Though recreational sports at SF State as a whole have been seeking to obtain more money to better fund the various programs, Club Tae Kwon Do seems to be okay.

The club has found other ways to maintain a level of self-sufficiency.

“Our club has been doing very well,” professor and club advisor Bill Dewart said. “We’re very solid in terms of our financial banking.”

Each semester, club participants pay a $100 member fee, which breaks down to $25 a month, Dewart said. And on top of the money the students pay, Dewart gives a $1,000 to the club every time it hosts an invitational. The club also claims a non-profit status which Dewart says helps to keep them in a low tax bracket.

The club also relays on hosting events and charging admission. Currently, they are trying to bring the Shaolin Monks to SF State to put on a demonstration. Club treasurer Gary Rouse said getting the Shaolin Monks into the U.S. has proven to be complicated.

The Recreational Sports Program, which houses Club Sports, is facing cuts to a third of its services if President Robert Corrigan does not allow the Student Fee Advisory Committee-approved $7 fee increase. If the student fee increase is not improved, RSP has said it will not be able to allocate money to Club Sports, which a 2005 university task force recommended RSP absorb. If the fee is approved, RSP has budgeted $5,000 to Club Sports to help pay for conference fees, referees and travel. With additional funds, RSP plans to add 11 more teams in 2008.

Members of Club Tae Kwon Do said they could still continue without the money.

“I wasn’t that upset because we could still do what we wanted to do we just couldn’t do it on campus anymore,” Rouse said.

For the club, which started as a class, the additional funding would be great but come Nov. 7 they will hold the SF State Open that will help to raise money for their club. The tournament, which is open to all ages, allows students to participate in four different events: point sparring, demonstration, weapons, and Olympic-style sparring.

In the past, the club has traveled to compete in national tournaments in places like Las Vegas, Santa Cruz and Florida.

Fiscal worries aside; Rouse and members of his club can focus on the reason why they participate.

“I like to fight. It’s good exercise,” Rouse said. “And everyone you meet there becomes kin.”