Shinan Kori Hisataka, the founder of Shorinjiryu Karate, was born in Shuri, Okinawa in 1907. He was introduced to karate and other forms of Okinawan martial arts from a young age by his father, grandfather, and uncle. He was also guided by Master Anko Azato, a renowned expert in Okinawan karate and Japanese swordsmanship.
During his teenage years, Shinan Hisataka spent time in Kyushu, where he learned jujutsu. Another important teacher in his life was Sanda “Ufuchiku” Kanagusuku, a former Okinawan police commissioner and weapons master who taught him various weapons such as sai, bo, and jo.
However, perhaps the most influential teacher for Shinan Hisataka was Master Chotoku Kyan. Kyan was a student of Azato and other prominent karate masters, and he introduced innovations such as the vertical fist, the use of hips in punching and kicking, and angular movement for evasion and defence. Kyan's style of karate, which he called Sukunaihayashi or Shorinjiryu, had a profound impact on Shinan Hisataka's development.
In the late 1920s, Shinan Hisataka completed his military service and returned to Okinawa. In 1929-30, he travelled to Taiwan alongside his teacher, Master Kyan, to further his martial arts training. This period played a crucial role in shaping his understanding and practise of karate.
In 1946, Shinan Kori Hisataka founded the Shorinjiryu Kenkokan Karate school in Japan. This style of karate incorporates elements from Okinawan karate, Aikijujutsu, Judo, and various Okinawan and Japanese weapons arts. It is a broad and comprehensive system.
Shorinjiryu Koshinkai Karatedo Australia is the largest school of Shorinjiryu Karate in the country. Established in the early 1980s and incorporated as the Australian Shorinjiryu Karatedo Association in Queensland, the school currently has dojos in Moreton Bay Regional, Brisbane, Central Queensland, Northern NSW, Sydney, and Victoria. It is a member of the International Shorinjiryu Shinzen Kyokai.
The joint Chief Instructors of Shorinjiryu Koshinkai Karatedo Australia are Shihan Jim Gryphon in Queensland and Shihan Max Estens in NSW and Victoria. They lead the organisation in its mission to promote and teach the art of Shorinjiryu Karate.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced martial artist, Shorinjiryu Koshinkai Karatedo Australia welcomes all interested individuals to join their dojos. The club encourages learning, personal growth, and the development of physical and mental discipline through the practise of Shorinjiryu Karate.
For more information about the club, its locations, and contact details, please visit their website or social media pages. Feel free to reach out to them with any questions or just to say hello. Shorinjiryu Koshinkai Karatedo Australia looks forward to connecting with you!