Style History

The Style practised within the Samurai group is Shukokai Karate. A Style famous for its hard hitting techniques and scientific approach to body kinetics.

Tani Chojiro founded the word Shukokai that literally means "way for all" in 1949. Sensei Tani started his formal karate training under Miyagi Chojun (founder of the goju ryu system) whilst a student at Doshisha University, Kyoto.

After Some years Miyagi Sensei returned to Okinawa and Sensei Kenwa Mabuni took over the teaching. At first he only taught the Naha-te system at the university. When Sensei Tani had graduated he followed Sensei Mabuni, learning first the shuri-te and ultimately the developing Shitoryu system. After many years of study, Sensei Tani recieved the certificate of succession, entitling him to use the name Tani-ha Shitoryu (The Tani Sect of Shitoryu).

In 1949 Sensei Tani founded his own school, which he called Shukokai. To teach his style to the rest of the world, Sensei Tani sent forward three of his top instructors, Kimura, Nambuand Suzuki Sensei. These three instructors have developed World recognition and respect of the style.

Association History

In 1993 under the guidance of Sensei Tom Beardsley the association was formed. Originally it was called United Shukokai Karate Association, however, after linking up with Samurai Karate International in 1994 the name was soon changed to Samurai Karate UK. Under this banner we have associations in Scotland, England and Wales. By being part of an international Shukokai family we have gained recognition within Japan and have already sent teams to compete in Australia and Japan.

International Affiliations apart from our National Affiliations Samurai Karate UK are affiliate members of SHUKOKAI WORLD KARATE ASSOCIATION (SWKA) headed by Souke Kawata 9 th dan. Hombu dojo Kobe, Japan and members of Samurai karate International under Kyoshi Paul Mitchell 7 th dan

Affiliation

Each country in the United Kingdom is registered with their respective governing bodies currently we are members of, EKGB, WKF and SKB.

Shukokai Karate Samurai England - registered with - English Karate Federation the (EKF). Visit: http://www.englishkaratefederation.com/

Shukokai Karate Samurai Wales - Welsh KarateGB (WKGB) http://www.welshkarate.org/