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Shukokai
Karate Chojiro Tani (1921-1998)
Shukokai Karate, meaning "The Way for All" is a dynamic form of Okinawan
Karate, which has developed from the application of body dynamics to the
principles of traditional karate. Shukokai descends directly from it's parent
style, Shito Ryu Karate. Sensei Chojiro Tani founded Shukokai in 1948. He
started his formal Karate training under Miyagi Chojun, founder of Goju,
whilst a student at Doshisha University, Kyoto. After some years, Miyagi
Sensei returned to Okinawa and Sensei Kenwa Mabuni, founder of Shito-Ryu
took over the teaching. In deference to his friend, whom heÕd assisted on
his arrival in Japan, Mabuni Sensei only taught Naha-Te at the University
Karate Club. On graduation from University, Sensei Tani followed Mabuni,
learning first the Shuri-te system and then ultimately the developing Shito-Ryu
system that Mabuni Kenwa founded. After many years of training under Mabuni
Sensei as one of his most senior students, Sensei Tani received the certificate
of succession entitling him to use the name Tani-Ha Shito-Ryu, the Tani
sect of Shito-Ryu. In 1948, whilst still a high school teacher, Sensei Tani
founded his own school of karate in Kobe, which he called Shukokai. On the
death of his teacher Mabuni Kenwa in 1952, many of the senior students went
their own ways and at this time, Tani Sensei adopted the name bestowed by
Mabuni: Tani-Ha Shito-Ryu. Tani also organised clubs in Kyoto University
and Osaka College of Economics, Tottiro University and Kobe University Medical
School. Outside of Japan, Tani's style was spread worldwide through the
teachings of three of Tani's top instructors, Kimura, Nambu and Suzuki Sensei.
Shigeru Kimura eventually settled in the United States, whilstÊ Yoshinao
Nambu continued to teach in Europe. At 5.00am on Sunday January 11th 1998,
just ten days before his 79th birthday, Sensei Chojiro Tani, founder of
Shukokai passed away in a hospital in Kobe, Japan. Shigeru Kimura (1941-1995)
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 (1921 - January,
1998). 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. 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 7th Dan with an acknowledged style. He continued
to develop the Tani-Shukokai further, something which 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 Kimura's Shukokai
was being practiced world-wide by 20,000 students in 14 countries. Sensei
Kimura died suddenly of a heart attack in 1995, at the age of 54
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