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In the movie "The Matrix," Keanu Reeves' character is actually two different people. The first, Mr. Anderson, works for a software company, sitting in a cubicle. The other, Neo, fights off criminals and knows kung fu. Though this is a fictional movie, it's not too far off from a description of someone here at ASU.

Jason Wulf is an IT professional for student media. By day, he fixes computers and makes sure all the technology at the Matthews Center is running smoothly. But at night, he is a force to be reckoned with — he is trained in several forms of martial arts. Don't expect Wulf to go on a power trip and take down a room full of people. He says he's found more effective ways to end fights before they even begin.

SPM: Don't I know you?

Wulf: Maybe.

SPM: What is your title here?

Wulf: Technology sport-analyst principle.

SPM: But what is your job … at night?

Wulf: I take martial arts twice a week. I'm a black belt in To-Shin Do, which is a form of ninjutsu.

SPM: How long have you been doing this?

Wulf: Three to four years of this art. Before that I took karate for about four years. I received a green belt and I went to a few tournaments and have some trophies.

SPM: How did you get interested in all of this?

Wulf: When I was younger I used to read Spiderman comics. I knew he wasn't real and then I thought, "Oh, ninjas are cool," and they're kind of the same thing. The only martial art that was taught in my area was gosha-ru. Then I moved to Phoenix and found an art by Stephen Hayes, who originally taught it as ninjutsu but then changed the name of it in the '80s because of all the American ninja films and the bad press.

SPM: What kinds of exercises do you do for fun?

Wulf: These are some kids' games that get integrated into our classes. One game we play is called Tiger's Tail. You put a rope on your belt behind you or on the side, and the other person has to get it without getting hit too bad. We also practice with weapons and throwing stars.

SPM: Do you feel like you double-up on security?

Wulf: Only on computer security.

SPM: Have you ever used your skills against other people?

Wulf: Never anyone outside of class, but I've had people try to pull things on me.

SPM: Why didn't you fight them back?

Wulf: In my style we learn we don't always use martial arts to get out of everything. You can also use your voice, for example, to use as a weapon. You never have to lay a finger on them. You learn more skills and you get more tools where you don't have to fight. You learn to avoid situations.

SPM: What's the most important lesson you've learned from martial arts?

Wulf: Know your environment. If you know your environment and if you're aware of your surroundings of people you care about and people that could hurt you, then you have a better view of life.

gralbovs@asu.edu


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