Wadō-ryū

Wadō-ryū
( cùng nói lưu )

The flag of Wadō-ryū.
Also known as	Shinshu Wadoryu Karate-Jujutsu
Date founded	1929or 1938
Country of origin	Japan
Founder	Hironori Ōtsuka
Arts taught	Karate
Ancestor arts	Karate(Shotokan,Shitō-ryūandMotobu-ryū),Jujutsu(Shindō Yōshin-ryū,other)

Wadō-ryū(Cùng nói lưu)is one of the four majorkaratestyles and was founded by Hironori Ōtsuka (1892–1982).The style itself places emphasis on not only striking, buttai sabaki,joint locks and throws. It has its origins withinShindō Yōshin-ryū jujitsu,as well asTomari-te(pre-Shotokan) karate, and was also influenced byShito-Ryu,with Hironori Ōtsuka being taught by bothKenwa MabuniandGichin Funakoshi.

Characteristics

Philosophy

The nameWadō-ryūhas three parts:Wa,dō,andryū.Wameans "harmony,"dō(same character astao) means "way," andryūmeans "school" or "style". Harmony should not be interpreted aspacifism;it is simply the acknowledgment that yielding is sometimes more effective than brute strength.

From one point of view, Wadō-ryū might be considered a style ofJūjutsurather than Karate.Hironori Ōtsukaembraced jujitsu and was its chief instructor for a time. When Ōtsuka first registered his school with theDai Nippon Butoku Kaiin 1938, the style was called "Shinshu Wadō-ryū Karate-Jūjutsu," a name that reflects its hybrid character. Ōtsuka was aMenkyo KaidenlicensedShindō Yōshin-ryūpractitioner of Tatsusaburo Nakayama and a student ofYōshin-ryūprior to meeting the Okinawan karate masterGichin Funakoshi.After having learned from Funakoshi, and after their split, with Okinawan masters such asKenwa MabuniandMotobu Chōki,Ōtsuka merged Shindō Yōshin-ryū with Okinawan karate. The result of Ōtsuka's efforts is Wadō-ryū Karate.

To the untrained observer, Wadō-ryū might look similar to other styles ofkarate,such as Shito ryu or Shorin ryu. Most of the underlying principles, however, were derived fromShindō Yōshin-ryū,anatemi wazafocused style ofJujutsu.Ablockin Wadō may look much like a block in Goju/Uechi ryu, but they are executed from different perspectives.

A key principle in Wadō-ryū is that oftai sabaki(often incorrectly referred to as 'evasion'). The Japanese term can be translated as "body-management," and refers to body manipulation so as to move the defender as well as the attacker out of harm's way. The way to achieve this is to 'move along' rather than to 'move against'—orharmonyrather thanphysical strength.Modern karate competition tends to transform Wadō-ryū away from its roots towards a new generic karate that appeals more to the demands of both spectators and competitors.

While the core principles (at least with regard to the transmission of body mass into punches) of turning on the heel remain in Wado, as it is the fastest way to push the hips in the direction of attack, the progression to the ball of the foot is a hallmark of the style.

Ranks

Wadō-ryū uses a typical karate belt order to denote rank. The beginner commences at 9th or 10thkyū(depending on the organisation and school) and progresses to 1stkyū,then from 1st–5thdanfor technical grades. The ranks of 6th–10thdanare honorary ranks. Although some other karate styles add stripes to their belt for thedanranks, Wado-ryū practitioners tend not to follow that practice.

The rank at which Wado practitioners are first able to teach is usually 3rddan,but this depends on the organisation. Some Wado ryu organisations require completion of a special course in addition to attaining a certaindanrank.

Schools that use the same belt colour for multiplekyuranks typically, although not necessarily, use stripes to indicate progress within that belt colour.

Kata

Kataare predefined, specific patterns of movement that incorporate and encapsulate martial techniques, concepts, and applications.The exact movements of akataoften vary from one organisation to another, and even from one school to another within the same organisation. The variations can range from gross deviations apparent to the untrained observer to very subtle minutiae. In his 1977 book on Wadō-ryū (published in English in 1997), Ōtsuka declared only nine officialkatafor Wadō-ryū:Pinan Nidan,Pinan Shodan,Pinan Sandan,Pinan Yodan,Pinan Godan,Kūshankū,Naihanchi,SeishanandChintō.Within his text, Ōtsuka provides detailed notes on the performance of thesekata,which has resulted in less deviation across organisations on their performance. However, Ōtsuka did teach otherkata.Perhaps because Ōtsuka did not provide specific notes for the performance of these otherkatain his text, there is greater variation in these otherkataacross organisations and schools.Kataassociated with Wadō-ryū include:

