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Modern Japanese martial art
Wadō-ryū (和道流)
The flag of Wadō-ryū.
Founder
Hironori Ohtsuka (Ōtsuka Hironori)	1892–1982
Date founded
Shōwa Period (1926–1989)	1938
Current headmaster
No single headmaster	Three independantly led organizations
Arts taught
Name	Description
Karate	Unarmed striking art and sport
Ancestor schools
Shindō Yōshin-ryū • Shotokan
Descendant schools
Wadokai • Wado Kokusai • Wado-Ryu Karatedo Renmei

Wado-ryu or Wadoryu or Wado Ryu (和道流) is one of the world's major karate styles (the six biggest styles being Shotokan, Wado Ryu, Shito Ryu, Goju Ryu, Kyokushin, and Kenpo). Image File history File links Information. ... Image File history File links Information. ... Gendai budō (現代 武道) is a Japanese expression that is used to define the modern Japanese martial arts. ... Japanese martial arts refers to the enormous variety of martial arts native to Japan. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Hironori Ohtsuka (1892-1982) was the creator and first Grand Master of the traditional Japanese martial art style Wado-ryu Karate. ... The Shōwa period (Japanese: 昭和時代, Shōwa-jidai, period of enlightened peace) was the time in Japanese history when Emperor Hirohito reigned over the country, from December 25, 1926 to January 7, 1989. ... Karate ) ( ) or karate-dō ) is a martial art that developed from a synthesis of indigenous Ryukyuan fighting methods and Chinese kempo [1]. Karate originally meant Te, or hand, i. ... Shindō Yōshin-ryÅ« ), meaning True Way of the Willow Heart School is a traditional school (koryÅ«) Japanese martial arts, teaching the art of jujutsu. ... Shotokan is a school of karate, developed from various martial arts by master Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957) and his son Yoshitaka. ... Wadokai (和道会) is the name of the organization within the Japan Karate Federation (JKF) which practices the Wadoryu style of karate. ... Karate ) ( ) or karate-dō ) is a martial art that developed from a synthesis of indigenous Ryukyuan fighting methods and Chinese kempo [1]. Karate originally meant Te, or hand, i. ... Shotokan is a school of karate, developed from various martial arts by master Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957) and his son Yoshitaka. ... Shito ryu (糸東流) is a form of karate that was developed by Kenwa Mabuni in 1931. ... Goju Ryu (Japanese for Hard-soft style) is a style of karate, so called as it allows a combination of hard and soft techniques. ... Kyokushin is a style of stand-up, full contact karate, founded in 1964 by Masutatsu Oyama (大山倍達) who was born under the name Choi Yeong-Eui (최영의). Kyokushinkai is Japanese for the society of the ultimate truth. ... Kenpo may also refer to the Constitution of Japan (憲法) Kenpo or Kempo (拳法 Kenpō; lit. ...

Origin and Philosophy

On the surface Wado-ryu looks very similar to other styles such as Shotokan. However, there are some important differences.

It may be argued that Wado-ryu is a Jujutsu style rather than Okinawan Karate. When first registered with the Japanese Dai-Nippon-Butoku-Kai in 1938 the style was called Shinshu Wadoryu Karate-Jujutsu, a name which reflects the hybrid nature of Wado. Wado-ryu's founder Hironori Ohtsuka was already a licensed practitioner in Shindo Yoshin Ryu and Yoshin Koryu Jujutsu^{[citation needed]} when he first met the Okinawan karate master Funakoshi. After having received tutelage of not only Funakoshi but later also the Okinawan masters Mabuni and Motobu, he set off to merge Shindo Yoshin Ryu with Okinawan Karate. This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... This article is about the prefecture. ... This article is in need of attention. ... Gichin Funakoshi (船越 義珍 Funakoshi Gichin, 1868–1957) was an Okinawan karate master who formally introduced karate to the Japanese mainland in 1921. ...

