27/06/09
Saturaday 27 S.E.M.K.A. Pre Grading Training Session at Shin Ichi Do Club, Hut
15, Tilgate Recreation Centre, Crawley 10.00am - 1.00pm. Price £10.00
27/06/09 British Ju-Jutsu Seminar. The UMA's Chief Officer and Senior Officer
for BJJ (Brazilian JuJitsu); Carl Fisher will be holding a BJJ Seminar on:
Saturday 27th June 2009. The Venue: The Akai Ryun Judo and Ju-Jitsu Academy,
Synod Inn, Llandysul, Ceredigion (Near Aberystwyth), Wales. SA44 6JL. BJJ
Seminar Begins 12.00pm midday and ends 3.00pm. Cost: £20 per person. BJJ
Instructor: Carl Fisher. Carl is a well respected and well known BJJ
Practitioner, Instructor and Coach with many years experience and has trained
all over the world with some of the most prominent Martial Arts Practitioner.
Carl is also a Reporter and Photographer for Fighters Magazine and is a well
known and trusted resource within the Mixed Martial Arts Community too. Carl's
Pedigree is second to none when it comes to BJJ, and is a well known and
respected Practitioner, Instructor and Coach. His knowledge, understanding is
well known, and can break BJJ down for anyone to learn and implement and/or add
to your own game regardless of Style or System etc. This Seminar is for
everyone, regardless of what Art you study, if your already into the grappling
and/or ground game, then you will definitely add to your game, and if your from
a Striking Art, Traditional or Sporting, then Carl will definitely help add to
your game there too, and grade or rank is no object, whether your a Beginner or
Black Belt, everyone is welcome. To see Carl in action, you will see him on many
online Video Webs etc, here is one from Carl demonstrating an Open Guard Sweep
on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTbwSA3Ecmo To Reserve and Book your
place, contact Carl: thefightingphotographer@...

28/06/09
English Wado Federation Championships. Venue: Bishop Perowne College,
Worcester. For further details and information, please contact:
englishwadofederation@...

28/06/09
Sunday 28th S.E.M.K.A. Kyu Grading at Horsham Karate Club Tanbridge School
Open to all senior grades and juniors grades taking green belt and above. 9.30am
to 12.30pm. See you instructor to check if you are able to grade.
05/07/09
Sunday 5th Open Coaching Course . Paul Elliott - English Karate Fedaration
(EKF) recognised assessor is holding a Coaching Course which is open to all EKF
members. This course will benefit all Instructors who may have an interest in
the future of qualifying in the following EKF coaching awards :- JUNIOR DOJO
LEADER. LEVEL 1 – PROVISIONAL COACH,LEVEL 2 – ASSISTANT COACH,LEVEL 3 – CLUB
COACH, LEVEL 5 – CHIEF INSTRUCTOR, `S' LEVEL – SPECIALIST COACH. The course will
explain the implications and requirements needed in order to pass the EKF
Assessment in your own Dojo. Venue: Tanbridge School Guildford Road, Horsham.
West Sussex.RH12 1SR.(NB: Course will be held in the meeting room, which is in
one of the mobile classrooms between the gym and the main hall. Please bring pen
& paper.) Time: 10.00am to 1.00pm Price: £10.00 plus EKF coaching manual £7.50
apox; To secure your place please book in by 14th June. For more Information
please contact: Paul Elliott 6th DanTel: 01403 218327 Mob: 07778 058482 Email:
semka@.... Mob: 07778 058482 Email: semka@... .

12/07/09
Clacton Sports Centre, Vista Road Clacton on sea Essex CO15 6DB. CLOSING DATE
Monday 6th JUNE 2009. CONTACT JOE: 01376502612 – 07886097615. EMAIL:
toyakwaikarate@... web: toyakwaikarate.co.uk OR WEB: YOURBKCC.CO.UK
This is an EKF Member/Sanctioned Event.
12/07/09

