SHUKOKAI  - WAY FOR ALL

Shukokai (literally translated as “Way for All" or association of those who study together) was found by Tani Chojiro in 1949. Sensei Tani started his formal Karate training under Miyagi Chojun, founder of Goju, whilst a student at Doshisha University, Kyoto.

 

After some years, Miyagi Sensei returned to Okinawa and Mabuni Kenwa began teaching. In deference to his friend, whom he had assisted on his arrival in Japan, Mabuni Sensei only taught Nahate at the university Karate club. On graduation from university, Sensei Tani followed Mabuni, learning first the Shuri-te system then ultimately the developing Shitoryu system. After many years of training under Mabuni as one of his most senior students, Sensei Tani, received the certificate of succession, entitling him to use the name Tani-ha-Shitoryu (The Tani sect of Shitoryu). In 1949, Sensei Tani whilst still a high school teacher, founded his own school, which Mabuni called Shukokai. On the death of Mabuni Kenwa in 1952, many of the senior students went their own way.

 

At this time, Tani Sensei adopted the name bestowed by Mabuni. Tani-ha-Shitoryu Shukokai, and with two other senior students, Fujiwara and Fujitani, began creating the world wide system for which he is now so respected.

 

Fujiwara Sensei died in 1972. Fujitani Sensei formed his own organisation called Meibukai outside Japan, while Shukokai taught by three senior Instructors, Kimura, Nanbu and Suzuki. In Japan, assisting in the creation of worldwide recognition and respect for our style has been the teachings of Kawata and Yamada.