UC Berkeley Recreation & Wellbeing offers a diverse range of recreational activities for students and faculty, including weightlifting, soccer, swimming, and martial arts training through the UC Martial Arts Program. With a focus on community-oriented activities and opportunities for diverse interests and skill levels, the facilities and programs provide in-person and online classes, fitness training, stress relief, and more. The Martial Arts Program, with its six different clubs, aims to preserve the philosophy, techniques, and traditions of martial arts while also developing a scientific understanding of human performance.
Founded in 1969, the UC Martial Arts Program at UC Berkeley has a twofold mission of providing quality technical instruction in martial arts and maximizing academic resources to research the philosophical, spiritual, and scientific implications of martial arts. The program welcomes new students each semester and hosts annual events like the UC Open and the Chinese Martial Arts Tournament. With top-notch instructors, safe facilities, and a focus on academic excellence, the program offers a unique blend of athleticism and scholarship, innovation, and tradition.
UCMAP, supported by partnerships with prestigious institutions like Yongin University and the Korean National Sport University, has established itself as a leading martial arts program in the country. With a rich history of producing successful competitors and teams, hosting tournaments, and receiving significant endowments, UCMAP continues to uphold its commitment to teaching Asian philosophy and culture. The program’s dedication to excellence and its impact on the international martial arts community reflect UC Berkeley’s culture of high standards and innovation.