PRESENTS 13th OPEN KARATE CHAMPIONSHIPS+SENIOR CUP. Sunday 12th July 2009
UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON, WALSALL SPORTS CENTRE, GORWAY ROAD(Magdalene Road),
WALSALL, WEST MIDLANDS. WS1 3BD. FOR ENTRY FORM; THE SECRETARY, CENTRAL ENGLAND
KARATE, 33 BURNHAM AVENUE, OXLEY, WOLVERHAMPTON. WV10 6DX. TEL/FAX 01902 397650
MOBILE 07958 494602. EMAIL: - cewka@... www.cewka.co.uk (BEST
QUALITY TROPHIES WILL BE AWARDED) TROPHY AWARDED TO COACH OF MOST SUCCESSFUL
CLUB. ALL COMPETITORS WHICH HAVE PLACED SHOULD GIVE THE NAME OF THEIR CLUB SO
THE POINTS CAN BE ADDED UP 3 POINTS = WIN 2 POINTS = 2ND 1 POINTS = 3RD 63
CATEGORIES WITH SECTIONS FOR ALL AGES, INCLUDING THE POPULAR MENS OVER 40YRS.
MARTIAL ARTS EQUIPMENT ON SALE. NOTE: - All competitors taking part in this
tournament must have a valid up to date licence and insurance cover, and must be
available for inspection on the day if required. It is the responsibility of the
competitor and their coach to make sure the above are in order. The organisers
and referees cannot be responsible for any injury however caused. WHERE: -
UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON, WALSALL SPORTS CENTRE, GORWAY ROAD(Magdalene Road),
WALSALL, WEST MIDLANDS. WS1 3BD WHEN: - SUNDAY 12TH JULY 2009 REGISTRATION
9.00AM. TOURNAMENT COMMENCES 10.00AM. RULES: - This Event Will only be opened to
EKF/ or your countries WKF members/ By entering this tournament you confirm that
you fulfil the above ippon, nihon, sanbon scores will apply in the Kumite Events
(mirror judges depending on amount of refs) wkf based rules Junior Kumite events
will be 1.5 mins seniors 2 mins, finals 2 and 3 mins. Kata section will be by
way of knock out. Red and Blue Flags will be used. Beginners to 7th Kyu may
repeat Kata in all rounds, 6th to 4th Kyu must do min 2 Kata alternating each
round, 3rd Kyu must do min 3 Kata alternating in each round. Compulsory gum
shield, groin guard must be worn in Kumite events, and chest guard for females.
Approved red for aka, blue for ao mitts, red belt or blue belt will be worn,
belt showing grades will not allowed (please bring your own belts). KUMITE
COMPETITOR 13YRS AND ABOVE WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR RED OR BLUE WKF STYLE
SHIN/FOOT GUARD. Only white karate gi will be allowed. Competitors must have up
to date licence / insurance. PLEASE ENSURE YOU ENTER THE CORRECT CATEGORY,
PLEASE CHECK HEIGHTS OF YOUR COMPETITORS. THERE WILL BE MANY JUNIOR AND NEW
COMPETITORS TO TOURNAMENTS, TO ENCOURAGE THEM THE OFFICIALS WILL BE VERY STRICT
WITH ANY EXCESSIVE CONTACT, NO CONTACT TO FACE IN JUNIOR SECTIONS. FOR SAFETY
REASON ONLY CLUB COACH WILL BE ALLOWED AROUND THE AREAS, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES
WILL PARENTS BE ALLOWED AROUND THE AREA, COULD ALL COACHES/ INSTRUCTORS PLEASE
ENSURE YOU BRIEF THIS TO YOUR DELIGATION. COST: Individual events £12.00 Kata /
Kumite Team events £25.00 Kata / Kumite PAIRS KATA £15.00. Entries to arrive by
Friday 10TH July late entries & entries on the day £14.00 for Individual and
£30.00 for teams. No cheques will be accepted on the day. No concessions.
Cheques payable to: - CEWKA. Spectators adults £8.00 Children 15yrs and under
£5.00, 5yrs and under free. SEND ENTRIES TO: -The secretary central England
karate, 33 Burnham Ave, Oxley, Wolverhampton, WV10 6DX. Tel/fax 01902 397650
mobile 07958 494602. Email cewka@... Web www.cewka.co.uk Direction
to venue; University of Wolverhampton (Walsall campus) Walsall Sport Centre,
Gorway road (MAGDALENE ROAD), Walsall West Midlands. WS1 3BD. LEAVE THE M6 AT
JUNCTION 9, FOLLOW A461 (wood green lane) TOWARDS BIRMINGHAM MAKING SURE YOU GET
INTO THE RIGHT-HAND LANE BEAR RIGHT ONTO A4148, WALLOWS LANE (Morrison on left).
THIS BECOMES BROADWAY RINGROAD CONTINUE UNTIL YOU SEE UNIVERSITY OF
WOLVERHAMPTON WALSALL CAMPUS ON YOUR LEFT HAND SIDE. TURN LEFT ONTO MAGDALENE
ROAD AND YOU WILL ENTER THE SPORTS CENTRE CAR PARK YOU HAVE REACHED YOUR
DESTINATION. YOU MAY NOTICE THE ADDRESS IS GORWAY ROAD HOWEVER THE ENTRANCE IS
VIA MAGDALENE ROAD. SO IF YOU ARE USING GPS USE MAGDALENE ROAD.
This is an EKF Member/Sanctioned Event.
12/07/09
Sunday 12th Tonfa Open Weopon Course Level 1. This is the first course
teaching the student how to use the tonfa. This will cover Introduction of the
Weapon and the syllabus which includes Gripping, Stances, Blocks and StikesTime:
10.00am-1.00pm Cost: £10.00 Venue: Tanbridge House School Gym, Farthing Hill,
Guildford Road, Horsham, West Sussex.RH12 1SR.. You must bring a tonfa or have
order one, wood for Seniors rubber for Juniors. Instructor: Paul Elliott 6th Dan
Renshi You must book for this course . To book/more details please contact: Paul
Elliott 6th Dan Tel: 01403 218327 Mob: 07778 058482 Email: semka@...

