Tag Archives: Karate

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.

This year the OKINAWA KARATE SPIRIT〜沖縄県空手振興課公式チャネル〜 channel on YouTube will be streaming some of the events starting at 10PM our time.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC176Q7L3JfTmYBzDDPk2UhA

Additional information is available through the Okinawan Karate Information Center:
https://okic.okinawa/en/

Fall 2023 Karate Schedule

Join us at the HUB this fall for Karate. We have a mix of weekly opportunities to fit your schedule. Be ready to learn. Bring a friend along.

Tuesday Evenings Outside 7-9PM
HUB Lawn (weather permitting)

Thursday Afternoons 2-4PM
232 HUB

Friday Evenings 7-8PM
232 HUB

Saturday Late Night 10PM-MID
232 HUB

Sunday Afternoons Noon-2PM
232 HUB

A few tips:
Stay hydrated through the day. Bring a water bottle. Wear clothes that are comfortable for exercise. Remove watches/jewelry/etc to prevent damage and injury. Alert the instructor to any injuries or restrictions you may have. If you are feeling under the weather, take the day off.

Two step process to join the club.
1) Submit a request to join:
https://orgcentral.psu.edu/organization/pennstatekarate
2) Complete the Student Affairs waiver form:
https://orgcentral.psu.edu/submitter/form/start/565037

Open-Style Tournament in Bellefonte on 4/1/23

Spring Tournament hosted by Young’s Tae Kwon Do
April 1st, 2023

Events: Forms, Weapons, Breaking, 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)

Location:
Bellefonte Sr. High School
830 E Bishop St.
Bellefonte, PA 16823

​Registration begins at 9:00 am
Black Belt meeting at 10:30 am
1st event is weapons at 11:00 am

Click link below for additional information and online registration details:
https://www.youngtkd.com/news

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.