Shukokai is a karate style, founded by Chojiro Tani in 1950. Shukokai translates to “a way for all” which in essence means that it is a style that can be practiced by people of all ages. Chojiro Tani learned the style of Shito-ryu under master Kenwa Mabuni.

Shukokai karate reflects how the style has developed although it keeps its purity. The techniques are fast and in contrary to most other karate styles where stances usually are quite deep (for example in Shotokan), Shukokai uses a relatively high stance to aid mobility. Quick “snapping” techniques utilise the styles speed to produce great power.

Developed under the guidance of Shigeru Kimura the style stresses controlled contact in competitions and compensates by using pads to allow the practise of full power techniques during training.

Shukokai was founded after World War II by Sensei Tani who lived in Kobe  city Japan. Sensei Tani sought to perfect his style by studying the mechanics of the human body and developed techniques which can be delivered with maximum efficiency. The theories behind Shukokai are somewhat complex and it takes a lifetime of study to truly understand the art. It is a system of combat which seeks perfection and therefore demands continuous study.

Chojiro Tani – Founder of Shukokai Karate

Shito-Ryu Shukokai was founded after World War II by Sensei Tani who lived in Kobe City Japan. Sensei Tani sort to perfect his style by studying the mechanics of the human body and developed techniques which can be delivered with maximum efficiency. The theories behind Shukokai are somewhat complex and it takes a lifetime of study to truly understand the art. It is a system of combat which seeks perfection and therefore demands continuous study. Shukokai translates to “a way for all” which in essence means that it is a style that can be practiced by people of all ages

Shigeru Kimura

Shigeru Kimura was born in Kobe on March 2, 1941. Even as a child he was athletic, ambitious and talented. After having tried judo and kendo, he began karate at the age of 16 with Sensei Chojiro Tani (1921 – January, 1998). At the age of 21 he won the All Japan Championships. He was not to be beaten the following year either and won the title for the second time In spite of his success, Sensei doubted the effectiveness of his karate, so he decided to try full contact fighting with other students. The punches were fast enough but much less effective than he had expected, which frustrated him and he began his quest.

Without the slightest knowledge of English Sensei Kimura left Japan in 1965 for Africa, where he taught in Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa. The first country where he was to stay longer and have a considerable influence on karate was South Africa. Wherever the Master was at work, successful schools with well-trained instructors were the result.

In 1969 Shigeru Kimura became the head of a newly formed Shukokai Karate Union at the request of Roy Stanhope (co-founder of the SKU) and now Founder and Chief Instructor of UKASKO, our parent organisation.1973-1987 Shihan Barlow studied Shukokai Karate under the guidance of master Kimura,gaining Shodan October 1979,following the dismissal of Kimura from the SKU, Shihan Barlow resigned and joined UKASKO.