17 to 24/07/09
Ishikawa Wado Summer Camp from 17th till 24th July 2009.
Instructors include: H Ishikawa 3rd Dan, AJ van Dijk 2nd Dan and N. Nukina
Sensei, Wadokai Chief Instructor of Romania and ALL Japan Champion `94 `95 is
also invited to teach at the Summer Camp.
We stay at Centerparcs "De Kempervennen" in the Netherlands. Different from
previous years there is – apart from the 3 hours training in the morning
(09.00-12.00hrs) – also an afternoon training! (15.00-17.00hrs).
Please watch the Shihan N. Ishikawa memorial video summer camp promo:
http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=uyVzXJu2irA
For more information please visit (one of) the following websites to obtain
information and subscription forms in your preferred language:
www.shihan-ishikawa.nl (EN – NL),
www.sportschool-ishikawa.nl (NL),
www.art-of-budo.com (EN),
www.wadokangorinchem.nl (NL).


18/07/09
19/07/09
AIWa Masters Course. The Alliance of International Wado-ryu are organising
their first AIWa Masters' Course, where Chief Instructors from each affiliation
are invited to teach elements from their own version of Wado. Senior Instructor,
who will also be heading the instructor line-up for the course, will be the
`Founder/President' of AIWa (and Chief Instructor of British Wadokai) Gary E
Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. The course is organised by the Alliance of International
Wado-Ryu on which top Instructors of AIWa are teaching their vast knowledge of
their own brand of Wado-Ryu/Kai. Instructors include, so far:
Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi (British Wadokai, teaching Tanto-dori-no-kata),
Paul Elliott (6th Dan) Renshi (Samurai Enlighten Mushin Karate Academy,
teaching SEMKA Kumite-gata),
Mick Rapley 6th Dan (Samurai Enlighten Mushin Karate Academy, teaching
Goshin-jutsu),

Graham Chuck (6th Dan) Renshi (Kenkyukai Wado-ryu Karate-do, teaching Kenkyukai
Kata-Bunkai).
Time: 10.00am-2.00pm Cost: 4 hours £20.00- 2hrs for Junior Grades £10.00 Time
10.00am to 12.00pm. Venue: Tanbridge House School Gym, Farthing Hill, Guildford
Road, Horsham, West Sussex. RH12 1SR. If you are a Chief Instructor within AIWa,
and would like to demonstrate and contribute your variation of Wado Karate on
the course – OR – if you would like more information, please contact, Paul
Elliott Renshi. 01403-218327/07778-058482. Email:semka@...
25/07/09
Wado Karate Course. A general Wado training Karate Course, including the
practice of I-dori-no-kata and ji'in Kata. Instructor; Gary E Swift (7th Dan)
Kyoshi. Venue; Bushi Karate Club. Plum Lane, Dunwear, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6
5HL. Time; 10am to 1pm. For further details please contact; Andrew Daly 5th Dan.
Tel: 01278-685559. Mob: 07904-857606. Email: bridgwaterwado@... or
info@... Website www.bushi.org.uk

