Shukokai
TODAY
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Kawata Sensei started training in Shukokai at 16 years of age and was awarded 1st Dan at 18. He became Shido Bucho (the highest technical leader in Shukokai) in 1969. Throughout the 1970's Kawata Sensei visited Europe many times, promoting and teaching the Shukokai system. Working closely with the late Kimura Sensei and Nanbu Sensei, he was largely instrumental in the development of the reputation of Shukokai in Europe at that time. Tani Sensei awarded Kawata Sensei the rank of Hanshi (the highest position in Shogo) in 1975, and in 1985 awarded him 9th Dan. The Rengokai (all Japan Shitoryu Association) awarded Hanshi rank to Kawata Sensei in 1992, and 9th Dan in 2002. Kawata Sensei is recognised as one of the most senior leaders of karate in Japan. | ||||||
Shukokai World Karate Association (SWKA)
In 2004 Samurai Karate International lead by Sensei Paul Mitchell and Seikukai lead by Kawata Sensei came together to form a new worldwide karate group, the Shukokai World Karate Association (SWKA), with a focused desire to practice and nurture traditional Shukokai and continue the traditions and dreams of Tani Sensei.
A groundbreaking ceremony to mark the site of the SWKA's new world Honbu Dojo in Kobe, Japan took place as part of the offical emergence of this new Shukokai association.
HISTORY
Tani Sensei
| Shukokai (literally translated as "Way for All" or association of those who study together) was founded by the late Tani Chojiro in 1949. Tani Sensei (1920 - 1998) started his formal karate training under Miyagi Chojun, founder of Gojo, whilst a student at Doshisha University, Kyoto. After some years, Miyagi Sensei returned to Okinawa and Kenwa Mabuni Sensei, founder of Shitoryu, took over the teaching. On graduation from university, Tani Sensei followed Mabuni learning first the Shuri-te system and then ultimately the developing Shitoryu system. After many years of training under Mabuni as one of his most senior students, Tani Sensei received the certificate of succession, entitling him to use the name Tani-ha Shitoryu (the Tani sect of Shitoryu).
In 1949 Tani Sensei, founded his own school, which he called Shukokai. On the death of Mabuni Kenwa, in 1952, many of the senior students went their own way and at this time Tani Sensei adopted the name bestowed by Mabuni, Tani-ha Shitoryu, and with two other senior students, Fujiwara and Fujitani, began creating the world wide system, for which he is now so respected. Shukokai has been taught outside Japan mainly by three senior instructors, Kimura, Nanbu and Suzuki, between them assisting in the creation of a world wide recognition and respect for their style. |
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Kimura Sensei
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Chief technical Master of Shukokai was Shigeru Kimura, 8th Dan. Kimura Sensei commenced karate at the age of 16 under Tani Sensei. At 21 he won the All Japan Shitoryu Championship, and after winning that title for the second time in 1964, ceased participating in championship Karate to devote his life to developing the style of Karate now known and respected throughout the world as Shukokai. Kimura Sensei died in 1997.
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