DIVERSITY DYSSACK OFFERS CAMPUS VARIETY Clubs covered a range of activities from learning sign language to reading poetry. In 2007, the list of clubs expanded to include the Dyssack Trainers Club, which was devoted to the study and practice of western martial arts from the Medieval to Renaissance eras in a safe and organized environment. The Dyssack sword, a gently curved double-edged blade, was thought to originate in Central and Eastern Europe around 300 AD. The Germans adopted the term "Dussack" during the 16th century to refer to a practice weapon of similar shape. Dyssack was still very popular at fencing schools in parts of Germany and France. According to senior Dillon King, Harding's Dyssack Trainers did not use the standard Dyssack combat training equipment. Instead they adapted their own equipment and system to use for practice and instruction. "Unfortunately, the use of the wooden Dyssack sword is both dangerous due to the lack of protective gear and highly expensive to purchase," King said. "We use a Shinai, which is a bamboo Japanese training weapon made with slats that fasten together with leather fixtures to simulate a sword. We find that the Shinai suits our needs as a safer weapon and actually cuts down on the need for more expensive safety gear." According to 2012 alumnus Philip Lowery, even though the Dyssack Trainers Club members did not participate in tournaments or competitions, they did participate in sparring matches with other club members. "Sparring matches occur during club hours, and they begin and end with a formal bow and handshake," Lowery said. CLASSIC FILM-CLUB NIMA "Matches last anywhere from two to 15 minutes depending on what the students are working on. Sparring matches are rarely undertaken for the club member's sake but rather to work on techniques and hone skills that the club as a whole needs to work on. Matches end with lengthy academically focused conversations." Students were drawn to the Dyssack Trainers Club for a number of reasons, from the community to the physical discipline. "Some come to the club with prior martial arts experience looking to try something new, while others come with no experience at all looking for training," King said. "Regardless of their motives, it is a desire to better oneself and build confidence that members can hold fast to. Confidence and self-discipline are the two most essential elements in swordsmen, and both can be built within this group." According to sophomore Kurtis Grant, being a part of the Dyssack Trainers Club positively shaped his time at Harding. As a nursing major, Grant served as the on-hand medic, in case anyone was injured during sparring matches. "Dyssack has allowed me a social opportunity to mentor and learn," Grant said. "I started Dyssack with little control and patience. Dyssack has helped me gain confidence and provided me an opportunity to mentor and be there for others." Both men and women were welcome to join the Dyssack Trainers Club. The group kept an average of 50 members per semester. They met Friday evenings in front of the Ganus Athletic Center at 5 p.m. and Saturday afternoons at 2 p.m. for a time of instruction, community and good-natured combat. Mallory Johnson ASA Est. 2013: Row 1: H. Crutsinger, G. Gibson, B. Slack, C. Hayostek. Row 2: K. Hammes (sponsor), J. Windley, J. Robison, J. Henderson. Est. 2007: Row 1: J. Crowson (sponsor), M. Otten, A. Ruhl, A. Dodson, E. Wood, A. Heastie. Row 2: M. Crowson (sponsor), A. Nightengale, A. Hayes, J. Pierce, S. Fowler, D. Sloan, C. Mitchell, E. O'Briant. Row 3: E. Wilson, C. Weeks, P. Burgess, J. Davis, J. Brewer, A. Yates, Z. Abney, R. Stirrup, J. Pleasant (sponsor). Animal Science Association est. 2014: Row 1: S. Cooper (sponsor), H. Weare, J. Hans, K. Baker, A. Bermea, M. Lowe, S. Wilmsen, J. Goy (sponsor). Row 2: T. Lee (sponsor), V. Mcintosh, L. Manus, S. Randall, W. Justus, A. Harper.
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