Tag Archives: PSKC

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.

RIP Franco Harris

Franco Harris was a great supporter of Special Olympics PA. Each spring, he’d kick off the Beaver Stadium 5K fundraiser with Sue Paterno, charge up the runners, then greet them at the finish. PSKC members have run in every Beaver Stadium 5K since it started. We will miss you Franco but your spirit and inspiration will carry on!

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.