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History |
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Shinan Masayoshi Kori Hisataka (Seiki Kudaka in Okinawa) was born on April 22, 1907 in Naha City, (Shuri) Okinawa and died on August 14, 1988 in Tokyo, Japan. He was born of lesser nobility and his family was awarded an island off Okinawa. Shorinjiryu Kudaka Karatedo is a modern Karate based on the Shorinjiryu Kenkokan style that was formed in the late 40's by Shihan Kori Hisataka. Dr. Hisataka was a master of the Martial arts. He studied various forms of Karate including Kudaka Ryu and Kobudo. After many years of mastering these arts Kori Hisataka started combining what he felt were the most positive aspects of each to form his style. To augment the strength and effectiveness of his Karate form, he made a careful and analytical study of all Japanese arts. |
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Shinan Kori Hisataka |
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Many traditional styles of Karate are hard-focused, emphasizing muscular power and strength. Their training is designed to enhance these qualities. Their stances are traditionally deep and hard, and their main defense in a combat situation is hard-blocking. Practitioners limbs are developed to absorb the energy of the impact. Hisataka's new style changed this focus. He knew from experience that the best way of defending against any form of strike was to evade it. He also taught that if the evasion is executed with scientific method, the defender could position themselves such that they are able to counter the attack of their opponent, thus gaining the upper hand (tai sabaki). The focus of the training is to instill an instinct in the Karateka to evade an attack and counter effectively. |
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This focus of evading strikes as opposed to absorbing their energy on ones limbs makes this style a good choice for people of all ages. As people age the ability for their bodies to absorb a lot of energy from strikes diminishes.
Shorinjiryu Kudaka Karatedo is a practical composite of striking, kicking, throwing, holding, chocking and evasion techniques. Stress was placed upon full follow-through in techniques, thereby creating greater torque and powerful strikes. The use of the heel and the tate ken, or vertical fist, for added strength, safety, and natural movement was instituted - the vertical fist first being was used in China, and then, in Tomari, Okinawa.
Shinan Kori Hisataka also gave consideration to the psychological aspects of the art, as well as the physical aspects. Not only does the practitioner of Shorinjiryu Karatedo build a strong body, but the confidence to apply his knowledge in self-defense if necessary. This confidence has a powerful and positive effect on all aspects of a student’s life. |
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At the same time, he studied the natural and instinctive fighting methods of the tiger, the bird and even the quick snapping snake. He eliminated what he found useless and impractical in other Karate styles and finally emerged with a form of Karate that measured up to his own high standards. He named it "Shorinjiryu Kenkokan Karatedo." The result was a martial art that was modern, flexible and effective. Shorinjiryu Kenkokan utilizes body armour for full contact sparring to develop combat efficiency and positioning, evading and striking with the vertical fist and the heel of the foot. |
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The introduction of bogu (body armour) and men (head protector) by Shinan Kori Hisataka, means that students can apply their karate techniques with full contact karate, but not be injured doing so. |
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Hanshi Masayuki Kukan Hisataka, kenmei, ninth Dan, was born on 13th November, 1940, a descendent of Seiwa, the fifty-sixth emperor of Japan the first son of Kai Kori Hisataka. He commenced training in karatedo and judo at the age of three, and had attained black belt rankings in both arts by the time he was thirteen. Hanshi Hisataka has never lost a fight in karatedo competition, winning the All Japan Open Karatedo Championships in 1961 and 1962, and the Shorinjiryu Kenkokan Karatedo Championships each year from 1958 to 1962. In 1963 he traveled to North America, and with the help of Shihan Shunji Watanabe, established schools in both the United States and Canada. |
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The Next Generation |
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Hanshi Hisataka represented Japanese Budo at the New York World's Fair of 1964-65, also in 1967 he was again asked by the Japanese Government to demonstrate karatedo and judo at World Expo '67 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. After the 67 Expo he remained in Montreal to teach Shorinjiryu Kenkokan Karatedo until 1976. He then returned to Japan to assume the position of Chief Instructor of Shorinjiryu Kenkokan Karatedo, following his father's retirement from full time teaching.
Two of Hanshi Hisataka's most Senior and talanted students in Canada were Hanshi Brian Aarons and Hanshi Doug Roberts who went on to found the Shorinjiryu Kudaka Karate Federation. |
