Wado Ryu Karate
Karate Begins and Ends with Courtesy
Wado-ryu (和道流)
is a school of
karate founded by Hironori Otsuka.
Born in the Ibaragi prefecture of Japan in 1892, he began his martial arts training at age 6, studying 'Shindo Yoshinryu Ju-Jitsu'. He began his study of Karate-Do in 1922, and in 1934 helped to create the first official 'All Japan Karate-Do Federation', which combined his knowledge of Japanese Ju-Jitsu and Okinawan Karate, and included his philosophy of Zen Buddhism to create Wado-Ryu.
The name Wadō-ryū has three parts: Wa, dō, and ryū. Wa means "harmony," dō means "way," and ryū means "style." The 'way of peace and harmony' means that aggression is not developed in students of Wado-Ryu. Instead, body movement and co-ordination is developed to control, avoid and overpower aggression.
Wado-Ryu uses a coloured belt system to denote rank.
At NEEMAF, our karate lessons are normally split into 4 sections.
Kihon Waza, or basic techniques, are the foundations of
all Karate technique. A student cannot progress through
Karate without understanding, and being able to
perform these techniques. It is essential that
all Karate students repeat the same basic techniques,
as these techniques are required for all of the lesson elements below.
Kihon Waza builds up patience, concentration and co-ordination. Students
also learn control of their bodies, learning how to relax
their
shoulders in action, how to concentrate energy on a single point or on
a movement, how to twist their
bodies and fists, and how to
balance their bodies. Basic techniques will be practised in almost every
lesson, and is a requirement for all gradings. Even black belt students
are required to repeatedly practice basic techniques. It is fair to say
that even at an advanced level, a student cannot practice Kihon Waza
enough.
Renwaku Waza (Combination techniques)
Renwaku Waza, or combination techniques, is an extension of the Kihon Waza above. Renwaku Waza are combination techniques, which form a large part of the grading syllabus. Different combination techniques are given to students to practice, dependant on what level they are. These are performed individually by the students, up and down the Dojo. Renwaku Waza is normally done during the first half of the lesson, and are required for all student gradings.
Kata (Forms)
Kata (型:かた). This literally means "shape" or "model." Kata is a set sequence of movements which represent various attack and defence postures. The sequences are performed individually, and are required for students grade at yellow belt and above. As students progress higher through the grading system, they may be asked to perform the Kata with an attacker, demonstrating what each move is used for.
Kumite (組手:くみて).(Sparring) This literally means "meeting of hands."It is practiced in our classes for both fitness and self-defence. At our clubs, we practice sparring with no contact, or light contact for the more advanced students. In our lessons, we practice free sparring for fitness and self defence. This means that the student is encouraged to use both sides of the body, with a combination of punching and kicking techniques. More advanced students may be asked to include leg sweeps and takedowns. During a grading however, sparring becomes more structured, and set attacks and defences may be given for the students to perform.
