Jump to content

Shūkōkai

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Hinakana (talk | contribs) at 18:22, 13 September 2007 (Edited Nambu to Nanbu, see www.nanbudo.com). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Shukokai International logo

Shukokai Karate (修交会 空手道, shūkõkai karate) is a style of karate founded by Chojiro Tani in 1949. Shukokai is a system of karate, which has evolved from careful analysis of the dynamics and principles of traditional karate. The lineage of Shukokai can be considered a direct descendant of its parent style, Shito-ryu.

The name translated literally means "Way for All". A more literal translation breaks the name down to 3 parts which are translated as:

  • Shu = "Training"
  • Ko = "Many people meeting, a crossing or intersection, to come together."
  • Kai = "Association, to train under one roof."

In addition to his own dojo he organised clubs in Kyoto University and Osaka College of Economics, Tottiro University and Kobe University Medical School.

Outside of Japan, Tani's style spread mainly in Europe (Kofukan International). Shigeru Kimura, one of the students of Chojiro Tani then took Shukokai to Africa and the United States, whilst Yoshinao Nanbu taught in Europe. When Tani retired as Chief Technical Director he appointed Shigeru Kimura, 10th Dan, (1941–1995) as his successor.

In 1968, the style was introduced to England by the Japanese instructors Sensei Tani and Sensei Kimura. By 1969 the Shukokai Karate Union (SKU) [1] was formed, and is headed by chief instructor Sensei Stan Knighton 8th Dan. Later two other organisations emerged - in 1980 the Ken-Yu-Kai Karate Association under Terry Pottage (7th Dan) [2] and then in (1991) the Shukokai Karate Association was founded and headed by Malcolm Hudson (6th Dan) ([3]). Kobe Osaka International was also formed in 1991 and is currently headed by founder Sensei Tommy Morris (8th Dan) [4].

Being a direct descendant of Shito-Ryu, Shukokai inherits the characteristics of both the Naha-te and Shuri-te styles of Okinawan Karate. 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 study of body mechanics is the 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.

Throughout the world there are 4 main instructors, these are: Shihan Eddie Daniels, 8th Dan GB Shihan Bill Bressaw , 8th Dan USA Shihan Chris Thomson, 8th Dan SA Shihan Lionel Marinus, 8th Dan SA

All of the above shihans have over 40 years experience in shukokai and still to this day teach across the world.


Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shūkōkai&oldid=157663039"