Not long after his 60th birthday, BSC Professor of Theatre Dr. Alan Litsey began his practice in martial arts. In a decision that felt antithetical to his academic training, Litsey brought up the idea to his wife, Diane Litsey MPPM ’11, without any research – not even one Chuck Norris movie, he says – and very little direction. 

“I said to Diane, kind of sheepishly, that I think I want to study karate,” Litsey says, “and she knew just the person.” 

Immediately, they called Master Joe Schibanetz at North Star Martial Arts in Homewood, and Litsey attended his first class the next day. After more than four years of practice, he now holds a black belt in Tang Soo Do, and sees his practice extending far beyond his classes at North Star and his garage-turned-dojo and home. 

“The arts have taught me to honor my instincts, and I feel strongly that my instincts have opened a new, exciting door for me,” Litsey says. “Really, I am just at the beginning of this learning process.” 

Throughout summer 2022, Litsey dedicated time to prepare for his black belt test, which served as a kind of vacation for him to study and meditate outside of the academic calendar and theatre season. Breaking boards was one of the most challenging and nerve-wracking aspects of the test, which he practiced with guidance from Schibanetz. 

“We know that learning is not graceful, and we have to practice in order to grow,” he says. 

Martial arts pairs well with Litsey’s background and training in theatre, and it has allowed him to be a student again after decades as a professor in the Department of Theatre, where he has directed countless productions and guided theatre majors and non-majors alike. 

“Creative activity challenges us to be totally present,” he says. “Martial arts is a rich opportunity to practice that skill.” 

The discipline of Tang Soo Do has taught Litsey so much beyond the forms. He has learned that he can still take a punch, that physical activity can teach you a lot about yourself, and that you might meet wonderful friends and mentors in the place you would least expect. 

Litsey, even after earning his black belt, sees himself as a beginner. He has become interested in Eskrima, a Filipino form of martial arts that students study at North Star once a month, and is eager to continue growing his knowledge of Korean culture, language, and history. 

“Whatever it is, everybody’s got their unique path as learners,” Litsey says. “I think expanding our capacity as learners, whatever it is that’s calling our name, enriches us in all kinds of ways and makes us better team members and leaders, expands our capacity as problem solvers, and expands our curiosity.”