Welcome to Tamworth Shukokai Karate club

We are a friendly, long-established karate club based in Tamworth, Staffordshire. We are proudly affiliated with the Shukokai Karate Association, led by Chief Instructor Malcolm Hudson (8th Dan).

With over 30 years of experience, Malcolm Hudson has been at the forefront of karate instruction across the West Midlands and Tamworth. Recognized as one of the UK’s leading Shukokai Karate instructors, he also serves as the Chief Instructor of the Shukokai Karate Association, founded in 1991. Today, the association includes more than 20 clubs and hundreds of members throughout the West Midlands.

What is Shukokai Karate?

Shukokai, meaning “Way for All,” is a style of karate established in 1946 by Chojiro Tani, a student of Shito-Ryu under Kenwa Mabuni—the founder of Shito-Ryu Karate in 1931. While retaining its traditional roots, Shukokai has evolved into a dynamic and powerful style, known for its speed and high stances that enhance mobility.

According to the Martial Arts Commission of Great Britain, Shukokai punches are regarded as the most powerful in karate. The style emphasises controlled contact in competition sparring, while full-power techniques are developed through extensive pad work for real-world application.

As originally taught by Chojiro Tani, Shukokai features a distinctive double hip twist, designed to generate powerful strikes by engaging the large muscles of the upper legs and rotating the torso. In 1966, Shigeru Kimura—a key figure in the development of Shukokai—further refined these techniques to improve both speed and power, placing a strong emphasis on body rotation to maximize efficiency. His innovations remain a defining characteristic of the style today.

Sensei Malcolm Hudson is a direct student of Sensei Shigeru Kimura, Sensei Terry Pottage, and Sensei Eddie Daniels.