The Historical Background of Wado-Ryu

Wado-Ryu, one of the major styles of Karate, stands out not only for its techniques but also for its rich history. Founded by Hironori Ohtsuka, this martial art is a fusion of Jiu Jitsu, Aikido, and traditional Karate. To fully appreciate Wado-Ryu, one must delve into its origins, key influences, and the milestones that have marked its development over the years.

Early Life and Influences of Hironori Ohtsuka

Hironori Ohtsuka, born on January 29, 1892, began his martial arts journey at an exceptionally young age. His great uncle, Chojiro Ebashi, introduced him to Jiu Jitsu, a grappling-oriented martial art, at the age of 3 or 4. Shortly thereafter, around the age of 5 or 6, Ohtsuka was enrolled in Shindo Yoshin-Ryu Jiu Jitsu under Shinzaburo Nakayama-sensei.

Shindo Yoshin-Ryu Jiu Jitsu, which means "Sacred Willow Style," emphasizes grace and natural movement. This early training laid a foundational emphasis on natural, flowing movement, which would later become a cornerstone of Wado-Ryu. During his years at Waseda University from 1910-1917, where he earned an Associate's Degree in Economics, Ohtsuka experimented with various Jiu Jitsu styles to find their best qualities.

Encounter with Karate and Funakoshi

In 1922, Ohtsuka's martial arts path took a pivotal turn when he met Gichin Funakoshi, the father of modern Karate. Funakoshi had been invited by Crown Prince Hirohito to perform Karate in Tokyo, an event that greatly impressed Ohtsuka. As one of Funakoshi's first Japanese students, Ohtsuka quickly became deeply involved in learning Karate and was named among the first seven black belts in modern Karate by 1924.

However, Ohtsuka found Funakoshi's style (later known as Shotokan) to be lacking in certain practical applications. He felt that the kata (forms) had little practical application and that the absence of free sparring left no room for testing techniques. Thus, while assisting Funakoshi, Ohtsuka trained with other notable masters like Kenwa Mabuni (founder of Shito-Ryu Karate), Choki Motobu, and Morihei Ueshiba (founder of Aikido).

The Creation of Wado-Ryu

Ohtsuka began to blend the techniques and principles he had learned from various martial arts into a new, unified system. This blending included the basics of Funakoshi's Karate, the practicality of Shindo Yoshin-Ryu Jiu Jitsu, and the natural, evasive movements of Aikido. A significant breakthrough came with the development of Kihon Kumite Kata, which allowed for practical defense through formal art.

By 1934, Ohtsuka established the All Japan Karate-do Research Organization (Dai Nippon Karatedo Shinko Kai). Four years later, he officially named his style Wado-Ryu, meaning "Way of Peace and Harmony." This naming occurred prior to demonstrating his style at the All Japan Classical Martial Arts Festival.

Wado-Ryu’s Expansion and Recognition

Wado-Ryu quickly gained recognition and respect within the martial arts community. The first All Japan Wado-Ryu Karate Championships were held in 1955. By 1963, key instructors like Mr. Arakawa, Mr. Takashima, and Mr. Tatsuo Suzuki left Japan to spread Wado-Ryu to Europe and America.

In 1966, Emperor Hirohito awarded Ohtsuka with The Grand Order of the Rising Sun, and in 1972, the International Martial Arts Federation awarded him the title of 'meijin' (master), the first time a karateka had received such an honor in Japan. Despite Ohtsuka's death in 1982, Wado-Ryu continues to influence and positively affect martial artists worldwide.

Technical and Philosophical Elements of Wado-Ryu

Wado-Ryu stands out for its emphasis on body-shifting and avoidance. Unlike other Karate styles that often emphasize hard blocking techniques, Wado-Ryu practitioners focus on tai sabaki (body movement) to evade attacks and position themselves for effective counterattacks. This is a direct influence from Jiu Jitsu and Aikido.

Wado-Ryu also integrates various techniques like joint-locking (kansetsu-waza), throwing (nage-waza), and striking (atemi-waza) to vital points of the body. These techniques were influenced by Ohtsuka's comprehensive training in Jiu Jitsu and his knowledge of anatomy and atemi-waza, which aims to strike vital points for maximum effectiveness.

Modern Day Wado-Ryu

Today, Wado-Ryu remains one of the major styles of Karate globally, with numerous practitioners and dojos worldwide. The style has diversified, and various associations have emerged, each preserving the core principles while adapting to contemporary needs. Ohtsuka's son, Hironori Ohtsuka II, and later his grandson, Hironori Ohtsuka III, have continued the legacy, ensuring that the foundational teachings remain intact while allowing for modern adaptations.

Conclusion

Wado-Ryu Karate is a unique blend of traditional Japanese martial arts and Okinawan Karate, resulting in a style that emphasizes harmony, fluidity, and practical application. Its historical development is a testament to Hironori Ohtsuka's vision of a martial art that goes beyond mere combat, aiming for peace and harmony both in practice and in life. As Wado-Ryu continues to evolve, its rich history and foundational principles remain a guiding light for practitioners worldwide.