The Secret Therin Lies in the Basics
An interviewed article by
JKFan Vol.15 2004 Tokyo Japan
Edited & translated by SSU-USA

Shukokai was founded by Soke Chojiro Tani in 1951. "Shukokai" means to master various things through interaction. Due to the death of Soke Tani in 1998, the reconstruction of Shukokai started. By a vote at the Shukokai general meeting in June 28th 1998, Shito-ryu Shukokai Karate Do Union was formed under the new president Mr. Haruyoshi Yamada, JKF Certified Hanshi 8th Dan, Shito-ryu Shukokai Karate Do Union world chief instructor 9th Dan. Mr. Yamada has clearly stated his mission that he would strive to promote a traditional karate do as budo and karate do in the world.
By adopting a self-government style for the organization, he hopes to build a strong structure in the organization in order to contribute to the future of karate do and spread Shukokai karate do worldwide. In 2003, European Championships were held in Vienna, Austria. Shukokai World Cup will be held every five years at Amagasaki. This event will be held on July 18th 2004.

"The secret therein lies in the basics," "There are no shortcuts for improvement." - Haruyoshi Yamada, the president of shito-ryu Shukokai Karate Do Union who discovered karate do when he was 16, uses these words as a motto and a lesson for himself. Just like a traveler who is constantly walking along a path called karate do, he is a gentleman who is respected and loved by everybody. We will focus on his personality and find the secret of his charisma.

It is not possible to be too humble.
President Yamada, you have always said how important the basics can be and everything starts from here. Most people describe you as humble, without regard to the importance of what you have done.

Do they? I haven't got anything to be too proud of besides this (laugh). People may think I am a willy-nilly person (laugh), but I always remind my students the importance of the basics. This is all there is to karate do. It may sound obsolete and old fashion; however, one could always find new things from here.
I put "The secret therein lies in the basics," "There are no shortcuts for improvement." as one of our dojo creeds. What this really means is that nothing can be made in a single day whether it is to improve your skills or to receive public recognition toward karate do.

I started karate intensively after I moved into Amagasaki from Akita. By hosting many karate tournaments, people gradually understood what we are doing. We supported and worked with public and the administration or community events as much as we possibly could. Even those small efforts would come back to you, like having many positive supporters, the successive Amagasaki mayors for example. One loses nothing by being very humble (laugh). A road seems to be formed, whether it is a mountain road or an unpaved gravel road, when people start walking back and forth to commute. This is exactly what we are doing.

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An interviewed article by
JKFan Vol.15 2004 Tokyo Japan
Edited & translated by SSU-USA

Shukokai produces referees
I heard that there are many SSU instructors who are acquiring certified referee's licenses, such as official A-class referee's licenses when compared to other organizations.

I have suggested to all SSU instructors that they take the referee's licenses as much as they can, such as JKF supreme referee, which is top of the list. It has been an issue whether karate could be one of the official Olympics for a long time. Judging from the current trend, it is likely to be happened in the near future. When this happens, it would be difficult to produce many competitors who have met the international standard without having the referees who have a good knowledge of rules and their guidance. In this respect, I put the referee's training on the top of our priority list. Because the competitions rules are frequently changing, one has to be flexible to cope with new rules, even one who has received a referee's certification. Therefore, we are always having many seminars and referee's classes at the honbu dojo or the other dojos to maintain our skills.

Unlike other athletic pursuits, karate still seems to have some issues of concern such as its rules. Each ryu-ha (styles or sects) establishes its own rules and manners and those rules have not yet become uniform.

Yes, indeed. Baseball or soccer has no ryu-ha, and there are little differences between professional rules and high school ones, for example. This may be one of the reasons why they are widely spread; they have developed so much in terms of their technical side and are producing many potential players who are able to perform in the international arena. When it comes to karate, however, it seems that it has just started consideration of uniform rules. Since such problems still remain to be worked out, what we really need at the moment is to train referees who are familiar with JKF rules. This would provide a criteria or standard for karate and would also provide referees who are able to make definite and fair judgments.

As being one of the organizations' proponents, what is your stance for the Shitei-kata (appointed kata)?

One should not confine the players within the limit of certain guidance by following only our own style or theories. Rather, I would propose that we give the students the best opportunity to learn the basic skills to make them feel confident and willing to go for the games. Since we practice Shito-ryu, there are some differences from the JKF Shitei-katas. Even so, there is no point arguing those differences, we need to work with an understanding of the differences and should still give the best guidance to the students that we can. As long as one still has in mind the importance of going back to the basics, the students could always be reassured of the quality of those techniques and skills taught at our dojos, couldn't they?

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Know Thy Instructor
Jeff Goff, 2nd Dan
(Missouri Instructor)


If you are a parent considering martial arts training for your child, or an adult considering the same, it is an imperative that you invest the time and energy to fully investigate a potential instructor, his/her dojo, associations or affiliations. This is a particularly important process for the parent seeking to enroll their child into a martial arts programs. Children are especially vulnerable to misguided teaching, because they automatically assume the instructor is correct in all things pertaining to the art, and they readily emulate their example. The instructor, for better or for worse, will become a tremendous influence in the young student's life. The parent needs to be certain that this person is aware of their position as a role model, and accepts the responsibility that goes along with it.

Adults seeking to train in martial arts should also seek out an instructor/training program that is in full alignment with their character and personal goals. Otherwise, they will become quickly disenchanted and break off their training, denying themselves of an excellent resource for personal development. Martial arts training can be a fantastic way to maintain a healthy body, mind, and spirit, while learning practical self defense in an increasingly dangerous world. The benefits can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. However, it is critical that they know the instructor's personal philosophies, his/her goals and expectations. If the school is affiliated with a larger association, what are the association's philosophies? A prospective student would not be out of line to ask for a copy of the association's bylaws, or to spend time talking to current and former students. Former students can be a very valuable resource, and most will be very cooperative in discussing their training. If they are hesitant, then that alone would be cause for concerm. Once the student has gathered all the information they can, then an enlightened decision can be made on where to invest their time, energy, and money.

So then, what constitutes a good instructor? Obviously, they must have extensive experience and knowledge of their particular style or styles, and a demonstrated ability to impart that knowledge to others. But even more important is their character and personal philosophy. He/she must be a mature person of sound character, possessing the ability to identify and reinforce positive attributes in each student. Mr. Haruyoshi Yamada 9th Dan and Director of the Shukokai Gishinkan, and Chief Instructor for the Shito-ryu Shukokai Karate-do Union, is quoted as saying "Being a karate instructor, one has to have one's own philosophy. This is how I want to be and this is my goal." Even in his mid 60's, Sensei Yamada trains among his students, providing not just instruction in technique, but helping them to grow into people of virtue. Sensei Yamada is an amazing man, one of the highest ranking members of the Japanese Karate-do Federation, yet humble, honest, and forthright. He is an exceptional example for his students, and is uniquely qualified to hold the title of Chief Instructor for the Shito-ryu Shukokai Karate-do Union (SSU). His personality resonates throughout the SSU worldwide, and his influence can be seen in Western Europe, the UK, and in the recently organized SSU-United States of America.

So let's assume that the student candidate has done their homework, and the potential instructor has passed muster, but his/her dojo is a member of a larger association. How does this affiliation impact the dojo? What benefits are there for the individual student? Since I am most familiar with the SSU-USA and have found it to be extremely beneficial at the club and individual level, I will share a bit about its structure, to be used as a model for comparison.

To begin, the SSU-USA is one component in the worldwide Shito-ryu Shukokai Karate-do Union (SSU), headquartered in Amagasaki, Japan. As mentioned earlier, the entire association is under the guidance of Mr. Haruyoshi Yamada, 9th Dan. Sensei Yamada trained directly under the late Soke Chojiro Tani, who created the variant of Shito-ryu Karate known as "Shukokai". After Soke Tani's passing in 1998, Sensei Yamada was elected as the chairman of the newly formed SSU. Embracing the variety of a worldwide student base, and recognizing the benefit of self-government, he organized the association in true union style, allowing each country to establish individual bylaws and philosophies.

It is the reponsibility of the chief instructor in each country to maintain the high quality of instruction that he has set forth. In addition, Sensei Yamada has established standards for training and advancement, which are published in the grading syllabus used by all member dojos. This eliminates ambiguity and inconsistency in grading requirements, so every student knows what skill must be mastered for advancement.

The SSU-USA was formed in 2002 under the direction of Mr. Eric Tomlinson, 6th Dan and Chief Instructor for the USA. Sensei Tomlinson has been training in Shukokai since 1972, and in addition to training with Sensei Yamada, he has trained with many other extremely talented Shukokai sensei, such as the late Shigeru Kimura, Eddie Daniels, Roy Stanhope, and Terry Pottage. Sensei Kimura had a profound influence on his karate, especially in the area of body mechanics and generating explosive impact. It is Sensei Tomlinson's goal to combine the Shukokai techniques he acquired from Sensei Kimura with the traditional pholosophy of Sensei Yamada, to produce an exceptional quality of karate-do. In addition, Sensei Tomlinson strives to maintain a high standard of integrity, not just for himself but for every instructor in the SSU-USA. Many instructors eventually rise from the student ranks, but it is not unusual for Shito-ryu dojos from other branches of the style to apply for membership in the association. In these instances, Sensei Tomlinson personally interviews the chief instructor of the prospective dojo, both by telephone and face-to-face, to ensure that they are of good character, have a solid Shito-ryu background, and have personal philosophies that are in alignment with both his and Sensei Yamada's. In this way, he takes personal responsibility for the quality of instruction in the SSU-USA. The association is governed by its own bylaws, which were drafted by the Technical Committee in cooperation with Sensei Tomlinson. The SSU-USA also maintains a very informative website, with information about Sensei Yamada and Sensei Tomlinson's vast experience and philosophies. There are also links to SSU organizations around the world, and it doesn't take much effort to appreciate the remarkable continuity that Sensei Yamada has achieved within the association. There is ample information for the prospective student to learn about and understand what the SSU-USA is all about.

To put it in a nutshell, the SSU-USA benefits its students in many ways:

Honest and strong leadership Philosophies that uphold the tradition of 'budo' Direct association with Japan and top Japanese instructors Excellent Shukokai pedigree Powerful and practical techniques Quality instruction Extensive cooperation between member countries around the world Consistent training standards Readily accessible information about instructor philosophies, organizational structure, club location, etc

These very tangible benefits, combined with instructors dedicated to the organizational mission, assure the student will grow in both ability and character.

In summary, training in martial arts, whether Karate, Kung-fu, Tai Chi or other traditional form, can be a tremendous tool for developing and maintaining a healthy body, a keen mind, and a determined spirit. But what should always be a positive experience can quickly become destructive if the passing of knowledge is entrusted to immature, self-serving, or domineering instructors. Do not allow your martial arts experience, or that of your children, to lead down this path. Take the time to find a great instructor, supported by a fantastic association, and you will enjoy a healthy, fun and enriching pastime for many years to come.

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The Purpose of Budo
Edward Ichihara Smith, 4th Dan
(California Instructor)


Introduction

Everything - every word, every action, every inanimate object – has a purpose. It’s usually best to avoid absolutes such as “always”, “never” or “everything” but dwell on this concept for a moment and I challenge anyone to find the logical or intuitive flaw. Influential decisions by world leaders, scientific advances and parents have obvious purposes but so do seemingly insignificant things. Each grain of sand supports or rests upon another grain of sand in order to form the beach. A silly phrase uttered by a child cause laughter and a feeling of well-being for those who hear it. A fish eats other fishes and is itself consumed at a sushi bar. Determining if the purpose has value to man is not the issue therefore identifying the purpose can be difficult. Violence too, has a purpose.

Those who dream of a better world denounce violence and say that violence has no purpose and is counter-productive to life. On the surface, this may seem a naturally logical point of view, however, I contend that violence is a natural state of being, inherent to and inseparable from our world and lives. The fish that ate the smaller fish did it violently, the Hawaiian Islands are being created by violent volcanic eruptions and birth is a violent transition from the safety of the womb into a cold, bright world. Violence is neither good nor bad; it simply exists. However violence should not be confused with cruelty. The uninitiated public automatically equates the martial arts with violence however the apparent parallels do not belie the complete truth. For those who only know of martial arts from TV and movies, the martial ways may seem unnecessarily violent, fantastic or mystical. In addition, the explosion of popular martial arts in the United States has produced a hybrid known as sport karate. Each of these incarnations is an abstract caricature and none truly personifies Budo. So if we know what Budo is not; the question then becomes “What is Budo and what is it’s purpose?”

Budo Defined

Written in Kanji, Budo is made up of two characters. The first, Bu, is translated to mean “martial” or “warrior” and the second, Do, means “the way” or “path”. Therefore, Budo is not (as many non-Japanese tend to believe) another way of saying martial arts but the spiritual, emotional, physical and mental state necessary for one to live as a warrior.

The warriors’ purpose, as defined by the Samurai or Bushi, was a singular, unquestioning loyalty and a lifetime of service to ones lord based in Honor. So what is Honor? To some, honor means that if someone wrongs you, you are justified in seeking revenge or to “save face”. To others, simply telling the truth or repaying debts makes one an honorable man. According to Major Forrest Morgan in his book Living The Martial Way, honor is the fundamental component of Budo and is composed of three other virtues: Obligation, Justice & Courage.

Obligation is the foundation upon which Justice and Courage are based. As the Bushi were obligated to serve their lords, we, in the twenty-first century, have our “Giri”as well. Giri is the moral obligation to fulfill one’s duty. Society is composed of an endless cycle of debt and repayment. We are obligated to our families to be responsible and loving husbands, fathers or sons. We are obligated to be efficient for our employers and supportive to our colleagues. We, as instructors, are obligated to our students to teach correctly in a patient yet disciplined manner. Those of us who have chosen to accept the ways of karate as the focus of our lives carry many obligations and it often seems impossible to repay them all. Yet, as we live a life of Budo, we continuously take steps of repaying our obligation as we impart this concept to our students.

The second tenet upon which honor is based is Justice. Justice is acknowledging and doing what is right. Studying and training in the martial arts develops the mind and body to act and react to threats with potentially devastating results. Possessing the power to maim or kill is a tremendous responsibility to bear. There are many who use their skills to benefit themselves at the expense of others. These bullies who injure, intimidate or cheat others ultimately reveal that they acted without a sense of justice and are therefore, not honorable.

The final tenet essential in defining honor is Courage. Courage is the inner quality that motivates one to do whatever must be done despite the personal risks. Courage isn’t exclusive to the battlefield or in the midst of a catastrophe; it can appear in the form of defending another’s reputation even at the expense of your own. There are many ethical yet unpopular causes that need the support of courageous people to effect a positive social change. There are countless numbers of people who contemplate and agonize over doing the right thing but there are relatively few who take action. In summary, for one to live the way of a warrior, whether in combat or in battling the demons of daily life, one must be honorable by maintaining an obligation to justice and practice it through acts of courage.

Purpose

The origin of martial arts is lost in the mists of time and frequently myth and legend have replaced historical fact. However it is undisputed that all systems, schools and styles shared a common purpose: the need to defend oneself and loved ones from predatory individuals or groups. The innovators and masters of the fighting arts knew that cruelty must be discouraged as the practitioner attains a formidable degree of power. It was not sufficient to possess the skills to inflict pain and death without accepting a moral code to restrain unnecessary violence. Honor isn’t required for aerobic kickboxing, stunt work or building a franchise chain of karate “studios” and therefore the purpose of Budo cannot be found there. I contend that the purpose of Budo is primarily to train an individual to effectively defend oneself and their loved ones from harm. In order to accomplish this, one must be able to accurately analyze and avoid danger prior to invoking one’s fighting skills. Only when all other options, such as retreat or negotiation, are unavailable or have failed should one resort to immediate and decisive physical action. It then becomes paramount to keep in mind that once the danger or threat has been eliminated, any further action can be viewed (legally) as an assault. Within the definition of honorable self-defense, one accepts the obligation of preventing harm, exercises the courage to carry out any and all appropriate responses and utilizes justice in the application of the response. It is relatively easy for one to lash out violently but it takes true strength of character to do the honorable thing. If one neglects or rejects the process of strengthening one’s “inner self” while strengthening one’s “outer self”, one cannot claim to practice Budo.

Conclusion

To some, the practice of martial arts is a lonely endeavor. Long hours devoted to the pursuit of technical perfection and physical prowess while neglecting family and friends is often seen as the essence of the warrior ways. Although such dedication is very admirable, the price of disconnecting from one’s fellow man is isolation. If the ultimate purpose of Budo is to make society better through the proliferation of honorable individuals, it cannot be accomplished in isolation. I have trained in a number of martial art styles. I have worked in jobs where the potential for physical assault was a constant threat. I have competed in tournaments. I have taught karate to children and adults. From my life experiences, I have come to recognize that my path is constantly evolving. Whether in or out of the dojo, the guiding force remains the same. Budo, the warrior’s way; the way of obligation, the way of justice, the way of courage - the honorable way.

