Paul Mitchell

As chief instructor for Samurai Karate International, Paul Mitchell Hanshi combines the tradition of Chojiro Tani and the technique of his studentsShigeru Kimura, Nanbu, Yamada and Kawata

With the knowledge of 27 years training with Shigeru Kimura and 30 years training with Chojiro Tani, he is a walking encyclopedia regarding the technique, tradition and philosophy of Shukokai Karate.Along with the late Yamada Sensei and Kawata Sensei, he remains one of the most sought after teachers in Japan when it comes to Shukokai Karate.“Samurai Karate International” is today a constantly growing Shukokai organisation.

Paul Mitchell is the only non Japanese to receive the Shihan grade and the prestigious Menkyo Kaiden ( certificate of succession) from Tani Soke. 

Kanchō Paul Mitchell 9th Dan Soke

In 1997 Paul Mitchell was graduated as 7th Dan Kyoshi by Chojiro Tani. In 2000 this graduation was confirmed by Yamada. In the following years, however, the system under the Yamada group became increasingly oriented towards sport karate. In modern karate systems, many traditional techniques of karate are changed or levelled in order to make the techniques safer in competitions. Samurai Karate follows the old way. Paul Mitchell finally founded the “Shukokai-World-Karate-Association” in 2002 together with one of Tani’s oldest students, Shigemasa Kawata. On the passing of Kawata Sensei Shihan Mitchell inherited the system. Seito Shukokai Kenpo Karate Do Sangokan (Mitchell ha Shukokai) is today one of the world’s premier Shukokai systems.