Bonnie Baker

Bonnie Baker's karate class is reasonably fun for a phys ed requirement. If you enjoy martial arts and general calisthenics/fitness, then this class is a decent introduction. Since basically everyone knows nothing (including me), I would not walk into this class with the expectation of making much progress. If you can buy into her pseudo-East-Asian-spiritual beliefs and teachings, you may get more out of this than I did. On the other hand, if you are uninterested in the spiritual aspect of this class, it's not so much that it's abrasive. She's nice but somewhat intense.

In the begining she can be kind of strict on attendance and punctuallity, but towards the end she is cool. All in all it is a relaxing class, lots of meditation, and sun salutation (LOTS OF SUN SALUTATION).

consider yourself lucky that this high caliber of a karate instructor teaches at such an academically focused school. you won't get something like this at another ivy school, at least i highly doubt it! Absorb everything you can with her, because she's amazing! She is really helpful, and walks around the class giving personal advice to each student. She is really committed to giving you a better life- sound wierd? It isn't wierd. She is honestly and genuinely concerned with giving you a sense of pride and confidence in your ability to walk around the streets of new york with a sense of security. She wants you to be able to stand up for yourself and to gain street smarts. Give her a gold nugget please.

I just saw a review of Baker's Karate class. I would concur with most that was written and apply it to her yoga teaching style. Baker often singles people out in a very non-yogic way. She points to either limitations, successes or phyisical boundaries some people have. She even made someone cry out of embarrassment or pain, probably both. Also, she twists Zen theory to the point that the only thing recognizable is the bowl to sound Om. Spare yourself the frustration/anguish, don't take this course. I can't believe this woman is still here. I know so many people who filed deadly course evaluations.

To put it briefly, Sensei Baker is fantastic. She handles a class of beginners well and is dedicated to helping her students develop a solid foundation of basic technique. What does that mean? Expect lots of repetition. The class moves slowly in terms of learning "new" material, but remarkably quickly in terms of improvement. Sensei is eager to help after or before class and clearly is passionate about her art. Whether you're completely new at martial arts or have had training, but would like to spend time focusing on refining the basics, I would highly reccomend this class.

Sensei Baker is probably the best professor on campus! She actually cares for her students, which is rare trait in college professors in general. She is also very strong and talented - at the age of 50-60ish, she is stronger than everyone in the class! She also teaches very well - but you have to be serious about whether you want to learn anything in the class. A very fun class to take if you are serious, but if you are not, just go take another PE class and not waste our time. I wish the class were more competitive though. We have had small "competitions" - really 2 people against each other pulling or pushing for like 30 seconds. If you have more of a competitive spirit (like me), I would suggest taking Judo instead, although I don't think that any other martial arts program could really beat Karate. I've heard that the club is very competitive, but it's also expensive - worth joining once u are done with the 2 required Karate classes.

Baker rocks. The CULPA reviews I read made me scared that I would be whipped while running 10 miles a day. However, jump roping and pushups were about the extent of her physical intensity. She has a very strong aura and is clearly dedicated to karate. I'm pretty awful at karate, but she did all she could to help me personally without actually publically humiliating me. She is certainly intense, but it is in a motivating rather than intimidating way.

This course is seriously one of the best courses I have taken at Columbia - Baker is a great teacher, even though most people find it extremly strenous at first. Although she barely covers any Karate due to lack of time, she makes the class extremly enjoyable. I defintely recommend this course for any phys. ed reqs.

I just read through these reviews; it seems that Sensei Baker has mellowed out since the first ones were written. She doesn't single people out as much any more (and if she does, it's for good things, like form). She doesn't talk so much about Zen, and the only customs we learned were those that were related to what we were doing (ie, courtesying your partner, tapping out, lining up in order of skill). I loved this class, and I'm signing up again. Baker's awesome.

"Oh my god". Thats about sums up Sensei Baker, as in "Oh my god, they let you teach??!" Baker's got serious issues about control, has little or no actual knowledge of the discipline of karate. As for her technique: I know a woman half her size and strength who's taken karate for a year forma real instructor. She snuck into class with me one day to see if I were merely exaggerating about her. She came out with two opinions: 1) "This woman is nuts." 2) "I could kick the crap outta her with those weak-ass techniques she's teaching."