Masking Indoors

Due to rising COVID cases, Penn State will require indoor masking at University Park beginning May 31st. Remember to bring a mask to Karate. Bring two if you want to swap a sweaty mask for a dry one. Anti-fog sprays can be helpful if you wear glasses. Washing glassy with soapy water may also help reduce fogging.

For more information about COVID and safety requirements at Penn State, visit:
https://virusinfo.psu.edu/university-status/

Brave audience members join us on stage at Matsuri

Thank You to the Penn State Japanese Friendship Association for inviting the Penn State Karate Club to participate in their 2022 Matsuri event earlier this month.

A few brave audience members joined us on stage for the participation part of our presentation. Here they are going through Fukyugata Dai Ichi, a special introductory kata developed by Master Shoshin Nagamine (長嶺 将真) in the 1940s to help promote Okinawan Karate.

Women’s History Month

The Penn State Karate Club celebrated its 50th anniversary in January of 2022.

In March of 1972, the PSKC became affiliated with Sensei Stuart A. Dorow and Sensei Carol A. Liskai. For the next 28 years, Sensei Dorow and Sensei Liskai would travel from Oklahoma each semester to provide free instruction to the students of the PSKC.

While in the U.S. Marine Corps, Dorow and Liskai studied in Okinawa with the founder of Isshinryu Karate, Tatsuo Shimabuku, Judan (10th Dan). Major Liskai had a distinguished career. As an undergrad, she won several trophies competing on the Ohio State Woman’s Judo Team. Liskai learned Karate while stationed at Camp Smith, Hawaii. During a visit to Okinawa Liskai was evaluated by Master Shimabuku. She was the first and only woman to be directly promoted by Master Shimabuku to the rank of Sandan (3rd Degree Black Belt) in Isshinryu Karate. In 1970 as a first 1st Lt., Liskai won top honors at the Seattle Open Karate Championships,which at the time was one of the largest tournaments in the world. By the time of her death in 2005, Liskai had achieved Hachidan (8th Dan)

The Penn State Karate club is grateful for Sensei Liskai’s many years of help and guidance. She continues to be an excellent roll model for all our students.

一心流

Isshin Ryu 一心流 can be translated as the One Heart Way. Grandmaster Tatsuo Shimabuku gave his style this name on January 15, 1956.

Everything begins with one. A person’s heart is the most important part.

Take your first step and join us on Wednesdays at 10PM in 232 HUB.