|
Wado is perhaps the purest form of Karatedo, steeped
in classical bushido (code of the samurai). Ohtsuka applied that outlook and experience to his teaching. The aim of Wado Kai Karate is perfection of technique as well as
development of a mind that is tranquil yet alive, able to react instinctively, intuitively and without hesitation to any situation. The training required in Wado Kai helps
the student acquire inner strength and calmness of character.
Karate for Ohtsuka was primarily a spiritual
discipline: "Violent action may be understood as the martial arts, but the true meaning of martial arts is to seek and attain the way to peace and harmony."
Techniques - punching, kicking, blocking, guarding,
striking, joint locks and twisting, joint strikes, throwing and prearranged and free-style sparring comprise the basic training foundation of Wado Kai Karate.
Also, for advanced students (Dan grades), Tanto Tori,
knife taking, and Idori, defence routines from a kneeling position are taught and practised.
Fundamental to Wado Kai Karate is taisabaki - body
shifting to avoid the attack, whilst simultaneously counter-attacking the attacker.
Wado Kai in the UK and Europe
In 1963 three Wado instructors, from Nihon University,
Japan, Tatsuo Suzuki, Toru Arakawa and Hajime Takashima travelled to Europe and America to demonstrate Wado Ryu Karate.
The three Wado instructors were invited to demonstrate
karate in London by the British Kendo Renmei. After the demonstration the kendo students had a meeting and decided that they would like to practice and study karate.
After their tour of Europe and America the Japanese instructors returned home.
Later the students who had decided that they would
like to practice karate, informed Tatsuo Suzuki sensei that they had formed a karate organisation, and could T. Suzuki return to London to teach them.
T. Suzuki returned to London and began teaching and
promoting Wado karate, this was in 1965.
The All British Karate Association was formed and the
number of dojos increased from 10 to 50.
[Back] [Next]
|
