The Jishukan Honbu was originated during the reign of Emperor Hirohito of Japan, by Mr. Shuho Sugita, our Soke, which means Founder, First Principal or Master. He made researches into the Martial Arts and combined them with medical science, anatomy, dynamics and psychology.
Shuho Sugita was born in Shimozuki, Japan, and was brought up in Yokahama. He inherited his martial arts interest from his father, and went into training in his childhood. Consequently he was recognised as a man of genius, with great potential by Master Saito, who was known as one of the great Masters of the classical martial arts.
He then received training direct from Mr. Saito in JuJutsu, Kempo, Haya Nawa, which was known as the quick rope technique, and JoJutsu, the stick art. When he was thirteen years old he was granted an honourable certificate and after that he received his training at the Kodokan Takehashi Dojo, the Shiroken Dojo and the Kitoro Kodokan. While he received his training at these dojos, he came to realise that “the essence of Japanese martial art must be formed on the basis of Koryu, or the classical martial art, and without practising the Koryu, a man cannot win overall”.
He went on a pilgrimage to many places searching for new instructors and new methods. In 1947 he finally initiated the Jishukan Ryu Dojo in Kanazawa Yokahama. Soke (which means Founder or First Master), died in 1983 after a long illness. His latter years in Jishukan were not spent in physical instruction, but rather in working in the Jishukan clinic, practising shiatsu, and giving medical care to students when necessary.
At present Jishukan is being taught in Japan, the United States, and Australia. The Australian schools were initiated by Colonel James Laughlin, who started teaching Jishukan in 1961 with a small class in Canberra. Colonel Laughlin was taught the art directly by our Master Shuho Sugita, while he was posted in Japan after World War II. Colonel Laughlin passed away in 1993 after having achieved the title of Saiko Komon (Supreme Councillor) and the honorary grade of 8th dan.