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{{short description|Style of karate}}
{{more citations needed|date=May 2007}}
{{Infobox martial art group
| logo =
| logocaption =
| logosize =
| image = Wadoryu_flag.svg
| imagecaption = The flag of Wadō-ryū.
| imagesize =
| name = Wadō-ryū<br />(和道流)
| aka = Shinshu Wadoryu Karate-Jujutsu{{efn|name="Long name"|What the style was called originally when Hironori Ōtsuka registered the style with Dai Nippon Butoku Kai in 1938. Was soon shortened to just "Wado-Ryu".}}
| date founded = 1929{{efn|name="Founding A"|When Hironori Otsuka first began to teach Karate to others at [[Tokyo University]].}} or 1938{{efn|name="Founding B"|When Hironori Ōtsuka registered his style of karate with the [[Dai Nippon Butoku Kai]] under the name of "Shinshu Wadoryu Karate-Jujutsu."}}<ref name="Crudelli2008"/>{{rp|205}}
| country = {{flagicon|Japan}} Japan
| founder = [[Hironori Ōtsuka]]
| arts = [[Karate]]
| ancestor_arts     = [[Karate]] ([[Shotokan]], [[Shitō-ryū]] and [[Motobu-ryū]]), [[Jujutsu]] ([[Shindō Yōshin-ryū]], other)
| descendant_arts   = [[Shaolin Nam Pai Chuan]],<ref name="Crudelli2008">{{cite book |last=Crudelli |first= Chris |date= 2008 |title=The Way of the Warrior |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QlI0fxSm1vgC |publisher= Dorling Kindersley Limited |isbn=9781405337502}}</ref>{{rp|121}} [[Sanjuro (martial art)|Sanjuro]]
| ancestor schools  = 
| descendant schools=
| hybrid = striking/grappling
}}
{{Nihongo|'''Wadō-ryū'''|和道流|}} is one of the four major [[karate]] styles{{efn|name="FourMajor"|As in, being one of the four styles recognised by [[Japan Karate Federation]]. The others being [[Goju-Ryu]], [[Shotokan]] and [[Shito-Ryu]].{{sfn|Lund|2015|p=12}}<ref>{{cite book |last= Stubbs |first=Ray |date=2011 |orig-date= 2007 |title= The Sports Book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=S96LvrNn8ZoC|quote= The Federation of All Japan Karate-do Organizations recognises four main karate styles – Goju-ryu, Shito-ryu, Shotokan, and Wado-ryu – although there are more than 70 different styles, including Shorin-Ryu, Uechi-Ryu and Kyokushinkai.|publisher= Dorling Kindersley Limited|page=220 |isbn=9781405378710}}</ref><ref name="Rielly2011_A">{{cite book |last= Rielly|first=Robin L. |date= 2011|orig-date= 1998|title=Complete Shotokan Karate: History, Philosophy, and Practice  |publisher= Tuttle Publishing|isbn=9781462902286}}</ref>{{rp|37}}<ref>{{cite magazine|url={{google books |plainurl=y |id=BdoDAAAAMBAJ|page=12}}|title=A New Day of Karate|author=<!--Not stated--> |magazine=Black Belt|date=October 1965|access-date=23 November 2014 |page=12}}</ref> }} and was founded by Hironori Ōtsuka (1892–1982).<ref name="Jones2015_24">{{cite book |last=Jones |first=David |date= November 24, 2015|title= Martial Arts Training in Japan: A Guide for Westerners|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=J-ANCwAAQBAJ |publisher=Tuttle Publishing |page= 24|isbn=9781462918287}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wado-ryu.jp/en/data/history.pdf |title=Founder of Wado-Ryu - Hironori Otsuka |website=wado-ryu.jp |access-date=2022-02-27 |archive-date=2018-06-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613181919/http://www.wado-ryu.jp/en/data/history.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Ōtsuka was a [[Menkyo|Menkyo Kaiden]] licensed [[Shindō Yōshin-ryū]] practitioner of Tatsusaburo Nakayama and a student of [[Yōshin-ryū]] prior to meeting the Okinawan karate master [[Gichin Funakoshi]]. After having learned from Funakoshi, and after their split, with Okinawan masters such as [[Kenwa Mabuni]] and [[Motobu Chōki]], Ōtsuka merged Shindō Yōshin-ryū with Okinawan karate. The result of Ōtsuka's efforts is Wadō-ryū Karate.<ref name="USKO"/>

