Shudokan Karate: History and Katas

The Shudokan Karate School originated in Japan in the early 20th century. Created by influential karate master Kanken Toyama, Shudokan can be literally translated as “the study hall of the karate path”. It is still practiced today and is known for its unique kata and emphasis on fluid movement.

Somehow, the time has not given Shudokan the same recognition as other forms of karate. Whether due to Kanken Toyama’s international lifestyle or simply because he was born at a time when many other forms of martial arts were being created, Shudokan’s legacy in popular karate, while obvious, is sometimes complicated.

History of Shudokan

With the advent of the introduction of Okinawan karate by Gichin Funakoshi to Japan in the early 1920s, karate’s popularity began to grow. Soon other Okinawan masters began traveling to Japan to spread their art. One of these men was Kanken Toyama, whose Okinawan name was Kanken Oyadamari. A trade school teacher, Toyama’s chosen vocation was teaching karate. He started his karate training at the age of 9 with a teacher named Itarashiki. His most important teacher was the famous Itosu Yasutsune, with whom Toyama studied for 18 years.

At Shuri dojo, Toyama became Itosu’s assistant in 1907. Toyama became one of only two Itosu students to receive the title of “Shihanchi” or Protégé of Itosu’s O kuge (Inner Secrets). Not only did Toyama learn Shorin-ryu from Itosu, but he also learned and mastered his karate styles from other notable masters in Naha-te and Tomari-te, which included weapon skills.

Some of his other teachers were Aragaki, Azato. Chibana, Higaonna, Oshiro and Tana. In addition to karate, Toyama was interested in other martial arts. He was also considered a skilled swordsman. During a six-year period as a primary school teacher in Japanese-occupied Taiwan (1924-1930), he studied Chinese martial arts with masters Chen Fong Tai in Taipei and Lim Fun Fong in Taichung.

Given this diversity of martial arts background, the Japanese government quickly recognized Toyama’s prowess and granted him the right to advance to any rank in any Okinawan style of karate. An officer awarded Toyama the title of Master Instructor. Toyama’s first dojo opened in Tokyo in 1930 and quickly became famous for its also known as ryoku (Itosu and Itarashiki’s strong retention methods).

In Toyama’s school was an Institute for the Cultivation of the Way called Shudokan. Today, this term designates not only his school but also his system. Shudokan karate is a composite system that includes kobutjutsu (an ancient art related to the practice of specialized weapons of Okinawan karate). There are also kata (formal exercises) unique to Shudokan karate. Shurite, sometimes known as Shorin-ryu or Itosu-ha, is an integral part of Shudokan karate. His kata represents light, fast movement, and a variety of energy sources.

Forms from the Naha-te system, sometimes known as Goju-ryu, Shorie-ryu, or Higashiona-ha, feature deeply ingrained movements that emphasize internal breathing. Energy sources include hard and soft. The Tomari-te style is generally considered to be an extinct system, with the exception of some composite systems such as Shudokan.

Distinguished by Shorin-ryu’s speed and Naha-te’s strength, Tomari-te also includes her own brand of soft power. Tomari-te contained rigorous but sophisticated movements, and in appearance, he is graceful and noble.

The appearance of weapons in Shudokan adds to their versatility and functionality. Weapons have also influenced empty-handed forms, as movements tend to be larger, often drawing a series of intersecting circles, with different parts of the body moving in different planes at the same time.

Shudokan is characterized by large circular movements with an emphasis on coverage. Practicing stretching movements develops strength and physique. Soft potency is taught along with hard applications. These included throws, blocks, and chokes. This system promotes health through the balance between hard power and soft power.

Shudokan developed its own unique kata due to its physicality. A set of forms developed within the system are the Kyoku forms. There are seven kata in this group. starting with the basic techniques and building them up in a long and complex way, according to a defined progression. Originally taught only at the Hombu Dojo (the headquarter school), even the most basic of these katas were reserved for members who held a third-degree black belt or higher.

These forms were designed to represent the system’s combat techniques and were considered secret. Today, the basic forms of kyoku are only taught to brown belt students, and the longer and more complex forms are still only taught to black belt students.

Another unique set of shapes created by Shudokan are; Soshin, Kakushin, and Choshin. These forms are used to develop and focus an individual’s potential.

Shudokan’s Early Life

More than fifty years after his death, Kanken Toyama remains an important and revered figure in karate.

Born in Shuri, Okinawa, Japan in September 1888, he began training in martial arts at the age of nine, sparking a lifelong love of karate. Young Toyama trained until his death in 1915 with Anko Itosu, considered one of karate’s greatest pioneers.

In 1924, Toyama moved to Taiwan to teach at an elementary school. Wanting to start a new life, Toyama’s passion for the martial arts remained stronger than ever. In his late thirties, he began to diversify his martial arts training and draw influence from an eclectic set of influences. Kung fu, ch’uan fa, and karate were all on Toyama’s proverbial menu as he sought to perfect his craft even further.

Shudokan Today

Today, Shudokan karate is a compound system, including Kobudo (i.e., the “ancient art,” meant to refer to Okinawan karate’s specialized weapons training) and Shorin-Ryu (also known as Itosu-ha). Several other principles from other styles have also found their way into Shudokan, as Toyama wanted Shudokan not to stagnate. He wanted it to grow in efficiency and flourish.

Shudokan – Katas

There are many Shudokan katas that originate from other sources, including Goju-Ryu katas and Kung Fu forms (taolu). Traditional Okinawan Karate-do Dojo in Atlanta describes Shudokan kata as “characterized by large, circular movements with a focus on covering”.

Main Shudokan Katas:

Shudokan Foundation

In recognition of his genius, the Japanese government gave Toyama the license to teach any form of Okinawan karate. In 1930, he opened his first martial arts school, called Shudokan, and was based in Tokyo. Here, Toyama’s experience and knowledge would be passed on to his students. True holistic teaching, Shudokan has combined the facets and characteristics of multiple forms of martial arts.

Toyama never claimed to have invented a new form of karate as such but insisted that the Shudokan would contain elements of everything he learned on his journey. Seeing his school as a training ground, he is in no rush to find a successor. Instead, Toyama focused on getting the best out of his students and making sure they knew the Shudokan as well as he did.

Combat With Gichin Funakoshi

Kanken Toyama’s pioneering life was not without controversy. In the late 1940s, he became embroiled in a dispute with fellow karate sensei Gichin Funakoshi over the nickname “karate’s main family”. Toyama, whose school opened around the same time as Funakoshi, argued that Funakoshi was not a legitimate successor to Anoko Itosu or Okinawan karate.

Funakoshi’s school was called Shotokan (a name he often confuses with Shudokan) and is now widely known as “the father of modern karate”. His practices and philosophy are well known in Japan and abroad, while Kanken Toyama is a much more obscure name.

Getting Older, Dying, and Leaving a Legacy

Toyama remained in his prestigious position as long as his body allowed. Even in his later years, he can be found demonstrating correct Shudokan kata and inspiring his students with the life lessons he has learned.

Kanken Toyama died in November 1966 at age 78. He left an unrivaled legacy in his craft, as well as a long list of decorated alumni. Shudokan is still practiced today, although its popularity is limited to Japan, Toyama’s home country.

Conclusion

Almost 100 years of history have been dedicated to Shudokan karate. Kanken Toyama’s teachings and life haven’t spread widely around the world, but his role in modern karate cannot be overlooked.