Wado Ryu ("Way of Peace")

Wado Ryu system of karate was established by Hironori Ohtsuka (1892-1982) in 1939. Wado Ryu is one of the four main styles of Japanese karate taught around the world. Ohtsuka was Acknowledged by the Emperor of Japan for his Achievements in karate and awarded the 5th order of merit of the sacred treasure.

Ohtsuka designed his style of karate on nine basic Kata. Five of the Kata are regarded as fundamental to the whole basis of Wado-Ryu Karate. These are three major concepts that characterise the ethos of Wado-Ryu:

  NAGASU - The ability to deflect an attack without using harsh blocks

  INASU - Moving the body as a target out of the line of attack using a simultaneous defence / offence technique.
 
  NORU - The ability to judge your counter attack's impact before your opponent's attacking momentum has stopped

The main philosophy of Wado Ryu is to better the attitude of the practitioner both within and outside the art. The emphasis is on respect, discipline and understanding both physically and mentally. The effect of this is to alter personal attitudes towards the self and there by changing attitudes in all aspects of daily life, at work, at home, at school as well as socially. For the Wado Ryu student to show aggression is deeply frowned on, it should be remembered at all times that study is of "The Peaceful Way".

A significant characteristic of Wado Ryu is that all movements are kept economically small, large movements are always kept to a minimum. The main emphasis is directed towards speed and efficiency of movement of each technique performed coupled with co-ordination of body movement, rather than a demonstration of strength or physical effort.