Wado Ryu Karate

The Wado Ryu (Way of Peace) school of karate, was founded by the late grand master Hironori Ohtsuka (1892-1982), the highest karate authority in Japan, who for many years studied the finer points of Jui Jitsu and combined them with Okinawan karate.

Ohtsuka Sensei was already an accomplished master of Shindo Yoshin Ryu Jui Jitsu when master Gichin Funakoshi introduced karate into Tokyo, Japan.

Master Ohtsuka became interested in karate in 1922. By 1928, he was assistant instructor to Funakoshi Sensei.

In 1931 master Ohtsuka founded the Wado Ryu style of karate. In 1972, Ohtsuka Sensei was awarded the title Shodai Karate-do meijin Judan (the greatest title possible) from the Imperial Japanese family. This means first generation karate master of the 10th dan; he was the first Japanese (not Okinawan) to make a style of karate in the form of Japanese budo, thus making it a true Japanese martial art.

Master Ohtsuka also received the Shiju Hooshu medal for his outstanding contributions to sport from the government of Japan. He was the only man ever in the history of karate to be so honoured.
Until the 1960s Martial Arts and especially Wado-Ryu karate remained upon the small islands of Japan. It was hardly recognised outside of the East. This was soon to change.

In 1963 a three-man team left Japan to conquer America and Europe. The team was composed of Mr. Arakawa, Mr Takashima and Mr. T. Suzuki. The impressions they left upon America and Europe were tremendous, Wado-Ryu Karate became recognised worldwide for its true merits.

In1980 Ohtsuka Meijin began to think about retirement as the head of Wado Karate and wanted his son to succeed him as Grand Master. However other high level Wado Karateka were not in favour of this and wished for a different leader to be appointed. Although many negotiations took place no agreement could be reached and some of these Wado Karateka broke away and formed their own association (Wado-Kai).

Ohtsuka Meijin continued to lead the World of Wado-Ryu Karate until the 20^th November 1981, when he finally decided to abdicate his possession as Grand Master of Wado-Ryu Karate and nominated his son Hironori Ohtsuka 2^nd as his successor. Hironori Ohtsuka Meijin peacefully passed away on 19^th January 1982, two months later. Throughout the entire world where Marital Arts are practiced he will always be remembered for his enormous contribution and individual devotion to Wado Karate.

Wado Ryu karate is a fast, fluid style which emphasizes body movements in evasion. Evasion is stressed rather than meeting brute force head on. It's highly characteristic "nagashizuki" exemplifies the style's sophistication. The techniques are light and quick. The practitioner defends by using deflecting movements, and either accompanies it with a simultaneous counterattack or follows it up with an immediate counterstrike. Twisting of the hip is emphasized to generate power for the quick snappy techniques. Ohtsuka sensei taught that one's physical movement is a manifestation of one's spirit.