Wado-ryu

Histoire

Wado-ryu, "the way of harmony", was created by Hironori Otsuka, a master of Shindo Yoshin-ryu jujutsu who also trained with Gichin Funakoshi. He combined karate with jujutsu body movement and registered the style in 1938.

Wado-ryu prefers evasion, timing and moving the body off the line of attack (tai sabaki) to blocking force with force.

Otsuka received the full licence (menkyo kaiden) of Shindo Yoshin-ryu in 1921 and in 1972 was among the first karate masters honoured with the title Meijin. After his death the style divided into Wado-kai, Wado-ryu Renmei (led by his son Jiro) and Wado Kokusai, but all keep the same kata: Pinan, Kushanku, Naihanchi, Seishan, Chinto, Bassai and others.

Le saviez-vous ?

• Wado-ryu was one of the first karate styles officially registered in Japan.
• Its pair exercises (kihon kumite) show the jujutsu roots, with throws and locks.
• Stances are higher and shorter than in Shotokan.
• Wado-ryu is one of the four major styles recognised by the Japan Karate Federation.

Glossaire des techniques

Tai sabaki

body evasion

Nagashi-zuki

flowing punch while evading

Kihon kumite

basic pair sequences

Formes

Pinan Shodan–GodanKushankuNaihanchiSeishanChintoBassaiNiseishiRohaiWanshuJionJitte

Figures clés

• Hironori Otsuka (1892–1982) — founder of Wado-ryu

Sources: Wado Kokusai / Japan Karate Federation Wado-kai · Japan Karate Federation (JKF) — four major styles