is a style of karate founded by Kōri Hisataka (Seiki Kudaka in Okinawan) (1907–1988) shortly after World War II in Japan.
It consists of the primary arts of Shōrinjiryū Kenkōkan Okinawan karate and ōrinjiryūKenkōOkinawan Kobudo, as taught to the founder by masters including Chotoku Kyan and Sanda Kanagusuku, as well as Judo, which Kori Hisataka studied at the Kodokan, obtaining the rank of 4th Dan after only 1 years training. Other component arts include Aikijutsu and Chinese Bajiquan, which the founder studied on his extensive tours of Japan, China and Asia.
The style is responsible for a number of innovations to karate training including: Use of the heel when kicking Whole body is put into action when executing a technique, using a follow through motion Use of the vertical fist (tate ken) Practice of yakusoku kumite Use of protective equipment to allow the karatedo student to test their techniques without having to hold back their power Practice of weapons (buki ho)
In some aspects, Shorinjiryu Karate has a strong resemblance to Japanese Koryu Budo, in that it has a great emphasis on pre-arranged two-person drills (yakusoku kumite). One person kata is an important practice, and the main kata taught in the style in its early days were versions of Naihanchin, Nijushiho, Sanchin, Chinto and Kusanku, as well as a Bō (6 ft staff) kata (Shishiryu no Bo), a Jo (4 ft staff) kata and a Sai (iron truncheon) kata (Nijushiho no Sai). Other kata were introduced later, mainly by the son of the founder, Masayuki Hisataka.
Following Kori Hisataka's retirement in 1974, his son Masayuki Hisataka took over as head of the organization. He has expanded the reach of the style worldwide and trained karateka all over the world.
Grading structure
Like many styles of karate to date, the grading structure runs on a belt system, with 10 coloured belt levels (kyu) for non-black holders (mudansha) and 10 levels (dan) for black belt holders (yudansha). The following describes the grading structure utilised by the Shorinjiryu Kenkokan organisation and many of the descendent schools. Other descendent schools may utilise alternative structures, though all use 10 levels for black belt holders.
The 10 levels of coloured belts used in Shorinjiryu Kenkokan and many descendent schools are: 10th kyu - White belt 9th kyu - Yellow/White stripe 8th kyu - Yellow belt 7th kyu - Orange/White Stripe 6th kyu - Orange belt 5th kyu - Green/White Stripe 4th kyu - Green belt 3rd kyu - Brown/White Stripe 2nd kyu - Brown belt 1st kyu - Black/White Stripe
Black belt holders (yudansha) all wear a black belt that may be embroidered with the holder's name and style. There are ceremonial belts for high-ranking black belts, including the red and white panelled belt for holders of 6th, 7th and 8th Dan, and a red belt for 9th and 10th Dan masters. Some derivative schools of Shorinjiryu Kenkokan utilise additional ceremonial belts.
Masayuki Hisataka is currently the highest graded proponent of the Shorinjiryu Kenkokan organisation, holding the rank of 9th Dan and the title of Hanshi.
International Mainline Branches
The mainline Shorinjiryu Kenkokan Karate Do is represented around the world by its international branches directly affiliated to the Shorinjiryu Kenkokan Karate Hombu Dojo in Japan. Some of the major locations and the senior instructors include: Japan: Masayuki Hisataka 9th Dan, Hiroshi Hisataka 6th Dan, Masamitsu Kudaka 7th Dan, Masaki Enomoto 6th Dan Australia: Scott Brown 6th Dan USA: Mega Martinez 6th Dan Canada: Philippe Nadeau 7th Dan Germany: Olaf Lotze-Leoni 6th Dan New Zealand: Shaun O'Leary 5th Dan Switzerland: Mamadou Diallo 6th Dan Venezuela: Kunio Tanabe 6th Dan Spain: Luis Peres Santiago 5th Dan Netherlands: Peter Lerk 4th Dan