Why Isn't Kanken Toyama Given Recognition By "The Karate World" That Is Due?

Question

Why Isn't Kanken Toyama Given Recognition By "The Karate World" That Is Due?

3 Answers

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Answer 1

Kanken Toyama developed a school of karate with the name of Shudokan. The characteristics of Shudokan karate include large circular motions with an emphasis on covering and its own unique Kata.
As Toyama did not view the Shu Do Kan as a distinct style of karate, he did not appoint a successor. That is the reason no importance was given to him and the organization he founded fragmented after his death in 1966.

Answer 2

Also, because Toyama wasn't a huge self promoter like many others. He wrote only 2 books when many others wrote several and traveled to promote themselves and their own new "style". He just did his thing - and well - and has since been sort of lost in the shuffle. What's actually worse is one of his top pupils, Toshio Hanuae, who was only of only two to specifically carry on the name of Shudo Kan after Toyama's passing. If you come across anyone who knows the name, he is very, very highly regarded. However, trying to find any info on the man online is no easy task.

Answer 3

But now the splintered pieces have grown into full systems on their own with direct linkage to Toyama. Takazawa is one who began with Toyama as a direct student. Takazawa's father had taught him up to a point where Toyama accepted him. He gave the name for his dojo the Koei-kan, he gave Takazawa one of two dojos he had in Tokyo with promotion to hachidan. Toyama issued Shimabuku his Yudansha #24 with Todd getting #25. Doesn't sound like a man without a plan for the continuation of what he started...after his death. Toyama now comes back from the dead in the form of his "inner circle" students carrying on. Yet no kudos! No recognistion... Yet!