25/07/09
GRASS ROOTS KARATE TRAINING. Dear All, It is with great pleasure that I am
able to launch the EKF Grass Roots Karate Training Courses. As a Board we want
to give something to our rank and file members. It is our aim to hold courses
around the country, in the various styles, using the vast wealth of talent and
experience within our Heads of Association and membership. By running courses
across the country we can take Karate to the people, and give the EKF members
the opportunity to train with some of the countries best coaches and a
subsidised cost. These sessions are: NON EGO, NON POLITICAL, NO RIGHT OR WRONG -
SIMPLY KARATE TRAINING FOR ENJOYMENT, PARTICIPATION, LEARNING AND SHARING OF
KNOWLEDGE. The first session is booked as follows: SATURDAY 25th JULY WADO-RYU,
(other styles are welcome) YORKSHIRE AREA 3 HOURS DURATION - £10.00. Coaches,
Andrew Genery and John Moreton. A booking form is available from the EKF
Website. Anyone wishing to hold a similar course in their area please contact me
at coaching@... On behalf of the Board may I thank you
in advance for your valued support and cooperation in making these courses a
success. Kind regards, Andrew Genery, Director of Coaching.
English Karate Federation
'Working on behalf of its members'
09/08/09 U.K. KYU GRADE KARATE CHAMPIONSHIPS. Sunday 9th August 2009 Birchwood
Leisure & Tennis Centre, Benson Road, Birchwood, Warrington. WA3 7PQ. Open to
all EKF & affiliated members only please. Entry details available soon. For
further information, please contact: bentham.brian@...

This is an EKF Member/Sanctioned Event.
16/08/09
UK-Bushido Open Kata Course. Instructor; Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. Venue;
Danecourt School, Hotel Road, Gillingham, Kent. ME8 6AA. Time; 10am-2pm. For
further details, please contact; UK-Bushido. Barry Archer 4th Dan. Tel:
01634-572860. Email: barry1@... Web: UK-Bushido Karate:
ukbushido.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/


