INFORMATION ON KARATE STYLES AND HISTORY
   

  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