Campus Life

Penn State Karate Club Black Belts enjoy strong showing at world championship

In addition to a strong competitive showing, members of the Penn State Karate Club attended training sessions with Okinawan Grandmaster Kichiro Shimabuku, center, at the IWKA 2017 World Championship, held June 23-24 in Augusta, Maine. Credit: Penn State Karate ClubAll Rights Reserved.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Members of the Penn State Karate Club Black Belts joined more than 500 Isshin-Ryu karate practitioners from around the world June 23-24 for the Isshin-Ryu World Karate Association’s 2017 world championship at the Augusta Civic Center in Augusta, Maine.

The Penn State contingent turned in a strong showing at the championship, earning five first-place finishes, four seconds and seven thirds. The tournament is held every two years and includes competition in empty hand forms, weapon forms and sparring. In addition to the competition, club members also attended training sessions offered by Okinawan Grandmaster Kichiro Shimabuku. In 2019, the IWKA championship tournament will be held July 27-28 in London.

Active at the University since 1972, the Penn State Karate Club is one of the oldest university-based martial arts clubs in the country. Membership is open to all Penn State students, faculty and staff. The club participates in local karate tournaments and conducts classes and workshops throughout the year. 

For more information about the club, including its summer 2017 class offerings, visit http://pennstatekarate.org/.

Last Updated July 7, 2017