Greene Co Martial Arts Institute
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Shorin-Ji Ryu Seikukan
Shorin-Ji Ryu Seikukan is a style of karate which was developed by Tainen Takemori shortly after World War II. Takemori first studied karate as it was introduced to Japan in the early 1930's. While stationed as a member of the Japanese Military Occupation Forces in China during World World II, Takemori studied Chinese martial arts. After the war, Takemori returned to Japan and developed the Seikukan system of karate which was influenced by his study of Chinese martial arts. He began teaching the Seikukan system of karate in Nagoya, Japan.
Terumasa Ogawa began studying under Takemori in the years following World War II. After nearly a decade, Mr. Ogawa began teaching under Takemori's direction. Mr. Ogawa also became interested in Goju-ryu, other systems of karate, as well as, Thai kick-boxing. Before the death of Takemori, Mr. Ogawa was granted full teaching licenses and the rank of Doshi. Before immigrating to the United States, Mr. Ogawa's rank was verified by the American Consulate. In 1971, he established the Seikukan Karate-do Hall in Newport News, Virginia which is licensed by the Han Japan Karate-do Association.
Seikukan seeks a balance between technique and spirit. Spiritually, the system seeks to develop a peaceful mind. Technically, the style strives to find a balance between hand and foot techniques, classical forms, sport, kumite, and self-defense. Training incorporates the classical Okinawan kata that was first introduced to mainland Japan.
Seikukan was founded by Mr. Tainen Takemori. He commenced his Karate-do training as a college student in Tokyo under Gichin Funakoshi. Funakoshi was born in Okinawa where he received his martial training. Funakoshi is credited with introducing karate to the Japanese public at large, commencing in 1922 with a demonstration at the First National Athletic Exhibition held in Tokyo. Funakoshi is known for his karate style; Shotokan.
Following graduation as a chemist, Tainen Takemori moved to Toyama, while there he was visited several times by Mr Funakoshi. Takemori lived in China for 7 years. There he studied martial arts under La Kai On. He also studied Zen extensively in Japan. A very deep and creative person, Takemori blended these three influences to form Seikukan. This name translates as “Silent Sky Building” or “Training Hall Under the Clear Blue (Cloudless) Sky.” His Zen influence is evident as this resembles the state achieved in meditation called Mushin where the untroubled mind is likened to a cloudless sky.
Tainen Takemori is succeeded by his son Sensei Miki Takemori, who is the present world head instructor of Seikukan. Takemori Sensei is based in Toyama, Japan.