BRITISH WADOKAI KARATE-DO FEDERAION

'Peace within Mutual Harmony'

By appointment to HRH Princess Linda Tomislav Karageorgevitch.
BRITISH WADOKAI COMMITTEE
Chief Instructor Gary Swift Kyoshi. Tel: 01752-493210. Email:
garyswift@...
Assistant Chief Instructor Zoλ Swift Tashi. Tel: 01752-493210. Email:
zaswift@...
General Secretary Liz Legg. Tel: 01483-527973. Email: info@...

The Date Section, News & Activities are open to all Wado-ka. If you would like
to add your forthcoming event/s, or information on the monthly newsletter,
please send in the details (no email attachments please). NB: Received
information is correct at time of printing; please inform us if the information
requires updating.

Disclaimer
The following information may be subject to change without prior notice, and
whilst every attempt is made to keep the Date Section up to date, events may
change at any time.
Please confirm with the relevant event organiser before travelling.



British Wadokai Karate


Events.
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


British Wadokai Standardisation Course Part 2. Includes all British Wadokai
Tai-sabaki of Sanbon-gumite, Ohyo-gumite, and Kihon-gumite. Instructor: Gary E
Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. Venue: Shin Ichi Do Club, Hut 15, Tilgate Recreation
Centre, Crawley, Sussex. RH11 9LB. Time: 10am-2pm. Price; £15. For further
details, please contact the Event Organiser: Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. Tel
01752-493210. Email: garyswift@... British Wadokai: www.wadokai.co.uk
Forum; http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/BritishWadokai/
APPLICATION ONLY: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/BritishWadokai/files/
This is an EKF Member/Sanctioned Event.
THIS EVENT IS FOR BRITISH WADOKAI LICENSED MEMBERS AND MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE
DUE TO LIMITED SPACES.
To download an Application Form please visit: www.wadokai.co.uk


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@...


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.


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 Gymnasium, Farthing Hill, Guildford Road,
Horsham, West Sussex. RH12 1SR. Time: Part 1 (all grades); 10am-1pm. Part 2 (3rd
Kyu & over); 1.30-4.30pm. Cost: `Pre-book Price'; Part 1, £20, Part 1 & 2 £35.
Price payable on day; extra £5 for each part.
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.
THIS COURSE MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE DUE TO LIMITED SPACES.
To download an Application Form please visit: www.wadokai.co.uk


30/08/09


Last Date for Applications for British Wadokai Yudan Shinsa (Dan Gradings) on
26th September 2009. For details and Yudan application form please contact the
British Wadokai Administrations Officer Liz Legg. Tel: 01483 527973. Email:
admin@...
Forum; http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/BritishWadokai/


05/09/09


British Wadokai Kata Squad Session. Instructor: Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi.
Time 10am-2pm. Price; £15. Venue: TBA. Open to all AIWa Members who wish to
train with, or be part of, the British Wadokai/AIWa Kata Squad. Tel:
01752-493210. Email: garyswift@... Forum;
http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/BritishWadokai/
THIS EVENT IS FOR BRITISH WADOKAI LICENSED MEMBERS AND MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE
DUE TO LIMITED SPACES.
To download an Application Form please visit: www.wadokai.co.uk


06/09/09


British Wadokai Yudan Shinsa Course. This course is dedicated those who wish to
have a better understanding, and train through, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Dan Grade
Syllabus of the British Wadokai Black-belt Practical Examination. Also,
implications of the Written Examination will be advised and explained.
Instructor: Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. Time 10am-2pm. Price; £15 (BWK
Full/Honorary Licensed Members only). Venue: TBA. Open to British Wadokai
Licence Holders of 4th Kyu & above only. Tel: 01752-493210. Email:
garyswift@... Forum; http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/BritishWadokai/
THIS EVENT IS FOR BRITISH WADOKAI LICENSED MEMBERS AND MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE
DUE TO LIMITED SPACES.
To download an Application Form please visit: www.wadokai.co.uk


