The Quad

Issue date: 11/6/06 Section: Features

"It gets pretty brutal sometimes."

These are the words of Matthew Arminio, a WCU junior, describing Lei Tai, a form of martial arts. Arminio made the 28-hour plane flight to Singapore this past Sunday to participate in the World Kuoshu Federation Tournament, a martial arts competition that included 25 other countries.

Arminio has trained individually for three years, beginning with instruction in the martial art of Hung Gar, which he studies in New Cumberland, Pa. During the school year, needing personal space for his training, Arminio uses the area behind the bleachers in the Ehringer gym. "It was kind of funny because I'd be practicing at the same time as the women's volleyball team," Arminio said. Health sciences professor Mark Lawler has also been a great aid in Arminio's training, allowing him to come to his Kenpo school in Kennett Square after hours and use his facilities.

Lei Tai can be traced back to ancient China, where different martial arts masters would challenge each other in efforts to gain pupils for their schools. It is a form of fighting that takes place on a three foot elevated platform that is 24 by 24 feet wide. The fighters are allowed to strike with elbows, knees, kicks and punches as long as they do not aim for the joints, groin, or spine. If an opponent is thrown from the platform extra points are awarded to the fighter still standing. At one tournament Arminio participated in, seven fighters went to the hospital, three of whom couldn't return to the tournament due to the severity of their injuries. One of Arminio's fighting exploits at one tournament, for example, was that he picked his opponent up off of the ground and ran him off the platform, driving his shoulder into his stomach.

Earning a place on the U.S. team was no easy task. Arminio competed in a nationwide tournament in Hunt Valley, Maryland this past July, where only those who place first in their weight division are chosen for the national team. Arminio earned second place, yet the coaches of the national team liked his fighting style so much that they gave him a spot as well. He will be joining nine other male teammates and nine female teammates in Singapore, along side a total of over 1,000 competitors.

The tournament is set up in bracket style elimination, with Arminio facing a potential six matches in one day, and potentially three on another day. The fighters wear a face shield, six ounce gloves, and a groin cup. Safety gear was introduced in the 1920's in China due to the amount of deaths that were resulting from Lei Tai fighting. With the full contact nature of Lei Tai, six matches in a single day could prove to be a very bruising and painful experience.

The team provided for his meals and lodging, however, he had to pay for his own plane tickets. He didn't seem to mind this expense at all, and was just grateful for the amazing experience of an international tournament on the other side of the globe. "I'm really excited to make the trip. It's going to be a great experience and I'm proud to be a part of the U.S. team," he said. Until Arminio's return on November 13, the results of his experience in the tournament will have to wait. Before then, however, WCU students can take pride knowing that their university and nation are being represented by a fellow student in an international event, and in an ancient form of discipline and skill.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools