Among BYU's student health classes, martial arts class SWELL 141 creates an environment that strengthens students.
The class is taught by Michael Pease, CEO and Marketing Director of Champion Grappler. Pease has practiced a variety of martial arts throughout his career, but at BYU he has chosen to focus on teaching the combat art of Jiu-Jitsu.
“Kickboxing and karate are striking-based martial arts and I have the utmost respect for them, but the reality is that the foundation of martial arts is definitely the grappling part,” Peace said.
Peace said a strong martial arts foundation can prepare someone to go into anything from law enforcement to participating in martial arts competitions.
“Whatever they want to do, it's easier and more effective for them to learn,” he said.
Peace said that mentoring BYU students for more than 20 years has allowed him to hone and tailor his teaching methods to make them more accessible to students at all levels.
Peace says the fundamentals he teaches are something all students need and can build on, whether they're beginners or seasoned professionals.
“The fundamentals that we teach aren't something you just learn and then move on to more advanced material,” he said. “It's something you work at and dig deeper and understand better.”
BYU student Alaina Jones said she felt Peace's instruction was applicable to many situations and felt more confident and at ease after taking the course a second time.
“I don't feel as nervous walking home by myself, and there's a really good community here,” she said.
Jones said the class encourages students to give each other constructive feedback and develop friendships and skills as they train.
“It's a great environment. A lot of learning, a lot of camaraderie, great, intense competition and a lot of good friendships,” BYU student Ammon Richards said.
Richards took up wrestling and other martial arts as a child, and apart from the friendly yet competitive atmosphere of the classes, he says the training gives him a different perspective on life's obstacles.
“It's hard in a good way. You have to be okay with it being awkward and uncomfortable because on the other side there's progress and growth and a lot of fun,” he said.
Both Richards and Jones said prospective students should expect and be grateful for initial failures because working towards success will bring them great growth.
“The sooner you accept the fact that you're going to be bad for a while, the sooner you'll learn the skills, get better and bounce back,” Jones said.
