Brief introduction into how Seiwakai was formed and originated.

The History of SeiwaKai

Seiwa Kai was founded in 1972 by the late Shuji Tasaki Hanshi. Tasaki sensei broke from Yamaguchi’s Goju Kai organization and formed the Seiwa Kai. As a leader of his own organization Tasaki  always respectfully acknowledged  Gogen Yamaguchi to be his first and only sensei and it it evident that he had a special bond. Tasaki Hanshi maintained good relationships with Gogen Yamaguchi sensei and his family.

Departing the Gojukai Tasaki continued to teach as he had been taught. Favourite was Kumite that Tasaki excelled in along with other great fighters like Takahashi and Yamamoto. That teaching especially the Kumite was passed down to Leo Lipinski Hanshi and to Ben Mare 8th Dan Kyoshi. Today we hold to his teaching, especially here in Cape Town. We continue in his path and keep his legacy alive. 

Gogen Yamaguchi. Creating Japanese Goju Ryu and placing it on the World Map 

In 1928 Chojun Miyagi visited Japan to teach his style of karate, the Okinawan Goju. He had previously taught in the Judo Club of Kyoto University. When Chojun returned to Japan in 1931, Gogen Yamaguchi’s karate career began. In his autobiography, Yamaguchi puts these words into Chojun Miyagi’s mouth: Ô”Mister Yamaguchi, you are well qualified to be the successor of Goju school karate in Japan.

Shuji Tasaki 

Tasaki Hanshi was Gogen Yamaguchi’s top student in GOJUKAI and was a revered Karate-ka at the time. After Gogen Yamaguchi’s passing and the introduction of the JKF Goju Kai, he formed Seiwakai (in 1972) and continued to pursue his karate growth and knowledge, growing Seiwakai into one of the most successful Goju Ryu Schools in Japan and later internationally. 

Tasaki  was awarded 9th Dan in the Japan Karate Federation (JKF) Goju Kai in 2009, and passed away on 30th January 2011.

The legacy of Tasaki Continues 

Presently the majority of the world has chosen to take the easier roads. Many karate organizations have taken the Tournament side and replaced wooden floors for soft mats and gloves. We continue in the old ways. Email me for more on joining our traditional karate class.. 

Seiwa Kai  syllabus and tuition is based on the ancient and traditional Japanese style of Goju Ryu Karate Do, passed down from Gogen Yamaguchi sensei to Tasaki Sensei / Goshi Yamaguchi Hanshi.

Karate practiced worldwide and recognized by the International Olympic Committee and The World Karate Federation. There are 5 blocks in the karate world :  Goju Ryu – Shotokan  – Shito Ryu – Wado Ryu and Kyokushin