The result of Ohtsuka's efforts is Wado-ryu. While its techniques may be very much karate in looks, most of the underlying principles have been derived from Shindo Yoshin Ryu. A block in Wado may look much like a block in Shotokan, they are nevertheless performed from a completely different perspective. A Shotokan practitioner is likely to force an incoming fist out of the line of attack. A Wado expert, on the other hand, will rather move himself out of the line of attack while taking up a position that will gain him an advantage over the opponent. Both ways will look almost similar to the untrained eye, but couldn't be further apart when considering the tactics behind them. Key in Wado-ryu is the principle of taisabaki, often wrongly referred to as evasion. The Japanese term can be translated as body-management and refers to body manipulation so as to move the defender as well as the attacker out of harm's way. The way to achieve this is to move along rather than to move against. Or, harmony rather than physical strength. See hard and soft (martial arts) A block is a technique in martial arts such as karate or Taekwon-Do that prevents an attack from making contact with the body. ... A tactic is a method employed to help achieve a certain goal. ... Alternative spellings: taisabaki, tai sabaki, tai-sabaki Tai sabaki is a term from Japanese martial arts and which relates to whole body movement, or repositioning. ... Harmony is the use and study of pitch simultaneity, and therefore chords, actual or implied, in music. ... Physical strength is the ability of a person or animal to exert force on physical objects using muscles. ... Taijitu, the traditional symbol representing the forces of Yin and Yang. ...

The term Wado-ryu can be broken into three parts: Wa, do and ryu. Wa can be read to mean harmony. Do is a Japanese term for way. ryu simply means style. Wa or harmony shouldn't be interpreted as pacifism in any way. It is merely the acknowledgment that yielding is sometimes more effective than brute strength. Pacifism is the opposition to war or violence as a means of settling disputes. ...

However, modern karate competition tends to transform Wado-Ryu away from its roots towards a new generic karate that appeals more to the demands of both spectators and competitors.

From April 1, 1981, after the split-up of Wadokai, Hironori Ohtsuka sensei changed the name of his organization into Wado-Ryu Karatedo Renmei, with Renmei meaning 'group' or 'federation'. After his death in 1982, his son Jiro Ohtsuka continued the style under his leadership. He became the second grandmaster of Wado Karate and honored his father by taking the name Hironori Ohtsuka II. Wadokai (和道会) is the name of the organization within the Japan Karate Federation (JKF) which practices the Wadoryu style of karate. ...

A third major Wado organization, Wado Kokusai (Wado International Karate Federation), was founded in 1989 by Tatsuo Suzuki Sensei.