17/08/09 AMA North West Karate Championships. Bury Castle Leisure Centre, Bolton
Street, Bury England.
This is an EKF Member/Sanctioned Event.
23/08/09
Sensei Wataru Shibata 7th Dan (aka Bob Nash 7th Dan) Open Wado Karate Course.
Hosted by the British Wadokai Karate-do Federation (BWK). Date: 23rd August
2009. Venue: Tanbridge House School Sports Hall, Farthing Hill, Guildford Road,
Horsham, West Sussex. RH12 1SR. Time: 2-5pm. Cost: £20. For further details
please contact: Paul Elliott 6th Dan. Tel: 01403-218327. Email:
semka@... Gary E Swift 7th Dan. Tel: 01752-493210. Email:
garyswift@...
Bob Nash 7th Dan was born in Yokohama Japan of mixed parentage, his mother being
Japanese and his father American. He spent the first 18 years of his life in
Tokyo as Wataru Shibata. Nash sensei started Wado at the age of six. He has
trained under the watchful eye of Hideho Takagi (8th Dan) for many years. Takagi
sensei is one of the leading karate technicians in Japan and is currently
serving as the Chairman of the JKF Wadokai Technical committee. Nash sensei is
the Chief Instructor for Wado Guseikai USA, an organization tied to Dr Takagi,
and serves on the United States National Karate-do Federation Technical
committee. He holds the license of 2nd Kyu instructor. Bob Nash frequently gives
seminars in the US, Europe and the Middle East. He currently resides near
Seattle Washington, USA.
Seminars
The seminars are presented in a relaxed atmosphere. His aim is to transmit as
much information as possible. For this reason there isn't an emphasis on
physical exertion but he always guarantees that `your brains will be hurting'
after the seminar.
Note taking is encouraged because it is not possible to remember all the
material that is covered during the seminar. Techniques are explained in a way
that is relevant to practitioners of varying levels of expertise. Novices as
well as experienced black belts will find his seminars enlightening, informative
and challenging. JKF-Wadokai, founded by Hironori Ohtsuka 1934, is the largest
Wado organisation in the world.
This is an EKF Member/Sanctioned Event.
20/09/09 UK Open Karate Championships 2009 September 20th 2009. For further
details you can also visit www.pckarate.co.uk or www.pckarate.net for additional
information and competition entry forms. Regards, Paul Campbell 6th Dan BA
(Hons). UK OPEN KARATE CHAMPIONSHIPS. CRYSTAL LEISURE CENTRE, BELL STREET,
STOURBRIDGE. DY8 1AE. ENGLAND.
22/09/09
UNITED KINGDOM OPEN KARATE CHAMPIONSHIPS SUNDAY FEBRUARY 22nd & SEPTEMBER 20th
2009. CRYSTAL LEISURE CENTRE, PENSNETT ROAD, BRIERLEY HILL, DY5 3YP. WEST
MIDLANDS. ENGLAND Dear Instructor, You are invited to our Forthcoming Open
Karate Championships which will be held at the above address on Sunday 22nd
February & 20th September 2009. Please look through the information and if you
require further details about the Championships please do not hesitate to
contact me. 2, Chestnut Avenue, Dudley, DY1 4BE,West Midlands. or Mobile
07774641570. Hope to see you on the day, Paul Campbell 6th Dan BA(Hons).
Organiser. COMPETITION DETAILS: Start 10.00am (Prompt) Finish 7pm (Approx.)
ENTRY FEES. KATA & KUMITE: Junior and Seniors £12.00. TEAMS JUNIOR Under 16 :
£22.00. WOMEN: £25.00 MEN: £30.00. SPECTATORS ADULTS: £8.00 U-16s £6.00 UNDER
5's Free. COACHES Submitting entries Totalling £50.00 will be admitted Free.
Entries above £125.00 Coaches will receive a Carvery Dinner Meal Voucher on
entry. £200.00 Plus please contact the organiser to arrange your Free Overnight
Hotel Accommodation.(*) (Saturday Evening Prior to the competition Only). *NB.
Must be received before 9th May 2009 to qualify Please make cheques payable to
the United Styles Association (U.S.A.), Send to :- 2, Chestnut Avenue, Dudley,
DY1 4BE LATE ENTRIES Entries must be received by Saturday 15th February & 12th
September 2008 There will be no late entries on the day.
Paulcampbell12@... or PCKarate@... or visit our website
www.PCKarate.co.uk or www.pckarate.net to download entry forms

27/09/09
Clacton Sports Centre, Vista Road Clacton on sea Essex CO15 6DB. CLOSING DATE
Monday 21st SEPTEMBER 2009 CONTACT JOE: 01376502612 -07886097615 EMAIL:
toyakwaikarate@... web : toyakwaikarate.co.uk OR WEB: YOURBKCC.CO.UK
This is an EKF Member/Sanctioned Event.
02, 03, 04/10/09 WadoExl – EVENT CANCELLED.
10 & 11/10/09
EKF International Open Championships London – details to follow. Website:
www.englishkaratefederation.com/

18/10/09
EKF Northern Regional Championships Sheffield – details to follow. Website:
www.englishkaratefederation.com/

25/10/09
Goresbrook Leisure Centre, Ripple Road Dagenham Essex RM9 6XW. CLOSING DATE
Monday 18TH OCTOBER 2009 CONTACT JOE: 01376502612 -07886097615 EMAIL:
toyakwaikarate@... web : toyakwaikarate.co.uk OR WEB: YOURBKCC.CO.UK
This is an EKF Member/Sanctioned Event.
30 & 31/10/09
37th EUROPEAN WADO CUP 2009. MEADOWBANK SPORT CENTRE. 30th- 31st OCTOBER 2009.
Hello from Scotland. I would confirm that thing are now starting for this years
Wado Cup in EDINBURGH. We plan to make this an event for one and all to enjoy.
The Wado Kai website will be upgraded shortly: www.wadokai.eu If you have any
enquiries please send to: Colin Clapperton at: info@... REGARDS, COLIN
CLAPPERTON SCOTTISH WADO KAI.

