The Shito-ryu Shukokai Karate-do Union is a worldwide organisation. Its aim is to promote the art of Shito-ryu Shukokai Karate-do.
It is one of the most dynamic and successful Karate schools. Shukokai's Japanese roots centred on the universities of Osaka and Kyoto and their students established the school as a fast and powerful style. Shukokai was the brainchild of TANI Chojiro Sensei. Tani sensei studied Goju-Ryu for a decade until meeting MABUNI Kenwa sensei, the famous Master and founder of the Shito ryu style. Tani Sensei became a dedicated disciple of this fast and fluid style and he was finally given a teaching licence "Menkyo Kaiden" by Master Mabuni and allowed to open his own school in 1948.
Tani Sensei was fascinated with the science of body mechanics and movement, and after much experimenting and comprehensive study he re-designed Shito-Ryu's kicking and punching methods to maximise and benefit from plyometric (speed-strength) 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.
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 becoming involved in Karate. In 1956 he became a disciple of Tani Sensei and was one of his top ranking pupils. Currently ranked 9.Dan with the title of Hanshi (Master),he is one of the highest representatives of The Japan Karate Federation and is also engaged in the Japanese Olympic Committee. Yamada Sensei resides in Amagasaki near Osaka, where he operates a traditional Chiropractic clinic as well as his dojo with approximately 10,000 students nation-wide.
The SHITO-RYU SHUKOKAI UNION EUROPE was re-organised in 1999. It is presently lead by KAMOHARA Tsutomu Sensei, 8th Dan as Chief instructor and Mr. HAUSNER Thomas, 6th Dan as President. Its headquarters are located in Vienna, Austria, where Mr. Hausner resides. Member countries of the Union are: England, Finland, France, Jersey, Poland, Romania, Scotland and Austria.
The Shito-ryu Shukokai Union Europe organizes a European Championships and Summer Camp each year under the direction of Yamada Sensei 9. Dan, Hanshi and Kamohara Sensei, 8. Dan. The location of these championships changes every year.