About Shito-ryu

Shito-ryu

Shito-ryu Shukokai Karatedo is one of the most dynamic and successful Karate schools. Shukokai's Japanese roots are centered on the universities of Osaka and Kyoto and their students established the school as a fast and powerful style.

Shukokai

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. Mr. Tani became a keep disciple of this fast and fluid style and he was finally allowed to open his own school in 1948.

Chojiro Tani

Mr. 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. Mr. Tani 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.

Haruyoshi Yamada

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, Japan. 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 is one of the highest representatives of Japan Karate Federation and is also engaged in the Japanese Olympic Committee.

Yamada sensei is living in Amagasaki near Osaka, where he is running a bone setting clinic as well as his dojo with approximately 10.000 students nation-wide.