Being a direct descendent of Shito-Ryu, Shukokai inherits the characteristics of both the Naha-te and Shuri-te styles of Okinawan Karate. Kenwa Mabuni merged the techniques and principles of the styles he learned from his teachers Kanryu Higaonna, and Anko Itosu to form his Shito-Ryu style of Karate. As such, Shukokai combines the circular breathing techniques from Naha-te and the quick linear movements of the Shuri-te styles. This is apparent in the katas performed within Shukokai.

Katas like Sanchin, Tensho, and Suparunpei are handed down from the Naha-te traditions, while katas like Annanko, Matsukaze, and Bassai-Dai are handed down from the Shuri-te traditions. Upon close examination, one can see the similarities between Tensho, Sanchin, and Suparunpei, and the similarities between Bassai-Dai, Annanko, and Matsukaze, and what makes the Naha-te katas different from the Shuri-te katas.

Also notable is the relatively high number of katas within Shukokai. This is a direct result of Master Mabuni's experience with both the Naha-te and Shuri -te styles, and the reason why he was renowned throughout Japan and Okinawa as the foremost expert on kata. Another attribute that distinguishes Shukokai Karate from other styles is the execution of techniques. While Shukokai shares many of the same punches, kicks, and blocks found in other popular styles of Karate, it is in how these are executed that sets Shukokai apart.

Sensei Tani and Sensei Kimura made their greatest contributions to the style by continually refining each technique to the highest degree, essentially re-defining the basics that had been practiced for centuries. Both made the study of body mechanics their primary focus with the end result being the delivery of the greatest impact with the least amount of effort.

Another defining characteristic is that each technique must be combat-effective. Sensei Kimura believed that a technique, no matter how powerful, was useless if it could not be delivered under combat situations. His philosophy was that the outcome of a confrontation should be decided in a single technique, "one hit one kill", as per the way of the samurais of old. This drove him to continually modify and test his technique throughout the course of his life with the end result being the traditional, yet combat-effective style of Karate we call Kimura Shukokai. Every technique executed within Kimura Shukokai has these defining principles at their very core

Lineage of Shukokai

 

Below is a general outline of some of the influences that have helped shape the Shukokai Karate that we practice today. Bear in mind that the information gathered and presented is not confirmed as completely correct.

The process of gathering the information presented here is a next to impossible task, as many issues (language barriers, poorly documented history, nick-names, and in some cases egos to name a few) hinder the process of attempting to accurately map out the lineage of any style.

Also bear in mind that the information presented here is this author's opinion based on his research, and that there are differing opinions as to the lineage of Shukokai Karate. The reader is encouraged to use this information as a starting point in his or her own research and to draw their own conclusions.

As defined by Sir Charles Darwin, evolution is impossible to trace and define with 100% accuracy due to environmental, personal, and in humanity's case, sociological variations. Shukokai has evolved greatly due to innovations made by our instructors and their instructors, and it would be difficult (if not impossible) to draw a straight line (with regards to technique) to styles of the past.

Consequently, this information does not imply that we study the exact techniques that were studied 300 years ago, although in some cases we do. We are however, directly influenced by them. What the chart does demonstrate is the impeccable lineage of Shukokai Karate. The roots of Shukokai include some of the greatest name in the history of Karate, and the martial arts in general.

Shukokai has been refined over the centuries by our forefathers, and has evolved into what we practice today. Understanding where we come from can help us have a better understanding of where we are going, so read on!

 

The information presented is based on information found in: Okinawan Karate, Mark Bishop 1989; The Bible of Karate, Bubishi, Patrick McCarthy 1995; Classical Kata of Okinawan Karate, Patrick McCarthy 1987; The Essence of Okinawan Karate, Shoshin Nagamine 1976; Tales of Okinawa's Great Masters, Shoshin Nagamine 2000; and various articles in Fighting Arts International magazine and Internet research.