13/09/09


EKF Squad Training. First Selections for the WKF Junior European Championship in
Istanbul 2010. Details: http://www.englishkaratefederation.com/


19/09/09


British Wadokai Karate Course. Instructor: Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. Time
10am-1pm. Price; £15 (BWK Full/Honorary Licensed Members only). Venue: TBA. Open
to British Wadokai Licence Holders only. Tel: 01752-493210. Email:
garyswift@... Forum; http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/BritishWadokai/
THIS EVENT IS FOR BRITISH WADOKAI LICENSED MEMBERS AND MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE
DUE TO LIMITED SPACES.
To download an Application Form please visit: www.wadokai.co.uk


19/09/09


British Wadokai Hikki Shiken. British Wadokai Written Examination for all Yudan
Applicants who are intending to participate in the British Wadokai Southern
Region Yudan Shinsa on 26/09/09.
Venue: 70 Northbourne, Farncombe, Surrey. GU7 3SG. Time: Written Examination:
10:00-11:30 (prompt). (Applicants must have already completed the written
examination prior to attending the practical exam on 26/09/09). For details and
Yudan application form please contact the British Wadokai General Secretary, Liz
Legg. Tel: 01483 527973. Email: admin@... Applications to be returned
to Liz by 30th August 2009. Please contact Liz Legg for Written Examination
details.
Forum; http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/BritishWadokai/
THIS EVENT IS FOR BRITISH WADOKAI LICENSED MEMBERS AND MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE
DUE TO LIMITED SPACES.
To download an Application Form please visit: www.wadokai.co.uk


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.


26/09/09


British Wadokai Open Standardisation Course Part 3. Includes all British Wadokai
Tai-sabaki of Idori-no-kata kneeling defences), Tantodori-no-kata (knife
defences), and Mutodori-no-kata (sword defences). (Please bring Bokken, or 3'
length of broom handle, for Muto-dori training). Instructor: Gary E Swift (7th
Dan) Kyoshi. Venue: Shin Ichi Do Club, Hut 15, Tilgate Recreation Centre,
Crawley, Sussex. RH11 9LB. Time: 10am-2pm. Price; £15. Due to location, please
also bring packed-lunch. For further details, please contact the Event
Organiser: Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. Tel 01752-493210. Email:
garyswift@... British Wadokai: www.wadokai.co.uk
Forum; http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/BritishWadokai/
APPLICATION ONLY: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/BritishWadokai/files/
This is an EKF Member/Sanctioned Event.
THIS EVENT IS FOR BRITISH WADOKAI LICENSED MEMBERS AND MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE
DUE TO LIMITED SPACES.
To download an Application Form please visit: www.wadokai.co.uk


27/09/09


British Wadokai Yudan Shinsa. Venue: Shin Ichi Do Club, Hut 15, Tilgate
Recreation Centre, Crawley, Sussex. RH11 9LB. Time: Practical Examination:
10am-12pm. Applicants must have already completed the written examination prior
to attending the practical exam. For Southern & South Eastern Region
Applications, please contact Liz Legg for Written Examination details; Liz Legg
BWK General Secretary. 70 Northbourne, Farncombe, Surrey. GU7 3SG. Or email;
admin@... Applications to be in by 26th August 2009. Chief Examiner:
Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. For details, and application form, please
contact: Gary E Swift 7th Dan. Tel: 01752-493210. Email: garyswift@...
For a downloadable Application Form please visit: www.wadokai.co.uk
Forum; http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/BritishWadokai/
THIS EVENT IS FOR BRITISH WADOKAI LICENSED MEMBERS AND MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE
DUE TO LIMITED SPACES.
To download an Application Form please visit: www.wadokai.co.uk
Applications to be in by 30th August 2009. Applications received:


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.


