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A Brief History Of Wadoryu Karate Do
 Hironori Ohtsuka |
Wadoryu karate differs from other forms of karate in that it emphasises body
movements to evade strikes, with blocking being a secondary defence only. It
also incorporates throws and arm locks normally found in Ju Jitsu. Wadoryu (means "Way of harmony", but is often translated as "Way of Peace" ) karate was founded by Grandmaster Hironori Ohtsuka (born 1892, died 1982). Hironori Ohtsuka was already a master in Ju Jitsu and Shindo Yoshin Ryu, when master Gichin Funakoshi (founder of Shotokan) introduced karate into Japan. Master Ohtsuka commenced studying karate in 1922 and by 1928, he was assistant instructor to Funakoshi. In 1931 master Ohtsuka founded the Wadoryu style of karate combining all of the above styles. He was the first non Okinawan (being Japanese) to make a style of karate in the form of Japanese budo, thus making it a true Japanese martial art. Master Ohtsuka also received the Shiju Hooshu medal for his outstanding contributions to sport from the government of Japan. |
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In 1963 a three-man team left Japan to spread Wado to America and Europe. The team was composed of Mr Arakawa, Mr Takashima and Mr Suzuki. The impressions they left upon America and Europe were tremendous, Wadoryu Karate became recognised worldwide for its true merits. In 1975 Master Suzuki (born 1928) was awarded the highest Japanese martial arts title of Hanshi by the emperor Higashikuni. |
 Tatsuo Suzuki |
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