Monthly Archives: January 2023

Karate in 232HUB canceled for 1/25/23

Nittany Lion Ice Sculpture. Photo Credit Jaeson Koszarsky


UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Due to forecasted snow and ice, Penn State canceled all classes, activities and work from 5AM 1/25/23 through 5AM 1/26/23.
https://www.psu.edu/news/campus-life/story/university-park-classes-activities-and-work-canceled

Despite the weather, Karate can be practiced wherever you are. It’s portable, doesn’t require equipment, or much space, just commitment. Use the time you set aside for Karate on Wednesday to practice at home.

Happy Big New Year!

2023 Year Of The Rabbit


January 15th 1956, Master Tatsuo Shimabuku called a special meeting at his home & dojo in  Chan village, Gushikawa city to announce a new name for his unique style of Okinawan Karate.  Previously, his style had been called as Chan Migwa Te (in the late 40s) and later Su Nu Su (early 50s).  On the occasion of Soguwachiguwa (Okinawan dialect) / Koshogatsu (Japanese), the Little New Year, Master Shimabuku announced the official name of his Karate.  He chose “Isshin Ryu” because “all things begin with one.”

The Soguwachiguwa is a 3 day celebration beginning with the full moon in January.  Okinawans would pay tribute to Toshitokujin, a Shinto Kami of agriculture, seeking good fortune for their crops in the coming year.  When the Gregorian Calendar was adopted, January 15th became the day that Soguwachiguwa was observed, and also the day Master Shimabuku chose to name Isshin Ryu. 

Traditionally, the Coming Of Age Day, Seijin-no-Hi, is also celebrated on January 15th.  It’s the mark of entering adulthood.  You could say that Master Shimabuku’s Karate entered its adulthood at this time and emerged as Isshin Ryu.

How will your Karate grow in the coming year?  Hard work combined with good fortune should yield an excellent crop.

In Japan, the Oshogatsu (The Big New Year) was also changed to match the Gregorian Calendar.  In some regions, like Okinawa, the original Chinese New Year date is still observed.

Happy Little New Year!

Traditionally, the Coming Of Age Day, Seijin-no-Hi, was also celebrated on January 15th. It’s the mark of entering adulthood. You could say that Master Shimabuku’s Karate entered its adulthood at this time and emerged as Isshin Ryu Karate.

Like an Okinawan Hibiscus, Master Shimabuku’s Karate bloomed as “Isshin Ryu” on that January day in 1956.  Seeds of Isshin Ryu have since been carried on the winds across the oceans and around the globe. 

Hibiscus Bush Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images ...


In January of 1972, Sensei Sutton planted one of those seeds at Penn State and established the Penn State Karate Club.  With help from Sensei Dorow & Sensei Liskai, PSKC developed strong roots. PSKC celebrates its 51st anniversary this year.

Congratulations to Dalal on her promotion to Rokkyu on this auspicious day!

HUB Lawn Karate on Sundays & Weather

Weather permitting, we’ll have extra outside Karate practices on Sundays at 7PM on the HUB lawn. If it is raining OR if temperatures are below 0°C/32°F then we will not have outside Karate class.

Karate in room 232HUB on Wednesday at 7PM and Sundays at 12:30PM will be unaffected by weather, unless the University shuts down for extreme weather conditions.