GALLERY: New year a big year for Karate

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The year 2012 means a bit more for those in the Ueshiro Northfield Shorin-Ryu Karate Club.

That’s because 50 years ago, Karate was founded in the United States by Grand Master Ansei Ueshiro.

Northfield’s chapter, which includes 10 to 20 participants, celebrates its fourth anniversary in April and will help celebrate the martial art’s 50th anniversary in America as local Karate students will attend the celebration in New York City in mid-August.

“We are very grateful to (Grand Master Ansei Ueshiro) and Hanshi Robert Scaglione, the current chief administrator of our organization, for the ability to practice this art in the way that it has been practiced for centuries,” said Bob Dobrow, shihan (director) of Northfield’s club.

Dobrow also doubles as Carleton College’s Karate Club instructor.

For some club participants, such as Steve Hatle, Karate started as a way to stay in shape. Then it morphed into much more.

“I see it as a form of mental discipline and as a spiritual practice,” Hatle said. “Ultimately it’s about trying to be the best you can be in all aspects of your life, both on and off the deck, and fighting to conquer your demons.”

— Story and photos by Shane Kitzman