Chidokan Karate New Zealand

Welcome to the Chidokan Karate-do New Zealand Website. This website exists as a result of, and for all Chidokan members scattered  throughout the world.

Originally, the Nihon Karate-do Chidokai was established in Japan, June 1954 by the founder Kancho Takeshi Sasaki.

Takeshi Sasaki and his younger brother Kiyoshi began their karate-do training under the guidance of Master Gichin Funakoshi and Isao Obata Sensei while enrolled at Waseda University.

Chidokan, meaning “life force” began as the name chosen by Kancho Sasaki for his karate-do organization.  During these early formative years, Kancho Sasaki insisted that the style taught at Chidokan was in fact Shotokan – exactly in accordance with how they themselves had learnt it.   However, as time passed, Chidokan became more than the name of an organization, it also became the name of a unique style of karate-do.

The first Chidokan dojo to be established outside of Japan was situated at 24 Wyndham Street, Auckland New Zealand – founded by Jack Sims July 2 1968.

Many currently existing Chidokan dojo’s and senior karate-do exponents/teachers originated from New Zealand and the early guidance and influence of Kancho Jack Sims.

Many of Kancho Sims Sensei’s pupils have blossomed to become senior teachers and now head their own Chidokan or other recognized karate-do organizations.

Please contact us via this website if you would like to be remembered, comment or contribute to a calling dear to all of our hearts.

Jack Sims

Kancho N.Z. Chidokan