The Origins of Karate

In 1429, the island of Okinawa (Japan) was unified under King Shohasi, who, according to history, passed a law prohibiting the practise of any martial arts. This provides us with evidence that a martial art was practised, and popular, at least 500 years ago. It is most feasible that this art came to Okinawa from China, however written evidence does not exist to substantiate this. Due to the seizure of Okinawa in 1609 by the Satsuma clan of Japan the use of weapons and self-defence was banned completely. At this time martial arts or Karate was known as 'Tode', and had to be practised in great secrecy until the early 1900's when it's practice was wider spread, leading eventually to it's introduction in 1920 to Okinawa schools as part of their psychical education. Karate's popularity was quickly established when Japanese Masters of Martial Arts adopted it as the chosen art and direction. This resulted in the Worldwide increase in interest and expansion of Karate in the second half of the 20th Century.

Grand Master Hironori Ohtsuka-Founder of Wado Ryu

Hinronori Ohtsuka was an accomplished master in JuJitsu and Shindo Yoshin Ryu when the founder of Shotokan Master Gichin Funakoshi introduced Karate into Japan. Master Ohtsuka began his study and practise of Karate in 1922 and six years later was Funakoshi's assistant instructor. Master Ohtsuka's Martial Arts career spanned 60 years and in that time he received the greatest accolade of 'Meijin', the highest title available and the first man ever to earn this honour. Master Ohtsuka combined all of the previous styles he had experienced to create one style that mirrored Japanese Budo, recognising it as a true Japanese martial art called Wado Ryu meaning the 'Way of Peace'. Master Ohtsuka officially registered the name Wado Ryu in 1939. Wado Ryu is unique and differentiates itself from other styles of Karate by emphasising evasive body movements, which avoid strikes, and attacks with blocking becoming a secondary defence. Wado Ryu also encompasses various throws and arm locks practised in JuJitsu. In essence Wado Ryu has been recognised as one of the fastest most fluid moving Karate styles with the training emphasis on Kumite or fight techniques with a balance of Kata or Form. As a consequence of Wado Ryu's speed and delivery it is also one of the few Karate styles encouraging competition fighting.

Master Tatsuo Suzuki

Master Hironori Ohtsuka died at the age of 90 on 29th January 1982, but his disciplines and legacy have been passed down to one of his most senior and key students.

Master Tatsuo Suzuki was born in Yokohama in 1928. Master Suzuki became interested in Karate at the age of 14 years and began his training with Master Ohtsuka who by this time was considered one of the highest authorities of Karate in Japan.

Master Hironori Ohtsuka was recognised by the Japanese Government with the Shiju Hooso Medal for Services to sport and uniquely the only individual to achieve this in the history of Karate. Master Suzuki trained with Master Ohtsuka for ten hours a day practicing Wado Ryu, within six years he attained his 3rd Dan and by 1951 Wado Ryu's highest grade 5th Dan for his outstanding courage and ability. In 1975 the federation of All Japan Karate Organisations-Wado Kai honored him with their highest grade ever-8th Dan. In the same year the Uncle of the Emperor Higashikuni awarded Master Suzuki 'Hanshi', the highest ever Japanese Martial Arts title-the only other person to have this distinction is Master Ohtsuka.

Wado International Karate-Do Federation (WIKF)

Master Tatsuo Suzuki was responsible for the introduction of Wado Ryu throughout Europe and America following requests in 1963 for him to demonstrate and provide instruction. In January 1965 Master Tatsuo Suzuki established the first Wado Federation from his HQ in London, England, and accomplished the task of introducing Wado Ryu throughout Europe with the assistance of his senior students from Japan, who became his Instructors throughout Europe. The Wado International Karate-Do Federation was formed in 1990 by Master Tatsuo Suzuki a world wide organisation whose main aim is to standardise Wado Ryu Karate as taught to him by the founder Grand Master Hironori Ohtsuka. Today the Wado International Karate-Do Federation boasts over (50) fifty member countries, making Wado Ryu the most popular Karate style in Europe.

For more information, please visit the WIKF website.