Conifer Japanese Karate-Do
Way of Peace and Harmony
Wado-Kai Karate
Way of Peace
Wado-Kai , meaning the "way of peace ", is one of the four major styles of karate in Japan and Europe and perhaps the purest form of karate-do (the way of the empty hands)and was founded in 1934 by late Grand Master Hironori Otsuka (1892-1982).
Otsuka Sensei was already an accomplished master of JuJitsu, Shindo Yoshin Ryu, when Master Gichin Funakoshi introduced karate in Tokyo, Japan. Master Otsuka became interested in karate in 1922. By 1928, he was assistant instructor to Funakoshi Sensei. In 1934, Master Otsuka founded Wado-Ryu style of karate. In 1972, Otsuka Sensei was awarded the title Shodai Karate-do Meijin Judan (the greatest title possible) from the Imperial Japanese family. This means first generation karate master of the 10th dan;
he was the first Japanese (not Okinawan) to make a style of karate in the form of Japanese budo, Thus making it a true Japanese martial art. Master Otsuka also, received the Shiju Hooshu metal for the outstanding contributions to sport from the government of Japan. He was the only man ever in the history of karate to be honored.
The aim of Wado karate is not merely perfection of the physical techniques of self-defense but the development of a mind that tranquil, yet alive, able to react intuitively to any situation. In Wado, as skill and knowledge are acquired through training and concentrated effort, the student is excepted to develop inner strength and clamness of character, as well as the virtues of self-control, respect for others, and true humility.
In his book Wado Ryu Karate, Otsuka Sensei notes, "the path of the martial arts is the path of peace. By mastering the path of martial arts, which is the path of peace and desiring the path of peace consequently, is indeed the path of the martial arts. The essence of the path of martial arts lies the peace and happiness of all human beings".