12 to 15/11/09
6th World Junior & Cadet Championships – Rabat, Morocco.
Details: www.englishkaratefederation.com

14/11/09
Last date for entry into the Traditional British Wadokai Kata & Gyo
Championships to be held on the 21/11/09.
Forum; http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/BritishWadokai/
This is an EKF Member/Sanctioned Event.
21/11/09
Traditional British Wadokai Open Kata & Gyo Championships. Open to all Wado
Clubs, Affiliations, and Individuals within EKF Membership. APPLICATIONS BEFORE
14th November 2009.
Venue: Tanbridge School, Guildford Road, Horsham, West Sussex. Book-in: With
Licence (for EKF Chit Number inspection), 9.30am. (No more bookings after
10.15am). Eliminations: 10.30am. Categories for all ages and levels. Events:
Individual Kata, Team Kata, Pairs Gyo. The official Kata List: Pinan Shodan,
Nidan, Sandan, Yodan, Godan. Ku-Shanku, Nai-Hanchi, Seishan, Chinto, Bassai,
Wanshu, Ni-Sei-Shi, Rohai, Ji-tte, Ji-han, Ji-in. Gyo requirements – last
between 60-70 seconds and possess no props/aids, etc. Due to location, it may be
advised to bring a packed-lunch/refreshments etc. Correct Dress Code:
Competitors must wear clean white Gi. Judges must wear blazer, white shirt/tie,
black trousers and soft footwear (no shoes), etc. For an Information Pack &
Application Form, please contact Paul Elliott Renshi. 54, Billingshurst Road,
Broadbridge Heath, Horsham, West Sussex. RH12 3LW. Email: semka@...
Forum; http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/BritishWadokai/
Open to all BWK Affiliations/EKF Licensed Members only.
This is an EKF Member/Sanctioned Event.
21/11/09 KO KARATE 3 ON 3 KUMITE EVENT
Dear Karateka, I am please to invite you to the first KO Karate 3 on 3 kumite
competition. This competition has a winner's prize of £1000 and with it the
recognition of the winners being the best kumite team in the country.
To be the best you have to beat the best that is why only the top associations
in the country have been invited to take part.
The event will be staged at the Best Western Consort Hotel in Thurcroft
Rotherham on Saturday November 21st Places will be allocated on a strictly
first come first served basis so don't hang around get your entry in as soon as
possible. Spectator's tickets will include a full 3 course meal with bar
facility, tables seating 8-10 people.
Each team entry fee is £30 and the teams are allowed one reserve fighter which
can be changed after each round if wanted. Spectator's tickets are £30 .Each
team are asked to sell 20 tickets (5 tickets per fighter).
This event is going to be a night to remember and one that is long overdue, we
need to see karate how it used to be and see the country's top fighters
competing against each other once again, Fighters train so hard all year for the
love of the sport its time to give something back and get the sport buzzing
again.
This is a senior event and is only open to EKF associations and members,
fighters must have an up to date EKF licence.
Full first aid cover will be on hand and Full WKF rules will be applied by chief
referee MR. Phil Moody.
One night winner takes all.
Please send for your entry form, rules package and hotel information to
kevin.royston@... and check out the KO web site at www.kokarate.co.uk or
Tel 07746864485
Many Thanks
Kevin Royston & Paul Royston
KO UK
2010
01/01/10
Club/Group Affiliation to British Wadokai for 2010. If you are already a
member of British Wadokai, and you would like to benefit from re-affiliation,
please contact the BWK President by email and confirm your intentions to remain
in membership. For new affiliations, please visit: www.wadokai.co.uk for an
Affiliation Application Form. Email: garyswift@...
Forum; http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/BritishWadokai/
This is an EKF Member.
29/01/10 Today, on the 29th of January 1982, Ohtsuka-Hironori Meijin, the
founder of Wado-ryu Karate-do, passed away at the age 89; he had practised
martial-arts for 85 years.
04/04/10 Easter Sunday.
01/06/10
The Birthday of Ohtsuka Hironori (10th Dan) Meijin on the 1st June in 1892.
The Founder & History of Wado-ryu Karate-do. Hironori-Ohtsuka was born in
Shimodate City, Ibiragi, Japan on the 1st June 1892.
He was the first son of Tokujiro-Ohtsuka, who was a doctor of medicine. 1892
