History of Shukokai
A Way For All
Shukokai (literally translated as “way for all” or association of those who study together) was founded by Chojiro Tani in 1949. Sensei Tani (1920-1998) started his formal karate training under Chojun Miyagi, founder of Goju Ryu, whilst a student at Doshisha university, Kyoto. Sensei Miyagi returned to Okinawa and Sensei Kenwa Mabuni, founder of Shito ryu took over the teaching.
After many years of training under Sensei Mabuni as one of his most senior students, Sensei Tani received the certificate of succession, entitling him to use the name Tani-ha Shito ryu.
Being a direct descendent of Shito-Ryu, Shukokai inherits the characteristics of both the Naha-te and Shurite styles of Okinawan Karate. Kenwa Mabuni merged the techniques and principles of the styles he learned from his teachers Kanryu Higaonna, and Anko Itosu to form his Shito-Ryu style of Karate. As such, Shukokai combines the circular breathing techniques from Naha-te and the quick linear movements of the Shuri-te styles.
Master Kenwa Mabuni (seated). (L to R): Master Gichin Funakoshi, Genwa Nakasone, unknown, Yasuhiro Konishi, Kenei Mabuni.
KENWA MABUNI (1889-1952) was born in Shuri, the 17th generation descendant of one of the bravest warriors of Okinawan nobility. By 1918, Kenwa Mabuni had become an important figure in the martial arts community
Shukokai Differences
What makes Shukokai stand out?
Katas like Sanchin, Tensho, and Suparunpei are handed down from the Naha-te traditions, while katas like Annanko, Matsukaze, and Bassai-Dai are handed down from the Shuri-te traditions. Upon close examination, one can see the similarities between Tensho, Sanchin, and Suparunpei, and the similarities between BassaiDai, Annanko, and Matsukaze, and what makes the Naha-te katas different from the Shuri-te katas.
Also notable is the relatively high number of katas within Shukokai. This is a direct result of Master Mabuni's experience with both the Naha-te and Shuri -te styles, and the reason why he was renowned throughout Japan and Okinawa as the foremost expert on kata. Another attribute that distinguishes Shukokai Karate from other styles is the execution of techniques. While Shukokai shares many of the same punches, kicks, and blocks found in other popular styles of Karate, it is in how these are executed that sets Shukokai apart.
The theories behind Shukokai are somewhat complex and it takes a lifetime of study to truly understand the art. It is a system of combat, which seeks perfection and therefore demands continuos study. Another attribute that distinguishes Shukokai Karate from other styles is the execution of techniques. While Shukokai shares many of the same punches, kicks, and blocks found in other popular styles of Karate, it is in how these are executed that sets Shukokai apart.
Shukokai Lineage
A History of Shukokai and the Masters
Master Chojiro Tani
Master Chojiro Tani 9th Dan Hanshi
Sensei Tani and Sensei Kimura made their greatest contributions to the style by continually refining each technique to the highest degree, essentially re-defining the basics that had been practiced for centuries. Both made the study of body mechanics their primary focus with the end result being the delivery of the greatest impact with the least amount of effort.
Another defining characteristic is that each technique must be combat effective. Sensei Kimura believed that a technique, no matter how powerful, was useless if it could not be delivered under combat situations. His philosophy was that the outcome of a confrontation should be decided in a single technique, "one hit one kill", as per the way of the samurais of old. This drove him to continually modify and test his technique throughout the course of his life with the end result being the traditional, yet combat effective style of Karate we call Kimura Shukokai. Every technique executed within Kimura Shukokai has these defining principles at its very core.
Master Chojiro Tani 9th Dan Hanshi
Master Chojiro Tani 9th Dan Hanshi (left), Master Kimura (right)
Master Kimura
Early Beginnings
Sensei Shigeru Kimura was born in Kobe on March 2, 1941. Even as a child he was athletic, ambitious and talented. After having tried judo and kendo, he began karate at the age of 16 with Sensei Chojiro Tani (19211998).
At the age of 21 he won the All Japan Championships. He was not to be beaten the following year either and won the title for the second time.
In spite of his success, Sensei doubted the effectiveness of his karate, so he decided to try full contact fighting with other students. The punches were fast enough but much less effective than he had expected, which frustrated him and he began his quest…
Master Kimura
Master Kimura's Travels
Without the slightest knowledge of English, Sensei Kimura left Japan in 1965 for Africa where he taught in Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa. The first country where he was to stay longer and have a considerable influence on karate was South Africa. Wherever the Master was at work, successful schools with well-trained instructors were the result.
