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Did you know? |
Did you know that Age Uke is Upward Rising Block
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Written by Robert Lile
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Thursday, 28 December 2006 |
The Best Kept Secret in KarateShukokai: The Best Kept Secret in Karate
Edward Ichihara Smith, 4th Dan (California Instructor)(2003)
If one were to mention “Shukokai” in Japan or in Europe, the response would most likely be a favorable mix of recognition and admiration. It’s well known that among karate-ka on the other side of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, Shukokai has been a respected and formidable force over the past 25 to 50 years. So why is it that even among traditional Japanese stylists in the USA, the name Shukokai draws a blank?
The History of Shukokai: Shito-ryu 101
Although the name Gichin Funakoshi is one of the most recognized names in Japanese martial arts history, another equally respected yet lesser-known peer sowed the seeds of modern karate by not only influencing Funakoshi’s development of Shotokan but more importantly, developing his own unique style. Kenwa Mabuni, a police officer in Okinawa, was known to all as an accomplished martial artist who diligently studied and trained under several of the most notable martial artists of the region. He eventually developed a universal style by accumulating a vast reservoir of knowledge and skill from several schools including Shuri-te, Naha-te, Tomari-te and even Fukien White Crane style from China. He then named his new style Shito-ryu after his two most influential teachers, Anko Itosu and Kanryo Higashiona - the most prominent and accomplished masters of the day. In fact, Itosu named Mabuni as the rightful successor to his system. Due to Mabuni’s technical mastery and diversity, he was regarded as a living encyclopedia of kata (forms) and their bunkai (meaning/application of the techniques). It was not uncommon for other high level instructors to consult him regarding advanced matters of technique. Among the sixty-plus kata that form the backbone of Shito-ryu, several are specifically designed for Kobudo (Okinawan weapons). Mabuni was, in every sense, a “Renaissance Man” of the warrior arts. The genisis of Shukokai
Among Mabuni’s talented deshi (personal student / protege), a young college student with Goju-ryu roots quickly rose to prominence. Chojiro Tani not only excelled in the Shito-ryu ways but, through diligent study of physical mechanics, developed his own unique version of Shito-ryu that prompted Mabuni to endorse it as Tani-ha Shito-ryu (Tani’s sect of Shito-ryu). In 1948, this sect was officially named “Tani-ha Shito-ryu Shukokai Kempo Karate-do Renmei” or simply “Shukokai” (“Training Together Group”). Shukokai proliferated among the college teams in the Osaka and Kobe regions of Japan and eventually, due the high degree of tournament success, became identified as a competition oriented style. However, for those who made Shukokai their way of life, Tani’s concepts and techniques of bio-mechanics were not only applicable to competition but also in real self-defense scenarios. Tani based his evolution of karate on three simple yet profound core principles: • Avoid unnecessary movement
• Avoid unnecessary force
• Use the whole body
Students who trained diligently under Tani’s guidance discovered that by applying these three principles from a higher more mobile stance, they were able to harness both speed and power to utilize signature concepts such as “Hip Double Twist” and “Kick Shock”.
Shukokai Beyond Japan
The growth of Shukokai could not be contained to Japan, so in the early 70’s a few of Tani’s more talented Deshi journeyed to Europe. This elite cadre was joined by a man well known for his ability to generate tremendous punching power. His name was Shigeru Kimura. Having won the World All-Styles Championship at the age of 21 and the All-Japan Championships twice, Kimura was the logical choice to serve as Shukokai’s newest ambassador. Traveling through South Africa, Europe, Scandinavia and the British Isles, Kimura propagated his unique and effective Shukokai techniques and gained a loyal following rarely seen in modern times. He introduced several technical modifications to Tani-ha Shito-ryu that were, in a word, revolutionary. Of all the instructors hailing from Tani’s dojo, Kimura became the most prolific in starting and resurrecting karate clubs and/or inspiring others to join Shukokai. In 1971, he set his sights on the United States and eventually settled in New Jersey where he established his new headquarters. There, Kimura continued to develop the theories and practice of karate biomechanics. Tragically, Shukokai was dealt a devastating one-two punch with the passing of Kimura in 1996 and Tani in 1998. But it cannot be disputed that both Tani and Kimura’s legacy would have been a source of great pride for Kenwa Mabuni.
Shukokai Today
Chojiro Tani said “One makes his own karate”, therefore, he never governed his organization with an iron fist and granted senior instructors permission to form their own Shukokai groups. These groups never strayed too far from the master and frequently invited Tani to attend tournaments and/or instruct at Gasshuku (gathering for special training) throughout the world. Following the untimely passing of Tani, the Shukokai organization began to splinter with several groups forming organizations independent of the other groups. The master’s death created a void with no unifying leader. In an effort to maintain unity and preserve Tani’s teachings, a general congress of high-ranking Shukokai instructors was convened in Japan on June 28, 1998. It was decided that Haruyoshi Yamada, the most senior instructor within Shukokai, would be elected to serve as President and Chief Instructor of the new Shito-ryu Shukokai Karate-do Union worldwide. Several groups throughout Europe soon followed suit to unite under the new banner. In June of 2002, Shito-ryu Shukokai Union USA was formed under the leadership of Chief Instructor, Eric Tomlinson, 6-Dan. Tomlinson, a veteran of the British national team, trained extensively with Kimura in England and is therefore well versed in ways of Shukokai. Currently, SSU/USA is represented by schools in Missouri, New York, California and Florida. Tomlinson believes that other Shukokai groups or individuals will seek to affiliate with this highly respected international organization primarily due its focus on maintaining the original focus of karate training over politics.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 28 December 2006 )
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