Shudokan

Shudokan, literally "the hall for the study of the [karate] way," is a school of karate developed by Kanken Toyama (1888 – 1966).

Characteristics of Shudokan karate include large circular motions with an emphasis on covering and its own unique kata.

History

Toyama's karate training began at the age of nine in 1897 with Itarashiki, although he studied with Yasutsune Itosu for 18 years, until the latter's death in 1915. In 1907 Toyama was appointed "shihandai" (assistant master) to Itosu at the Okinawa Teacher's College, and he and Gichin Funakoshi, who later developed Shotokan karate, were the only two students to be granted the title of shihanshi (protégé). Some people believe that Kanken Toyama outranked Gichin Funakoshi, who did not have the rank of shihandai.

In 1924 Toyama moved his family to Taiwan where he taught in an elementary school and studied Chinese Kung Fu.

Shudokan karate today is essentially a compound system, including Kobudo (i.e. "ancient art," referring to the specialized weapons practice of traditional Okinawan karate) and Shorin-Ryu (also known as Itosu-ha). Many other principles from other styles have found their way into Shudokan as it was Toyama's wish that Shudokan not stagnate, that it should grow in efficiency and flourish.

Of the nine schools, or Kwan's (Kan) that merged to form Taekwondo, four of those schools have lineages that trace back to Toyama Sensei through three Korean men who trained in Japan while Korea was under Japanese occupation.


Shudokan learning is based on three factors: Katas, fighting alone and fighting in a group.

Kata

Shidokan employs following kata:

  • Rohai

  • Seiru

  • Kyoku series: Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, Yondan, Godan, Rokudan, Shichidan

  • Taikyoku series: Shodan, Nidan, Sandan

  • Empi Iwa

  • Empi Taki

  • Penpei

  • Penpo

  • Shimpatan

  • Shimpasho


Descendant arts

Taekwondo, Kong Soo Do (Yun Mu Kwan and YMCA Kwon Bop Bu/Chang Moo Kwan), Hapkido, Bogutsuki Karate


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shūdōkan