Idaho Professor Alexandria Ruble Heads to World Karate Championship

Moscow resident and University of Idaho history professor Alexandria Ruble is set to represent the United States at the World Shoto Cup in Merida, Mexico, this October. Ruble, 38, is one of six women selected to compete for the USA International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) team. Her journey began 26 years ago when her mother found a karate pamphlet at the YMCA, leading Ruble to discover a passion that has shaped her life.

Ruble recalls, “My mom got this flier at the YMCA and thought karate might be good for me. I took one class and fell in love with it.” Standing at 5 feet, 1 inch, and often described as unimposing, Ruble transforms into a confident martial artist when dressed in her white karate gi. She became a black belt at the age of 15 and has since progressed to a fourth-degree black belt, earning recognition as a formidable competitor in the martial arts community.

Cathy Cline, 75, the current ISKF Northwest chief instructor, praised Ruble’s exceptional skills, stating, “She’s the real deal. When Alex came to Moscow, I was thrilled. I knew we had a team that could contend with the best.” Alongside her preparation for international competition, Ruble is pursuing certification as an ISKF instructor, while also delving into the history and psychology of karate.

Training sessions at the Palouse Shotokan Karate Club are open to all, inviting participants to experience the benefits of karate, not just as competitors but as individuals seeking personal growth. “I think just being able to defend yourself is a really critical skill,” Ruble emphasized. Cline echoed this sentiment, noting Ruble’s impressive approach to competition and her potential as a leading athlete in the sport.

Ruble’s karate journey has spanned various locations, thanks to her academic career. She has consistently sought out Shotokan groups, whether during her graduate studies or while on a Fulbright scholarship in Germany. “I’ve been really lucky that everywhere I’ve moved, I was able to find a Shotokan group nearby and train with them,” she said. Since joining the University of Idaho in 2023, she has connected with fellow fourth-degree black belt Norm Pendegraft, and together they lead classes at the 1912 Center.

In a recent training session, Ruble guided eight students, ensuring they not only broke a sweat but also absorbed valuable techniques. She remarked, “One of the joys of karate is that it’s so varied as an art. Some people are really interested in self-defense, others in physical fitness, and occasionally people want to compete.”

Ruble has been competing internationally for three years, focusing on kata—choreographed movements—and kumite, which involves sparring. Cline noted Ruble’s prowess during sparring matches, emphasizing her quick movements and skillful execution. “She’s small of stature, but she can pull off a roundhouse kick to the head. It’s impressive to watch her timing and ability to score points,” Cline stated.

Karate has profoundly impacted Ruble, giving her confidence and improving her focus throughout her life. “When I was 12, I didn’t know what karate was. I’d seen ‘The Karate Kid’ movie, but I didn’t really know what it was.” Through her experience, she learned not just self-defense but also discipline and fitness, describing Shotokan karate as an art that emphasizes control and self-awareness.

“Shotokan shuns aggression,” Ruble explained. “One of our central tenets is to refrain from violent behavior. The whole idea is to avoid conflict.” She has never had to defend herself in real life, attributing this to the awareness she has cultivated through her training. “Being aware of my environment helps me see when a conflict is about to begin.”

Classes at the 1912 Center are designed for all ages, welcoming students from eight years old and up. Participants can progress at their own pace, testing for various colored belts, starting with white and culminating in the black belt degrees. “As you get into the black belts, there’s more expectation of self-training and self-discovery,” Ruble noted.

Her commitment to karate is driven by a desire to share its benefits with others. “I think if people just come in and try a class or two, they’ll get hooked. There is a constant message of learning how to improve yourself and how to be a better person. I can’t think of any other athletic activity where you improve with age.”

All Shotokan classes conclude with students reciting the Dojo Kun, which includes five rules: Seek perfection of character, be faithful, endeavor, respect others, and refrain from violent behavior. The Palouse Shotokan Karate Club offers four-month dues of $90 per person and $150 for families, covering all classes held at the 1912 Center on Mondays and Wednesdays from 17:45 to 19:00.

For more information, interested individuals can contact Ruble at [email protected] or (757) 813-6578, Pendegraft at (208) 301-7298, or email the club at [email protected].