Koei-Kan Karate can trace its history back to its origins in China, Okinawa, and Japan.
It was a style that was developed by Master Eizo Onishi in 1952. Koei-Kan can be translated from Japanese (Ko-happiness) (ei-prosperity) (Kan-hall or house). Onishi, who was Japanese, was a student of two great Okinawan Karate Masters, and he was an expert in Naha-te and Shuri-te Karate.
Primary techniques in Koei Kan Karate are Strikes and Punches, Blocks and Kicks.
Secondary techniques include Throws, Escapes, Jointlocks, Chokes, Grappling and Groundfighting. One aspect of Koei Kan is the use of Bogu (protective gear) during full contact fighting.
Bogu resembles the protection worn by European fencers and Kendo practioneers. Onishi invented Bogu so that people could spar full contact without being injured. Onishi continued his search for Martial Arts knowledge, and travelled to Okinawa to learn the training methods of other “Karate Masters.” He also visited China where he studied Chinese Chuen Fa with various Masters.
Chuck Liddell is probably the most famous student of Koei-Kan Karate, starting his training at the age of 12.