Tag Archives: Karate

Brave audience members join us on stage at Matsuri

Thank You to the Penn State Japanese Friendship Association for inviting the Penn State Karate Club to participate in their 2022 Matsuri event earlier this month.

A few brave audience members joined us on stage for the participation part of our presentation. Here they are going through Fukyugata Dai Ichi, a special introductory kata developed by Master Shoshin Nagamine (長嶺 将真) in the 1940s to help promote Okinawan Karate.

Join Us For A Late-Night Karate Class

Starting on Wednesday, February 9th, the PSKC is adding a late-night Wednesday class. It starts at 10PM in room 232 HUB. Room 232 is on the end nearest to the HUB parking deck.

We’re looking for 50 new students to join the PSKC during its 50th anniversary!

° Wear clothing comfortable for exercising OR wear your Karate gi if you have one.
° Remove jewelry and watches beforehand.
° A mask covering nose & mouth is required, KN95 type recommended.
° Keep hydrated throughout the day, bring your own water bottle.
° Remove shoes upon entering the room (dojo).

Contact club president Dalal Malallah dxm664@psu.edu for registration and participation waiver information.

Happy Little New Year! Happy 50th PSKC!

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. 

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 50th anniversary this year.

2022 PSU Physical Activities Waiver

For students participating in club activities, like Karate, Penn State requires completion of a waiver form, available online.

Get a jump on Spring 2022 by completing your Karate waiver in advance. On the waiver form, use Penn State Karate Club and Dalal Malallah as the club President.

This waiver is good for the entire academic year.
https://orgcentral.psu.edu/submitter/form/collectsubmitteridentity/acfd311a-bebb-4263-a39a-cef6c8c7a860

October 25th is designated as “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.

The declaration of KARATE NO HI (空手の日) KARATE DAY

http://okic.okinawa/en/archives/newstopics/536?fbclid=IwAR1XjOCKa73yxfJPnqnTzgmMkSVwrRhQcWz1QcJhaUoHbchdR4u9Qx2kyY8

A good day for 100 Seisan (13) Katas

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)

NEW Saturday Karate Sessions in 232A HUB Starting 9/11/21

Join PSKC for Saturday Karate sessions in 232A HUB, overlooking the public open space.

We will adhere to University policy. Masks are required indoors. Maintain social distancing. For more COVID-19 related information and current University policies visit:
https://virusinfo.psu.edu/health-guidelines/