Shorinjiryu Karate is a style of karate based on the Shorinjiryu Kenkokan Karate school founded by Shinan Kori Hisataka (1907- 1988) in 1946 in Japan.
It is a broad system with elements based on a strong influence from Okinawan karate, as well as Aikijujutsu, Judo, and various Okinawan, and Japanese weapons arts.
Kenkokan is the name of the dojo and school founded by Shinan Hisataka, and Shorinjiryu is the name of the style based on his teachings.
Shorinjiryu Karatedo is based on Shinan Hisataka’s thoroughly scientific approach to the study of armed and unarmed combat and includes:
- Use of the vertical fist for most punching techniques
- Use of the heel in kicking
- Emphasis on extended hip motion for power generation
- Use of 2 person pre-arranged sparring sequences (yakusoku kumite or randori) to develop distancing, timing and power
- Employment of protective equipment (anzen bogu) in training
- Emphasis on angular and circular movement
Incorporated in Queensland as the Australian Shorinjiryu Karatedo Association Inc (ASKA) in the early 1980’s, Shorinjiryu Koshinkai Karatedo Australia currently has a number of dojos based in Bribie Island Qld, South Brisbane QLD, Coonabarabran NSW, Blue Mountains NSW, Canberra ACT and Melbourne VIC. The ASKA is a member of the International Shorinjiryu Shinzen Kyokai.
Currently Kyoshi Jim Griffin 8th Dan and Kyoshi Des Paroz 7th Dan serve as National Joint Chief Instructors.