• Ten-No:basic drills first invented byGigō Funakoshi(son of Gichin Funakoshi).
• Taikyoku series:developed byGichin Funakoshias a preliminary exercise before thePinanseries; many Wadō-ryū schools teach these basickata,particularlyTaikyoku Shodan( Thái Cực sơ đoạn ).
• Pinankata:created byAnkō Itosu,and consisting ofPinan Shodan( bình an sơ đoạn ),Pinan Nidan( bình an nhị đoạn ),Pinan Sandan( bình an tam đoạn ),Pinan Yodan( bình an bốn đoạn ), andPinan Godan( bình an ngũ đoạn ). Funakoshi renamed this series as theHeianseries.
• Kūshankūクーシャンクー ( công tương quân ): "Sky Viewing".Kūshankūwas the Okinawan name for Kwang Shang Fu, a Sapposhi (emissary of China's ruling class) sent to Okinawa in the 18th century. Thiskatauses stances and attacks consisting of the five previousPinan kata.No new techniques are introduced. Funakoshi renamed thiskataasKankū Dai.
• Naihanchiナイハンチ ( nội bạn chiến; also known asNaifanchi): this was the original name for the threeTekki kata,but was changed by Funakoshi. This is a lateralkatalearned fromChōki Motobu.Wadō-ryū practices only the first Naihanchikata.
• Seishanセイシャン ( chinh bắn vân ): the name means "13 hands." Thiskatawas named after a well-known Chinese martial artist who lived in or near Shuric.1700. The movements are repeated in sets of three, and has pivots and turning of the head. Funakoshi renamed thiskataasHangetsu.
• Chintōチントウ ( trấn đấu ): formulated byMatsumura Sōkonfrom the teachings of a sailor or pirate named Chintō (orAnnan,depending on the source). Crane stance occurs many times, and the flying kicks differentiateChintōfrom otherkata.Funakoshi renamed thiskataasGankaku.
• Bassaiバッサイ ( khoác tắc; also known asPassai): aTomari-tekatathat uses dynamic stances and hip rotation. Funakoshi renamed thiskataasBassai Dai.
• Rōhaiローハイ ( lão mai ):Rōhaihas three variation invented by Itosu. Wadō-ryū practicesRōhai Shodan.Funakoshi renamed thiskataasMeikyo.
• Niseishiニーセイシ: the name means "24 steps." Transmitted by Ankichi Aragaki, thiskatais known in Japanese asNijūshiho( 24 bước ).
• Wanshūワンシュウ ( vãn sầu ): the name means "flying swallow." This is a Tomari-tekatabased on movements brought to Okinawa in 1683 by a Chinese envoy of the same name. The metaphorical name, "Flying Swallows," comes from the soft blocking sequences near the end of thiskata.Funakoshi renamed thiskataasEmpi.
• Jionジオン ( từ ân ): A Tomari-tekata;part of theJion katagroup.
• Jitteジッテ ( mười tay ): another Tomari-tekataof theJion katagroup; the name means "10 hands."
• Suparinpeiスーパーリンペイ ( nhất trăm linh tám quyền ): known as "108 hands," representing the 108 evil spirits of man. Thiskatais also said to have represented a band of 108 warriors that travelled the Chinese countryside in the 17th century, performing 'Robin Hood'-type tasks of doing good deeds, giving to the poor, and so on. It is also known by its Chinese name of Pechurrin, and occasionally referred to asHaiku Hachi Ho(a name given by Funakoshi).Suparinpeiwas originally listed as a Wadō-ryūkatawith theDai Nippon Butoku Kaiby Hironori Ōtsuka,but he eventually discarded it. Some Wadō-ryū instructors and schoolsstill teach thiskata.
• Kunpu&Unsu

In addition to the solokatalisted above, many Wadō-ryū schools also practice pairedkata,which reflects its jujutsu heritage. These pairedkataare performed by two people (one as the attacker and one as the defender), demonstrating a range of self-defense techniques. The pairedkataof Wadō-ryū often vary from one organisation from another, because Ōtsuka did not standardise them. The pairedkataare:

• Yakusoku Kihon Kumite:consists of 10 fundamental techniques of attack against combination attacks (combinations of kicks and punches), influenced by jujutsu body movements.
• Kumite Gata:consists of 10 – 24 varietal techniques (depending on the organisation) of attack emphasizing Katamae (pinning) and Kuzushi (breaking balance) and multiple strikes.
• Ohyo Kumite:consists of various techniques of attack, incorporating Karate blocks, kicks and strikes with jujutsu throws and body movements. This is a specialty ofTatsuo SuzukiHanshi's W.I.K.F organisation.
• Idori no Kata:consists of 5–10 techniques (depending on the organisation) of seated self-defense, influenced by jujutsu throwing and joint-locking techniques.
• Tantodori no Kata:consists of 7–10 techniques (depending on the organisation) of defenses against knife attacks, influenced by jujutsu body movements, throwing, and joint-locking techniques.
• Shinken Shirahadori(Thật kiếm dao sắc lấy り): consists of 5–10 (depending on organisation) techniques of defenses against sword attacks, influenced by jujutsu body movements, throwing, and joint-locking techniques.

In addition to the three pairedkataabove, there are alsoGyakunage Kata(kataof throwing),Joshi Goshinjutsu(kataof women's self-defense),Kodokan Goshin Jutsu& some others, but they are not commonly taught.

History

See also:Hironori Ōtsuka

The founder of Wadō-ryū, Hironori Ōtsuka, was born on 1 June 1892 in Shimodate, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan.In 1898, Ōtsuka began practicingkoryūjujutsuunder Chojiro Ebashi. From 1905–1921, he studiedShindō Yōshin-ryūjujutsu under Tatsusaburo Nakayama. In 1922, he metGichin Funakoshiand began to train under him.In 1924, Ōtsuka became one of the first students promoted to black belt in karate by Funakoshi. To broaden his knowledge of Karate, Ōtsuka also studied with other prominent masters such asKenwa MabuniofShitō-ryūandMotobu Chōki.In 1929, Ōtsuka organised the first school karate club atTokyo University.Eiichi Eriguchi coined the term 'Wadō-ryū' in 1934.

In 1938, Ōtsuka registered his style of karate with theDai Nippon Butoku Kaiunder the name of "Shinshu Wadoryu Karate-Jujutsu." Soon after, however, this was shortened to "Wadō-ryū" ( cùng nói lưu ). In 1938, the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai awarded Ōtsuka the rank ofRenshi-Go,followed in 1942 by the rank ofKyoshi-Go.It was around this time that Tatsuo Suzuki, founder of the WIKF, began training in Wadō-ryū. In 1944, Ōtsuka was appointed Japan's Chief Karate Instructor.In 1946, Ōtsuka awarded Tatsuo Suzuki the rank of 2nddan.

Around 1950, Jiro Ōtsuka (the founder's second son) began training in Wadō-ryū while in his adolescent years. In 1951, Ōtsuka awardedTatsuo Suzukithe rank of 5thdan,the highest rank awarded in Wadō-ryū at that time. In 1952, the Wadō-ryū headquarters (honbu) was established at theMeiji Universitydojo inTokyo.In 1954, its name was changed toZen Nippon Karate Renmei(All Japan Karate Federation). In 1955, Ōtsuka published "Karatejutsu no Kenkyu," a book expounding his style of karate. In 1963, he dispatched Suzuki, along with Toru Arakawa and Hajimu Takashima, to spread Wadō-ryū around the world.

In 1964, theJapan Karate Federation(JKF) was established as a general organisation for all karate styles. Wadō-ryū joined this organisation as a major group.In 1965, Ōtsuka and Yoshiaki Ajari recorded onto film (which is now still available on two video tapes) much of the legacy of Wadō-ryū karate. The first video, "Wadō-ryū Karate Volume 1," consists of: in-depth history and recollections; demonstrations of the eightKihon No Tsukibody shifts; the first fiveKihon-Kumite;and thekataPinan1–5,Kūshankū,Jion,Naihanchi,andSeishan.The second video, "Wadō-ryū Karate Volume 2," consists of: more history; thekataChintō,Niseishi,Rōhai,Wanshu,andJitte;as well asKihon-Kumite6–10, along with application. In 1966, Ōtsuka was awarded theOrder of the Rising Sun, Fifth Classby EmperorHirohitofor his dedication to the introduction and teaching of karate.On 5 June 1967, the Wadō-ryū organisation changed its name to "Wadōkai."

In 1972, the President of Kokusai Budō Renmei, a member of the Japanese royal family, awarded Ōtsuka the title ofMeijin.In 1975, Suzuki received his 8thdan,the highest grade ever given (at the time) by the Federation of All Japan Karate-dō Organisations, and was namedHanshi-Goby the uncle of Emperor Higashikuni.

