ITS Campus, ITS News — Demonstrating their resilience, the Self-Defense Student Activity Unit (UKM) of the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) once again delivered a stunning performance for new students. The performance was part of ITS’s annual Gerigi X UKM Expo (Gerex) 2026.
Through the Gerex 2026 series of activities, new students have the opportunity to explore various areas of interest and talent. Dinar Aisyah Khairinnisa, Head of the ITS Karate-Do Student Activity Unit (UKM), explained that this activity helps new students explore their potential beyond academics. “Gerex 2026 opens up broader opportunities for new students to choose student activities that align with their interests and talents,” she said.
Gerex 2026 featured nine ITS martial arts student associations participating in the introduction and recruitment of new members. Domestic martial arts included Perisai Diri, Persaudaraan Setia Hati Terate (PSHT), Merpati Putih, and Tapak Suci. International martial arts were represented by Muay Thai, Taekwondo, Kendo, Shorinji Kempo, and Karate-Do.
Leading the line of domestic martial arts, the ITS Perisai Diri (Perisai Diri) student unit (UKM) features a distinctive use of various weapons, such as swords, tridents, staffs, machetes, and fans. Furthermore, the ITS PSHT student unit (UKM) offers more than just self-defense skills; it also provides a platform for students to develop their potential. This development is achieved through training, coaching, and community service activities.
Furthermore, the ITS Merpati Putih student activity unit (UKM) also offers the bare-handed martial art of pencak silat, featuring breathwork and internal energy techniques. Meanwhile, the ITS Tapak Suci student activity unit (UKM) focuses on developing physical abilities and fighting techniques. The training also encompasses mental, character, and spiritual development.
Turning to international martial arts, the ITS Muay Thai Student Activity Unit (UKM) provides a platform for developing self-defense skills, including boxing and kickboxing . Equally prominent is the ITS Taekwondo Student Activity Unit (UKM) which features South Korean martial arts, which have competed in the Olympics. Both UKMs are options for students looking to develop both self-defense skills and physical fitness.
Three Japanese martial arts student clubs (UKM) also participated in Gerex 2026: Kendo, Shorinji Kempo, and Karate-Do. ITS Kendo introduces martial arts using bamboo swords, while ITS Shorinji Kempo focuses on character building through the Ken Zen Ichinyo philosophy . This philosophy emphasizes the unity of body and soul in the process of self-development.
Complementing the ranks of Japanese martial arts, the ITS Karate-Do Student Activity Unit (UKM) is based on three main pillars: kihon , kata , and kumite . These three are the foundation of training to develop the body’s ability to defend and defend itself. “In this UKM, we train all members to utilize all their physical abilities in self-defense,” said Dinar.
At Gerex 2026, the ITS Karate-Do Student Activity Unit (UKM Karate-Do) presented a bunkai demonstration, demonstrating the kata movements. The 2024 student explained that the bunkai demonstrates the function and meaning of each technique in karate. “This bunkai presentation was chosen because it is easy for new students to understand,” she said.
Not only the Karate-Do student unit, but all of the ITS Self-Defense Student Units also presented lively demonstrations to new students at Gerex 2026. Through these performances, ITS demonstrated its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly point 3: a Healthy and Prosperous Life through good physical exercise and strong character building. (*)
Reporter: Ahmad Maulana
Redaktur: Putu Calista Arthanti Dewi