WadÅ-ryÅ«

WadÅ-ryÅ«
(å’Œé“æµ)
The flag of WadÅ-ryÅ«.
Date founded	1934
Country of origin	Japan
Founder	Hironori ÅŒtsuka (1892â€“1982)
Current head	Three independently-led organizations: WadÅkai â€¢ WadÅ Kokusai â€¢ WadÅ-ryÅ« Karate-dÅ Renmei
Arts taught	Karate
Ancestor arts	Karate, Jujutsu
Ancestor schools	ShindÅ YÅshin-ryÅ« â€¢ Shotokan â€¢ Motobu-ryÅ«

WadÅ-ryÅ« (å’Œé“æµ) is a karate style; three organizations now teach the WadÅ-ryÅ« style: the Japan Karate-dÅ Federation WadÅkai (abbreviated to WadÅkai; "Zen Nihon Karate-dÅ Renmei Wadokai" in Japan), the WadÅryÅ« KaratedÅ Renmei, and the WadÅ Kokusai KaratedÅ Renmei (abbreviated to WadÅ Kokusai; also known as the WadÅ International KaratedÅ Federation [WIKF]).^[1]^[2]

Characteristics

Philosophy

The name WadÅ-ryÅ« has three parts: Wa, dÅ, and ryÅ«. Wa means "harmony," dÅ (same character as tao) means "way," and ryÅ« means "school" or "style". Harmony should not be interpreted as pacifism; it is simply the acknowledgment that yielding is sometimes more effective than brute strength.^[3]

From one point of view, WadÅ-ryÅ« might be considered a style of jÅ«jutsu rather than karate. It should be noted that Hironori ÅŒtsuka embraced Shotokan and was its chief instructor for a time. When ÅŒtsuka first registered his school with the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai in 1938, the style was called "Shinshu WadÅ-ryÅ« Karate-JÅ«jutsu," a name that reflects its hybrid character. ÅŒtsuka was a licensed ShindÅ YÅshin-ryÅ« practitioner and a student of YÅshin-ryÅ« when he first met the Okinawan karate master Gichin Funakoshi. After having learned from Funakoshi, and after their split, with Okinawan masters such as Kenwa Mabuni and Motobu ChÅki, ÅŒtsuka merged ShindÅ YÅshin-ryÅ« with Okinawan karate. The result of ÅŒtsuka's efforts is WadÅ-ryÅ« Karate.^[3]

To the untrained observer, WadÅ-ryÅ« might look similar to other styles of karate, such as ShÅtÅkan. Most of the underlying principles, however, were derived from ShindÅ YÅshin-ryÅ« an atemi waza focused style of Jujutsu. A block in WadÅ may look much like a block in ShÅtÅkan, but they are executed from different perspectives.

A key principle in WadÅ-ryÅ« is that of tai 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'â€”or harmony rather than physical strength. Modern karate competition tends to transform WadÅ-ryÅ« away from its roots towards a new generic karate that appeals more to the demands of both spectators and competitors.^[3]

As with other styles of karate WadÅ-ryÅ« techniques move from the heels of the feet, but differ in that many (particularly the gyaku zuki reverse punch, like a boxer's cross) progress to incorporate pushing off the ball of the foot as well. This affects the delivery of a number of techniques, particularly adding reach to punches with the back hand, given the extra hip movement afforded utilising the balls of the feet in this fashion.

While the core principles (at least with regard to tranmission of body weight 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. It is important to remember that this in no way makes it superior or inferior as a system in comparison to other styles, it is simply another way of thinking that has both merit and drawbacks.

It works well with the jÅ«jutsu applications that WadÅ retains and improves the tai sabaki that is a core of WadÅ training and application in comparison to the "low stances and long attacks, linear chained techniques" that typify the way ShÅtÅkan developed after the split.

Ranks

WadÅ-ryÅ« uses a typical karate belt order to denote rank. The beginner commences at 9th or 10th kyÅ« (depending on the organization and school) and progresses to 1st kyÅ«, then from 1stâ€“5th dan for technical grades. The ranks of 6thâ€“10th dan are honorary ranks. Although some other karate styles add stripes to their belt for the dan ranks, Wado-ryÅ« practitioners tend not to follow that practice.

