Lincoln Kofukan
Started in the 1970’s, we are one of the oldest Karate club in Lincolnshire. Our chief instructor Garry Pettit began training in 1973 and in 2022 was awarded 7 Dan also the title Shihan for Kofukan Shito-Ryu. Garry also teaches Karate for the RAF Martial Arts Association. We have a good relationship with the University of Lincoln, who have their own Kofukan Karate club which we train for National competitions.
What is Kofukan?
Established in the 1970’s by Sensei Tomiyama and Sensei Omi in order to spread Tani-ha Shitō-Ryu Karate-do around Europe. Kofukan International is now a worldwide association, with annual competitions bringing everyone together. Our symbol is the three swords: Shin (mind) Gi (technique) Ta (body), all unified as one.
For more information
What is Shitō-Ryu?
The first character: “Shi” is derived from the first part of Master Itosu, name from. This style of Karate is known as Itosu or Shuri-te generally performed with straight, sharp movements.
The second character: “Tō” comes from the first part of Master Higaonna, name who taught in Naha, Okinawa. This style is generally performed with circular, soft movements.
The founder of Shitō-Ryu, Master Mabuni, built his style of Karate based on these two schools from which he learned.
Shito-ryu therefore practices both of these contrasting methods — primarily through Kata, which can be categorised by their respective origins:
Itosu (Shuri-te) Kata Group
Pin’an (Shodan – Godan), Naihanchin (Shodan – Sandan), Bassai-Dai, Bassai-Sho, Kosokun-Dai, Kosokun-Sho, Shiho-Kosokun, Jitte, Jiin, Jion, Wanshu, Rohai (Shodan – Sandan), Chinto, Chintei, Useishi
Higaonna (Naha-te) Kata Group
Sanchin, Tensho, Gekisai (Ichi & Ni), Saifa, Seienchin, Seisan, Seipai, Sanseiru, Shissochin, Kururunfa, Suparinpai
