In 1964, with a reference from the great Donn Draeger, Patricia Harrington spent a short period at the Sekiryūkan Dōjō in Fukuoka during the tenure of Sōsuishi-ryū’s 15th Headmaster, Shitama Shusaku Dai Shihan. Returning to Australia, Pat Harrington established a martial arts organisation, Sosuishi-ryu Australia, which was inaugurated in 1965. Assisted by Betty and Michael Huxley until they each passed away, she was recognised as the representative of Sōsuishi-ryū in Australia until 2016.
At that time, representation in Australia was transferred to Thomas Crooks and Peter Williams by the 16th and current Headmaster, Shitama Manzo Sensei, Dai Menkyo. They both joined Shitama Sensei’s organisation, the Sōsuishi-ryū Jūjutsu Kai. In order to correctly present Sōsuishi-ryū Jūjutsu in Australia, Thomas and Peter subsequently formed Kumataka Dojos, a nationally registered not-for-profit association. In 2018, under Shitama Sensei’s guidance, Peter and Thomas established and became directors of the Sōsuishi-ryū Jūjutsu Kai Australia.
On the 11th November, 2023, at the auspicious occasion of Sōsuishi-ryū Jūjutsu’s 370th Anniversary celebrations in Fukuoka, Thomas and Peter were appointed Regional Directors of Sōsuishi-ryū Jūjutsu in the Australia and New Zealand region by Shitama Manzo, Dai Menkyo. As a part of this increased responsibility they teach Sōsuishi-ryū at branch dojos in Epping (NSW) and Bayswater (WA), and provide guidance and oversight of its practice at keikokai in St George (NSW) and Mukdahan (Thailand). They are responsible for the leadership, development and administration of all legitimate Sōsuishi-ryū practice in the region.
Peter Williams, Gomokuroku, Kyoshi and Thomas Crooks, Gomokuroku, Kyoshi, Regional Directors of Sōsuishi-ryū Jūjutsu Kai in the Australia and New Zealand region, at Sekiryukan Dojo in 2023.
Koryū Jūjutsu distinguishes itself from modern – gendai – representations, in technique, principle, feeling, and pedagogy. Sōsuishi-ryū is certainly no exception. Our expanded mission is to share the art of Sōsuishi-ryū Kumi-uchi Koshi-no-mawari, as taught by Shitama Manzo Sensei and his family, with current and future generations in the Australia and New Zealand region, further strengthening our connections and ensuring this beautiful art’s survival as an invaluable historical and cultural martial tradition.
Please contact us if you reside in this region and are interested in practising Sōsuishi-ryū Jūjutsu.