As such, Wadō-ryū places emphasis on not only striking, but ''[[tai sabaki]]'', [[joint locks]] and [[throws]]. It has its origins within [[Shindō Yōshin-ryū|Shindō Yōshin-ryū jujitsu]], as well as [[Shotokan]], [[Tomari-te]] and [[Shito-Ryu]] karate.{{sfn|Lund|2015|p=33}}<ref name="BlackBelt1983">{{cite magazine |last= Herbster |first= Richard |title= Wado-Ryu's Otsuka: Leader of the way of peace |magazine= [[Black Belt Magazine]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ddIDAAAAMBAJ|date=June 22, 1983|publisher=Active Interest Media, Inc.|via=Google Books|access-date=November 19, 2024}}</ref>{{rp|40}}
<ref name="Martin2012">{{cite book |last=Martin |first= Ashley |date= 2012|title=Complete Martial Arts Training Manual: An Integrated Approach|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=OVXRAgAAQBAJ |publisher= Tuttle Publishing|quote= '''Wado-ryu''', Created by Hironori Otsuka in the 1930s, Wado-ryu is a synthesis of Shotokan karate and jujutsu. Wado-ryu, which means "the harmonious way style," combines the linear strikes of Shotokan with evasive maneuvers that involve slipping past attacks. Wado-ryu also focuses on sparring drills that are more complex than the simple block and counter drills of shotokan. These drills, which are called paired kata, include locks and throws reflecting the jujutsu heritage of Wado-ryu. |isbn=9781462905553}}</ref><ref name="Crudelli2008"/>{{rp|205}}

== Etymology ==
The name ''Wadō-ryū'' has three parts: ''Wa'', ''dō'', and ''ryū''. ''Wa'' means "harmony," ''dō'' (same character as [[tao]]) means "way," and ''ryū'' means "school" or "style". Harmony should not be interpreted as [[pacifism]]; it is simply the acknowledgment that yielding is sometimes more effective than brute strength, which founds the art's mentality in fighting.{{sfn|Lund|2015|p=33}}<ref name="Martin2012"/><ref name="Crudelli2008"/>{{rp|205}}<ref name="USKO">{{cite web|url=http://www.usko-karate.co.uk/Wado.htm|title=USKO|publisher=Usko-karate.co.uk|access-date=22 November 2014|archive-date=24 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110324125337/http://www.usko-karate.co.uk/Wado.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> Additionally, Kanji ''Wa'' (和) used is also a Kanji for [[Japan]], due to the influence of Japanese Jujutsu in Wadō-Ryū, meant in contrast to the other karate styles originating from [[Okinawa Prefecture|Okinawa]].<ref>{{cite book |last1= Takashi |first1=Uozumi |last2= Bennett|first2=  Alexander |date= 2010|title=The history and spirit of budo |publisher=International Budo University |page=108 |isbn=978-4-9980893-4-6}}</ref>

==Characteristics==
To the untrained observer, Wadō-ryū might look similar to other styles of [[karate]], like its parent school of [[Shotokan]]. Most of the underlying principles, however, were derived from [[Shindō Yōshin-ryū]], an [[Judo atemi waza|atemi waza]] focused style of [[Jujutsu]].<ref name="Jones2015_24"/>{{sfn|Lund|2015|p=33}} Indeed, from one point of view, Wadō-ryū might be considered a style of [[Jūjutsu]] rather than Karate.{{cn|date=November 2024}} [[Hironori Ōtsuka]] embraced jujitsu and was its chief instructor for a time. When Ōtsuka first registered his school with the [[Dai Nippon Butoku Kai]] in 1938, the style was called "Shinshu Wadō-ryū Karate-Jūjutsu," a name that reflects its hybrid character. {{cn|date=November 2024}}

Additionally, there are noticeable differences in the katas compared to other styles such as Shōtōkan. Wadō-Ryū katas have a lighter, less powerful appearance and are economical in movement. Defensive techniques do not block an opponent’s attack, but rather redirect it.{{cn|date=November 2024}}

===Technique===
{{blockquote|Wado-ryu karatedo is characterised by evasion instead of meeting force with force, and by light, fast, and fluid body movement. The Wado-ryu stylist defends with parries and deflections with simultaneous counterattacks.|David Jones<ref name="Jones2015_24"/>}}