Kata list

• Ten-No: Basic drills first invented by Gichin Funakoshi's son, Yoshitaka Funakoshi.
• Taikyoku series: Basic Katas developed by Gichin Funakoshi as a prelim before Pinans. Many Wado schools trails these Basic Katas, particularly Taikyoku Shodan .
• Pinan kata: Created by Anko itosu sensei: Consisting of Pinan Shodan , Nidan , Sandan , Yondan , and Godan . Renamed by Gichin Funakoshi as the Heian series.
• Naihanchi :This was the original name for the three Tekki Katas, but was changed by sensei Funakoshi. A lateral kata, learned from Motobu Choki. Wado practices only the third Naihanchi kata.
• Kusanku : "Sky Viewing". Kusanku was the Okinawan name for Master Kwang Shang Fu, a Sapposhi (Emissary of China's ruling class) sent to Okinawa in the 18th century. This kata uses stances and attacks comprising of the 5 previous pinan katas. No new techniques are introduced. Renamed by Gichin Funakoshi as Kanku Dai.
• Passai / Bassai : A Tomari-te kata that uses dynamic stances and hip rotation. Renamed by Gichin Funakoshi as Bassai Dai.
• Seishan : "13 hands". Named after a well known Chinese martial artist who lived in or near Shuri circa 1700. The movements are repeated in sets of three, and has pivots and turning of the head. Renamed by Gichin Funakoshi as Hangetsu.
• Chinto : Formulated by Sokon Matsumura from the teachings of a sailor or pirate named Chinto (or Annan, depending on the source). Crane stance occurs many times, and the flying kicks differentiate Chinto from other kata. Renamed by Gichin Funakoshi as Gankaku.
• Niseishi : Means "24 steps". Transmitted by Ankichi Aragaki, it is known in Japanese as Nijushiho.
• Rohai : Rohai has three variation invented by Itosu. Wado-ryu practices Rohai Shodan. Renamed by Gichin Funakoshi as Meikyo.
• Wanshu : - "Flying Swallow". A Tomari-te kata based on movements brought to Okinawa in 1683 by a Chinese envoy of the same name. The metaphorical name of "Flying Swallows" is derived from the soft blocking patterns near the end. Renamed by Gichin Funakoshi as Empi.
• Jion : A Tomari-te kata part of the Jion kata group.
• Jitte :: Another Tomari-te kata of the Jion kata group meaning "10 hands".
• Suparinpei : Known as '108 hands' – representing the 108 evil spirits of man. It is also said to have represented a band of 108 warriors that travelled the Chinese countryside in the 1600s performing 'Robin Hood'-type tasks of doing good deeds, giving to the poor, etc. It’s also known by its Chinese name of Pechurrin and occasionally referred to with the Funakoshi-altered name of Haiku Hachi Ho. Suparinpei was originally listed as a Wado kata with the Dai Nippon Budokukai by Otsuka Sensei, but was eventually discarded by Otsuka. Some Wado instructors and schools still teach this kata.

Gichin Funakoshi (船越 義珍 Funakoshi Gichin, 1868–1957) was an Okinawan karate master who formally introduced karate to the Japanese mainland in 1921. ... Funakoshi Gigo , 1906 - 1945) was the third son of Funakoshi Gichin (the founder of shotokan karate) and is widely credited with developing the modern karate style. ... The Taikyoku series is a series of kata in use in several types of karate. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... A series of five empty hand Okinawan Karate forms (kata) taught in various Okinawan styles. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... The Heian series of kata is a series of kata adapted from more ancient kata such as Kanku dai, Gojushiho dai and others. ... Naihanchi / Tekki Kata Naihanchi (or Naifuanchi) translates as ‘internal divided conflict’. It is a powerful kata, performed in straddle stance (naihanchi-dachi / kiba-dachi / shiko-dachi). ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Motobu Choki The Okinawan karate practitioner Motobu Choki (1871–1944) was born in Akahira village of Shuri, Okinawa. ... It has been suggested that Kanku sho and Kanku Dai be merged into this article or section. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Kanku Dai (translated as gazing heavenward or sky observation) is an important and ancient kata used in many karate styles. ... The Passai kata (alternate names: Bassai Dai, Bassai Sho, Passai Sho) have possibly resulted in the largest number of confirmed versions than any other karate kata. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Tomari-Te refers to a tradition of martial arts originating from the village of Tomari, Okinawa. ... The karate kata Seisan (alternate names: Sesan, Seishan, Jusan, Hangetsu) literally means 13, however some people refer to the kata as 13 Hands, 13 Fists or 13 Steps. There are numerous theories as to the naming of the kata. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Shotokan Kata: Hangetsu (Half Moon) Hangetsu originates from the Naha-te school. ... Chinto (In Shotokan, Gankaku) is a kata practiced in Karate. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 49 × 23 pixelsFull resolution (49 × 23 pixel, file size: 1,006 B, MIME type: image/gif)http://www. ... Shotokan Kata: Gankaku (Crane on a Rock) The image of the crane on the rock reappears throughout Gankaku. ... Nijushiho (二十四步) (Japanese: Twenty four steps) is an advanced kata practiced in Shotokan karate at 2nd dan black belt level. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Karate Kata: Nijushiho The origin of Nijushiho is unknown, but it is presumed that it originates from one of the Chinese Dragon styles. ... The Rohai katas are a family of katas practiced in Karate. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Shotokan Kata: Meikyo (Wiping the Mirror) Meikyo was first practiced in the Tomari-te school. ... Wanshu is a name borne by several katas in many systems of karate, including Goju-Ryu, Isshin-Ryu, Shotokan (under the name empi) and others. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Shotokan Kata: Enpi (Flight of the Swallow) Empi comes to us from the Okinawan Tomari-te school where it apparently first appeared in 1683. ... Shotokan Kata: Jion (Jion-ji Temple) Jiin, Jion and Jitte form a group of katas beginning with the same characteristic kamae, which apparently has roots in ancient Chinese boxing, and are linked through the Jion temple where they were all practised. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Shotokan Kata: Jitte (Ten Hands) Jiin, Jion and Jitte form a group of katas beginning with the same characteristic kamae, which apparently has roots in ancient Chinese boxing. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ...

