Wad-ry

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Wad-ry ()

The flag of Wad-ry.

Date founded Country of origin Founder

1938

Japan

Hironori tsuka (18921982)

Current head

Three independently-led organizations: Wadkai Wad Kokusai

Wad-ry Karate-d Renmei Arts taught Karate Ancestor arts Ancestor schools Shind Yshin-ry Shtkan-ry Motobury Karate, Jujutsu

Wad-ry (?) is a karate style; three organizations now teach the Wad-ry style: the Japan Karate-d Federation Wadkai (abbreviated to Wadkai; "Zen Nihon Karate-d Renmei Wadokai" in Japan), the Wadry Karated Renmei, and the Wad Kokusai Karated Renmei (abbreviated to Wad Kokusai; also known as the Wad International Karated Federation [WIKF]).
Contents
[hide]

1 Characteristics

o o o

1.1 Philosophy 1.2 Ranks 1.3 Kata

2 History 3 Wad-ry outside Japan 4 References 5 Further reading 6 External links

Characteristics[edit]
Philosophy[edit]
The name Wad-ry has three parts: Wa, d, and ry. Wa means "harmony," d (same character as tao) means "way," and ry means "style." Harmony should not be interpreted as pacifism; it is simply the acknowledgment that yielding is sometimes more effective than brute strength.[1] From one point of view, Wad-ry might be considered a style of jjutsu rather than karate. It should be noted that Hironori tsuka embraced Shotokan and was its chief instructor for a time. When tsuka first registered

his school with the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai in 1938, the style was called "Shinshu Wad-ry Karate-Jjutsu," a name that reflects its hybrid character. tsuka was a licensed Shind Yshin-ry practitioner and a student of Yshin-ry when he first met the Okinawan karate master Gichin Funakoshi. After having learned from Funakoshi, and after their split, with Okinawan masters such as Kenwa Mabuni and Motobu Chki, tsuka merged Shind Yshin-ry with Okinawan karate. The result of tsuka's efforts is Wad-ry Karate.[1] To the untrained observer, Wad-ry might look similar to other styles of karate, such as Shtkan. Most of the underlying principles, however, were derived from Shind Yshin-ry an atemi waza focused style of Jujutsu. A block in Wad may look much like a block in Shtkan, but they are executed from different perspectives. A key principle in Wad-ry is that of tai sabaki (often incorrectly referred to as 'evasion'). The Japanese term can be translated as "body-management," and refers to body manipulation so as to move the defender as well as the attacker out of harm's way. The way to achieve this is to 'move along' rather than to 'move against' or harmony rather than physical strength. Modern karate competition tends to transform Wad-ry away from its roots towards a new generic karate that appeals more to the demands of both spectators and competitors. [1] Wad-ry moves from the balls of the foot rather than the heel, which affects the delivery of almost every technique, the stances and the kata.[citation needed] It works well with the jjutsu applications that Wad retains and improves the tai sabaki that is a core of Wad training and application in comparison to the "low stances and long attacks, linear chained techniques" that typify the way Shtkan developed after the split. [citation needed]

Ranks[edit]
Wad-ry uses a typical karate belt order to denote rank. The beginner commences at 9th or 10th ky (depending on the organization and school) and progresses to 1st ky, then from 1st5th dan for technical grades. The ranks of 6th10th dan are honorary ranks. Although some other karate styles add stripes to their belt for the dan ranks, Wado-ry practitioners tend not to follow that practice.

Rank 10th ky 9th ky 8th ky 7th ky 6th ky 5th ky 4th ky 3rd ky 2nd ky 1st ky

Belt Alternate 1 Belt Alternate 2 Belt Alternate 3 Belt Alternate 4 White belt Red belt Yellow belt Orange belt Green belt Blue belt Purple belt Brown belt White belt White belt White belt Green belt Blue belt Purple belt Brown belt White belt Yellow belt Orange belt Blue belt Purple belt Green Belt Brown belt Brown belt Brown belt Black belt White belt Yellow belt Orange belt Green belt Blue belt Blue belt Brown belt Brown belt Brown belt Black belt

Brown-White belt Brown belt Brown-Black belt Brown belt Black belt

1st8th dan Black belt

The rank at which Wado practitioners are first able to teach is usually 3rd dan, but this depends on the organization. Some Wado ryu organizations require completion of a special course in addition to attaining a certain dan rank. Schools that use the same belt color for multiple kyu ranks typically, although not necessarily, use stripes to indicate progress within that belt color.

