In this article we are going to delve into the fascinating world of Shūkōkai. From its origins and evolution to its relevance in today's society, we will explore all the aspects that make Shūkōkai a topic of interest and debate. We will learn about its different facets, its impact on our lives and its influence in the cultural and social sphere. Through a detailed analysis and a deep look, we will discover everything that Shūkōkai has to offer and how it has marked a before and after in history. Get ready to immerse yourself in this exciting journey and discover all the facets that make Shūkōkai a theme worth exploring.
Focus | Striking |
---|---|
Country of origin | Japan |
Creator | Chōjirō Tani |
Parenthood | Shitō-ryū • Gōjū-ryū |
Shūkōkai (修交会) is a style of Karate, based on Tani-ha Shitō-ryū, a branch of Shitō-ryū developed by Chōjirō Tani in the late 1940s, and refined by his students, including Yamada Haruyoshi and Kimura Shigeru.
Chōjirō Tani (谷 長治郎 Tani Chōjirō) was born in 1921, and started his formal karate training under Miyagi Chōjun, who founded the Gojū-ryū style, while a student at the Doshisha University in Kyoto. After a few months, Miyagi Chōjun returned to Okinawa and the founder of Shitō-ryū, and recommended Mabuni Kenwa to Tani Chōjirō to carry on his learning. Upon graduating from university, Tani began learning Shuri-te and then Shitō-ryū from Mabuni as well. After many years of training under Mabuni and becoming one of his most senior students, Tani received the certificate of succession from him and became the head of Shitō-ryū, enabling him to use the name Tani-ha Shitoryu.
Chōjirō Tani began teaching the Karate style Shūkōkai (meaning the way for all) at a dojo in Kobe, Japan, in 1946. Shūkōkai was designed around the study of body mechanics, is very fast due to its relatively high stance aiding mobility, and is known for the double hip twist, which maximises the force of its strikes; making it one of the most hard-hitting Karate styles.
One of Tani's most senior students, Sensei Shigeru Kimura, left Japan in 1965 to teach Shūkōkai in Africa. He developed Shukokai even further, emphasizing its power and strength; and was regarded as an expert on the style. He continued to teach after travelling to Europe, before settling in the United States in 1970 at the age of 29, where he taught at Yonezuka's Cranford dojo for two years; creating the first Shukokai World Tournament in 1981. Sensei Kimura died of a heart attack at the age of 54. Tani died on 11 January 1998.
Shūkōkai has evolved into several independent style branches throughout the world over the past few decades: