SHUKOKAI - WAY FOR ALL
Shukokai (literally translated as "Way for All" or association of those who study together) was
founded by Tani Chojiro in 1949.
Sensei Tani (1920 - 1998) 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 Sensei Kenwa Mabuni, founder of Shitoryu took over the teaching. In deference to
his friend, whom he had assisted on his arrival in Japan, Mabuni Sensei only taught Naha-te at
the university karate club. On graduation from university Sensei Tani followed Mabuni learning
first the Shuri-te system and 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 he called
Shukokai.
On the death of Mabuni Kenwa, in 1952, many of the senior students went their own way
and at this time Tani Sensei adopted the name bestowed by Mabuni, Tani-ha Shitoryu, 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 some years ago and Fujitani Sensei now heads his own
organization called Myobukai.
Shukokai has been taught outside Japan mainly by three senior instructors, Kimura, Nanbu and
Suzuki, between them assisting in the creation of a world wide recognition and respect for their
style. Chief Technical Master of Shukokai and Sensei Paul Mitchell's teacher was Shigeru Kimura, 8th Dan.
Sensei Kimura commenced karate at the age of 16 under Sensei Tani. At 21 he won the All Japan
Shito ryu Championship, and after winning that title for the second time in 1964, ceased participating
in championship Karate to devote his life to developing the style of Karate how known and respected
throughout the world as SHUKOKAI. Sensei Kimura died in 1997.
Samurai
Samurai Karate International was formed in 1980 by Sensei Paul Mitchell. SAMURAI KARATE INTERNATIONAL
has now grown to become one of Shukokai's strongest organizations in the west, with clubs in seven
countries and over two thousand members. Since August 2002 Samurai international has been a member of
the SWKA (Shukokai World Karate Association) headed by Master Shigemasa Kawata 9th Dan, Sensei Tani’s
most senior student.