Similar to [[Shotokan]] Karate, Wadō-ryū employs linear striking, but forgoes with Shotokan's aggressive approach.<ref name="Martin2012"/><ref name="Crudelli2008"/>{{rp|205}} Instead, Wadō-ryū opts ''[[tai sabaki]]'' (often incorrectly referred to as 'evasion') as its key principle. 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]].<ref name="Crudelli2008"/>{{rp|205}}{{sfn|Lund|2015|p=33}} Using these principles, the energy of the attack is diverted and evaded, and then or simultaneously countered with joint-locking, throwing, or striking techniques. The technical execution is subject to the following principles:
* Sanmi Ittai – Every technique in Wadō-Ryū (Ten gi) simultaneously includes a change in position (Ten i) and a shift in the weight of the body (Ten tai).<ref>Roberto Danubio, ''Wadoryu Karatedo - Kihon, Kata, Kumite.'' Wado Ryu Karate Media, 2010, ISBN 978-3-033-02264-5, p. 13.</ref>
* Execution of all movements while avoiding the following errors: No incorrect or superfluous technique, no superfluous movement, no superfluous expenditure of force.<ref name="JoSch2002">{{cite book |last= Schäfer|first=Josef |date= 2002|title=KARATE DO, Tradition & Innovation |url= |location= |publisher= Verlag Pukrop|page=26 |isbn=3-00-009946-8}}</ref>
* Control of your own center of gravity.
* [[Tai Sabaki]] – Leaving the line of attack by dodging.<ref name="Crudelli2008"/>{{rp|205}}{{sfn|Lund|2015|p=33}}
* Defending against an attack and countering occur simultaneously, as well as doing so without hesitation.
* Kyusho – Techniques are aimed at the attacker’s vital points.
* Smooth transitions between the individual techniques.

Wadō-ryū is also characterised by a higher body position and stances than in other Karate styles.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.wadokai.fi/language/en/about-wadoryu-style/|title=About Wadō-Ryu style |author=<!--Not stated--> | date= 2024|website= Wadokai Finland|access-date=November 20, 2024 |quote= Wadō-Ryū as a style is very natural. Being relaxed is important and the stances are slightly higher compared to the other styles. Using lower stances requires certain kind of way of using power which might cause unnecessary tension.}}</ref>

Modern karate competition tends to transform Wadō-ryū away from its roots towards a new generic karate that appeals more to the demands of both spectators and competitors.<ref name="USKO"/>

A [[Blocking techniques|block]] in Wadō may look much like a block in Goju/Uechi ryu, but they are executed from different perspectives.{{cn|date=November 2024}}

While the core principles (at least with regard to the transmission of body mass into punches) of turning on the heel remain in Wadō, as it is the fastest way to push the hips in the direction of attack, the progression to the ball of the foot is a hallmark of the style.{{cn|date=November 2024}}

===Kata===
''[[Kata]]'' are predefined, specific patterns of movement that incorporate and encapsulate martial techniques, concepts, and applications.<ref name="Black Belt">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1dcDAAAAMBAJ&q=Hironori+otsuka&pg=PA27|title=Black Belt November 1971|date=November 1971|access-date=23 November 2014|archive-date=1 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301082444/https://books.google.com/books?id=1dcDAAAAMBAJ&q=Hironori+otsuka&pg=PA27|url-status=live}}</ref>  
Wadō-Ryū takes a different approach to kata training than other styles. Ōtsuka Hironori adopted the katas from Gichin Funakoshi, but used a different kanji for the term kata. In Wadō-Ryū, he replaced the meaning of original mold or template (Japanese 型) of the kata in Shōtōkan with the meaning of symbol (Japanese 形). This means that the practitioner should not always aim for the same form of a kata, but rather allow and even encourage changes to a kata due to the age and other individual characteristics of the karateka.<ref name="JoSch2002"/> 

In his 1977 book on Wadō-ryū (published in English in 1997), Ōtsuka declared only nine official ''kata'' for Wadō-ryū: ''Pinan Nidan'', ''Pinan Shodan'', ''Pinan Sandan'', ''Pinan Yodan'', ''Pinan Godan'', ''Kūshankū'', ''Naihanchi'', ''Seishan'' and ''Chintō''.<ref>Wado Ryu Karate: Hironori Otsuka 1997, p.72</ref>{{full citation needed|date=November 2024}} However, after his death, other organizations of the style have added other forms, such as unsu and kumpu. However, it can be said that all individual kata originate from [[Shuri-te]].{{cn|date=November 2024}}

As such, 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 significant deviations apparent to the untrained observer to very subtle minutiae.{{cn|date=November 2024}}