was also the year that the Dai-Nippon-Butoku-Kai was established.
He started training under Chojiro-Ebashi, an uncle of his mother, in April 1897
at the age of four, a style of training he would continue with, even at Waseda
University in Tokyo.
In 1905 Ohtsuka-Hironori entered the Shimozuma middle school, where he started
Shindo-Yoshin-ryu Ju-jutsu under Tatsusaburo-Nakayama.
In 1910 Ohtsuka-Hironori entered Waseda University to learn commerce.
In 1917 he started work at the Kawasaki bank; at this stage he was learning
numerous styles of Ju-jutsu. Ohtsuka-Hironori met, and became good friends, with
the founder of Aikido, Morihei-Ueshiba.
In May 1919 he became master of 'bone-setting technique'.
On the 1st of July 1921 he received his Shindo-Yoshin-ryu Ju-jutsu licence from
Tatsusaburo-Nakayama, and so became the Highest Authority.
He started his Karate training with the famous Gichin-Funikoshi in July 1922, a
style known as To-de or Okinawan Karate-jutsu. Ohtsuka-Hironori met Funikoshi
Sensei during a martial-arts demonstration at the Sports Festival organised by
the Japanese Educational Department.
Funikoshi Sensei agreed to teach Ohtsuka-Hironori all he knew about Okinawan
Karate-jutsu, the lessons started that same day.
Within one year Ohtsuka-Hironori had studied all the Kata within the system.
Even after this time Ohtsuka-Hironori could see the 'shortfall' in the Kata-only
system. It was explained to him that all of the concepts of 'Budo' was within
Kata, and that was the only aspect to train.
In 1924 Ohtsuka-Hironori introduced Yakusoku-gumite to the system, this concept
of 'partner-work' revolutionised Karate-jutsu. He also developed Idori-no-kata,
Tachiai-no-kata, and Shirahatori-no-kata.
In 1928 he was 'Shindo-Yoshin-ryu Shihan', the Chief Instructor of his
Shindo-Yoshin-ryu; he also set up a 'bone-setting' practice at this time.
In 1929 he registered with the 'Nippon-Kobudo-Shinko-Kai', the Japanese
Martial-arts Federation.
In 1934 Ohtsuka-Hironori was recognised as an independent style, and started
teaching full-time. Due to his dedication to Karate he had to close his
'bone-setting' business.
In 1938 Ohtsuka-Hironori registered his new style as Shin-Shu-Wado-ryu.
In 1939 all Karate styles were asked to register their systems with the
'Dai-Nippon-Butoku-Kai', Ohtsuka-Hironori named his style Wado-ryu. Other styles
that registered were Goju-ryu, Shito-ryu, and Shoto-ryu (Shotokan-ryu).
In 1940 on May the 5th the 'All Styles Karate Demonstrations' took place at
Butoku-Den in Kyoto. All the major styles took part, these included Goju-ryu,
Keishi-Kempo, Nippon-Kempo-ryu, Shito-ryu, Shoto-ryu, and Wado-ryu.
In 1944 Ohtsuka-Hironori was promoted to Chief Instructor of all Karate under
the Dai-Nippon-Butoku-kai.
In 1945 the Americans, at the end of the Second World War, disbanded all
martial-arts.
In 1951 all martial-arts were reinstated, after the signing of the American
peace treaty with Japan.
In 1955 the first Karate tournament took place, organised by Ohtsuka-Hironori,
it was called the 'First All Japan Wado-ryu Karate Championships'.
In 1964 'The All Japan Karate-do Federation' (JKF) was established. This same
year Suzuki-Tatsuo, Arakawa-Toru, and Takashima-Hajime introduced Wado-ryu to
Great Britain, Europe, and the United States of America.
In 1966 Ohtsuka-Hironori was awarded 'Kun-Goto-Soukuo-Kyo-Kuju-jutsu-Sho'
(similar to the OBE in Great Britain) from Emperor Hirohito for his dedication
to Karate.
In 1972 he was awarded the title of Meijin from Higashino-Kunino-Miya (a member
of the Japanese royal family) President of the International Martial-arts
Federation the 'Kokusai-Budo-Renmei'. Ohtsuka-Hironori was the first man in
history to receive this highest honour in martial-arts. For his services to
Japanese martial-arts, and to honour his new position as the highest Karate
Authority in Japan, he was awarded the Shiju-Hoosho medal from the Japanese
Government, the only man in the history of Karate to be so honoured.
On the 29th of January 1982 Ohtsuka-Hironori Meijin died at the age 89, he had
practised martial-arts for 85 years.
"Buno-michi-wa Tada-aragoto-na-to-omohiso Wa-no-michi-kiwa-me Wa-o-motomu-michi:
The way to practise martial-arts is not for fighting. Always look for your own
inner peace and harmony, search for it." Ohtsuka-Hironori.