Rank	Belt Alternate 1	Belt Alternate 2	Belt Alternate 3	Belt Alternate 4	Belt Alternate 5
10th kyÅ«	White belt				White belt
9th kyÅ«	Red belt	White belt	White belt	Yellow belt	Yellow belt
8th kyÅ«	Yellow belt	White belt	Yellow belt	Yellow belt	Orange belt
7th kyÅ«	Orange belt	White belt	Orange belt	Orange belt	Orange belt
6th kyÅ«	Green belt	Green belt	Blue belt	Green belt	Green belt
5th kyÅ«	Blue belt	Blue belt	Purple belt	Blue belt	Green belt
4th kyÅ«	Purple belt	Purple belt	Green Belt	Red belt	Blue belt
3rd kyÅ«	Brown belt	Brown belt	Brown belt	Brown belt	Brown belt
2nd kyÅ«	Brown-White belt	Brown belt	Brown belt	Brown belt	Brown belt
1st kyÅ«	Brown-Black belt	Brown belt	Brown belt	Brown belt	Brown belt
1stâ€“8th dan	Black belt	Black belt	Black belt	Black belt	Black belt

The rank at which Wado practitioners are first able to teach is usually 3rd dan, but this depends on the organization. Some Wado ryu organizations require completion of a special course in addition to attaining a certain dan rank.

Schools that use the same belt color for multiple kyu ranks typically, although not necessarily, use stripes to indicate progress within that belt color.

Kata

Kata are predefined, specific patterns of movement that incorporate and encapsulate martial techniques, concepts, and applications.^[2] The exact movements of a kata often vary from one organization to another, and even from one school to another within the same organization. The variations can range from gross deviations apparent to the untrained observer to very subtle minutiae. In his 1977 book on WadÅ-ryÅ« (published in English in 1997), ÅŒtsuka declared only nine official kata for WadÅ-ryÅ«: Pinan Nidan, Pinan Shodan, Pinan Sandan, Pinan Yodan, Pinan Godan, KÅ«shankÅ«, Naihanchi, Seishan and ChintÅ.^[4] Within his text, ÅŒtsuka provides detailed notes on the performance of these kata, which has resulted in less deviation across organizations on their performance. However, ÅŒtsuka did teach other kata. Perhaps because ÅŒtsuka did not provide specific notes for the performance of these other kata in his text, there is greater variation in these other kata across organizations and schools. Kata associated with WadÅ-ryÅ« include:

Ten-No: basic drills first invented by GigÅ Funakoshi (son of Gichin Funakoshi).
Taikyoku series: developed by Gichin Funakoshi as a preliminary exercise before the Pinan series; many WadÅ-ryÅ« schools teach these basic kata, particularly Taikyoku Shodan (å¤ªæ¥µåˆæ®µ).
Pinan kata: created by AnkÅ Itosu, and consisting of Pinan Shodan (å¹³å®‰åˆæ®µ), Pinan Nidan (å¹³å®‰äºŒæ®µ), Pinan Sandan (å¹³å®‰ä¸‰æ®µ), Pinan Yodan (å¹³å®‰å››æ®µ), and Pinan Godan (å¹³å®‰äº”æ®µ). Funakoshi renamed this series as the Heian series.
KÅ«shankÅ«^[5] ã‚¯ãƒ¼ã‚·ãƒ£ãƒ³ã‚¯ãƒ¼: "Sky Viewing". KÅ«shankÅ« was the Okinawan name for Kwang Shang Fu, a Sapposhi (emissary of China's ruling class) sent to Okinawa in the 18th century. This kata uses stances and attacks consisting of the five previous Pinan kata. No new techniques are introduced. Funakoshi renamed this kata as KankÅ« Dai.
Naihanchi ãƒŠã‚¤ãƒãƒ³ãƒ (å†…ç•”æˆ¦; also known as Naifanchi): this was the original name for the three Tekki kata, but was changed by Funakoshi. This is a lateral kata learned from ChÅki Motobu. WadÅ-ryÅ« practices only the first Naihanchi kata.
Seishan ã‚»ã‚¤ã‚·ãƒ£ãƒ³: the name means "13 hands." This kata was named after a well-known Chinese martial artist who lived in or near Shuri c. 1700. The movements are repeated in sets of three, and has pivots and turning of the head. Funakoshi renamed this kata as Hangetsu.
ChintÅ ãƒãƒ³ãƒˆã‚¦: formulated by Matsumura SÅkon from the teachings of a sailor or pirate named ChintÅ (or Annan, depending on the source). Crane stance occurs many times, and the flying kicks differentiate ChintÅ from other kata. Funakoshi renamed this kata as Gankaku.
Bassai (æŠ«å¡ž; also known as Passai): a Tomari-te kata that uses dynamic stances and hip rotation. Funakoshi renamed this kata as Bassai Dai.
RÅhai : RÅhai has three variation invented by Itosu. WadÅ-ryÅ« practices RÅhai Shodan. Funakoshi renamed this kata as Meikyo.
Niseishi (äºŒåå››æ¥): the name means "24 steps." Transmitted by Ankichi Aragaki, this kata is known in Japanese as NijÅ«shiho.
Wanshu : the name means "flying swallow." This is a Tomari-te kata based 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 this kata. Funakoshi renamed this kata as Empi.
Jion : A Tomari-te kata; part of the Jion kata group.
Jitte : another Tomari-te kata of the Jion kata group; the name means "10 hands."
Suparinpei : known as "108 hands," representing the 108 evil spirits of man. This kata is 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 as Haiku Hachi Ho (a name given by Funakoshi). Suparinpei was originally listed as a WadÅ-ryÅ« kata with the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai by Hironori ÅŒtsuka, but he eventually discarded it. Some WadÅ-ryÅ« instructors and schools still teach this kata.
Kunpu & Unsu

