The Wado Ryu Philosophy
WADO RYU means "Way of Peace and Harmony"
Hironori Otsuka, founder of Wado Ryu, was born on June 1st 1892 in Shimodate City, Ibaraki, Japan. He trained in jujutsu and kendo from 1897 until 1921, primarily Shindo Yoshin
Ryu, under Tatsusaburo Nakayama, and was awarded the 'Menkyo Kaiden' Mastery Teaching License in that style. In 1922, he met and began training in Okinawan Shuri-Te, under Gichin Funakoshi,
whose art later became known as Shotokan Karate. Otsuka opened the first dojo in Tokyo University in 1928, and continued to branch out and train with other leading experts of the day, Okinawan
Masters Kenwa Mabuni and Choki Motobu, Judo Master Jigoro Kano, Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba, Yashiro Konishi Founder of Shindo Jinen Ryu. Between 1934 and 1938 his newly registered
style varied in names like the "Dai Nippon Skinko Club" and "Shin Shu Wado Ryu Kempo Jutsu", but was shortened to Wado Ryu.
The aim of Wado Ryu 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.
Martial Arts 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, sweeping, guarding, striking, joint twisting, locking, and prearranged and free-style sparring – comprise the training foundation of Wado Ryu. 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 jujutsu have had a strong influence in the formation of Wado Ryu. Otsuka has also incorporated the nage-waza (throwing techniques) of jujutsu into his blended style. Wado is repleat with principles of 'no wasted motion', and avoiding, parrying, deflecting as found in the principles of nagasu, inasu, and noru; with speed to receive attacks as opposed to attempting to overpower attacks, retaining the budo koryu jujutsu principles to underly its karate striking techniques.
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