History

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On 1 June 1892 Founder Hironori Otsuka is born the second child of four children to Dr. Tokujiro Otsuka, in Shimodate, Ibaraki Prefecture Image File history File links Information. ... Shortcut: WP:CU Marking articles for cleanup This page is undergoing a transition to an easier-to-maintain format. ...

In 1898 Ohtsuka began practicing Jiujitsu.

Between 1905-1921 Ohtsuka trains Shindo Yoshin Ryu Jiujitsu under Tatsusaburo Nakayama (1870-1933).

In 1922 Otsuka met a soon to be famous Okinawan named Gichin Funakoshi and begins to train with him.

In 1924 Otsuka is one of the first students promoted to Black Belt in Karate by Funakoshi.

In 1929 Otsuka organized the first school karate club at Tokyo University.

In 1934 Eiichi Eriguchi coins the term 'Wadoryu'.

In 1938 Hironori Ohtsuka registers his style of karate with the Dai-Nippon-Butoku-Kai, originally under the name of "Shinshu Wadoryu Karate-Jujutsu". Not much later this was shortened (simplified) to Wadoryu (和道流).

In 1938 The Dai-Nippon-Butoku-Kai awarded Ohtsuka the rank of Renshi-Go.

In 1942 The Dai-Nippon-Butoku-Kai awarded Ohtsuka the rank of Kyoshi-Go. Tatsuo Suzuki, Founder of the WIKF, begins training Wado.

In 1944 Otsuka was appointed Japan's Chief Karate Instructor.

In 1946 Ohtsuka awards Tatsuo Suzuki 2nd Dan.

Circa 1950 Otsuka's second son Jiro Otsuka, begins training Wado around the age of 15.

In 1951 Otsuka awards Tatsuo Suzuki 5th Dan, the highest rank awarded in Wado at that time.

In 1952 a Wadoryu Honbu (headquarter) is established in the Meiji University dojo in Tokyo, Japan. Meiji UniversitySchool house. ...   , literally Eastern capital) is a unique subnational administrative region of Japan with characteristics of both a prefecture and a city. ...

In 1954 Its name was changed to Zen Nippon Karate Renmei (All Japan Karate Federation)

In 1955 Otsuka published the book, Karatejutsu no Kenkyu.

In 1963 Otsuka dispatches Suzuki, along with Toru Arakawa and Hajimu Takashima to spread Wado around the World.

In 1964 the Japan Karatedo Federation (JKF) is established as a general organization for all karate styles. Wado joins this organization as a major group.

In 1965 Otsuka along with Yoshiaki Ajari, record onto film, which is now still available on two video tapes, much of his legacy of Wado Ryu Karate. The first video, Wado Ryu Karate Volume 1, consists of: in-depth history and recollections, demonstrations of the 8 Kihon No Tsuki body shifts, the first 5 Kihon-Kumite, and the katas: Pinans 1-5, Kushanku, Jion, Naihanchi, Seishan. The second video, Wado Ryu Karate Volume 2, consists of: more history, plus the katas Chinto, Niseshi, Rohai, Wanshu, and Jitte, as well as Kihon-Kumite 6-10, along with application.

