International Shudokan
Research Society
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International Shudokan Research Society
The International Shudokan Research Society is dedicated to researching and preserving the Karatedo of Toyama Kanken Sensei and his last great student Ichikawa Isao Hanshi through book and video projects.
As a member, you have the opportunity to be involved in the many projects long before their release and you can actively participate in the many activities.
The mission
The International Shudokan Research Society aims to research and preserve the ancient martial arts knowledge of Toyama Kanken Dai Shihan for future generations, together with like-minded individuals.
The symbol of the International Shudokan Research Society is the bridge.
The bridge connects people. Symbolically, the bridge connects the members of the research society who live on different continents.
The bridge also connects the past with the future. Symbolically, we carry the ancient knowledge of our martial arts ancestors across the bridge into the present, in order to shape the future based on this knowledge.
The International Shudokan Research Society stands for openness and respect. In this spirit, we want to build bridges and learn from one another.
YOUR BENEFITS
Certificate of membership - as a visible sign of belonging to the research society
Exclusive online access - to historical background and analysis of the kata of Toyama Kanken Dai Shihan
Badge for the karate uniform - as a symbol of connection to the Shudokan tradition
Participation in the book project - "The 13 Kata of Karatedo Daihokan"
Annual digital surprise all about the Karatedo of Toyama Kanken
Reduced participation fee for the annual Shudokan Gasshuku in Austria
In addition to the benefits already mentioned, membership offers unique access to exclusive historical material and personal exchange:
Extensive articles on the Daihokan Kata are available for download. Basic articles on Naifanchi 1–3, Chinto, Passai Dai, Chibana Kushanku, Koryu Gojushiho, and Tenryu no kon are already available.
Exclusive books and manuscripts (download). A comprehensive book on the kata Shinpatan and Shinpacho with detailed historical analysis. A historical examination of the kata Jite, Jiin, and Jion.
“Toyama Kanken – a long-forgotten pioneer” . Transcription and comprehensive Q&A of my lecture (56 pages).
All works are available in German, English and some in Spanish.
I am always available to answer any questions from all members regarding the karate of Toyama Kanken and Ichikawa Isao. Direct dialogue and joint reflection are a central component of the research society.
The content provided is not exclusively aimed at practitioners of the Shudokan lineage. Many of the historical, technical, and philosophical insights are also of great interest to karate practitioners of other lineages and offer new perspectives on their own training.
Preview of future research.
In February 2026, Volume 1 of a multi-part book series entitled "The Kata in the Tradition of the Shudokan" will be released exclusively for all members.
The first volume focuses on the Naha-te-Kata that found their way into the karate of Toyama Kanken and Ichikawa Isao. The work illuminates historical background, lines of development, and connections that have not been published anywhere before. In addition to the digital download for members, this book will also be available as a paperback via Lulu in 2026.
Also in 2026, Volume 2 of the series "The Kata in the Tradition of the Shudokan" will follow, dedicated to the kata Shinpatan and Shinpacho . Despite their seemingly simple external form, these kata reveal a remarkable technical and philosophical depth. Their name means "heartwave" and refers beyond purely physical technique to inner movement, mental attitude, and the dynamic interplay of hardness and softness.
Guiding principle
My goal is to preserve the ancient knowledge of karate from Toyama Kanken and Ichikawa Isao for future generations – and to offer the members of the International Shudokan Research Society a real, sustainable added value that goes far beyond pure technique training.