''Kata'' associated with Wadō-ryū include:
* ''Ten-No'': basic drills first invented by [[Gigō Funakoshi]] (son of Gichin Funakoshi).{{cn|date=November 2024}}
* ''[[Taikyoku series]]'': developed by [[Gichin Funakoshi]] as a preliminary exercise before the ''Pinan'' series; many Wadō-ryū schools teach these basic ''kata'', particularly ''[[Taikyoku Shodan]]'' (太極初段).{{sfn|Lund|2015|p=101}}
* [[Pinan series|''Pinan'' kata]]: created by [[Ankō Itosu]], and consisting of ''Pinan Shodan'' (平安初段), ''Pinan Nidan'' (平安二段), ''Pinan Sandan'' (平安三段), ''Pinan Yodan'' (平安四段), and ''Pinan Godan'' (平安五段). Funakoshi renamed this series as the ''[[Heian series|Heian]]'' series.{{sfn|Lund|2015|p=97, 101}}
* ''[[Kūsankū (kata)|Kūshankū]]'' クーシャンクー (公相君): "Sky Viewing". [[Kūsankū|Kūshankū]] 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 ''Kankū Dai''.{{sfn|Lund|2015|p=101}}<ref>Wado Ryu Karate: Hironori Otsuka 1997, p.177</ref>
* ''[[Naihanchi]]'' ナイハンチ (内畔戦; 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 [[Chōki Motobu]]. Wadō-ryū practices only the first Naihanchi ''kata''.{{sfn|Lund|2015|p=96, 101}}
* ''[[Seishan]]'' セイシャン (征射雲): 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]].{{sfn|Lund|2015|p=99, 101}}
* ''[[Chintō]]'' チントウ (鎮闘): formulated by [[Matsumura Sōkon]] from the teachings of a sailor or pirate named Chintō (or [[Chintō|Annan]], depending on the source). Crane stance occurs many times, and the flying kicks differentiate ''Chintō'' from other ''kata''. Funakoshi renamed this ''kata'' as [[Gankaku]].{{sfn|Lund|2015|p=101}}
* ''[[Bassai]]'' バッサイ (披塞; also known as ''[[Passai]]''): a [[Tomari-te]] ''kata'' that uses dynamic stances and hip rotation. Funakoshi renamed this ''kata'' as ''Bassai Dai''.{{sfn|Lund|2015|p=96, 101}}
* ''[[Rōhai]]'' ローハイ (老梅): ''Rōhai'' has three variation invented by Itosu. Wadō-ryū practices ''Rōhai Shodan''. Funakoshi renamed this ''kata'' as [[Meikyo]].{{sfn|Lund|2015|p=98, 101}}
* ''[[Niseishi]]'' ニーセイシ: the name means "24 steps." Transmitted by Ankichi Aragaki, this ''kata'' is known in Japanese as [[Nijūshiho]] (二十四步).{{sfn|Lund|2015|p=96, 101}}
* ''[[Wanshū]]'' ワンシュウ (晩愁): 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 [[Enpi (kata)|Empi]].<ref name="Crudelli2008"/>{{rp|205}}{{sfn|Lund|2015|p=101}}
* ''[[Jion kata group|Jion]]'' ジオン (慈恩): A Tomari-te ''kata''; part of the ''Jion kata'' group.{{sfn|Lund|2015|p=95, 101}}
* ''[[Jitte]]'' ジッテ (十手): another Tomari-te ''kata'' of the ''Jion kata'' group; the name means "10 hands."{{cn|date=November 2024}}
* ''Suparinpei'' スーパーリンペイ (壱百零八拳): 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.<ref name="Crudelli2008"/>{{rp|205}} It is also known by its Chinese name of Pechurrin, and occasionally referred to as ''Haiku Hachi Ho'' (a name given by Funakoshi).{{sfn|Lund|2015|p=99, 101}} ''Suparinpei'' was originally listed as a Wadō-ryū ''kata'' with the [[Dai Nippon Butoku Kai]] by Hironori Ōtsuka, but he eventually discarded it. Some Wadō-ryū instructors and schools still teach this ''kata''.{{cn|date=November 2024}}
* ''Kunpu''{{cn|date=November 2024}}
* ''[[Unsū]]'': the name means "cloud hands". Advanced kata also found in [[Shotokan]], as well as [[Shito-Ryu]]. Its origins are a mystery, and its speculated to have originated from either [[Southern Dragon kung fu|Dragon-style]] of [[Chinese Kung Fu]] or [[Arakaki Seishō]].{{sfn|Lund|2015|p=101}}<ref>{{cite book |last= Clayton |first=Bruce D. |date= 2004|title= Shotokan's Secret: The Hidden Truth Behind Karate's Fighting Origins |publisher= Black Belt Books|page=66 |isbn=9780897501446}}</ref>

