The Shito-ryu Shukokai Karatedo Union is a worldwide acting organisation.
It’s aim is to provide the art of
Shito-ryu Shukokai Karatedo
It is one of the most dynamic and successful Karate schools. Shukokai’s Japanese roots centred on the universities of Osaka and Kyoto and their students established the school as a fast and powerful style. Shukokai was the brainchild of TANI Chojiro sensei. Tani sensei studied Goju-Ryu for a decade until meeting MABUNI Kenwa sensei, the famous Shito-Ryu Master. Tani Sensei became a keep disciple of this fast and fluid style and he was finally allowed to open his own school in 1948.
Sensei Tani was fascinated with the science of body mechanics and movement, and after much experimenting and comprehensive study he re-designed the Shito-Ryu’s kicking and punching methods to maximise and benefit from plyometric (elastic property) contraction of the muscles. The hip movement was emphasised and Shukokai’s famous double hip movement for executing strikes developed, giving the style it’s explosive power.
Impact pads were introduced to help the Shukokai stylists enhance their power. Tani Sensei successfully fused the dynamics and speed of Shito-Ryu with the power and strength of Goju-Ryu so none of the qualities or strengths of either style were lost.
After the death of Tani Sensei in 1998 YAMADA Haruyoshi sensei was elected to lead the organisation of Shukokai. He was born in 1938 in Akita prefecture, . He began his martial arts study in Judo before coming involved in Karate. In 1956 he became a disciple of Tani sensei and was one of his top ranking pupils. He was one of the highest representatives of Japan Karate Federation and was also engaged in the Japanese Olympic Committee. Yamada sensei passed away in Amagasaki in 2018. Yazu Kaicho is the current head of the Shitoryu Shukokai Union.
The SHITO-RYU SHUKOKAI UNION Oceania was re-organised in 2002. It is lead Stephen Kelly, Kyoshi, 8th Dan as Chief instructor. Its headquarter is located in Brisbane, Queensland, , where Mr. Kelly resides. Member countries of the Union are throughout , Europe, America and throughout Asia.
The Shito-ryu Shukokai Union Oceania organises regular visits to Japan for training and competing together with our japanese masters and friends from all over the world. Shihan Stephen long time personal instructor, Ishitobi Hanshi, 9th Dan (pictured) regularly visit Australia to share his knowledge.
MISSION STATEMENT
Our goal is to promote Shito-ryu Shukokai karate-do within the Oceania region, under the guidance of World Chief Instructor, Yazu Kaicho and Ishitobi Hanshi. Shito-ryu Shukokai World Karate-do Union seeks to maintain the roots and traditions of Shito-ryu while advancing the teachings of Shukokai, the faction founded in 1948 by Chojiro Tani, Soke.
Tani sought to perfect his karate by studying the mechanics of the human body and developed techniques that can be delivered with maximum efficiency. SSU-Oceania aims to forge an organisation free of trivial politics and ego for the betterment of karate and invites all interested individuals and groups to learn more about us.
It is now possible for Instructors and clubs in to be affiliated with Shito-ryu Shukokai Union Oceania Karate which is part of the world Shito-Ryu Shukokai Karate Union based in Osaka.
For more information on membership, please contact at stephen@kansaikarate.com.au