A style of Karate developed by Ohtsuka-Hironori 10th Dan Meijin (AD1892-1982).
Wado combines traditional Japanese Budo, Okinawan Shuri-te (To-de) and
Shinto-Yoshin-ryu Jujutsu, and was recognised as an independent style in 1934.
Wado-ryu is reputed to be one of the fastest and most efficient forms of Karate
in the world; emphasis includes the fundamental principles and concepts of
'Nagasu, Inasu, Noru, and Irimi'. The founder was responsible for introducing
partner-work routines to Karate. Wado-ryu was also the first style of Karate to
practise Jiyu-gumite (free-fighting) as part of the training.
There are estimated to be over 350,000 Wado-ryu members practising in Europe
alone.
Below is an adaptation from an open letter written by Ohtsuka Hironori (10th
Dan) Meijin to all Wado-Ryu students, sent out two-years prior to his death,
explaining the origins of Wado-ryu.
"At the age of five years old, I was in very poor health. It was then that I
began my training in Ju-jutsu at the school of my uncle, Sensei Chojiro-Ehashi,
the official martial arts instructor of the Tsuchiura Clan. Since this time I
have trained continuously until my present age of eighty-eight years. For this,
I can heartily thank the traditional Samurai education, which was both gentle
and strict. I also thank and pray for my dear mother without whom I could never
have succeeded in my deepest aims; I thank her sincerely for always being near.
On my thirtieth birthday, Master Nakayama, the third Grandmaster of Shinto
Yoshin-ryu Ju-jutsu, allowed me to learn the deepest and most secret doctrines
of our school. It was then that I succeeded him as the fourth Grandmaster.
Karate was becoming increasingly popular around this time, and I began to study
its techniques from several eminent Okinawan masters who had begun to teach in
Tokyo. It occurred to me that there were many fine attributes in the Okinawan
systems, and so decided to blend these with the finest elements of Shinto
Yoshin-ryu Ju-jutsu to create a genuine and original Japanese martial-art.
Through this process I developed Kumite, Gyaku-nage, I-dori, Tachi-iai,
Tanken-dori, and Shinken-Shirai-dori.
Every year, for purposes of promoting the Japanese martial-arts, the Butokuden
in Kyoto held a national festival. In 1938, the festival focused on the
originators of each martial-art; however, no originator of Japanese Karate had
been identified. I named the originator of the first true Japanese style of
Karate-Do as Shiro-Yoshitoki-Akiyama (the founder of Shinto Yoshin-ryu Jujitsu)
and named this new style of Karate-Do, 'Wado-Ryu' meaning: 'Japanese-way school'
or also 'Peaceful-way school' since the Kanji lettering for 'Wa' can mean both.
The fundamental meaning and original aims of martial-arts is the promotion of
Peace. To bring peace to society and to guard against its loss so that human
beings can enjoy a happy life. We must strive for peace in a world where it is
increasingly difficult to achieve. We must not simply rely on God's mercy to
achieve it but must strive as individuals, with all our will, to attain it.
Immense spiritual and physical power is required so we will not surrender to the
difficulties and barriers which lie before us on this journey The hard training
in martial-arts aims to foster this dauntless, indefatigable strength which is
why the beauty of martial-arts training is beyond the vicissitudes of mundane
affairs."

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