Author Archives: Sensei Koszarsky
Back To State
Penn State to resume on-campus work and learning in fall semester
Following a three-month comprehensive planning process involving more than 250 faculty, staff and administrators across 16 task groups, Penn State officials have determined the University can meet or exceed the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s guidelines for colleges and universities to return to campus and look forward to welcoming back faculty, staff and students to resume on-campus, in-person classes and other activities this fall in a limited fashion.
Considering the views expressed in survey results and other feedback from students and employees, the groups’ overarching goal has been to develop a plan to continue the research and educational mission of the University while providing for the physical and psychological health and well-being of students, faculty, and staff.
Penn State will begin to have students and employees return to campuses in phases, starting this summer, and will have comprehensive prevention and public health procedures and strategies in place—including mask-wearing and social distancing—to protect the health and safety of students and employees. For students who are unable to return to any campus this fall, there are flexible options so that they can continue to make progress toward their degrees.
For more information:
https://virusinfo.psu.edu/back-to-state/
Black Belts Supporting The Virtual Beaver Stadium Run!
Penn State Karate Club Black Belts keeping fit by participating in the Virtual Beaver Stadium Run to continue their support for Special Olympics of Pennsylvania.
PSU Extends Remote Classes for Spring Semester
All Penn State Karate Club classes and events are cancelled for the spring 2020 semester. To keep your skills and fitness honed, set aside time for individual practice at home.
For updated information on Penn State’s response to COVID-19 visit:
https://sites.psu.edu/virusinfo/
Session 2 Karate classes cancelled in response to COVID-19
“Campus Recreation will remain open for informal recreation only. All of our other classes and programs and services are on temporary hold until further notice. This includes group fitness classes, Yoga programs, dance programs, personal training, small group sessions. and martial arts. Anyone who registered and paid for a Session 2 fee-for-service class will be refunded their entire fee and will be informed if/when Session 3 is definite. Please reach out to me (xjg1@psu.edu) if you have any questions or concerns about this. “
Jill Garrigan
Assistant Director of Campus Recreation, Fitness and Wellness
All Penn State classes to take place remotely beginning March 16
Penn State President Eric J. Barron has shared the following message with the University community, announcing a move to remote instruction starting March 16 in response to the global coronavirus outbreak.
President Barron’s message to the University community:
Karate Session 2 Has Started!
The 2nd session of Spring 2020 Karate classes in IM Building are underway. Classes are offered on Wednesdays and Sundays at 7:30PM. The 2nd Session runs through March 29th.
Space is still available. Register online with Campus Recreation today!
https://pennstatecampusrec.org/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=991e87d7-7396-433b-8fde-5c93a89e8316&semesterId=19be21fb-513a-4913-81f6-a02fb553e301
Or register at the help desk when you visit IM Building.
Happy Little New Year!
The ソグワチグワ Soguwachiguwa was a 3 day celebration beginning with the full moon in January. Okinawans would pay tribute to 歳徳神 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.
In 1956 on the occasion of ソグワチグワ Soguwachiguwa (Okinawan dialect) / 小正月 Koshogatsu (Japanese), the Little New Year, Master Shimabuku called a special meeting at his home & dojo in Chan village 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). He chose “Isshin Ryu” because “all things begin with one, and the heart is the most important part. Isshin Ryu is the One Heart Way/Method.
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. 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.
Registration Open For Spring 2020 Classes!
Happy New Year!
Registration is open for the 2020 Penn State Campus Recreation Isshin Ryu classes. They will be offered in Spring 2020 on Sundays and Wednesdays from 7:30-9:30 in the Intramural Building. Spring semester classes will be divided into 3 sessions. The trial period begins January 22nd. The first registered class begins January 29th.
Spring 2020 schedule & registration information is available here:
https://pennstatecampusrec.org/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=991e87d7-7396-433b-8fde-5c93a89e8316&semesterId=19be21fb-513a-4913-81f6-a02fb553e301