KARATE HISTORY

Karate (meaning: empty hand) as a martial art method originated from Okinawa, Japan (formally known as the Ryukyu Islands) and was developed from indigenous fighting methods. Karate was introduced to mainland Japan in the early 1920s, and in 1922 the Japanese Ministry of Education invited Gichin Funakoshi to Tokyo to give a karate demonstration. In 1924, Keio University established the first university karate club in Japan and by 1932, major Japanese universities had karate clubs.

HOW KARATE CAME TO THE UNITED STATES

Karate became popular to American GI’s stationed in Okinawa during World War II and was first brought to the mainland of the United States as early as 1945 by returning servicemen. During 1950s and 1960s, Asian martial arts masters began coming to the United States to further its popularity and growth.

WHAT IS WADO?

Wado-Ryu was created by Hironori Ohtsuka 1934. Wado-Kai is the name of the organization within the Japan Karate Federation (JKF) which practices the Wado-ryu style of karate. The students who trained with him became the Wado group or WadoKai. Today, the style that is trained within Wado-Kai is Wado-Ryu.

Wado, “way of peace” is a pure and traditional form of karate. A principle of learning fighting skills, lies along the path to find peace within one’s self

KARATE TRADITIONS & MANNERS

In Japan, it is customary to bow when greeting another person. Japanese karate has this same custom. Students bow to each other, to their instructor, to their place of practice, and before and after karate exercises.

Dojo precepts are the principles for behaving for any karate practitioner. These principles embody the spirit of karate training and self-control. Dojo precepts are recited aloud before and after each training lesson.

When you become a karate practitioner, you also become an ambassador of its traditions, manners, and behaviors. To do otherwise is a sign of disrespect.

LEARNING THE WADO-KAI WAY 

Relaxation is the essence of Wado-Kai karate. Relaxation of the mind, and of the body. Learning the style of Wado-Kai, is the mental and physical training of controlling your own power and strength, while utilizing momentum from your hips (versus using the strength in your shoulders, arm muscles, and legs) for blocks, punches, kicks, and other movements.