History of Karate

Sensei Funakoshi

The Wado-Ryu (Way of Peace) school of karate

Was founded in 1931 by the late Grand Master Hironori Ohtsuka (1892-1982). Sensei Ohtsuka was already an accomplished master of JuJitsu, Shindo Yoshin Ryu, when Master Gichin Funakoshi introduced karate in Tokyo, Japan. Master Ohtsuka became interested in karate in 1922.

By 1928, he was assistant instructor to Sensei Funakoshi. In 1931 master Ohtsuka founded the Wado-Ryu style of karate. In 1972, Sensei Ohtsuka 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. Originally, karate was a method of unarmed self-defence developed in the Okinawan Islands from various techniques introduced from mainland China, as well as local innovations.

Up until the late 19th century, the various karate techniques were practised and taught within relatively small regions; i.e. a particular technique would be taught in one village and never revealed to outsiders. After 1900, great interest was shown in teaching karate to larger groups of the general public and certain karate experts developed distinct 'styles'. Wado kai or ryu, meaning the "way of peace and harmony", is one of the four major styles of karate in Japan and perhaps the purest form of karate-do (the way of the empty hands). Wado-Ryu karate is a fast, fluid style which emphasises body movements in evasion. It's highly characteristic nagashizuki exemplifies the style's sophistication.

The aim of Wado karate is not merely perfection of the physical techniques of self-defence, but, the development of a mind that is tranquil yet alive, able to react intuitively to any situation. In Wado, as skill and knowledge are acquired through training and concentrated effort, the student is expected to develop inner strength and calmness of character, as well as the virtues of self-control, respect for others, and true humility. Karate-do for Sensei Ohtsuka is primarily a spiritual discipline.