Sensei Tani began studying Goju Karate while at Junior High school. When he entered the Doshisha University, he began studying Shito Ryu Karate. Upon receiving his Menko (Teachers Certificate) from Kenwa Mabuni, Sensei Tani began teaching Tani-Ha Shito Ryu at his own Dojo in1948. He proudly hung a wood carved sign above the entrance which said Shukokai.

Sensei Tani sought to perfect his style by studying the mechanics of the human body and developed techniques which can be delivered with maximum efficiency. Over a long period of time Sensei Tani evolved and developed Shukokai. He always laid stress on the importance of etiquette, discipline and mental control and was at pains constantly to promote the improvement of technique.

Sensei Tami

After the deathof the founder of Shito-ryu Shukokai, Mr Chojiro Tani on the 11th of January 1998, there was a conference of the Shukokai general Council on the 28th of June 1998 to determine the furure continuance Shukokai and the Tani-ha sect of Shito-ryu.

The procedings of the conference were recorded and minuted, and it was decided the Shukokai name would become the "Shito-ryu Shukokai Karate-do Union", the proper sucessor to the original Shukokai organisation, found by Mr Tani.
It was also decided and agreed that the first leader of this new organisation, would be Mr Haruyoshi Yamada (9th Dan Hanshi)

The word Shukokai is somewhat difficult to translate. It is easier to break the word down into it's components to obtain a better understanding of what it means.

Shu can be translated to mean; Training

Ko can be translated to mean; Many people meeting; crossing; intersection; come together.

Kai can be translated to mean; Association; train under one roof