per month, MAA remains free to all Seattle U students. Gasper aims to make martial arts training more accessible to all individuals who are interested in the sport. 

For students like Kyler Saoit, a third-year and club member, that accessibility made all the difference. Before joining, Saoit was interested in boxing but struggled to find an affordable place to train. 

“I checked out a gym nearby, it was around $200 a month,” Saoit said. “I couldn’t afford that, so I started teaching myself using YouTube videos till I found this club.”

After meeting MAA members at UREC, Saoit joined and immediately found the sense of belonging he’d been missing. 

“Martial arts has helped me build confidence and resilience,” Saoit said. “You learn how to push through challenges, and the people here make it a good community to grow in.”

For Max Gran, a fourth-year computer science major, joining MAA was a return to something familiar. He grew up doing jiu-jitsu with his father and wanted to reconnect with that part of his life. 

“My dad got me into it when I was a kid,” Gran said. “When I found out there was a martial arts club here, I knew it was time to start again.”

Gran described a typical meeting as balanced and hands-on. 

“We start with warm-ups, then move into a technique of the day,” Gran said. “Sometimes we finish with free rolling, where people can practice more freely.”

Gaspar hopes that the club continues to grow and reach new students who may be curious about martial arts but are intimidated to start. 

“It’s not about being the best fighter,” Gaspar said. “It’s about having fun, learning something new, and finding a place where you belong.”

As the session ended and students bowed out for the night, the mats grew quiet but the energy lingered. The team meets again for Muay Thai on Monday at 8:30 PM and No-Gi Grappling on Wednesday at 7 p.m., welcoming anyone interested in joining. To get involved or stay updated, check out their Instagram page or visit their CampusGroups profile.