In addition to the solo ''kata'' listed above, many Wadō-ryū schools also practice paired ''kata'', which reflects its jujutsu heritage.<ref name="Martin2012"/> 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 Wadō-ryū often vary from one organisation from another, because Ōtsuka did not standardise them. The paired ''kata'' are:{{cn|date=November 2024}}
* ''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 organisation) 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 (martial artist)|Tatsuo Suzuki]] Hanshi's W.I.K.F organisation.
* ''Idori no Kata'': consists of 5–10 techniques (depending on the organisation) of seated self-defense, influenced by jujutsu throwing and joint-locking techniques.
* ''Tantodori no Kata'': consists of 7–10 techniques (depending on the organisation) of defenses against knife attacks, influenced by jujutsu body movements, throwing, and joint-locking techniques.
* ''Shinken Shirahadori'' ([[w:ja:真剣白刃取り|真剣白刃取り]]): consists of 5–10 (depending on organisation) 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.{{cn|date=November 2024}}

==Ranks==
Wadō-ryū uses a typical karate belt order to denote rank. The beginner commences at 9th or 10th ''[[kyū]]'' (depending on the organisation and school) and progresses to 1st ''kyū'', then from 1st–5th ''[[Dan rank|dan]]'' for technical grades. The ranks of 6th–10th ''dan'' are honorary ranks. Although some other karate styles add stripes to their belt for the ''dan'' ranks, Wado-ryū practitioners tend not to follow that practice.<ref name="Crudelli2008"/>{{rp|205}}

The rank at which Wado practitioners are first able to teach is usually 3rd ''dan'', but this depends on the organisation. Some Wado ryu organisations require completion of a special course in addition to attaining a certain ''dan'' rank.

Schools that use the same belt colour for multiple ''kyu'' ranks typically, although not necessarily, use stripes to indicate progress within that belt colour.

==History==
{{see also|Hironori Ōtsuka}}
The founder of Wadō-ryū, Hironori Ōtsuka, was born on 1 June 1892 in Shimodate, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. In 1898, Ōtsuka began practicing ''koryū [[jujutsu]]'' under Chojiro Ebashi. From 1905–1921, he studied [[Shindō Yōshin-ryū]] jujutsu under Tatsusaburo Nakayama.<ref>{{cite book |last= Draeger |first= Donn F.|author-link= Donn F. Draeger |date=1996|orig-date= 1974 |title=Modern Bujutsu & Budo |publisher= Weatherhill|page=132 |isbn=9780834803510}}</ref><ref name="Sidney2003">{{cite book |editor-last1= Sidney|editor-first1=James |date= 2003|title=The Warrior's Path: Wisdom from Contemporary Martial Arts Masters |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=u20liIoIcFUC |publisher=Shambhala Publications|isbn=9781590300749 }}</ref>{{rp|68, 174}} In 1922, he met [[Gichin Funakoshi]] and began to train under him.{{sfn|Lund|2015|p=15}}<ref name="Jones2015_24"/><ref>Contributions from "Karate", pages 55 of Hironori Otsuka's "Before and After Meisho Juku", and pages 58 and 59 of Yasuhiro Konishi's "Ryūkyū karatejutsu no sendatsu-sha"</ref> In 1924, Ōtsuka became one of the first students promoted to black belt in karate by Funakoshi. To broaden his knowledge of Karate, Ōtsuka also studied with other prominent masters such as [[Kenwa Mabuni]] of [[Shitō-ryū]] and [[Motobu Chōki]].<ref name="Black Belt"/> 

By 1927, Ōtsuka had become an assistant instructor in Funakoshi's Shotokan school.<ref name="Jones2015_24"/> In 1929, Ōtsuka organised the first school karate club at [[Tokyo University]]. Eiichi Eriguchi coined the term 'Wadō-ryū' in 1934.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hSh7AAAAQBAJ&q=Eiichi+Eriguchi&pg=PT17|title=Memoirs of A Karate Fighter|isbn=9781908446152|access-date=23 November 2014|last1=Robb|first1=Ralph|date=24 January 2013|publisher=HopeRoad |archive-date=1 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301082450/https://books.google.com/books?id=hSh7AAAAQBAJ&q=Eiichi+Eriguchi&pg=PT17|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1938, Ōtsuka 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 "Wadō-ryū" (和道流). In 1938, the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai awarded Ōtsuka the rank of ''Renshi-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 Wadō-ryū. In 1944, Ōtsuka was appointed Japan's Chief Karate Instructor.{{Citation needed|date=September 2007}} In 1946, Ōtsuka awarded Tatsuo Suzuki the rank of 2nd ''[[Dan rank|dan]]''.