In 1966 Ohtsuka was awarded Kun Goto Soukuo Kyokujujutsu (comparable to a knighthood) by Emperor Hirohito, for his dedication to the introduction and teaching of karate.

On 5 June 1967 , the Wado organization changes the name into Wadokai.

In 1972 the President of Kokusai Budo Renmei, a member of the Royal Family, awarded Otsuka Sensei the title of Meijin, the highest possible title.

In 1975Tatsuo Suzuki receives his 8th Dan, the highest grade ever given by the Federation of All Japan Karatedo Organization, and is named Hanshi-Go by the Uncle of Emperor Higashikuni. Year 1975 (MCMLXXV) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

In 1980 as the result of a conflict between Hironori Otsuka and the Wadokai organization, Ohtsuka steps down as head of Wadokai. Eiichi Eriguchi takes over his place within Wadokai.

On 1 April 1981 Hironori Otsuka founds Wadoryu Karatedo Renmei. After only a few months Hironori Otsuka retires as head of this organization. His son Jiro Otsuka takes his place. Renmei means 'group' or 'federation'.

On 29 January 1982 Hironori Otsuka passes away in his 90th year.

In 1983 Jiro Otsuka succeeds his Father as grandmaster of Wado Ryu and changes his name to Hironori Otsuka II, in honor of his father.

In 1989 Tatsuo Suzuki founds his own organization (WIKF), the third major Wado organization: Wado Kokusai. Kokusai means 'international'. Year 1989 (MCMLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar). ...

Different Wado names

The full name of Wadokai in English is Japan Karatedo Federation Wadokai. In Japanese it is Zen Nihon Karatedo Renmei Wadokai.

Nowadays the full name of Wadoryu is Wadoryu Karatedo Renmei.

The full name of Wado Kokusai is Wado Kokusai Karatedo Renmei, also known as Wado International Karatedo Federation abbreviated as WIKF.

Strictly speaking Hironori Ohtsuka founded and developed Wado Ryu. The people who trained with him became the Wado group or Wadokai. So today, the style that is trained within Wadokai is Wado Ryu.

Belt order

A typical belt order. Goes 10th Kyu down then 1st-5th Dan for technical grades 6-10th are honorary Although it is tyical for other styles to add stipes for the dan grades, Wado practicioners tend to refrain from that practice

• 10th Kyu: White Belt
• 9th Kyu: Red Belt
• 8th Kyu: Yellow belt
• 7th Kyu: Orange Belt
• 6th Kyu: Green Belt
• 5th Kyu: Blue Belt
• 4th Kyu: Purple Belt
• 3rd Kyu: Brown Belt
• 2nd Kyu: Brown
• 1st Kyu: Brown
• 1st Dan: Black
• 2nd Dan: Black
• 3rd Dan: Black
• 4th Dan: Black
• 5th Dan: Black
• 6th-8th Dan Red and white blocked (wider belt)Optional as a lot of high ranking Sensei still wear their black belt
• 9th-10th Dan Wide Red Belt again optional as Ohtsuka Sensei himself wore a black Belt

"As soon as a karate-ka achieves their first black belt (1st dan upwards), they become a sensei." is one of the misconceptions around in the Martial Arts, the grade at which Wado (and most other legit Japanese Martial Arts) finds you trained enough to be able to teach is 3rd Dan and up but even then it depends on the organisation, some still require that a special course is completed succesffully

External links

Resources:

• [1]
• Net's Largest Wado Discussion Forum
• Brief History of Wado
• Wado history
• Wado resources with links page and dojo directory
• Descriptions and videos of kihon, kumite and kata
• The History of Wado Ryu Karate
• The Kata of Wado Kai Karate

• [http://www.wado-ryu.jp/home1/home1.htm International Federation of Wado-Ryu Karate-Do