Wado Ryu Karate

Wado Kai Karate was developed in 1934 originally called the Karate Promotion CLub. In 1940, when Master Otsuka was requested to submit an official name by the Butokakai in Kyoto he registered the style of Wado Kai. This ceremony took place together with Shotokan, Shito-ryu and Goju-ryu. This occasion is regarded as the first official naming of Karate styles.

Otsuka devised the name Shinshu Wado Jujutsu. This was later shortened to Wado. The term wa means "peace" or "harmony", but it also represents Japan as a shortened form of Showa, which was the name for the era of Emperor Hirohito. Do or doh means "the way". By putting the two together you get the way of peace and/or harmony. Originally the style was referred to as Wado kai which is "Wado-style" but upon becoming a hereditary system, the name became Wado-Ryu which is "wado-school."

Wado is perhaps the purest form of Karate-Doh, steeped in classical bujutsu (code of the samurai). Master Otsuka applied that outlook and experience to his teaching. He rejected hardening certain parts of the body such as callousing the knuckles of the hand, believing it was useless preparation. The aim of Wado Kai Karate is perfection of technique as well as development of a mind that is tranquil yet alive, able to react intuitively and without hesitation to any situation. The training required in Wado Kai helps the student acquire inner strength and calmness of character. They learn as well the virtues of self-control and true humility.

Karate for Mr.Otsuka was primarily a spiritual discipline: "Violent action may be understood as the martial arts, but the true meaning of martial arts is to seek and attain the way to peace and harmony."

Basics - punching, kicking, blocking, guarding, striking, joint twisting and prearranged and free-style sparring comprise the training foundation of Wado Kai Karate. Equally emphasized and fundamental to Wado is taisabaki - body shifting to avoid the full brunt of an attack - a technique derived from swordsmanship. Wado Kai Karate is ideal for all body types and age groups due to its' versatility. The study of karate is a rewarding and enriching experience.