Around 1950, Jiro Ōtsuka (the founder's second son) began training in Wadō-ryū while in his adolescent years. In 1951, Ōtsuka awarded [[Tatsuo Suzuki (martial artist)|Tatsuo Suzuki]] the rank of 5th ''dan'', the highest rank awarded in Wadō-ryū at that time. In 1952, the Wadō-ryū 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, Ōtsuka 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 Wadō-ryū around the world.

In 1964, the [[Japan Karate Federation]] (JKF) was established as a general organisation for all karate styles. Wadō-ryū joined this organisation as a major group. In 1965, Ōtsuka and Yoshiaki Ajari recorded onto film (which is now still available on two video tapes) much of the legacy of Wadō-ryū karate. The first video, "Wadō-ryū 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, ''Kūshankū'', ''Jion'', ''Naihanchi'', and ''Seishan''. The second video, "Wadō-ryū Karate Volume 2," consists of: more history; the ''kata'' ''Chintō'', ''Niseishi'', ''Rōhai'', ''Wanshu'', and ''Jitte''; as well as ''Kihon-Kumite'' 6–10, along with application. In 1966, Ōtsuka was awarded the [[Order of the Rising Sun#Notable recipients|Order of the Rising Sun, Fifth Class]] by Emperor [[Hirohito]] for his dedication to the introduction and teaching of karate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wado-ryu.jp/english.html|title=和道流空手道連盟|date=May 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516204227/http://wado-ryu.jp/english.html|archive-date=2018-05-16}}</ref> On 5 June 1967, the Wadō-ryū organisation changed its name to "Wadōkai."

In 1972, the President of Kokusai Budō Renmei, a member of the Japanese royal family, awarded Ōtsuka the title of ''Meijin''.<ref name="Jones2015_24"/><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pc4DAAAAMBAJ&q=Eiichi+Eriguchi+wado+ryu&pg=PA14|title=Black Belt June 1970|date=June 1970|page=14|access-date=23 November 2014|archive-date=1 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301082447/https://books.google.com/books?id=pc4DAAAAMBAJ&q=Eiichi+Eriguchi+wado+ryu&pg=PA14|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1975, Suzuki received his 8th ''dan'', the highest grade ever given (at the time) by the Federation of All Japan Karate-dō Organisations, and was named ''Hanshi-Go'' by the uncle of Emperor Higashikuni.{{Citation needed|date=September 2007}}

In 1980, as the result of a conflict between Ōtsuka and the Wadōkai organisation over personal withdrawals from the organisation's bank accounts, he stepped down as head of the Wadōkai. Eiichi Eriguchi took over his place within that organisation. On 1 April 1981, Ōtsuka founded the "Wadōryū Karatedō Renmei." (''Renmei'' means "group" or "federation.") After only a few months, he retired as head of this organisation. His son, Jiro Ōtsuka, took his place. On 29 January 1982, Hironori Ōtsuka died, and in 1983, Jiro Ōtsuka succeeded him as grandmaster of Wadō-ryū. The younger Ōtsuka changed his name to "Hironori Otsuka II" in honor of his late father. In 1989, Tatsuo Suzuki founded the third major Wadō-ryū organisation, "Wadō Kokusai" (Wadō International Karatedō Federation; WIKF). (''Kokusai'' means "international.")  In 2011 following Suzuki's death,  Jon Wicks succeeded as the WIKF chief instructor.  In 2015 following Jiro's death, his son Kazutaka succeeded him as grandmaster of Wadō-ryū, assuming the name "Hironori Otsuka III".

==Organisation==
Wadō-ryū is spread between three independently-led organisations: [[Wadōkai]], Wadō Kokusai and Wadō-ryū Karate-dō Renmei.