28/09/09


Hazlegrove House School Wado Course. Venue: Hazlegrove Karate-do. Hazlegrove
Preparatory School, Hazlegrove House, Sparkford, Somerset. BA22 7JA. Time;
4.15-5.45pm. Instructor; Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. Open to Hazlegrove
Karate-do members only. Contact Mr Peter Fawbert; pf@...


02, 03, 04/10/09

WadoExl – EVENT CANCELLED.


03/10/09


British Wadokai Kata Squad Training. Open to all British Wadokai/AIWa Members.
Instructor: Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. Venue: TBA. Time: 10am-2pm. Price;
£15. Due to location, please also bring packed-lunch. For further details,
please contact the Event Organiser: Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. Tel
01752-493210. Email: garyswift@... British Wadokai: www.wadokai.co.uk
APPLICATION ONLY: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/BritishWadokai/files/
This is an EKF Member/Sanctioned Event.
THIS EVENT IS FOR BRITISH WADOKAI LICENSED MEMBERS AND MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE
DUE TO LIMITED SPACES.
To download an Application Form please visit: www.wadokai.co.uk


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.


31/10/09


EKF Squad Training and Second Selections for the WKF Junior European
Championships in Istanbul 2010. Training will be in Dudley. Details:
http://www.englishkaratefederation.com/
This is an EKF Member/Sanctioned Event.


07/11/09


British Wadokai Kata Squad Training. Open to all British Wadokai/AIWa Members.
Instructor: Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. Venue: TBA. Time: 10am-2pm. Price;
£15. Due to location, please also bring packed-lunch. For further details,
please contact the Event Organiser: Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. Tel
01752-493210. Email: garyswift@... British Wadokai: www.wadokai.co.uk
THIS EVENT IS FOR BRITISH WADOKAI LICENSED MEMBERS AND MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE
DUE TO LIMITED SPACES.
To download an Application Form please visit: www.wadokai.co.uk


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.


22/11/09


EKF Squad Training & Final Selections for the WKF Junior European Championships
in Istanbul 2010. Details: http://www.englishkaratefederation.com/
This is an EKF Member/Sanctioned Event.


06/12/09


EKF Squad Training Session. Details: http://www.englishkaratefederation.com/
This is an EKF Member/Sanctioned Event.


12/12/09


AIWa Kata Training. Open to all AIWa Members. Instructor: Gary E Swift (7th Dan)
Kyoshi. Venue: TBA. Time: 10am-2pm. Price; £15. Due to location, please also
bring packed-lunch. For further details, please contact the Event Organiser:
Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. Tel 01752-493210. Email: garyswift@...
British Wadokai: www.wadokai.co.uk
THIS EVENT IS FOR BRITISH WADOKAI LICENSED MEMBERS AND MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE
DUE TO LIMITED SPACES.
To download an Application Form please visit: www.wadokai.co.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.


03/01/10


EKF Closed Training Session for WKF Junior European Championships in Istanbul
2010. Details: http://www.englishkaratefederation.com/
This is an EKF Member/Sanctioned Event.


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.


06/03/10


British Wadokai Yudan Shinsa Course. This course is dedicated those who wish to
have a better understanding, and train through, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Dan Grade
Syllabus of the British Wadokai Black-belt Practical Examination. Also,
implications of the Written Examination will be advised and explained.
Instructor: Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. Time 10am-2pm. Price; £15 (BWK
Licensed Members). Venue: TBA. Open to British Wadokai Licence Holders of 4th
Kyu & above only. Tel: 01752-493210. Email: garyswift@... Forum;
http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/BritishWadokai/
THIS EVENT IS FOR BRITISH WADOKAI LICENSED MEMBERS AND MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE
DUE TO LIMITED SPACES.
To download an Application Form please visit: www.wadokai.co.uk


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."



