You won’t find LSU Karate Club members waxing cars or painting fences. They don’t sweep legs or bark out what doesn’t exist in their dojo. Their practice goes far beyond the physical tasks they perform. The idea is not to master simple fighting techniques but to master self-discipline.
Founded in 1965, the Karate Club is entering its 52nd year of existence with optimism regarding expansion. The club meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Huey P. Long Fieldhouse. Club president and communication studies senior Nolton Richard said the group welcomes all students regardless of past karate experiences, and said the club is not dangerous or violent.
“Most people watch way too many movies. We don’t break bricks with our hands, we don’t beat the crap out of each other,” Richard said. “The master of our style, Gichin Funakoshi, said karate is all about creating humility. He believed karate was only meant to be used for serious defense.”
Much of the club’s origin, including the founder, has been lost to history. The club is believed to have began when students saw a karate club at another university and were inspired to start their own organization.
Under Sensei Ricky Pampo, the techniques practiced do not resemble those of a man looking to begin a fight. Every punch or kick was preceded by a counter or a move away from an attacker. After each exercise, Pampo encouraged the students to relax and take a deep breath for the sake of both re-energizing and concentrating.
Pampo graduated from the University in 1995, and has been with the club since 1993. Between his time serving as a personal trainer for NFL players and MMA fighters, he teaches University students and alumni the art of using karate to find self-actualization and become self-disciplined during a time in life where stressful choices and important responsibilities are plentiful.
Much of class is devoted to practicing “katas.” Kata is the Japanese word for form, and it is a series of movements and patterns simulating the art of self-defense against an attacker. The focus lies not so much in the moves, but in the flow between them that allows someone to learn how to transition from one move of self-defense to another.
The club enjoyed welcoming several newcomers at Tuesday night’s meeting. Of the 18 students in attendance, only 12 were in uniform, meaning six newcomers were present. As Pampo called out instructions for each move, he would carefully reposition and adjust students if their feet were pointing the wrong way or if they didn’t have their posture exactly correct, as self-discipline requires perfection.
Computer science sophomore Raphaela Mettig discovered the club at the student fair and was immediately intrigued. She had experience in martial arts prior to coming to the University and said she greatly enjoys practicing the sport.
“We’re all friends here. Even though it’s a traditional dojo, we’re all friends and it’s a welcoming environment,” Mettig said. “This has become my sanctuary. This is where I come to distract myself from everything going on and not think about classes for a few hours a week.”
On the last strike of each technique practiced, the club members shout a “kiai,” a Japanese term for a short, ferocious yell delivered on a final strike. Pampo encourages the members to not hold back when releasing their kiai, and use it to expend all their pent up energy.
“Break out that fighting spirit. That’s where the fight is,” Pampo said. “Once you break the other guy’s spirit, then he can’t fight.”
After releasing their loudest kiais, the club members kneel and breathe quietly to calm down and restore their energy. Pampo concludes the meeting by letting the students know that this is the place to let go of all their worries or problems outside their dojo, a sacred place for healing the soul.
Nobody will find any broken bricks in this dojo.

Gallery • 8 Photos

Kim Nguyen

Club president and communication studies senior Nolton Richard throws a punch during karate practice in the Huey P. Long Field House on Jan. 25, 2017.