History

Goju Ryu Karate is one of the main styles of modern karate practiced around the world today.  Founded by Chojun Miyagi (1888-1953) and based on ancient Okinawan, Japanese and Chinese unarmed combat techniques, Goju Ryu Karate was introduced to the west predominately after the end of the Second World War.  Prior to this time training in Karate was non competitive and practiced as a series of training patterns called Kata.

Meaning the hard-soft style, Goju Ryu Karate is characterised by techniques that blend hard and soft elements to create a fluid yet powerful system of defense and offense.  Following the ancient Chinese precept of Yin and Yang, Goju Ryu adopts a modern approach yet has its roots set firmly in the traditions of the past.

In 1935, Miyagi Sensei was invited to teach Karate at the prestigious Ritsumeikan University.  This was the breeding ground for the first generation of modern Karate masters.

Seishikan was founded in 1945  by Heiji Tada (1925—2013) with a mind to giving the people of Kyoto something positive to do following the devastation of World War 2.  Heiji Tada, the eldest of three brothers, was heavily influenced by the great karate master Meitoku Yagi, a direct student of Miyagi Sensei.

In 1972 Seishikan was founded in Australia under the guidance of youngest brother, Masao Tada, in Adelaide.  This continued with the arrival to Australia of Kyoshi Tsujimoto in 1974.

Upon the death of Heiji Tada in 2013, the title of Kancho passed to his brother Shohei Tada.

Today Seishikan Australia is led by Kaicho Shihan Phil Bates, 8th Dan.  An original student of Masao Tada from 1972,  Shihan Phil continues to teach and mentor instructors and students and oversees all gradings to ensure the highest standards are maintained across the many dojos within the organisation.