history of aikido

Wado-Ryu karate was invented by Hironori Ohtsuka in 1934. He was born in Ibaragi, Japan and began learning Jujitsu from his great uncle who was also a Samurai Warrior. Hironori Ohtusuka’s philosophy for life was: ‘the only difference between the impossible and the possible is one’s will'.

Wado Ryu is one of the 4 main styles of karate in Japan. Hironori used his knowledge of Jujutsu, Shotokan karate,  grappling and Tai Sabaki to devise his own martial arts style. Wado-ryu karate does not practice many of the body toughening exercises common to other forms of karate, but prefers to use Tai Sabaki to evade attacks.

Wado-ryu Karate is a compound of Shuri-te Karate and Ju-jutsu and was recognized as an independent karate style in 1934. Wado-ryu is said to be one of the fastest forms of Karate in the world, emphasis includes the fundamental principles and concepts of ' Irimi and Nagashi '. The founder was responsible for introducing partner-work routines to Karate. Wado-ryu was also the 1st style of Karate to practice Jiyu-gumite as part of the overall training. There are estimated to be over 350,000 Wado-ryu members practicing in Europe alone.