Budo Karate-Do South Africa

DOSHISHA UNIVERSITY KARATE CLUB

In 2009 while visiting Japan with our South African team for the Kofukan International Championships in Toyooka and the 60th Anniversary Shukokai World Championships in Kobe, we had the privilege of training with and being hosted by the Doshisha University Karate Club. This photo with Sensei Shimizu (Goju) and the late Sensei Fujimoto (Goju) “Doshisha Oldboys” and myself was taken after the training session.

The Doshisha University Karate Club (Doshisha Karatedo Club) is one of the oldest and most prestigious university karate clubs in Japan, located in Kyoto. It has a deep historical connection to the development of modern karate, serving as a primary training ground for foundational martial arts masters.

History and Lineage
Founded in the early 20th century, the club's roots span several major traditional Japanese karate styles:
• Goju-Ryu: The club's early development was heavily influenced by Goju-Ryu founder Chojun Miyagi.
• Sh*to-Ryu: After Miyagi returned to Okinawa, Sh*to-Ryu founder Kenwa Mabuni took over operations at the club.
• Shukokai: Shukokai founder Chojiro Tani developed his style while training under Mabuni at Doshisha.

Club Characteristics
• The "Oldboys" Network: The club boasts a massive, active network of alumni, often referred to as "Doshisha Oldboys". Many went on to found their own international organizations (such as Kofukan) and return to Kyoto for celebratory demonstrations and training.

• Philosophy: The club emphasizes traditional, rigorous Budo training, focusing on self-defense, Kata, and physical and mental discipline rather than only point-scoring sport kumite.

ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF MY KARATE JOURNEY was having the privilege of training at the Doshisha University in Kyoto, Japan, which included the Japanese Ladies Unison Team (World Champions). I am very passionate about my karate but mostly when it comes to my training in Kata. Sh*to-Ryu has more kata than any of the other major styles. Being a Sh*to-Ryu practitioner for many years has given me ample exposure to, and the chance to study, many of these incredible kata.

Congratulations everyone on your effort and for achieving your new grade. You have made your Sensei proud and equally you should be very proud of yourself.

Last weekend Budo Karate-Do South Africa tried something new. We put together a hike/training/social event which was held at the Ezemvelo Oribi Gorge Camp. The event was a huge success and one that we will definitely put on the calendar again.

It should be without question that we are very proud of our heritage. We have a long and interesting history starting way back in the early 1960's with Doshu Richard Salmon being the founder of Budokan Karate. Back in the day when very little was known about karate, Doshu would venture down to the Durban harbour to see if there were any ships that were berthed from the Orient hoping to find someone onboard who had martial arts skills that he could learn from. While Doshu took karate to new levels in S.A. and Budokan became a force to be recognized, the rest is history.

It would be well worth your while to purchase Doshu's book "More Than One Life" to see how honoured we are to have such an inspirational leader. You can order your book through Sensei Kelvin Daniels 0724345052