October 25th is “Karate Day” in Okinawa.

On this day in 1936, prominent Okinawan masters gathered in Naha and formally adopted the term Kara-Te 唐手 (empty hand). The masters present included Hanashiro Chomo (1869-1945), Kyan Chotoku (1870-1945), Motobu Choki (1871-1944), Miyagi Chojun (1888-1953), Kiyoda Juhatsu (1886-1967, Chibana Chosin (1885-1969), and Shinpan Shiroma (1890-1954).
*The three highlighted in bold text are Shimabuku Tatsuo’s teachers.

Large Karate demonstrations, like the following video, are held in Okinawa on October 25th to commemorate the Meeting Of The Masters and celebrate the Okinawan art of Karate.

Karate Day demonstrations in Naha, Okinawa.
Karate Day—A Celebration of Okinawa’s Traditional Martial Art

Resolution on the declaration of the day of Karate:
http://okic.okinawa/en/archives/newstopics/536

Fall Karate Schedule Update

PSKC offers Karate classes for Penn State students 3 times a week now. In addition to Wednesdays at 7PM in 232 HUB, we have two new opportunities on Sundays.

Wednesdays 7PM in 232 HUB
Sundays 12:30PM in 232 HUB
Sundays 7PM on HUB Lawn (weather permitting, dress appropriately for cooler temps)

“Dragon Man” of Isshin Ryu

島袋 龍夫

Over a century ago, in the small village of Chan, on a small island in the south pacific, a boy was born. One day he would become a Karate Master whose art would reach beyond the shores of Okinawa and spread across the globe.

“Dragon Man” of Isshin Ryu, Shimabuku Tatsuo Sensei
(September 19, 1908 – May 30, 1975)

Young’s Tournament Returns October 15th

  • Open To All Styles
  • Events: Forms, Weapons, and Sparring
  • Divisions: Handicapable, Children, Junior, Adult, Senior and Executive
  • $100 Cash Prize for Grand Champion Winners
  • Trophies for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd (Runner up medals for children)

Bellefonte High School
At-The-Door Registration Opens at 9AM
First Event Begins at 11AM

For more information and registration details visit:
https://www.youngtkd.com/news

Masters Symposium & Tournament One Month Away!

A reminder for everyone about the 2022 All Isshinryu National Championship &
Masters Symposium is just a month away.

It’s a two day event with seminars on various topics: techniques, kobudo, kumite, history, bunkai, self-defense, etc. Each Master will present their seminar material twice. Saturday morning will offer seminars for children. A competition rules practical seminar covering international rules will also be presented. The All Isshinryu Championship will begin at 1:00pm on Saturday.

Hosted by: Hanshi B. Marcum, Hanshi R. Marcum, Sensei M. Wilkenson & Sensei K. Kramer
Date: Seminars on Friday, 9/30/2022 and Seminars & Tournament on 10/1/2022
Location: French Creek YMCA, 2010 Recreation Road, Avon, Ohio 44011
Registration: http://www.isshinryumasterssymposium.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1076500702951716/

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!