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Wado-Ryu Karate
Jodo, Also Called JojutsuJodo, in literal terms means "the way of the stick." Jodo, also referred to as jojutsu, is the Japanese way of stick combat ..... Grand Master Hironori Otsuka (1892-1982) established the Wado-Ryu style of karate in 1931. By the time Master Gichin Funakochi introduced karate in Tokyo, Japan, Otsuka Sensei was already a master of JuJitsu and Shindo Yoshin Ryu. It was in 1922 that Otsuka Sensei developed an interest in karate. Six years later, in 1928, he was Funakoshi Sensei's assistant instructor.
Master Otsuka founded the Wado-Ryu karate style in 1931. Three decades later, in 1972, the Imperial Japanese family awarded Otsuka Sensi the title Shoadi Karate-do meijin Judan, the highest title possible. The title means first generation karate master of the 10th dan. Master Otsuka was the first non-Okinawan Japanese to create a karate style in Japanese budo form, making his karate style a true Japanese martial art. The Japanese government also awarded Master Otsuka the Shiju Hooshu medal. The award recognized Master Otsuka's significant contributions to sport. Master Otsuka is the only man in the history of karate to be honored with these awards.
Traditionally, karate was a self-defense method of fighting that did not involve the use of weapons. It was developed in Okinawa based on local techniques and the many techniques that came from Mainland China. Up until the end of the 1800s, the different karate techniques were taught and practiced only within small regions. For instance, one karate technique is taught in one village and never taught to those who do not live there. At the turn of the 20th century, interest in karate grew and it began to be taught to bigger groups of people. A number of karate experts also developed their own distinct karate styles.
Wado kai or ryu means "way of peace an harmony." It is one of the four major Japanese karate style. Wado-Ryu is regarded as the purest form of karate-do, which literally means, "the way of the empty hands." Wado-Ryu karate is characterized by a swift, smooth flowing style, greatly focusing on body movements in evasion. Its very distinctive nagashizuki is a good example of how sophisticated Wado-Ryu's style is.
Wado-Ryu karate does not simply strive for achieving perfection of physical techniques of self-defense. It also focuses on the development of a calm mind, alive and capable of reacting intuitively in any circumstance. A Wado-Ryu student is not only expected to hone his fighting skills and knowledge through training and concentration, but he is also expected to mature into a human being who possesses a strong inner self, a calm disposition, self-control, respect for others and humility. Master Otsuka regarded karate-do as fundamentally a spiritual discipline.
Wado-Ryu karate's training consists of the following:
- Basic techniques such as punching, kicking, blocking, striking with open hand, joint twisting and trapping
- Kata, which refers to a sequence of techniques executed in a particular order against imaginary enemies
- Prearranged and free style sparring
Taisabaki, which refers to shifting the body in order to evade an attack, is another important and fundamental Wado-Ryu technique borrowed from Japanese swordsmanship. Kumite, which means, "sparring," is judged based on a point system - a referee and judges in four corners decide which executed techniques are given a point. No contact to the head, below the waist (except for foot sweeps) or to the spine are allowed in free sparring. Light to medium contact on the torso is permitted. In a competition, it is possible to score points for delivering blows to the head and torso of the opponent. Wado karate-ka usually exhibits fights with quick, explosive and close movements with an emphasis on techniques that are well controlled.
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