Shihan Tommy Morris, Scotlands first karate blackbelt is the first acknowledged founder of organised karate in Scotland.  Shihan Morris studied a number of martial arts and karate styles before being exposed to Shukokai Karate in 1967 during a visit to the dojo of Sensei Tani in Kobe, Japan.  Shihan Morris described Shukokai as having everything that other styles did not; it was aesthetic, it looked how he believed karate should look, it was powerful and realistic, it was traditional.

It was during his visit to Sensei Tani's dojo that Shihan Morris met Master Shigeru Kimura and recognised immediately that he was one of the worlds greatest karate instructors.  Shihan Morris introduced and developed Shukokai Karate to Scotland.  Shihan Tommy Morris travels the world extensively teaching self defense and spreading the Kobe Osaka name.  He is also chairman of the Referees Council responsible for refereeing affairs within the World Karate Federation. 

Since 1985, Blackburn Shukokai Karate and its members have enjoyed a close association with Kobe Osaka International.  Students have the opportunity to attend international competition as well as training courses with other karate-ka from around the world.  To find out more about Shihan Tommy Morris and Kobe Osaka International, please visit www.worldkarate.net