Instructional Classes
We have a broad range of instructional classes available in Arts, Dance, Fitness, and Martial Arts. Many classes are designed for beginning and intermediate skill levels, but there are also advanced classes. Class offerings vary from quarter to quarter. Explore quarterly offerings directly on our Recreation online store.
Programs and Classes
Martial Arts
The UCLA Recreation Martial Arts Program typically offers over 20 different styles of Martial Arts from over 10 different countries. Participate in our Martial Arts Program through Instructional Classes, Club Sports, and Bruin Self-Defense Program.
Martial Arts Pass - Unlimited Classes!
Experience the diversity of the UCLA Martial Arts Program with the quarterly Martial Arts Pass! With the MA Pass, you can drop in anytime to over 30 weekly martial arts classes and experience traditional martial arts, self-defense base hybrid martial arts, and more!
Martial Arts Instructional Classes
We typically run between 45-50 instructional classes a week during the academic year, each class runs for approximately 8 weeks and we offer classes in; Boxing, Kickboxing, Brazilian JiuJitsu, Judo, Weapons arts, Bruin Self Defense and more!
Martial Arts Fundamentals
The videos below are curated from a variety of different martial arts styles. They are separated by fundamental topics that encompass the movements, techniques and skills that are essential to a wide variety of martial arts and serve as a good starting point for beginners and a refresher or a potential new approach for intermediate to advanced martial artists.
Arts & Music
The Arts are an important aspect of our basic quality of life. The Arts not only enrich our experiences but educate us about the world we live in, provide a means for self exploration and nurture the celebration of cultural diversity. Cultivate and improve your appreciation of the arts. Expand your cultural horizons and experience personal and recreational enrichment with these introductory level arts classes.
- Digital Photography
Digital Photography is designed for all levels of photographers. Students will learn the fundamentals of photography in a course setting structured to enhance their creative abilities through group feedback and critiques. Although not required, students are encouraged to work with their images with software such as Photoshop, Lightroom or Aperture. Iphoto and other editing software is acceptable as well. Assignments will vary from sports to portraiture and other topics with the overall goal being a firm understanding of camera operation to achieve quality photographs in a variety of settings. Although the syllabus represents the basic structure of the course, it is subject to change to meet the needs and levels of the class as a whole
- Figure Drawing
In this class, you will learn the basics of drawing from a nude figure. The class is geared towards beginner and intermediate drawers, and no previous figure drawing experience is necessary as all concepts are simplified and clearly explained. We will draw from short gesture quick poses and longer poses, from both male and female models of varying body types. Learn about rhythm, shading, weight shift, drawing materials, etc. Equal emphasis will be given to accuracy and emotional expression.
- Guitar
- Improv Comedy NEW!!!
- Mixed Media Arts
This collage class is designed for various skill levels and no previous experience is necessary. An array of techniques and emphasis on the principles of art will be introduces and incorporated into the art work. Some of these techniques include: creating backgrounds with textured paint, image transfers, and antiquing with acrylic paint. The goal is to complete two finished collages by the end of the quarter.
- Mixin' & Scratchin'
Create your own DJ name for "battles" and "showcases" while you learn mixin', scratchin' and sampling in this fun and creative music class. You will learn song structure, how to use B.P.M (beats per minute,) the tempo of a song, how to mix seamlessly, and finally, how to put a set together. In addition, you will learn how to use a variety of equipment from turntables to mixers and CD's
- Taiko Drumming
Come learn how to play Taiko, Japanese American drumming, from UCLA students just like you! In this class, you will also develop an understanding of the history of the art throughout the world, as well as learn the fundamentals of playing the Taiko. Additionally, you will be introduced to the various styles and forms for playing the instrument that have developed throughout the United States and Japan. Taiko is a great way to workout and tone your entire body while learning a little bit about Japanese-American culture along the way. Register and come learn how to play these drums of thunder!
- Watercolor Painting
Watercolor painting will teach the fundamentals of the art as well as experimental techniques. The class is designed for all skill levels, and no previous experience is necessary as techniques will be introduced and incorporated into the work. The syllabus will frame the course, but the subject will change according to the needs and levels of the class as a whole. The goal is to create two finished paintings by the end of the quarter, and students are encouraged to work outside of class to hone their skills.
