About the University of Pittsburgh Shotokan Karate Club
Our dojo was founded in 1967 by Pitt student Don Ridgeway and has been in continuous operation since then. We are affiliated with Shotokan Karate of America (SKA), a non-profit educational organization, which has been teaching karate in North America since 1955. We practice a traditional form of karate that was the first introduced to Japan from Okinawa in 1922 by Gichin Funakoshi. Our chief instructor is Master Tsutomu Ohshima, the founder of Shotokan Karate of America (SKA), the oldest school of karate in in the United States.
We strive to strengthen body, mind and spirit, perfect character, and faithfully transmit the art to future generations through serious training. Practice is currently being led by Mike Duray, a 5th degree black belt and student of Tsutomu Ohshima.
Our members enjoy a direct link to ancient masters of martial arts through Mr. Ohshima and his teacher, Gichin Funakoshi, founder of Shotokan Karate.
Benefits of Karate Practice
Karate can be practiced by everyone at any age for self-defense, to strengthen the entire body, improve balance, efficiency of movement, breathing and overall health. No special equipment is needed.
Karate helps to strengthen the mind, develop courage, fortitude, and the ability to achieve goals.
Karate practice emphasizes spiritual values of courtesy, integrity, humility, justice, honor, and self-control.
The study of karate benefits the student in all areas of their life.
Also, the serious practice of karate develops composure, a clearer thought process, deeper insight into one’s mental capabilities, and more self-confidence. In this, karate is not an end, but a means to an end. It is an activity in which advancing age is not a hindrance. Rather it encourages proficiency and the keen coordination of mind and body.
Welcome Newcomers!
We are so glad that you are interested in becoming a member of the University of Pittsburgh Shotokan Karate Club.
Joining is easy, no prior experience is necessary. Just visit any of our practices! There is no charge to observe or to practice.
Many students go on to join Shotokan Karate of America for a nominal annual fee. As a member of SKA you will be able to attend any SKA regional, national, and international event open to your rank, and you’ll be eligible to test for rank twice per year at no charge and train at any SKA dojo in the United states and seventeen affiliated countries. Black belt testing is also free, by invitation only.
