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HISTORY
Shukokai History
Shukokai (literally translated as "way for all") was founded by Chojiro Tani in 1949. Sensei Tani (1920-1998) started his training under Chojun Miyagi, founder of Goju-Ryu, Sensei Miyagi returned to Okinawa and Sensei Kenwa Mabuni, founder of Shito-Ryu took over the teaching.
After many years of training under Sensei Mabuni and becoming one of his most senior students. Sensei Tani received a certificate of succession, entitling him to use the name Tani-ha Shito-Ryu. Being a direct descendant of Shito-Ryu, Shukokai inherits the characteristics of both the Naha-te and Shuri-te styles of Owinawan karate.The theories behind Shukokai are somewhat complex and it take a lifetime of study to truly understand the art. It is a system of combat, which seeks perfection and therefore demands continuous study. Another attribute that distinguishes Shukokai Karate from other styles is the execution of technique. While Shukokai shares many of the samepunches, kicks and blocks found in other styles of karate, it is how these are executed that sets Shukokai apart. Kimura Shukokai International was founded by Sensei Shigeru Kimura. He started training at the age of 16 with Sensei Tani.At the age of 21 he won the Japan Championship, and he was not to be beaten the following year and won the title for the second time
Club History
Brothers Rad and Miki Kujovic, growing up in Melbourne’s western suburbs started their martial arts career in the mid 80's studying the art of Wing Tae Go Do which was a hybrid martial art of Kung Fu, Taekwondo and Karate.
In 1988 on the way home from training they stopped at a local community hall to watch a karate class in progress and were immediately impressed speed, skill, power and discipline demonstrated by the students and instructors and so began their journey of excellence to understand the challenging and rewarding, martial art known as Shukokai.
Training under Sensei Darren Olsen. During the 13 years that they were part of ASKA they had the opportunity and privilege of meeting and training with some of the most senior figures of Shukokai from Japan.These Include;
•Grandmaster Chojiro Tani.
•Mater Shigeru Kimura.
•Master Yamada Haruyoshi.
In May 1998, a decade later and after years of sub-instructing Sensei Rad opened and established the Diamond Valley Karate club with his brother Miki.
In August 2001, he joined affiliations with Kimura Shukokai International (KSI) where he was the country representative for over 12 years and where he established the Australian Academy of Shukokai Karate-Do. Sensei Rad continued his quest to improve and understand the teachings of Master Kimura from the four most senior students of Sensei Kimura in the joint chief Instructors.
Shihan Bill Bressaw of the United States of America
Shihan Eddie Daniels of the United Kingdom
Shihan Lionel Marinus
Shihan Chris Thompson of South Africa
All 8th Dans each with over 40 years of experience.
In April 2014 Sensei Rad left KSI and decided to focus on the development of the Australian Academy of Shukokai Karate-Do. With over 25 years’ experience in the art of Shukokai, both brothers continued to passion to the students that train at the Diamond Creek Dojo in Victoria, Australia.
At the end of 2015 Sensei Rad decided to take a rest from teaching and handed the club over to his most senior students to continue the principals and teachings in art of Shukokai.
Sensei Steven Pollock (4th Dan) and Sensei Garrett O’Donoghue (4th Dan) with a combined 45+ years of experience and training in Shukokai, continue to teach the principals and technique they have accumulated through training with Sensei Rad, Sensei Miki and Shihan Lionel of KSI and endeavour to pass on all they have learnt to any students that wish to take up the Shukokai style of karate.
The Australian Academy of Shukokai Karate-Do has been operating in Diamond Creek since 1998. It has developed an excellent reputation of being a successful and disciplined martial arts school with students competing at state, national and international levels.
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