Dance
Ballet
Intro to Fundamentals - This is a class for students who have little to no prior ballet experience and wish to learn the fundamentals of ballet technique
Beginning - Focus on the fundamentals and essential knowledge of classical and contemporary ballet basics
Intermediate - Focus on the intermediate-level technique of classical and contemporary ballet
Open Level - For students who have taken at least one course in beginning ballet
Focus on proper alignment, body awareness, dance conditioning, balance, and essential core strength. The class will include barre work, center work, across-the-floor, and short routine combinations. For footwear, ballet shoes are recommended. Alternative footwear includes bare feet, non-slip socks, or shoes with non-marking soles.
Ballroom Dance
Argentine Tango - In this class, you will learn the fundamentals of the Argentine Tango. We start with balance, coordination, and body posture exercises and continue with tango walking, lead-and-follow communication, navigation on the dance floor, and musicality.
American Rhythm and Smooth - Learn all of the American Rhythm styles of ballroom dance: Cha-Cha, Rumba, Swing, Bolero, and Mambo. This class will teach the basic steps and techniques of these six styles and help participants improve body posture, balance, and coordination.
Bachata and Salsa - Learn the nightclub styles of ballroom dance like Salsa, Bachata, Lambada, Merengue and more. This class will teach the basic steps and techniques of these night club styles and help participants improve body posture, balance, and coordination.
Classes are geared toward beginning students but it is open to everyone who would like to continue improving.
Belly Dance
This class will cover the fundamentals of Middle Eastern Belly Dance. Students will learn foot patterns and basic movements of the hips, torso, and arms. You will learn how to do body isolations, shimmies, undulations, and turns, as well as other basic belly dancing techniques and how to execute these movements in isolation and layered upon each other.
Contemporary
Beginning - Simple choreography is integrated to introduce awareness of rhythm/musicality and to prepare dancers for center and across-the-floor practice.
Intermediate - Simple choreography is integrated to introduce awareness of rhythm/musicality and to prepare dancers for center and across-the-floor practice as well as choreographed routines.
Contemporary Dance is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical, and classical ballet. Classes emphasize postural alignment, and core body awareness/engagement and offer students a multi-modality approach to ballet. Barre and floor techniques will be infused with jazz, modern, pilates, and yoga.
Hip-Hop
Beginning - Learn hip hop fundamentals and various styles of hip hop. Improve your ability to learn choreography, rhythm, musicality, technique, and movement mechanics for a variety of hip-hop styles. Wear comfortable clothes you can move in and be ready to have fun moving and grooving.
Intermediate - Learn various styles of hip hop, including Locking, Popping, Grooving, Boogaloo, and more. Learn technique, movement mechanics, rhythm, musicality, and choreography from a variety of hip-hop styles.
Jazz
Beginning - This class will give you a strong foundation in jazz dance technique
Intermediate - Focus on improving their turns, leaps, and flexibility, while learning fun and challenging combinations.
Jazz dancing is a fusion of ballet, modern, and hip-hop movements to create a fluid, creative expression and movement.
K-Pop
Beginning - Learn beginner-level technique and choreography to help you build a solid foundation in movement mechanics and performance.
Intermediate - Learn intermediate-level technique and choreography to help you further develop your skill set in this unique style of dance and performance.
Learn K-Pop dance routines to South Korea's most popular music hits. This style is a blend of hip hop, jazz, and lip-syncing performance that utilizes dance movement, facial expressions, and hand gestures into its choreography.
Fitness
Intro to Barbell
This class is for the beginning strength training student looking to build their foundation before starting a barbell program. Throughout this course, you will learn the fundamental movements of strength training.
Intro to Strength Training
This class starts with mastery of body weight movements and exercises and progresses into weightlifting and powerlifting.
Reformer Pilates
Reformer Pilates is a tremendous workout that builds full body strength and mobility. It is especially good for building better posture. Mixed level classes are offered that will accommodate beginners and intermediates.
Sports
Tennis Lessons
Small group lessons for all levels.
Swim Lessons
A variety of swim lessons are available for all levels such as: Youth Swim Lessons, Beginner Swim Lessons, Intermediate Swim Lessons, and Swim for Fitness. Please visit the Aquatics page to learn more and for information regarding registration!