Soke Kimura, 1941-1995, was the developer of Shukokai Karate and dedicated his entire life to this work. He left Japan in 1965 to promote Shukokai Karate in South Africa and eventually ended up in America via England, from where he continued to teach all around the world.

Since 1978, Soke Kimura visited Finland regularly, typically 2-3 times a year, often staying after the camps to enjoy the Finnish summer at Shihan Pursiainen’s cottage, fishing and relaxing in the sauna.

After Soke Kimura’s passing, the teachings of Shukokai Karate around the world have been carried on by Chief instructors Shihan Lionel Marinus, 9th Dan (South Africa, North), Shihan Chris Thompson, 9th Dan (South Africa, South), Shihan Bill Bressaw, 9th Dan (USA), and Shihan Eddie Daniels, 9th Dan (England, d. 2020).