===Wadō-ryū outside Japan===
Wadō-ryū has been spread to many countries in the world, by both Japanese and non-Japanese students of Hironori Otsuka. Japanese Wadō-ryū stylists [[Tatsuo Suzuki (martial artist)|Tatsuo Suzuki]], [[:fr:Teruo Kono|Teruo Kono]], [[:fr:Masafumi Shiomitsu|Masafumi Shiomitsu]], H. Takashima, [[:fr:Naoki Ishikawa (1942-2008)|Naoki Ishikawa]], Yoshihiko Iwasaki, [[:fr:Kuniaki Sagakami|Kuniaki Sakagami]] and many others spread the art in [[Europe]]. [[:fr:Yoshiaki Ajari|Yoshiaki Ajari]], [[Masaru Shintani]] and Isaac Henry Jr. spread the art in the United States and Canada,<ref name="OtisHassell2000"/><ref name="Rielly2011_A"/>{{rp|44}}<ref name="Habersetzer2004_A"/>{{rp|32}} Joaquim Gonçalves (from [[Portugal]]) and many others have helped to spread the style in their respective countries.  In 1968, Otsuka promoted [[Cecil T. Patterson]] of the United States to 5th ''dan'', and charged him with the creation of the United States Eastern Wado-Kai Federation (USEWF).<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ddIDAAAAMBAJ&q=Wadokai&pg=PA43|title=Wado-Ryu's Ostuka: Leader of the way of peace|last=Herbster|first=Richard|date=June 1983|pages=41–43|access-date=23 November 2014|archive-date=1 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301082449/https://books.google.com/books?id=ddIDAAAAMBAJ&q=Wadokai&pg=PA43|url-status=live}}</ref> 

Following the split between Otsuka and the Wado-Kai in 1980, Patterson and the USEWF (renamed: United States Eastern Wadō-ryū Karate Federation) remained with Otsuka.  Following Patterson's death in 2002, his son John T. Patterson assumed the presidency of the USEWF. Patterson's organisation continues as an active member of the Wadō Ryū Karatedō Renmei. In the UK, Wadō-ryū has been cited as a key influence in the development of the [[Hybrid martial arts|hybrid martial art]] [[Sanjuro (martial art)|Sanjuro]].{{cn|date=November 2024}}

