The Wado Karate Association of Canada is a federally-incorporated non-profit society established to teach Wado karate and physical well-being and fitness, and to promote the growth of Wado.
It was formed in response to the demand for an authentic national organization in Canada to preserve for future generations the heritage of Wado karate as founded in Japan in 1934 by Grand Master Hironori Otsuka.
The Wado Canada is not affiliated with any other organization. It oversees the teaching of traditional Wado karate according to the curriculum established by its technical committee, headed by technical director Saiko Shihan Reid, 8th Dan.
In keeping with the character of a federation, each school operates independently, yet all are bound by the common ideals set forth in the Wado Canada constitution. Wado Canada wants to be in harmony with all Karate styles and organizations.
What is Wado?
Wado, meaning the way to peace and harmony, is one of the four major styles of karate in Japan and was founded in 1934 by Grand Master Hironori Otsuka.
It is perhaps the purest form of karate-do (the way of the empty hands).
Wado is in essence a primary combination of Gichin Funakochi’s Shurite karate and Tasusaburo Nakayama’s Shindo Yoshinryu jujutsu, incorporating some techniques from the Japanese Kobudo. Some of the harsher resistive or hard contact elements of sparring technique, typical of many karate styles, are not present in Wado.
Grand Master Otsuka rejected hardening certain parts of the body, such as hand conditioning, as useless preparation.
The aim of Wado karate is not merely perfection of the physical techniques of self-defense but the development of a mind that is tranquil yet alive, able to react intuitively to any situation.
In Wado, as skill and knowledge are acquired through training and concentrated effort, the student is expected to develop inner strength and calmness of character, as well as the virtues of self-control, respect for others, and true humility.
In his book Wado Ryu Karate, Otsuka Sensei notes, “The path of martial arts is the path of peace. By mastering the path of martial arts, which is the path of peace and desiring the path of peace consequently, is indeed the true path of the martial arts. The essence of the path of martial arts lies in the peace and happiness of all human beings.”
References: The information on this page is from Wado Karate Association of Canada www.wado.ca