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First Impressions  
By Ed Smith  
(California Instructor)

It’s a rare event when high ranking karate instructors from Japan venture to the USA for a Gasshuku (multi-day special training).  It’s even rarer when that instructor is the leader of a large and well-respected international organization.  But this is exactly what happened in Long Beach, California, August 2006. 

Haruyoshi Yamada, 9th Dan, is the World Chief Instructor of Shito-ryu Shukokai Karate-do Union & Chief Instructor of the Gishinkan, his chapter of Shito-ryu Shukokai Union.  Yamada, Hanshi was a lifelong pupil of the late Chojiro Tani (the founder of Shukokai) who was a direct student of Kenwa Mabuni, the originator of Shito-ryu.  Yamada Sensei is also ranked 8th Dan and has the designation of Supreme Judge in the Japan Karate Federation.  Although Yamada Sensei makes it a point to travel throughout the world to teach seminars, this was his first visit to the USA.

The backdrop for the Gasshuku was the annual Nikkei Games, Budo Tournament held each year in the expansive California State University at Long Beach Pyramid.  This unique event is different from all other Karate tournaments due to the fact that there is a Judo & Kendo tournament occurring simultaneously.  The organizers agreed that this would be a fitting event to welcome Yamada Sensei – and they were right.

Yamada Sensei was accompanied by Osamu Ishitobi, 7th Dan who acted as translator and uke.  The first of the seminar series was a special introductory seminar the evening of Friday the 11th.  Yamada Sensei elaborated on the techniques and deeper meanings of Shito-ryu shiteigata, Bassai Dai and Seienchin.  The seminar was open to all styles in order to compare and contrast as well as to communicate the Shito-ryu “feeling”.  Despite some difficulty with the language barrier, attendees went away with a greater appreciation for these two staple kata.

Saturday, August 12 brought a day-long schedule of seminars.  Two internationally known and respected local sensei, Fumio Demura and Tak Kubota were on hand to present their seminars as well.  Demura Sensei began the day by introducing “Chair Defense” (defense from a chair not decking an aggressor with a chair).  I, for one, had never considered some of the techniques and skills introduced by Demura Sensei and enjoyed it thoroughly.  Next Yamada Sensei presented a kumite seminar stressing natural motions and soft deflecting techniques aimed at setting up responsive strikes.  Applying these concepts and techniques will positively alter anyone’s fighting game.  Finally, Kubota Sensei presented the world famous Kubotan defenses.  Who could guess it was possible to create so much pain from a five-inch stick?  By the end of the day, whether you attended one, two or all three seminars, you felt that your really expanded your karate knowledge.

The following day was tournament day and the Nikkei Games Karate Tournament was pleased to have Yamada Sensei attend considering his long travel schedule and two previous seminars.  However, following the tournament, Yamada Sensei suggested that a fortunate few gather at Prince Loefler’s dojo for an impromptu seminar.  The program included Pinan 1 – 5 and Nipaipo.  Among the attendees were Eric Tomlinson (Shito-ryu Shukokai Union USA Chief Instructor), Shigako Tomlinson, Malesu Okaditse (SSU Botswana Chief Instructor), Chris Pontashego (SSU Botswana /  Mens Black Belt Kumite Gold Medalist), Prince Loefler (Instructor, Matsubayashi Shorin-ryu) and myself.  It’s a rare thing when an instructor of Yamada Sensei’s caliber essentially conducts class on the spur of the moment – you don’t think twice before accepting the invite.

Following a day of sight-seeing and rest, Yamada Sensei was the guest of long-time friend & fellow sensei, Eliseo Sandoval Tuesday, August 15. The Chief Instructor of Shuko-kai International’s Tiajuana branch of was a most gracious host.  Following a short driving tour of his city and an authentic Mexican lunch, we proceeded to a local radio station where the radio host interviewed Yamada Sensei live.  We were told that the station’s signal could be heard as far east as Arizona.  That evening, the seminar was held under the lights of the local soccer stadium field.  The warm summer sea breezes & clear night sky provided the perfect ambiance for some rigorous kumite drills.  There is something invigorating about training under the stars.  The trip back to Long Beach seemed longer than the trip to Mexico but all arrived safe and sound, tired but no worse for the wear.

Yamada Sensei returned to Japan two days later.  I learned, through Shigako Tomlinson, that Yamada Sensei had a wonderful time and came away from his first trip to the USA with a very favorable first impression.

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Shukokai: The Best Kept Secret in Karate
Edward Ichihara Smith, 4th Dan

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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