St. Michael's own karate kid
Junior Mike Krikorian tries to start karate club

Kelly Brooks| staff writer
kbrooks@smcvt.edu

Over the past two years, junior Mike Krikorian has been mastering his craft in the quad. More recently, he has sent out mass e-mails promoting efforts to start a karate club for both men and women. Krikorian is interested in teaching the Uechi-Ryu karate style here on campus free of charge.

Hoping to earn club status

Krikorian has wanted to create a karate club for the past two years, but as a member of the swim team he has had a lack of free time. He is pursuing the idea of starting a karate group this year in hopes of gaining club status.

Mike Krikorian teaches St. Michael's students Uechi-Ryu karate in the Pontigny GREAT room. Alex McIntire, photo

Krikorian held an informal practice on Tuesday, Oct. 9 in the Pontigny GREAT room. After being informed that 11 students are interested in joining the group, Krikorian believes that during the next meeting he will be able to cover more of his desired material and the Uechi-Ryu style of karate.

“I am sticking to the Uechi-Ryu style because that is what I know,” Krikorian says.

The Uechi-Ryu style is not flashy, but to the point and consists of simple, fluid motions. It requires lots of conditioning and muscle toning, so one can give and take a hit, Krikorian says.

Krikorian says his teachings should only be used as a self-defense mechanism. The psychological benefits from learning karate enhance daily life by improving concentration and perceptiveness, he says.

Meetings will be Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights at 10:30 p.m. and Fridays at 6:30 p.m. The sessions are one hour to ensure he has time for individual help. In addition, time will be allotted Saturdays and Sundays to work with Krikorian.

He hopes by next semester he will have 15 dedicated members, so his group will be ready for Student Association (S.A.) approval.

With funding, he would be able to acquire demonstrators to come perform their styles of karate. Also, he would be able to purchase equipment including karate gi (uniform) and belts.

Krysten Farrell, a junior residential assistant in Pontigny, says the karate group is a beneficial way to use the GREAT room because people aren’t taking advantage of it.

“There are more lounges on each floor and always the library if students need to use the room for homework during that hour of the night,” Farrell says. “I encourage the room to be used for activities like [karate].”

Krikorian is a big deal

Krikorian began practicing karate as a hyper 7-year-old with a discipline problem. His parents thought it was a healthy alternative to treat his Attention Deficit Disorder instead of the drug Ritalin, he says. At home, Krikorian was taught karate at the well-respected Buzz Durkin’s school in Atkinson, New Hampshire.

“Not to be cliché, but I am kind of a big deal,” Krikorian says. “It is easy for me to get in touch with connections or get demonstrators using a discounted price from my school.”

Krikorian has been teaching this style for eight years, which has allowed him to master the basics.

“As a teacher you must know everything inside and out, backwards and forwards, which makes you twice as good," Krikorian says. “Getting paid was just a bonus for something I wanted to do anyway.”

As a fourth-degree black belt, Krikorian has had a substantial amount of experience in this style of karate.

Through teaching karate, Krikorian has gained self-confidence and has no problems with public speaking or projecting presence in a room, he says.

Back to basics

No experience is necessary in order to attend the meetings. Krikorian is willing to teach anyone who is interested, he says.

Mike Krikorian shows off his karate moves. Alex McIntire, photo

Being able to practice the basics is why sophomores Cassidy O’Connor and Ben Silverman, who have had several years of experience in different styles of karate, say the meetings will be fun.

“I’ve done martial arts for nine years and missed it at school,” O’Connor says. “I’m glad I have the opportunity to learn a new style.”

Silverman, who has four years experience in karate, is also excited for Krikorian’s lessons.

“Everyone is having fun and people get to go wild,” Silverman says. “It can be as much of a workout as you want it to be because of the amount you put into it.”

Krikorian encourages females to join because it is beneficial for both men and women to be able to defend themselves and strengthen their bodies.

“Women of Uechi are actually strong ladies and will send you running, many are better than the men,” Krikorian says.

Karate gives a sense of focus, self-confidence, and sharpens both the mind and body. It keeps a person fit, alert and calm, as well as developing an awareness of surroundings, Krikorian says.

“The best thing about martial arts is it not only allows you to kick someone hard, but you notice the [environment] around you, so you can avoid getting attacked,” Krikorian says.

At 5-feet, 6-inches tall, Krikorian possesses major confidence in his ability to take down any opponent thanks to his karate skills.

“I can break bones, but I avoid getting in a fight because I would probably get sued or go to jail. It is better for me to use words,” Krikorian says. “I’ll only fight for self-defense if I am about to be killed.”