Steven Seagal, Chuck Norris, Jean-Claude VanDamme—they are all movie celebrities whose names are easily recognized. Why?

They are martial artists and can use their talents to defeat everyone from terrorists to drug lords. Or at least that is the way they are portrayed in the movies.

Here in DeKalb, however, there are all sorts of students of the martial arts that have not and probably will never face a gang of gun-carrying bad guys.

“That’s all Hollywood,” said Brian Green, instructor of the NIU Aikido Club. Aikido, along with several other martial arts disciplines, is available for people to study at a variety of locations all over DeKalb.

The NIU Aikido Club, established in 1963, presently consists of about 20 members. Aikido is based on the concept of self-defense; the movements learned can help an individual use an attacker’s energy in order to subdue that person. However, Green emphasizes that martial arts are not solely intended for combat purposes.

“Our particular discipline focuses on good posture and body positioning. Staying anchored to the floor with a good center of balance is paramount. Kicking, therefore, would leave a person prone to becoming unbalanced,” said Green.

Green also said the martial arts can be practiced by anyone, large or small, male or female.

“Actually, women have somewhat of an advantage, given their lower center of gravity,” Green said.

The Aikido Club meets from 8 to 10 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday as well as from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. The club, along with other martial arts disciplines, practice at the Office of Campus Recreation.

The DeKalb Park District (DPD) also is offering martial arts instruction in the area of karate at its Haish Gym location. Karate is a more offense-oriented discipline, utilizing a number of punches and kicks to defeat an opponent.

Yet karate, like aikido and the other martial arts, concentrates mostly on improving the physical and mental well-being of the student. Children and adults can develop strength, self-esteem and coordination through the training.

Anyone interested in attending the karate class should contact the DPD at 758-6663.