== Notable practitioners ==
{{for|practitioners of Wadō-ryū|Category:Wadō-ryū practitioners}}
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* '''[[Hironori Ōtsuka]] (founder)'''<ref name="Jones2015_24"/>
* [[Tatsuo Suzuki (martial artist)|Tatsuo Suzuki]]<ref name="Sidney2003"/>{{rp|68}}<ref name="Charles1990">{{cite book |author=Vic Charles |author-link= Vic Charles|date= 1990|title= Karate|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mmnIVZSE8ZMC |publisher=  Crowood Press|page=11 |isbn=9781852232245}}</ref>
* [[Seiji Nishimura]]<ref>{{cite book |author=<!--Not stated--> |editor-last1=  Daume|editor-first1= Daphne |date=1983 |title=Britannica Book of the Year |edition=1|url= https://archive.org/details/britannicabookof0000unse|publisher= Encyclopaedia Britannica|page=247 |isbn=978-0852294079}}</ref>
* [[Masaru Shintani]]<ref>Journal of Asian Martial Arts. (2006). USA: Via Media Publishing Company. Page 61.</ref>
* [[Cecil T. Patterson]]<ref name="BlackBelt1983"/>{{rp|43}}<ref>{{cite book |editor-last1=Parulski |editor-first1=George R. |date=1985 |title=Karate's Modern Masters: The Philosophies and Techniques of the Art's Living Legends |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=_nJYAAAAYAAJ |publisher= Contemporary Books|page=6, 11 |isbn=9780809253098}}</ref>
* [[Hamish Telfer Adam]]{{cn|date=November 2024}}
* [[Toru Arakawa]]<ref>Ben Pollock: ''Karate Wadōryu: from Japan to the West'', Manchester 2014, 1st edition, {{ISBN|978-1-291-65036-5}}, page 80</ref>
* [[Steven Bellamy]]{{cn|date=November 2024}}
* [[Ticky Donovan]]<ref name="Mitchell1997">{{cite book |last= Mitchell|first=David |date=1997 |title=The Overlook Martial Arts Handbook |publisher=[[Harry N. Abrams, Inc.]] |isbn=9780879517595}}</ref>{{rp|76}}<ref name="BlackBeltJan1978_P38"/>
* [[Gilbert Ballantine]]{{cn|date=November 2024}}
* [[Vic Charles]]<ref name="Charles1990"/>{{additional citations needed|date=November 2024}}
* [[Eugene Codrington]]<ref name="BlackBeltJan1978_P38">{{cite magazine |last= Modric|first= Zarko|date=January 1, 1978 |title= Top 10 European Karate Men |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GtQDAAAAMBAJ |page=38|magazine= Black Belt Magazine  |publisher= Active Interest Media, Inc.|access-date=November 21, 2024}} </ref><ref>
{{cite book |last= Goodman|first= Fay |date=2004 |title= The Practical Encyclopedia of Martial Arts|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7jbYAAAAMAAJ|publisher= Lorenz Books|quote=WADO RYU Eugene Alexander Codrington Eugene Codrington's competition career began in 1974 when he became the AKA Champion.|isbn=9780754814689}}</ref>
* [[William Millerson]]<ref>{{cite magazine |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=October 1, 1976 |title= Top Ten European Karateka |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rNUDAAAAMBAJ |page=88|magazine= Black Belt Magazine  |publisher= Active Interest Media, Inc.|access-date=November 21, 2024}}</ref>
* [[Hiroo Mochizuki]]<ref name="Habersetzer2004_A">{{cite book |last1= Habersetzer |first1=Gabrielle |last2=Habersetzer |first2=Roland |date=2004 |orig-date= 2000 |title=Encyclopédie technique, historique, biographique et culturelle des arts martiaux de l'Extrême-Orient |trans-title= Technical, historical, biographical and cultural encyclopedia of the martial arts of the Far East|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mqTP18US1asC |language= FR |publisher= Amphora|isbn=9782851806604}}</ref>{{rp|473}}
* {{interlanguage link|Teruo Kono|fr|Teruo Kono|de|Teruo Kono}}<ref name="Habersetzer2004_A"/>{{rp|387}}<ref>Pflüger, A. (2006). VEINTICINCO SHOTOKAN KATAS. Spain: Paidotribo. {{ISBN|9788480194600}}, Page 18.</ref><ref name="Mitchell1997"/>{{rp|45}}
* {{interlanguage link|Yoshiaki Ajari|fr|Yoshiaki Ajari}}<ref name="OtisHassell2000">{{cite book |last1= Otis|first1= Edmond|last2= Hassell|first2=Randall |date= 2000|title=The Complete Idiot's Guide to Karate |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=X993EAAAQBAJ|publisher= Dorling Kindersley Limited|quote=Yoshiaki Ajari introduced Wado-ryu karate in Hayward, California.|isbn=9780241885819}}</ref><ref name="Rielly2011_A"/>{{rp|44}}<ref name="Habersetzer2004_A"/>{{rp|32}}
* {{interlanguage link|Fukazawa Hiroji|fr|Fukazawa Hiroji}}<ref name="OtisHassell2000"/>
* {{interlanguage link|Patrice Belrhiti|fr|Patrice Belrhiti}}<ref>Mairet, S. (1985). Le karaté. (n.p.): FeniXX réédition numérique. {{ISBN|9782307520184}}, page 140</ref>
* {{interlanguage link|Koji Takamatsu|pt|Koji Takamatsu}}<ref>{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date= 2021|title=Koji Takamatsu, pioneiro do Wado-ryu no Brasil, deixa uma legião de luto |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=krUTEAAAQBAJ|magazine=Master 15 Caderno Karate |page= 20|publisher=  Bueno Editora |isbn= 978-65-87588-18-6|language= Portuguese|access-date=November 21, 2024}} </ref>
{{div col end}}

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

==References==
===Sources===
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book |last= Lund |first= Graeme |date=December 29, 2015 |title=Essential Karate Book: For White Belts, Black Belts and All Levels In Between |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=EedkCwAAQBAJ |publisher=Tuttle Publishing |isbn=9781462905591}}
{{refend}}

===Citations===
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* [http://www.wado-ryu.jp International Federation of Wado-Ryu Karate-Do or Wadōryū Karatedō Renmei]
* [http://www.wikf.com/ Wado International Karate-Do Federation (WIKF)]
*[https://www.karatedo.co.jp/wado/w_eng/e_index.htm Japan Karatedo Federation Wado-Kai]
* [http://www.wadoryu.pl/ Wado-Ryu Poland]

{{Karate}}

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[[Category:Wadō-ryū| ]]
[[Category:Karate]]
[[Category:Japanese karate]]
[[Category:Okinawan karate]]
[[Category:Traditional karate]]
[[Category:Japanese martial arts]]