His quest led him further to Europe, where he then settled in England. Ultimately, his journey ended in the USA where, thanks to Sensei Kidachi – a renowned Judoka, he settled and opened his first Dojo. This soon became too small and Sensei Kidachi was again at hand as they set about looking for a larger Dojo. The two masters remained close friends and visited one another often. Hackensack, NJ became the location for the Shukokai Headquarters and would remain so for 18 years. Sensei Kimura was then 37 years old and one of the youngest ever to have held the rank of 7th Dan with an acknowledged style.
Master Kimura
The growth of Kimura's Shukokai
In 1980 Sensei Kimura married Kaoru. She lent more serenity to his life and gave him a solid foundation apart from his Karate Students.
In 1981 Sensei Kimura organised the first Shukokai World Tournament in the USA – an event that established itself and has since taken place every two years. Shukokai Karatekas from all over the world visited the headquarters regularly. Even Karatekas of other styles often sought advice from the Grand Master. Sensei Kimura regularly nurtured the seedlings of karate he had planted over the entire world and was to discover with pride that many of them had grown into sturdy trees.
He continued to develop the Tani-Shukokai further, something that constantly challenged, irritated and frustrated but above all brought his students further. With the “left gear” he revolutionised his entire Shukokai once again. The manner of practicing Shukokai now differed considerably from the Tani style, which is why the term Kimura's Shukokai is used today. In 1991, 20,000 students in 14 countries were practicing Kimura’s Shukokai worldwide.
Master Kimura
Master Kimura's Later Life
Even in his later years, Sensei remained innovative and open. Karatekas that were closed to the idea of developing further were out of place with him, proof of which were the numerous partings of ways. Sensei Kimura – a man of no compromise; his influence is still present in many large organisations of today, even though working together has ceased.
Time and again, Sensei took on private students (Uchi Dachi). The first ones had a very difficult time. However, as the Master developed himself further technically, he also became more approachable and had more understanding for his students' mistakes.
In 1987, Sensei Kimura had already begun contemplating the replacement of his Dojo, which was already too small and somewhat run-down. To everyone’s delight, he was able to fulfil the dream of having his own new headquarters, this time in Tenafly, NJ. This Dojo was beautiful and professional, with a kitchen, recreation room, large training room and the option of overnight stays.
Still, Sensei did not shy away from the exertion of instructing at his schools overseas twice a year. His impressive teachings of Shukokai were the highlights of the year for us. At his last Gasshuku in May of 1995, we once again left the hall astonished – an aura of magic was in his technique, inimitable and unequalled.
1994: Sensei called his students together. Kimura's Shukokai encountered its origins of Sensei Tani's style at the Shukokai-Tani Championship in Kobe. His group won almost all the awards – an achievement that made him very proud and markedly proved his credo of POWER-SPEED-CONTROL in his native land.
Sensei Kimura, full of plans for the future, died suddenly of a heart attack at the age of 54.
Kimura Shukokai International (KSI)
Where we are today
WORLD CHIEF INSTRUCTORS L-R (Shihan Chris Thompson, Shihan Eddie Daniels, Shihan Bill Bressaw & Shihan Lionel Marinus
Sensei Kimura laid the foundation for what was to become Kimura Shukokai International during his lifetime. Upon his passing, the chief instructors of the countries where Sensei Kimura taught (America, England, South Africa, Finland, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Portugal, Sweden, Norway, Estonia, and Zimbabwe) banded together in March of 1996 to form Kimura Shukokai International (KSI).
KSI is headed by the four most senior students of Sensei Kimura in the world, Sensei Lionel Marinus and Sensei Chris Thompson of South Africa, Sensei Eddie Daniels of the United Kingdom and Sensei Bill Bressaw of the United States, all 8th Dans with approximately 40 years of experience.
The mission of Kimura Shukokai International is the perpetuation of Kimura Shukokai Karate throughout the world. The Chief Instructors of the participating countries meet once every two years at the World Kimura Shukokai International Championships and at the European Championships, occurring on alternate years, to further strengthen the unity of KSI. Additionally, each country invites one of the 8th Dans to conduct training sessions on advanced technique once a year.
KSI is the official International Organisation for Kimura Shukokai Karate, which has representation in 18 different countries around the world. These countries are: Great Britain, U.S.A., South Africa, Finland, Switzerland, Portugal, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Zimbabwe, Estonia, Canada, Seychelles, Mozambique, Ireland, New Zealand, India and of course Australia.