Lineage of Shukokai Karate

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.