The History of Budokan Karate
Environmental factors, or issues of chance, have such a profound impact on what we become. Though it’s hard to know the impact of Chew Choo Soot losing his father as an infant, we do know that it led to his coming under the strong influence of a disciplinarian grandfather who brought him up. Chew Choo Soot’s grandfather was an old school Confucian scholar that believed in education, not the arts. Thus, the young boy was not encouraged in any way to participate in athletics or the arts.
Well, they say we sometimes rebel against our parents in adolescence, do they not? Whether this was the case or not, at the age of 15 Chew Choo Soot began weight training at a small bodybuilding club in Epoh. He trained so hard, in fact, that he eventually became national weight lifting champion as a featherweight and lightweight during the years of 1939, 1941, and 1942. During those years, he also trained in judo, jujitsu, and wrestling. Thus, he was initially a grappler.
As has been the case in multiple areas of the world throughout history, Malaysia became occupied by Japan’s military. Though this would not be considered the norm, in early 1942 a Japanese Army Officer, apparently hearing of Chew Choo Soot’s prowess as a weightlifter from a health and strength magazine, sought out his tutelage. Interestingly, the officer was a high ranking karate expert, specializing in Keishinkan and Shotokan. Thus, the two decided to train with one another, exchanging tuition, as they trained for more than two years in karate, jujitsu, judo, and weightlifting.
When the second World War ended, Chew Choo Soot traveled to Japan and Okinawa to continue and further his martial arts training. He eventually also came to Taiwan, where he learned about kung fu and weapons.
In 1966, at the request of those close to him, Chew Choo Soot started a dojo in Petaling Jaya. Though he started with a small amount of people, the class grew very quickly, eventually causing him to seek out assistant instructors. But that’s not where the growth stopped. Rather, schools under his tutelage and style spread to the northern and southern peninsulas of Malaysia, and eventually, to other countries.
Chew suffered from a paralytic attack on February 4, 1995. He died on July 18, 1997. Today Budokan is recognized by the World Union of Karate Do Organizations and the World Karate Federation.
Characteristics of Budokan Karate
Budokan karate is like many other types of karate, in that it is predominantly a striking style of martial arts. In that sense, it utilizes blocks and powerful kicks and/or punches to quickly and decisively stop attacks. Karate as a general art adheres to the principle of one kick or punch equating to significant damage. Budokan is no different. Like most karate styles, some takedowns are employed, though this is not the focus of the art.
Budokan stylists practice forms, sparring, and weapons. Their katas have been heavily influenced by Shotokan. Practitioners also use weapons such as the Bo staff and various swords. Budokan utilizes both hard and soft techniques.
Leadership
Karate Budokan International was founded on July 17, 1966, by Chew. Today it continues as its own organization.