In addition to the solo kata listed above, many WadÅ-ryÅ« schools also practice paired kata, which reflects its jujutsu heritage. These paired kata are performed by two people (one as the attacker and one as the defender), demonstrating a range of self-defense techniques. The paired kata of WadÅ-ryÅ« often vary from one organization from another, because ÅŒtsuka did not standardize them. The paired kata are:

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 organization) 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 of Tatsuo Suzuki Hanshi's W.I.K.F organization.
Idori no Kata: consists of 5â€“10 techniques (depending on the organization) of seated self-defense, influenced by jujutsu throwing and joint-locking techniques.
Tantodori no Kata: consists of 7â€“10 techniques (depending on the organization) of defenses against knife attacks, influenced by jujutsu body movements, throwing, and joint-locking techniques.
Shinken Shirahadori (çœŸå‰£ç™½åˆƒå–ã‚Š): consists of 5-10 (depending on organization) techniques of defenses against sword attacks, influenced by jujutsu body movements, throwing, and joint-locking techniques.

In addition to the three paired kata above, there are also Gyakunage Kata (kata of throwing), Joshi Goshinjutsu (kata of women's self-defense), Kodokan Goshin Jutsu & some others, but they are not commonly taught.

History

The founder of WadÅ-ryÅ«, Hironori ÅŒtsuka, was born on 1 June 1892 in Shimodate, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan.^[1] In 1898, ÅŒtsuka began practicing koryÅ« jujutsu under Chojiro Ebashi. From 1905â€“1921, he studied ShindÅ YÅshin-ryÅ« jujutsu under Tatsusaburo Nakayama. In 1922, he met Gichin Funakoshi and began to train under him. In 1924, ÅŒtsuka became one of the first students promoted to black belt in karate by Funakoshi. To broaden his knowledge of Karate, ÅŒtsuka also studied with other prominent masters such as Kenwa Mabuni of ShitÅ-ryÅ« and Motobu ChÅki.^[2] In 1929, ÅŒtsuka organized the first school karate club at Tokyo University. Eiichi Eriguchi coined the term 'WadÅ-ryÅ«' in 1934.^[6]

In 1938, ÅŒtsuka registered his style of karate with the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai under the name of "Shinshu Wadoryu Karate-Jujutsu." Soon after, however, this was shortened to "WadÅ-ryÅ«" (å’Œé“æµ). In 1938, the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai awarded ÅŒtsuka the rank of Renshi-Go, followed in 1942 by the rank of Kyoshi-Go. It was around this time that Tatsuo Suzuki, founder of the WIKF, began training in WadÅ-ryÅ«. In 1944, ÅŒtsuka was appointed Japan's Chief Karate Instructor. In 1946, ÅŒtsuka awarded Tatsuo Suzuki the rank of 2nd dan.

Around 1950, Jiro ÅŒtsuka (the founder's second son) began training in WadÅ-ryÅ« while in his adolescent years. In 1951, ÅŒtsuka awarded Tatsuo Suzuki the rank of 5th dan, the highest rank awarded in WadÅ-ryÅ« at that time. In 1952, the WadÅ-ryÅ« headquarters (honbu) was established at the Meiji University dojo in Tokyo. In 1954, its name was changed to Zen Nippon Karate Renmei (All Japan Karate Federation). In 1955, ÅŒtsuka 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 WadÅ-ryÅ« around the world.

