It was founded in 1962 and works to help students continue the martial art of karate. It also teaches new students a form of martial art — Pukang Tang Soo Do.

Pukang Tang Soo Do, or Northern Diamond Chinese Fist Way, is a Korean-style martial art focusing on punching and kicking.

Students join the club for various reasons. Psychology and criminal justice junior Daniel Hoffman started participating in karate in order to be able to defend himself.

“I wanted to learn how to fight,” Hoffman said. “After you’ve committed yourself for so long, (karate) becomes a lifestyle rather than just a club meeting.”

Neuroscience freshman Virginia Smith said she uses the club as a way to make new friends and stay in shape.

As members enter and exit the dojo in the basement of IM Sports-West, they all bow to show their respect for the martial art.

“You’re stepping through that door to this dojo and pretty much taking the stress from the entire day and just stepping away from it,” Hoffman said.

The MSU Karate Club also competes in tournaments.Tournaments consist of competitive fighting and form competition.

Hoffman was awarded second place for fighting in a tournament last May.

Senior instructor John Williamson has been with the club since 1975. He said the best part is interacting with all of the students. Williamson said his goal is to help students grow as people along with their karate skills.

“We teach because we love it,” Williamson said. “It’s an experience you can’t get in any other club.”