Tag Archives: PSKC

Karate Day 2025 OCT 25

Members of the Penn State Karate Club participated in the Multicultural Unity Fair on October 25th, sharing the Okinawan intangible cultural asset of Karate with State College community members. Following the Isshin Ryu demonstration, community members were invited to participate in Fukyugata Dai Ichi.

Afterward, some of the PSKC members hiked to the top of Mt. Nittany for the colourful autumn views and to practice “Kata on the Mountaintop”.

View of Penn State University main campus from the top of Mt. Nittany.
Some members of PSKC practicing kata on the mountain top for Karate Day 2025.

Multicultural Unity Fair & Karate Day 10/25

To celebrate Karate Day, PSKC will be participating in the Multicultural Unity Fair on Saturday, October 25th. The fair runs from 11am-4pm in the Community Room (2nd floor) of the State College Borough Building on Allen Street. The PSKC demo will be at 12:30.

Isshin Ryu Creator Born 9/19/1908

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)

KARATE SCHEDULE UPDATE!

The Penn State Karate Club will meet in room 232 HUB on Saturdays from 4-6PM (starting 9/20/25) instead of Fridays. There will be no Friday meeting tonight (9/19/25).

232 HUB is on the Student Book Store side of the building, 2 floors above the WPSU radio booth.

PSKC will still meet on Wednesdays & Sundays from 7-9PM on the HUB lawn. If weather is poor, meet inside by the Student Book Store entrance, on the lower level.

Fall 2025 Student Involvement Fair

Look for the Penn State Karate Club at the Student Involvement Fair. The event is one of the best opportunities to get involved in campus life at Penn State. Student Organizations set up displays and have members on site talk to visitors one on one about what their organization does on campus. Involvement in co-curricular experiences is one of the most important parts of having a successful college career! You will make friends, learn all about Penn State, and develop invaluable skills you will use in life beyond Penn State. Wondering where to start? Start at the Involvement Fair! Look for the Penn State Karate Club table!

Fall 2025 Student Involvement Fair

September 2nd

2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

HUB Robeson Center Lawn

Passing of Isshin-Ryu’s Creator – May 30, 1975


Isshin Ryu Karate’s founder Shimabuku 島袋 was born in Chan village on September 19,1908, Meiji 41 – year of the “Monkey”.  His given Okinawan name was “Kana” and his given Japanese name was “Shinkichi“.  As an adult, he chose the name “Tatsuo” – 龍夫 Dragon Man. He studied Karate under Okinawan Masters Kyan Chotoku 喜屋武 朝徳, Miyagi Chojun 宮城 長順 and Motobu Choki 本部 朝基. He further pursued Kobudo training with Master Taira Shinken 平 信賢. Shimabuku combined their teachings with his insights to form his own style. On January 15th, 1956, he announced the name of his style as Isshin Ryu 一心流, One-Heart Way. Isshin Ryu’s Dragon Man passed away on May 30th, 1975. His Karate lives on.