The Wado Ryu Philosophy
WADO RYU means "Way of Peace and Harmony"
Hironori Otsuka, founder of Wado Ryu Karate, was born on June 1st 1892 in Shimodate City, Ibaraji, Japan.
The aim of Wado 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 helps the student acquire inner strength and calmness of character. They learn the virtues of self-control and true humility as well.
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 Karate. Equally emphasized and fundamental to Wado is tai sabaki – body shifting to avoid the full brunt of an attack – a technique derived from swordsmanship. The atemi techniques of jujitsu have had a strong influence in the formation of Wado karate. Otsuka has also incorporated the nage-waza (throwing techniques) of jujitsu into his blended style of karate.
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