History of Wado Ryu
At C.M.A. we teach Wado Ryu Karate "The Peace Way". The style was developed in the early 20th centry by Grandmaster Hironori Otsuka (right) and over many years became one of the more popular styles throughout the world.
One of Otsuka Sensei's top students Tatsuo Suzuki 8th Dan Hanshi (left) came to the U.K. in the 1960's to introduce Wado Ryu to the western world. He had an immediate impact and has been teaching in the U.K. ever since. C.M.A. instructors have had the privelege of training with Master Suzuki and one of our instructors Sensei Barry Lovett, along with many other karate-ka from around the world, accompanied Suzuki Sensei to Japan in 2003 to celebrate his 75th birthday and 60 years training in karate.
Click here for Professor Suzuki's full profile.
Wado Ryu was registered as a style of karate in May 1934 by Hironori Ohtsuka and was recognised as an independent style.
Hironori Ohtsuka was born on 1st June 1892 in Shimodate City, Ibaragi, Japan. His father was a doctor of medicine. His first experience of martial arts was in Jujitsu taught by his uncle.
In 1897 Ohtsuka started school where he was taught Shindo Yoshin Ryu Jiujitsu and was characterised by its emphasis upon the nature and grace of movement. These principles play a major role in Wado as taught today where the techniques use the body and weight of the opponent combined with the movement of yourself.
After studying jujitsu Ohtsuka was awarded the highest degree of Shindo Yoshin Ryu Jujitsu on 1st June 1920 which meant he was to succeed his master as 4th Grand Master.
It was in 1922 at a sports festival in Tokyo that Ohtsuka first encountered karate when Gichin Funakoshi Sensei the "father" of karate demonstrated his style of Okinawan Karate (Tode).
This left a profound impression on Ohtsuka and visited Funakoshi Sensei on many occasions to discuss techniques and other aspects of karate. Funakoshi Sensei then agreed to teach him all he knew of karate. Ohtsuka Sensei studied all the katas that Funakoshi brought from Okinawa. He did however find some of the techniques difficult to implement and understand. He then decided to delve deeper into karate and began to study kata with Mabuni Sensei the founder of Shuto Ryu Karate.
He continued to train with Funakoshi whilst still Chief Instructor of Shindo Yoshin Ryu Jujitsu and became an assitant instructor at Funakoshi Sensei's Dojo. At the time Okinawan Karate concentrated solely on kata and Ohtsuka believed that the spirit of Budo, which includes both defence and attack, was missing. He felt there was a need a more fluid type of karate. He left Funakoshi Sensei and began developing his own style of karate, "Wado".
Ohtsuka Sensei's style was officially registered in 1938 4 years after karate was recognised in Japan. He was awarded the title " Renshi-go". Ohtsuka Sensei presented a wonderful demonstration of "Wado" Karate for the Japan Martial Arts Federation and was acknowledged as a high ranking instructor. In 1939 the Japan Martial Arts Federation asked all the different styles to register their names. Ohtsuka registered "Wado Ryu".
Over the next few years karate went from strength to strength with dojos opening and Karate being taught in universities. In 1942 Ohtsuka was awarded the title "Kyoshi-go" and was becoming a well known figure in the world of martial arts. During that year a future great master Tatsuo Suzuki began training in Wado Ryu.
Until the 1960's Martial Arts and in particular Wado Ryu Karate did not extend beyond the islands of Japan. In 1963 three men left Japan to bring karate to the rest of the world. The team consisted of Mr. Arakawa, Mr. Takashima and Mr. Suzuki. Their impact was immediate and Wado Ryu Karate became recognised world wide for its true merits.
In Japan Ohtsuka Sensei was awarded the title "Kun Goto Suokuo Kyoku Jujitsu Shou" by the late Emperor Hirohito. It was awarded for his dedication and teaching of karate.
By the early 70's karate was established in the rest of the world. Ohtsuka remained in Japan to train and teach while a team of highly qualified Japanese Sensei's continued to spread the doctrines of Wado Ryu Karate around the world.
In 1972 Ohtsuka Sensei received an honour never before given to any karate master. The president of the International Martial Arts Federation, a member of the Japanese royal family, awarded Ohtsuka with the title "Meijin" - the first excellent Martial Artist in Karate - 10th Dan. It was the highest honour possible.
In 1980 Ohtsuka Meijin was considering retirement as the head of Wado Karate and wanted his son to succeed him as Grand Master. This caused some problems with other high ranking Wado Karateka as they wished for another leader. No agreement was reached and some of these karateka broke away to form their own association.
Ohtsuka Meijin led the world of Wado Ryu Karate until 20th November 1981, when he relinquished his title of Grand Master in favour of his son Hironori 2nd. Hironori Ohtsuka Meijin passed away peacefully on 19th January 1982. A man who will always be remembered for his unequalled contribution and devotion to Wado Ryu Karate.
Wado Ryu continues to be one of the major styles throughout the world and our instructors at C.M.A. believe strongly in the traditional aspects of Wado Ryu and strive to maintain the origins of the style as taught by the founder.