04/09/10


British Wadokai Yudan Shinsa Course. This course is dedicated those who wish to
have a better understanding, and train through, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Dan Grade
Syllabus of the British Wadokai Black-belt Practical Examination. Also,
implications of the Written Examination will be advised and explained.
Instructor: Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. Time 10am-2pm. Price; £15 (BWK
Licensed Members). Venue: TBA. Open to British Wadokai Licence Holders of 4th
Kyu & above only. Tel: 01752-493210. Email: garyswift@... Forum;
http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/BritishWadokai/
THIS EVENT IS FOR BRITISH WADOKAI LICENSED MEMBERS AND MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE
DUE TO LIMITED SPACES.
To download an Application Form please visit: www.wadokai.co.uk


2011




01/01/11


Club/Group Affiliation to British Wadokai for 2011. 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@...
This is an EKF Member.


27/03/11


35 years Birthday Celebration Dinner. Venue: Golden Palace Restaurant, High
Street, Cranleigh, Surrey. Time: 7pm. All British Wadokai 3rd Dan & above
welcome. RSVP before 25/02/11. Details from GE Swift 7th Dan: Home 01752-493210
– Mobile 07719-773898 – Email Garyswift@... For information on FREE
British Wadokai Affiliation Membership; please contact the BWK President Gary E
Swift 7th Dan. Tel: 01752-493210/07719-773898. Email: Garyswift@...
Find us on: www.wadokai.co.uk Transport for BWK Southwest Members available –
Please contact BWK President.
THIS EVENT IS FOR BRITISH WADOKAI LICENSED MEMBERS AND MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE
DUE TO LIMITED SPACES.
To download an Application Form please visit: www.wadokai.co.uk


2016




01/01/16


Club/Group Affiliation to British Wadokai for 2016. 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@...
This is an EKF Member.


27/03/16


40 years Birthday Celebration Dinner. Venue: Golden Palace Restaurant, High
Street, Cranleigh, Surrey. Time: 7pm. All British Wadokai 3rd Dan & above
welcome. RSVP before 25/02/16. Details from GE Swift 7th Dan: Home 01752-493210
– Mobile 07719-773898 – Email garyswift@... For information on FREE
BWK Affiliation Membership; please contact the BWK President Gary E Swift 7th
Dan. Tel: 01752-493210/07719-773898. Email: garyswift@... Find us on:
www.wadokai.co.uk Transport for BWK Southwest Members available – Please contact
the President.
THIS EVENT IS FOR BRITISH WADOKAI LICENSED MEMBERS AND MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE
DUE TO LIMITED SPACES.
To download an Application Form please visit: www.wadokai.co.uk


2026




01/01/26


Club/Group Affiliation to British Wadokai for 2026. 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@...
This is an EKF Member.


29/03/26


50 Years 'Celebration Special' Wado Karate Course. Venue: Hakutsuru Karate,
Snoxhall Centre, Snoxhall, Knowle Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey. Time: 2-5pm.
Instructor: Gary E Swift 7th Dan. Please bring your up-to-date AIWa or British
Wadokai Karate-do Federation Licence for proof of membership for free training.

Don't forget to bring your 'Course Attendance Record Card' for signing and
stamping. For information on FREE British Wadokai Full Membership, please
contact the BWK President Gary E Swift 7th Dan. Tel: 01752-493210/07719-773898.
Email: garygwift@... Find us on: www.wadokai.co.ukTransport for BWK
Southwest Members available – Please contact British Wadokai President.
This is an EKF Member/Sanctioned Event.


29/03/26


50 years Birthday Celebration Dinner. Venue: Golden Palace Restaurant, High
Street, Cranleigh, Surrey. Time: 7pm. All British Wadokai 3rd Dan & above (and
partners) welcome. RSVP before 29/02/26. Details from GE Swift 7th Dan: Home
01752-493210 – Mobile 07719-773898 - Email garyswift@... For
information on FREE British Wadokai Affiliation Membership, please contact the
British Wadokai President Gary E Swift 7th Dan. Tel: 01752-493210/07719-773898.
Email: garyswift@... Find us on: www.wadokai.co.uk Transport for BWK
Southwest Members available.