Kata[edit]
Kata are predefined, specific patterns of movement that incorporate and encapsulate martial techniques, concepts, and applications. The exact movements of a kata often vary from one organization to another, and even from one school to another within the same organization. The variations can range from gross deviations apparent to the untrained observer to very subtle minutiae. In his 1977 book on Wad-ry (published in English in 1997), tsuka declared only nine official kata for Wad-ry: Pinan Shodan, Pinan Nidan, Pinan Sandan, Pinan Yodan, Pinan Godan, Kshank, Naihanchi, Seishan and Chint.[2] Within his text, tsuka provides detailed notes on the performance of these kata, which has resulted in less deviation across organizations on their performance. However, tsuka did teach other kata. Perhaps because tsuka did not provide specific notes for the performance of these other kata in his text, there is greater variation in these other kata across organizations and schools. Kata associated with Wad-ry include:

Ten-No: basic drills first invented by Gig Funakoshi (son of Gichin Funakoshi). Taikyoku series: developed by Gichin Funakoshi as a preliminary exercise before the Pinan series; many Wad-ry schools teach these basic kata, particularly Taikyoku Shodan (). Pinan kata: created by Ank Itosu, and consisting of Pinan Shodan (), Pinan Nidan (), Pinan Sandan (),Pinan Yodan (), and Pinan Godan (). Funakoshi renamed this series as the Heian series.

Kshank[3]

: "Sky Viewing". Kshank was the Okinawan name for Kwang

Shang Fu, a Sapposhi (emissary of China's ruling class) sent to Okinawa in the 18th century. This kata uses stances and attacks consisting of the five previous Pinan kata. No new techniques are introduced. Funakoshi renamed this kata as Kank Dai.

Naihanchi (; also known as Naifanchi): this was the original name for the three Tekki kata, but was changed by Funakoshi. This is a lateral kata learned from Chki Motobu. Wad-ry practices only the first Naihanchi kata.

Seishan

: the name means "13 hands." This kata was named after a well-known

Chinese martial artist who lived in or near Shuri c. 1700. The movements are repeated in sets of three, and has pivots and turning of the head. Funakoshi renamed this kata as Hangetsu.

Chint

: formulated by Matsumura Skon from the teachings of a sailor or pirate named

Chint (or Annan, depending on the source). Crane stance occurs many times, and the flying kicks differentiate Chint from other kata. Funakoshi renamed this kata as Gankaku.

Bassai (; also known as Passai): a Tomari-te kata that uses dynamic stances and hip rotation. Funakoshi renamed this kataas Bassai Dai.

Rhai

: Rhai has three variation invented by Itosu. Wad-ry practices Rhai Shodan.

Funakoshi renamed this kata asMeikyo. Niseishi (): the name means "24 steps." Transmitted by Ankichi Aragaki, this kata is known in Japanese as Nijshiho.

Wanshu

: the name means "flying swallow." This is a Tomari-te kata based on movements

brought to Okinawa in 1683 by a Chinese envoy of the same name. The metaphorical name, "Flying Swallows," comes from the soft blocking sequences near the end of this kata. Funakoshi renamed this kata as Empi.

Jion Jitte Suparinpei

: A Tomari-te kata; part of the Jion kata group. : another Tomari-te kata of the Jion kata group; the name means "10 hands." : known as "108 hands," representing the 108 evil spirits of man.

This kata is also said to have represented a band of 108 warriors that travelled the Chinese countryside in the 17th century, performing 'Robin Hood'-type tasks of doing good deeds, giving to the poor, and so on. It is also known by its Chinese name of Pechurrin, and occasionally referred to as Haiku Hachi Ho (a name given by Funakoshi). Suparinpei was originally listed as a Wad-ry kata with the Dai Nippon Butoku Kaiby Hironori tsuka, but he eventually discarded it. Some Wad-ry instructors and schools still teach this kata.

Kunpu & Unsu

In addition to the solo kata listed above, many Wad-ry schools also practice paired kata, which reflects its jujutsu heritage. These paired kata are performed by two people (one as the attacker and one as the defender), demonstrating a range of self-defense techniques. The paired kata of Wad-ry often vary from one organization from another, because tsuka did not standardize them. The paired kata are:

Yakusoku Kihon Kumite: consists of 10 fundamental techniques of attack against combination attacks (combinations of kicks and punches), influenced by jujutsu body movements.

Kumite Gata: consists of 10 - 24 varietal techniques (depending on the organization) of attack emphasizing Katamae (pinning) and Kuzushi (breaking balance) and multiple strikes.

Ohyo Kumite: consists of various techniques of attack, incorporating Karate blocks, kicks and strikes with jujutsu throws and body movements. This is a specialty of Tatsuo Suzuki Hanshi's W.I.K.F organization.

Idori no Kata: consists of 510 techniques (depending on the organization) of seated self-defense, influenced by jujutsu throwing and joint-locking techniques.

Tantodori no Kata: consists of 710 techniques (depending on the organization) of defenses against knife attacks, influenced by jujutsu body movements, throwing, and joint-locking techniques. Shinken Shirahadori (): consists of 5-10 (depending on organization) techniques of defenses against sword attacks, influenced by jujutsu body movements, throwing, and joint-locking techniques.

In addition to the three paired kata above, there are also Gyakunage Kata (kata of throwing), Joshi Goshinjutsu (kata of women's self-defense), Kodokan Goshin Jutsu & some others, but they are not commonly taught.

