Sheffield
MSU iMPACT, or Integrated Martial Arts Protection and Coordination Training, is working to change the way college students stay in shape.
The group, formerly known as Fight ‘N’ Rhythm, really focuses on using boxing and martial arts — not just as methods of self-defense, but ways to keep physically active, said Michael Sheffield, a kinesiology junior and president of MSU iMPACT.
The group meets from 6:30-8 p.m. Fridays in 16 IM Sports-West in the basement. The group is free and everyone is welcome to participate, Sheffield said.
State News If you could sum up what the club does in one sentence, what would it be?
Michael Sheffield Basically, we use boxing and martial arts to incorporate physical activity in the lives of people.
SN Why do you believe your club is important?
MS Because for one, it’s a free program. A lot of other clubs require fees, and we just don’t want that. Everyone should have a means of incorporating physical activity into their lives, whether or not they can pay for fitness centers or (intramural) sports — ours is free, and we have better benefits than any club on campus.
SN Why did you get involved with the club?
MS I personally got involved because I have lots of martial arts experience. Also, my major is kinesiology and I’m going into physical therapy. I just thought the organization would be good for me to get experience dealing with patients from different ethnicities and different backgrounds, and I believe if I can do it on campus, then I can do it later on in my career.
SN Why would you tell others to get involved with the club?
MS People that want to be members usually get involved because it’s free, and they’ll learn things that they can take with them to use later on.
We learn about our own bodies or do self-defense and, something I think is really important, the philosophy behind some of the things we teach. As far as people who want to become police officers, it’s a great thing to have experience dealing with people that they can use later on.
You’re going to need physical activity later on in life, whether you’re in business or whatever, you’re going to need physical fitness.
SN What issues that the club tackles do you think are most important?
MS I think getting people mainly on Thursday and Friday nights to have other activities that are nonalcoholic — the environment is just to have fun. It’s another thing to do other than just going out and drinking.
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