Shorinjiryu Koshinkai Karatedo (少林寺流古新会唐手道) is a school of karatedo based on the Shorinjiryu Kenkokan Karate (少林寺流拳行館唐手道) school founded by Kaiso Kori Hisataka (1907- 1988) in 1946 in Japan. Kenkokan is the name of the dojo and school founded by Kaiso Hisataka, and Shorinjiryu is the name of the style based on his teachings.
It is a broad system with elements based on a strong influence from Okinawan karate, as well as Aikjutsu, Jujutsu, Judo, Baji Qu’an and various Okinawan, Chinese and Japanese weapons arts. Many of the unique aspects of Shorinjiryu Karate are based on the studies and experiences of Kaiso Hisataka, and include
- Use of the vertical fist for most punching techniques
- Use of the heal in kicking
- Emphasis on extended hip motion for power generation
- Use of 2 person pre-arranged sparring sequences (yakusoku kumite or randori) to develop distancing, timing and power
- Employment of protective equipment (anzen bogu) in training
- Emphasis on angular and circular movement
- Use of weapons such as bo, jo and sai, through the sister art of Shishiryu Kobujutsu (獅子流古武道)
Shorinjiryu Karate is a dynamic and exciting form of karate, that has as its motto “doku gi gyo sei ki” (独自行生気), or “Spiritual Development of Individuality in Mind and Body”. This reinforces Kaiso Hisataka’s belief that we must all develop indivually, seeking perfection in mind, body and spirit.
Kaiso Hisataka retired from active teaching in the mid-1970s, and passed away in 1988. On his retirement, his son, So Shihan Masayuki Hisataka (now Hanshi, 9th dan) became the head instructor for the Shorinjiryu Koshinkai Karatedo organisation. Other direct students of Kaiso Hisataka include Kaicho Shunji Watanabe (now Hanshi, 9th Dan) of the Shorinjiryu Kenyukai Watanabe-Ha organisation and Shihan Shigeru Ishino of Shorinjiryu Genbukan Ishino Karate.
Kengokan Karate Dojo Canberra 