History[edit]
The founder of Wad-ry, Hironori tsuka, was born on 1 June 1892 in Shimodate, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. In 1898, tsuka began practicing kory jujutsu under Chojiro Ebashi. From 19051921, he studied Shind Yshin-ry jujutsu under Tatsusaburo Nakayama. In 1922, he met Gichin Funakoshi and began to train under him. In 1924, tsuka became one of the first students promoted to black belt in karate by Funakoshi. To broaden his knowledge of Karate, tsuka also studied with other prominent masters such as Kenwa Mabuniof Shit-ry and Motobu Chki. In 1929, tsuka organized the first school karate club at Tokyo University. Eiichi Eriguchi coined the term 'Wad-ry' in 1934.[citation needed] In 1938, tsuka registered his style of karate with the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai under the name of "Shinshu Wadoryu Karate-Jujutsu." Soon after, however, this was shortened to "Wad-ry" (). In 1938, the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai awarded tsuka the rank ofRenshi-Go, followed in 1942 by the rank of Kyoshi-Go. It was around this time that Tatsuo Suzuki, founder of the WIKF, began training in Wad-ry. In 1944, tsuka was appointed Japan's Chief Karate Instructor.[citation needed] In 1946, tsuka awarded Tatsuo Suzuki the rank of 2nd dan. Around 1950, Jiro tsuka (the founder's second son) began training in Wad-ry while in his adolescent years. In 1951, tsuka awarded Suzuki the rank of 5th dan, the highest rank awarded in Wad-ry at that time. In 1952, the Wad-ry headquarters (honbu) was established at the Meiji University dojo in Tokyo. In 1954, its name was changed to Zen Nippon Karate Renmei (All Japan Karate Federation). In 1955, tsuka published "Karatejutsu no Kenkyu," a book expounding his style of karate. In 1963, he dispatched Suzuki, along with Toru Arakawa and Hajimu Takashima, to spread Wad-ry around the world. In 1964, the Japan Karate-d Federation (JKF) was established as a general organization for all karate styles. Wad-ry joined this organization as a major group. In 1965, tsuka and Yoshiaki Ajari recorded onto film (which is now still available on two video tapes) much of the legacy of Wad-ry karate. The first video, "Wad-

ry Karate Volume 1," consists of: in-depth history and recollections; demonstrations of the eight Kihon No Tsuki body shifts; the first five Kihon-Kumite; and the kata Pinan 1-5, Kshank, Jion, Naihanchi, and Seishan. The second video, "Wad-ry Karate Volume 2," consists of: more history; the kata Chint, Niseishi, Rhai, Wanshu, and Jitte; as well as Kihon-Kumite 6-10, along with application. In 1966, tsuka was awarded Kun Goto Soukuo Kyokujujutsu (comparable to a knighthood) by Emperor Hirohito for his dedication to the introduction and teaching of karate.[citation needed] On 5 June 1967, the Wad-ry organization changed its name to "Wadkai." In 1972, the President of Kokusai Bud Renmei, a member of the Japanese royal family, awarded tsuka the title of Meijin. In 1975, Suzuki received his 8th dan, the highest grade ever given (at the time) by the Federation of All Japan Karate-d Organizations, and was named Hanshi-Go by the uncle of Emperor Higashikuni.[citation
needed]

In 1980, as the result of a conflict between tsuka and the Wadkai organization, he stepped down as head of the Wadkai. Eiichi Eriguchi took over his place within that organization. On 1 April 1981, tsuka founded the "Wadry Karated Renmei." (Renmeimeans "group" or "federation.") After only a few months, he retired as head of this organization. His son, Jiro tsuka, took his place. On 29 January 1982, Hironori tsuka died, and in 1983, Jiro tsuka succeeded him as grandmaster of Wad-ry. The younger tsuka changed his name to "Hironori Otsuka II" in honor of his late father. In 1989, Tatsuo Suzuki founded the third major Wad-ry organization, "Wad Kokusai" (Wad International Karated Federation; WIKF). (Kokusai means "international.")

Wad-ry outside Japan[edit]

Wad-ry has been spread to many countries in the world, by both Japanese and non-Japanese students of Hironori Otsuka. Japanese Wad-ry stylists Tatsuo Suzuki, Teruo Kono, Masafumi Shiomitsu, H. Takashima, Naoki Ishikawa, Yoshihiko Iwasaki and many others spread the art in Europe. Yoshiaki Ajari, Masaru Shintani and Isaac Henry Jr. spread the art in the USA and Canada, Joaquim Gonalves (from Portugal) and many others has helped to spread the style in their respective countries. In 1968, Otsuka promoted Cecil T. Patterson of the USA to 5th dan, and charged him with the creation of the United States Eastern Wado-Kai Federation (USEWF).[4]Following the split between Otsuka and the Wado-Kai in 1980, Patterson and the USEWF (renamed United State Eastern Wad-ry Karate Federation) remained with Otsuka. Following Patterson's death in 2002, his son John T. Patterson assumed the presidency of the USEWF. Patterson's organization continues as an active member of the Wadry Karated Renmei.