Play Ball
Written by Joie Colobong
Imagine a sport that combines the defensive moves of martial arts with the physical rigor of flag football and soccer. As unusual as it may sound, such a sport exists: Gongfuball, the brainchild of UH Hilo alumnus Steven Martin.
Martin, a native of Chicago and a 2012 graduate of UH Hilo with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, is the founder of the Gongfuball Academy of Athletic Development. He originally developed the game as a project during his time at UH Hilo. In the short time since then, Martin has introduced Gongfuball to physical education classes in middle and high schools and held events and clinics to promote Gongfuball throughout the Big Island.
The inspiration for creating the game stems from Martin’s childhood, during which he spent countless Saturday mornings watching kung fu movies. “As a kid, I thought, ‘How cool would it be to create a game based on kung fu?’” said Martin.
Martin elaborated, “My vision I had as a child dealt with bringing together different types of athletes, be they martial artists or athletes of team sports into one fun, organized, sport. I foresaw Gongfuball as being the Hip Hop of sports! I saw a game which really allowed athletes to have an avenue for self expression, as well as create a medium where players can learn from athletes of other disciplines to enhance their playing ability. In Gongfuball everyone gets to shine, and a person can go as far as they imagine.”
Taking Gongfuball Abroad
Gongfuball, described on its official Facebook page as a dynamic mix of flag football, ultimate Frisbee, soccer, and capture the flag, has already proven to be a sport with broad cross-cultural appeal. In 2013, Martin traveled to Lagos, Nigeria to introduce the sport to secondary school students there. He credits the experience of teaching Gongfuball abroad as one of his most rewarding achievements since introducing the game.
Making a Difference in Local Schools
Back here on the Big Island, meanwhile, physical education teachers alike have offered praise for both Martin and the game. “Students at Kohala High School really responded well to Mr. Martin’s instruction and vision of Gongfuball, said Dan Leitner, a physical education teacher at Kohala High School. “The students enjoyed the diversity and the Polynesian elements of the game. As a teacher, I appreciated Mr. Martin’s approach to sequencing in teaching, linking skill development and movement.”
“I have been able to see and experience Gongfuball and it is of high physical educational value,” said Dr. Angie Miyashiro at Ka‘u High School. “The Gongfuball program is one that could easily be incorporated in a physical education program.”
Martin considers Gongfuball a great way for people from different backgrounds to come together and foster a sense of belonging within their community. Accordingly, he stresses the fact that his organization is open to everyone, including those with limited financial means as well as those who may not have opportunities to make it into the “big leagues”.
Creating Internship Opportunities for UH Hilo Students
Martin wants to broaden his influence to include UH Hilo students. It's his hope that interns who join GAAD will consider it a launching pad for their future careers, regardless of what they may be. “Interns will learn how to create and execute their own community events,” Martin said. “Interns will learn how to become mentors and enrich their communities through physical activity and promoting healthy lifestyles. The intern will become certified in the Gongfuball sports program which will allow them to become instructors of the program to youth, teenagers, and active adults. The intern then will be eligible through GAAD to receive grant support and financial backing; in essence, they will be creating their own jobs and creating new businesses in their community.”
For more information, along with a video demonstration of Gongfuball, please visit the GAAD website at gongfuball.com. For students interested in an internship this or next semester with GAAD should contact Steven Martin at IIMagi3@gmail.com.
