UM Cosplayers Face Off In Martial Arts

By: Anleia Nance

        

University of Montevallo's Cosplay Association traded in working on their costumes for a day for the chance to show off their skills in martial arts. During one of their regular panels, the group was visited by mixed martial artist and fellow cosplayer, Sasuke Zapata, who came to show the students how to conduct battle stances in their outfits and learn some moves in Karate and Tae Kwon Do.

After a series of stretches and explaining the rules, many were ready for action. With music pumping in the background, students engaged in hand-to hand combat with Zapata and his sparring partner, Jamie Barthalamy. While the first session of the panel consisted of learning the different techniques of kicking, the second session was all about using your fists in battles.

Student Practicing Her High Kick

When asked which did he prefer, cosplaying or fighting, it was not hard for Zapata to pick his love for fighting. "It's a magical thing that happens while you're in the ring, on your back, getting punched in the face," said Zapata. " It's crazy because when I explain it like that, a lot of people are like that doesn't sound like something I want to get into."

Supporting him and participating along with the students, was his wife, Celeste, whom he credits for all his cosplays. " She's really creative, " said Zapata. " She's really good at like just throwing salt and pepper on a piece of carpet and it turns into a cosplay."

Sasuke Zapata Focuses On His Next Move

While some students did not take part in the exercises,  they were still happy with the ultimate outcome of the event. "I think everyone had a great time." said president of the association, Sky Acton. "Everyone was so rowdy and into it, and willing to participate, which made it so much better on him."





After the panel, Zapata was welcomed with a round of applause and asked to come again. For those who want to know more about the group,and about future panels and upcoming events, the Cosplay Association meets every Thursday in Comer room 308 from 7-10 p.m. For more information about cosplay in general, click here.