Shukokai Masters
The karate style practiced at the Kugatsu Karate-Do is Shukokai Karate, a style
famous for its hard hitting techniques and scientific approach to body kinetics.
Shukokai, which roughly translated means "Way For All", descends directly
from it's parent style, i.e. Shito-ryu Karate.
Shukokai was the brainchild of Sensei Chojiro Tani (1921 ~ 1998), who developed
the style in 1949. Sensei Tani studied Goju-ryu karate for around a decade
or so until meeting Sensei Kenwa Mabuni, the famous Shito-ryu Master. Sensei
Tani became a keen disciple of this fast and fluid style and when Sensei Mabuni
passed away, the Diploma of Inheritance passed onto Sensei Tani.
Sensei Tani sought to perfect his style and develop techniques which could
be delivered with maximum efficiency. He was fascinated with the science of
body mechanics and movement, and after much experimenting and comprehensive
study he re-designed the Shito-ryu kicking and punching methods to maximise
the benefit from plyometric (elastic property) contraction of the muscles.
The hip movement was emphasised and Shukokai's famous double "hip twist" for
executing strikes was developed, giving the style it's explosive power. Impact
pads were introduced to help the Shukokai stylists enhance their power.
Sensei Tani sent forward three of his top instructors, Kimura, Nambu and Suzuki
Sensei. These three instructors have developed World recognition and respect
of the style.
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 continuous study.
Sensei Shigeru Kimura (1941-1995)
The late Shigeru Kimura has done much development work in this school, he
was particularly interested in the development of high-energy strikes and his
work has produced some interested findings. His basic stance is held under
tension and during punch delivery, weight is transferred onto the front leg.
Then a co-ordination of hip rotation, delayed spinal torsion and shoulder follow
through produces some quite remarkable results in pad-work.
Master Haryushi Yamada ~ President Shito-ryu Shukokai Union
Born in 1938 in Akita prefecture, He began his martial art study in Judo before becoming involved in karate. In 1956 he became a disciple of Tani Sensei and was one of his top ranking pupils. After the death of Tani Sensei in 1998 Master Yamada was elected to lead the organisation of Shukokai. Currently ranked 9th Dan with the title of HANSHI(Master), he is one of the highest representatives of Japan karate Federation and is also engaged in the Japanese Olympic Committee.
Yamada Sensei resides in Amagasaki near Osaka, where he operates a traditional Chiropractic clinic as well as his Dojo with approximately 10,000 student?s national wide.