Wado Ryu karate was developed by Hironori Ohtsuka in the 1930's and is a tremendously fast and efficient martial art, which draws upon Shindo Yoshinryu Ju-jitsu and Okinawan te (the original karate). Today, particularly in Japan, it is one of the most popular karate styles practised. It is suitable for children, men and women alike.

Wado is translatable as ,"Way Of Peace" or "Japanese Way" since the kanji can be read both ways.

Grand Master Ohtsuka Hironori

Grand Master Ohtsuka Hironori, pictured below, was the founder of Wado-Ryu karate. He was born in Shimodate City, Ibaragi, Japan on June 1, 1892 as the first son of Ohtsuka Tokujiro, a doctor of medicine. In April of 1897 Ohtsuka Sensei started ju jitsu under the supervision of his mother's uncle, Ebashi Chojiro.

In 1921, Ohtsuka graduated in Shindo Yoshin Ryu ju jitsu under Nakayama Sensei. In 1922, he began to learn Okinawa Tode (original karate) under Gichin Funakoshi Sensei. In May of 1924, Ohtsuka Sensei and Funakoshi Sensei demonstrated Yakusoko Kumite (pre-arranged fighting with a partner) in public for the first time.

The birth of Wado

In 1928 Ohtsuka Sensei resigned from his position at the bank to become a full-time martial arts instructor. At this time he was a Chief Instructor of Shindo Yoshin Ryu as well as an assistant instructor for Funakoshi Sensei. Ohtsuka Sensei and Funoakoshi Sensei eventually began to disagree over certain aspects of training, in particular jiyu kumite. Ohtsuka Sensei gradually began to go his own way and by May of 1934 Wado-Ryu karate was recognized as an independent style although at that time it was called Dai Nippon Karate Do Shinko Club. In 1935 Kano Jigoro, founder of Kodokan Judo and who was recognized as the best martial artist in Japan at that time, recommended to the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai Federation that karate jitsu be accepted as a martial art, as an extension of Judo.

In 1938 the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai awarded Ohtsuka Sensei the rank of Renshi-Go. He demonstrated technique for the All-Japan Traditional Martial Arts Festival and his style was registered as Shin Shu Wado Ryu. In March of 1939, the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai asked all karate styles to register their names officially. Ohtsuka Sensei registered the name Wado-Ryu.

In 1942 the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai awarded Ohtsuka Sensei the rank of Kyoshi-Go and in 1944 he was asked by the same organization to become the Chief Instructor of karate in Japan. After the end of the Second World War, the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai was ordered disbanded and the practice of martial arts in Japan was forbidden. The Japanese Martial Arts were not reinstated until 1951.

Wado in the West

In 1964 three instructors from Nihon University visited in Europe and the United States to demonstrate Wado-Ryu karate. They were Suzuki Tatsuo, Awakawa Toru, and Takashima Hajime. In this same year the All Japan Karate-Do Federation was established.

In 1966 Ohtsuka Sensei was awarded Kun Goto Soukuo Kyokujujitsu (comparable to a knighthood) by Emperor Hirohito, for his dedication to the introduction and teaching of karate. In 1972 the President of Kokusai Budo Renmei, a member of the Royal Family, awarded Ohtsuka Sensei the title of Meijin, the highest possible title.

On January 29, 1982, Saiko Shihan Ohtsuka Hironori died at the age of 90. He had practiced martial arts for 84 years.

More historical information:

• Ohtsuka Sensei page at Wado Ryu Karate-Do Association
• Wado Kai/Wado Ryu at Wado Ryu Karate-Do Association