The word “karate” is made up from two different words that mean “empty hand”; “kara” for empty and “te” for hand.  This style of fighting was originally referred to as “te” and was heavily influenced by Chinese martial arts.  It has its origins in the fighting styles of the different regions of Okinawa and the different names for the styles of karate developed from the areas they were taught.

This naming of the styles was to allow those styles to be more readily identified for a demonstration to the then Emperor of Japan.  These styles were called “Shuri-te”; “Naha-te”; “Tomari-te”.  These are the basis of all modern day karate.

Shukokai literally means “to practice together in an amicable way” but is widely accepted as meaning “the way for all.”  It was developed by Chojiro Tani Sensei from Shito-ryu karate.  Tani Sensi was taught Shito-ryu karate by Manbuni Kenwa and became one of the most senior students, later becoming the head of his own school “Tani-ha Shito-ryu”. 

Tani Sensei developed his karate further around the study of body mechanics.  This resulted in Tani Sensei’s karate having a relatively high stance than other styles but also became accepted as one of the more hard-hitting styles of karate.

Tani Sensei opened his dojo in Kobe, Japan in 1946 teaching his new style “Shukokai”. Shukokai later spread around the world and has become one of the most popular styles of karate.