In 1980, as the result of a conflict between Ōtsuka and the Wadōkai organisation over personal withdrawals from the organisation's bank accounts, he stepped down as head of the Wadōkai. Eiichi Eriguchi took over his place within that organisation. On 1 April 1981, Ōtsuka founded the "Wadōryū Karatedō Renmei." (Renmeimeans "group" or "federation." ) After only a few months, he retired as head of this organisation. His son, Jiro Ōtsuka, took his place. On 29 January 1982, Hironori Ōtsuka died, and in 1983, Jiro Ōtsuka succeeded him as grandmaster of Wadō-ryū. The younger Ōtsuka changed his name to "Hironori Otsuka II" in honor of his late father. In 1989, Tatsuo Suzuki founded the third major Wadō-ryū organisation, "Wadō Kokusai" (Wadō International Karatedō Federation; WIKF). (Kokusaimeans "international." ) In 2011 following Suzuki's death, Jon Wicks succeeded as the WIKF chief instructor. In 2015 following Jiro's death, his son Kazutaka succeeded him as grandmaster of Wadō-ryū, assuming the name "Hironori Otsuka III".

Organisation

Wadō-ryū is spread between three independently-led organisations:Wadōkai,Wadō Kokusai and Wadō-ryū Karate-dō Renmei.

Wadō-ryū outside Japan

Wadō-ryū has been spread to many countries in the world, by both Japanese and non-Japanese students of Hironori Otsuka. Japanese Wadō-ryū stylistsTatsuo Suzuki,Teruo Kono,Masafumi Shiomitsu,H. Takashima,Naoki Ishikawa,Yoshihiko Iwasaki,Kuniaki Sakagamiand many others spread the art inEurope.Yoshiaki Ajari,Masaru Shintaniand Isaac Henry Jr. spread the art in the United States and Canada, Joaquim Gonçalves (fromPortugal) and many others have helped to spread the style in their respective countries. In 1968, Otsuka promotedCecil T. Pattersonof the United States to 5thdan,and charged him with the creation of the United States Eastern Wado-Kai Federation (USEWF).Following the split between Otsuka and the Wado-Kai in 1980, Patterson and the USEWF (renamed: United States Eastern Wadō-ryū Karate Federation) remained with Otsuka. Following Patterson's death in 2002, his son John T. Patterson assumed the presidency of the USEWF. Patterson's organisation continues as an active member of the Wadō Ryū Karatedō Renmei. In the UK, Wadō-ryū has been cited as a key influence in the development of thehybrid martial artSanjuro.

Notable practitioners

For practitioners of Wadō-ryū, seeCategory:Wadō-ryū practitioners.

• Hironori Ōtsuka
• Tatsuo Suzuki (martial artist)
• Seiji Nishimura
• Masaru Shintani
• Steve Arneil
• Cecil T. Patterson
• Hamish Telfer Adam
• Toru Arakawa
• Steven Bellamy
• Ticky Donovan
• Bob Breen
• Gilbert Ballantine
• Vic Charles
• Billy Higgins (karateka)
• Otti Roethof
• Geoff Thompson (karateka)
• Neil Hillman
• Guusje van Mourik
• Eugene Codrington
• Sari Laine
• Patricia Duggin
• William Millerson
• Hiroo Mochizuki
• Joe Robinson (actor)
• Jason David Frank
• Naoki Ishikawa (karaté)
• Teruo Kono
• Patrice Belrhiti
• Catherine Belrhiti
• Roberto Danubio
• Jean-Robert Huart
• Jon Wicks
• Rob Zwartjes
• Mathieu Beysen
• Michizo Buyo
• Koji Takamatsu
• Masafumi Shiomitsu
• Kengo Sugiura

Yutaka Toyama

Further reading

• Tatsuo Suzuki, 'Karate-Do,' Pelham Books Ltd, London, 1967.
• SUZUKI by Tatsuo Suzuki, The Fulness Of A Life in KarateISBN3-9804461-0-7
• Pollock, Ben, 'Karate Wadoryu From Japan to the West'. Lulu Publications,2020. ISBN 9781716517860.

External links

• International Federation of Wado-Ryu Karate-Do or Wadōryū Karatedō Renmei
• Wado International Karate-Do Federation (WIKF)
• Japan Karatedo Federation Wado-Kai
• Wado-Ryu Poland