I asked the question, “What is exciting about this new program?” to
Dr. Setton, Proffessor Kim, and Dr. Ward. Dr. Setton (Academic Chair): It’s the first in the Western world and the whole purpose of the program is to change people’s misperception of the Martial Arts, often derived from the popular media. The way we are going to do that is by providing a rich array of courses clarifying the historical, philosophical and socio-psychological foundations. What many people don’t realize is that there is a so-called internal dimension to the Martial Arts that took shape through the mediation of Buddhism and Daoism.
My background is East Asian Philosophy, which I’ve taken a great interest in for the last 30 years. I think that a knowledge of the philosophical traditions of East Asia will greatly enrich people’s perspective of the Martial Arts and rectify any misconceptions they may have about the Martial Arts representing a purely militaristic or physical way of life.
Professor Kim (Director of MA Institute, Co-chair of MA Program):
This is the first Martial Arts extension in the Western Culture. The preparation began eight years ago. Many people put a lot of effort in, President Salonen and Vice President Connor, Dr. Setton, Dr. Ward, other professors and Martial Arts leaders. We are very proud about this program.
The population of US Martial Artists is more than one million. For a long time, Martial Artists were waiting for a professional degree program in yhr U.S. They are training for self-cultivation, health, education, business and sports. We have many different styles of Martial Arts, they have different backgrounds, histories, cultures and philosophies. While the students learn of the East-Asian area civilization and culture, the Martial Arts studies focus on the harmony of the spirit, mind and body as well. I feel very excited and proud of this program; our University is a pioneer in the Martial Arts field.
Our future plan is to set up a special Taekwondo team and demonstration teams. We also plan to have a special relationship with other countries to have Martial Arts exchange programs. In the distant future, we would like, as a University, to build up a professional Martial Arts University in America.
Dr. Ward (Dean of the International College): Martial Arts has a history of 3000 years. Through the Martial Arts, people can develop a measurable sense of accomplishment and a mastery of mind over body. This contributes to a greater sense of self-esteem. Through the teacher-student relationship in the Martial Arts, as well as the relationship between students, one develops a greater sense of appreciation for other human beings and learns the importance of respect and regard for others.
The Martial Arts studies program at UB is different from other programs in the world because it is a Liberal Arts program. It is an academic degree, in the same way someone can study dance or music and not necessarily be a dancer or musician. This is a very new experience because there is no peer degree program in the United States.