Monthly Archives: August 2022

What Kind of Karate Gi Should You Get?

The Karate Gi is part of your traditional training equipment. It can provide valuable feedback on your techniques. A well cared for Gi will last for years. Some things to look for when Gi shopping.

GI:
100% cotton
White top & bottom (Solid, no stripes or other colours, avoid embroidered brand logos)
Traditional Karate cut
Drawstring on Gi pants
12oz or heavier (Needs to be durable and no see-thru when you start sweating)

Belts are not included with the gi. A white belt meeting these specs should be ordered with the uniform:

OBI:
100% cotton preferred (ties better than cotton/polyester mixes)
White (solid, no stripes)
Double-Wrapped

There are many vendors and brands out there. Below are just two example vendor options for the correct style Gi & Obi. If the page opens displaying a black Gi, please make sure to switch to the white Gi option.

AWMA:
https://www.awma.com/collections/12-oz-gi-heavy-weight/products/proforce-174-12-oz-karate-uniform-traditional-drawstring-100-cotton?variant=32701383540814

https://www.awma.com/collections/1-75-belts/products/proforce-174-1-75-quot-double-wrap-solid-karate-belt?variant=32692398653518

Century Martial Arts:
https://www.centurymartialarts.com/shop/uniforms-belts/uniforms/12-oz-heavyweight-brushed-cotton-uniform-0459

https://www.centurymartialarts.com/shop/uniforms-belts/belts/belt-type=solid/belt-style=double-wrap/age=adult/gameness-adult-belt-0157?returnurl=%2fshop%2funiforms-belts%2fbelts%2fbelt-type%3dsolid%2fbelt-style%3ddouble-wrap%2fage%3dadult%2f

You may find other vendors online. The Gi you choose should adhere to the specs listed above. Avoid the cheap light-weight Gi.

There are also higher quality traditional Karate uniforms available, but these may cost several hundred dollars. Make a Gi investment that is within your budget.

Pay attention to sizing charts provided on the vendor websites. Sizes may different from one brand to another, just like shoes. It is better to go a little bigger than too small. You Gi should be a little roomy and not restrict movement. Also, a 100% cotton Gi will shrink after washing/drying, unless it is described as pre-shrunk. If arms and legs are too long, they can be hemmed.

Wednesday Class in 232HUB

We got the semester off to a great start last week, but you can begin Karate any time of the semester. Come join us on Wednesday at 7PM in 232HUB. The room is on the 2nd floor of the HUB, at the end of the hall, on the side of the building nearest the book store,

Remember to complete the participation waiver and registration for PSU Student Affairs. It’s a simple two step online process for PSU students join the Penn State Karate Club this year.

  1. Login with your PSU account at OrgCentral and click JOIN:
    https://orgcentral.psu.edu/organization/pennstatekarate
  2. Complete the waiver form (enter “Dalal Malallah” as Club President and “Penn State Karate Club” as the club name):
    https://orgcentral.psu.edu/submitter/form/start/548989

Contact President Malallah (dxm664@psu.edu) with any questions regarding the online registration process.

Congrats and Welcome!

It was great to see everyone that turned out for our first class of the fall. 一心流 (Isshin Ryu) can be translated at the “One Heart Method”. Everything begins with “One” and you’ve taken your first step and showed your efforts with “Heart”. Welcome to Karate!

At the end of the evening, we concluded with a special recognition for Dalal’s progress over the summer months, awarding her the rank of Shichi Kyu. Congratulations!

Karate Open House 8/24 at 7PM in 232HUB

We will have our first meeting of the fall 2022 semester this evening at 7PM in 232HUB. Room 232 is at the end of the hall, on the bookstore end of the building, overlooking the large open-space area. We look forward to seeing everyone!

• Wear clothes you are comfortable exercising in, that won’t restrict movement
• Wear your white Karate Gi if you have one
• Remove jewelry, watches, etc. to prevent damage and injury
• If you wear a mask, you may want to bring an extra to swap for a dry one as needed
• Hydrate throughout the day
• Bring your own water bottle
• Please remove shoes upon entering
• Bags and shoes can be placed along the back (window) & right sides of the room
• Please silence your phones

For everyone’s good health, if you are sick, tested positive recently, have any symptoms, etc, please stay home. We’ll be here when you are well again. You can start Karate at any time of the year.

PSU Students Can Join PSKC Online

It’s a simple two step online process for PSU students join the Penn State Karate Club this year.

  1. Login with your PSU account at OrgCentral and click JOIN:
    https://orgcentral.psu.edu/organization/pennstatekarate
  2. Complete the waiver form (enter “Dalal Malallah” as Club President and “Penn State Karate Club” as the club name):
    https://orgcentral.psu.edu/submitter/form/start/548989

Contact President Malallah (dxm664@psu.edu) with any questions regarding the online registration process.