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.

Kaiso Masayoshi Kori Hisataka

It is a broad system with elements based on a strong influence from Okinawan karate, as well as Aikijujutsu, Jujutsu, Judo, Baji Qu’an and various Okinawan, Chinese and Japanese weapons arts.

Shorinjiryu Kenyukai Watanabe Ha Karate Australia is the largest organisation practicing Shorinjiryu Karate in Australia, and is the official branch of the Shorinjiryu Kenyukai Watanabe Ha World Federation, headed by Hanshi Shunji Watanabe, 9th Dan, a direct student of Shinan Hisataka.

Incorporated in Queensland as the Australian Shorinjiryu Karatedo Aassociation in the early 1980’s, Shorinjiryu Kenyukai Watanabe Ha Karate Australia currently has a number of dojos in Brisbane, North Queensland, Northern NSW and Sydney and is a member of the Shorinjiryu Shinzen Kyokai and the Australian Koshiki Association.

Australian Shorinjiryu Karatedo was founded in the late 1970’s by Shihan Laurence Vanniekerk. Following his retirement in the mid-1980’s, Shihan Phill Hooper and Shihan Scott Brown took control as joint chief instructors until their retirements.

Currently Shihan Jim Griffin (Queensland) and Shihan Max Estens (NSW) serve as joint Chief Instructors.

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