In 1964, the Japan Karate-dÅ Federation (JKF) was established as a general organization for all karate styles. WadÅ-ryÅ« joined this organization as a major group.^[1] In 1965, ÅŒtsuka and Yoshiaki Ajari recorded onto film (which is now still available on two video tapes) much of the legacy of WadÅ-ryÅ« karate. The first video, "WadÅ-ryÅ« Karate Volume 1," consists of: in-depth history and recollections; demonstrations of the eight Kihon No Tsuki body shifts; the first five Kihon-Kumite; and the kata Pinan 1-5, KÅ«shankÅ«, Jion, Naihanchi, and Seishan. The second video, "WadÅ-ryÅ« Karate Volume 2," consists of: more history; the kata ChintÅ, Niseishi, RÅhai, Wanshu, and Jitte; as well as Kihon-Kumite 6-10, along with application. In 1966, ÅŒtsuka was awarded Kun Goto Soukuo Kyokujujutsu (comparable to a knighthood) by Emperor Hirohito for his dedication to the introduction and teaching of karate. On 5 June 1967, the WadÅ-ryÅ« organization changed its name to "WadÅkai."

In 1972, the President of Kokusai BudÅ Renmei, a member of the Japanese royal family, awarded ÅŒtsuka the title of Meijin.^[1]^[7] In 1975, Suzuki received his 8th dan, the highest grade ever given (at the time) by the Federation of All Japan Karate-dÅ Organizations, and was named Hanshi-Go by the uncle of Emperor Higashikuni.

In 1980, as the result of a conflict between ÅŒtsuka and the WadÅkai organization, he stepped down as head of the WadÅkai. Eiichi Eriguchi took over his place within that organization. On 1 April 1981, ÅŒtsuka founded the "WadÅryÅ« KaratedÅ Renmei." (Renmei means "group" or "federation.") After only a few months, he retired as head of this organization. His son, Jiro ÅŒtsuka, took his place. On 29 January 1982, Hironori ÅŒtsuka died, and in 1983, Jiro ÅŒtsuka succeeded him as grandmaster of WadÅ-ryÅ«. The younger ÅŒtsuka changed his name to "Hironori Otsuka II" in honor of his late father. In 1989, Tatsuo Suzuki founded the third major WadÅ-ryÅ« organization, "WadÅ Kokusai" (WadÅ International KaratedÅ Federation; WIKF). (Kokusai means "international.")

WadÅ-ryÅ« outside Japan

WadÅ-ryÅ« has been spread to many countries in the world, by both Japanese and non-Japanese students of Hironori Otsuka. Japanese WadÅ-ryÅ« stylists Tatsuo Suzuki, Teruo Kono, Masafumi Shiomitsu, H. Takashima, Naoki Ishikawa, Yoshihiko Iwasaki, Kuniaki Sakagami and many others spread the art in Europe. Yoshiaki Ajari, Masaru Shintani and Isaac Henry Jr. spread the art in the USA and Canada, Joaquim GonÃ§alves (from Portugal) and many others have helped to spread the style in their respective countries. In 1968, Otsuka promoted Cecil T. Patterson of the USA to 5th dan, and charged him with the creation of the United States Eastern Wado-Kai Federation (USEWF).^[8]^[9] Following the split between Otsuka and the Wado-Kai in 1980, Patterson and the USEWF (renamed: United States Eastern WadÅ-ryÅ« Karate Federation) remained with Otsuka. Following Patterson's death in 2002, his son John T. Patterson assumed the presidency of the USEWF. Patterson's organization continues as an active member of the WadÅ RyÅ« KaratedÅ Renmei. In the UK, WadÅ-ryÅ« has been cited as a key influence in the development of the hybrid martial art Sanjuro.

References

1 2 3 4 Wado Ryu Karate/Jujutsu. Books.google.co.uk. Retrieved 22 November 2014.
1 2 3 Black Belt November 1971. Books.google.co.uk. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
1 2 3 "USKO". Usko-karate.co.uk. Retrieved 22 November 2014.
â†‘ Wado Ryu Karate: Hironori Otsuka 1997, p.72
â†‘ Wado Ryu Karate: Hironori Otsuka 1997, p.177
â†‘ Memoirs of A Karate Fighter. Books.google.co.uk. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
â†‘ Black Belt June 1970. Books.google.co.uk. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
â†‘ Patterson 1974, pg. 4
â†‘ Black Belt June 1983. Books.google.co.uk. Retrieved 23 November 2014.

External links

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WadÅ-ryÅ«