Wa-No-Michi

Latest reports suggest that he went the same way as the INXS star Michael Hutchence. https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/2009/06/05/kung-fu-star-david-carradine-died-when-auto-erotic-sex-game-went-wrong-86908-21416527/ But they are only suggestions. WNM

You're welcome WNM

Hi Brian, I spotted the Jitsu as opposed to Jujutsu. My comments were as a result of one of the earlier names of Wado. Reference the Jutsu vs Do point, I think it has become rather oversimplified by us here in the west, to imply that if something has the tag of "Jutsu" rather than "do" it is somehow more functional in its practical application ie: Jutsu = Method, Science or Art Do = Way, Path or Philosophy The latter conjurs up the suggestion that "self improvement" and the sporting arena are perhaps more paramount to practical martial application. The whole area however is quite a moot point and to some the terms are interchangeable. You also have to take into account the age when many of the new Do's were named in Japan; Judo, Kendo and eventually Karate -do and how this intertwined with the level of feeling of Japanese nationalism at the time. Do had/has different connotations to Jutsu and this was politically quite important in the day - in order for the artform to succeed. Dispite this, good Wado Karate when trained correctly under a knowledegeable Instructor (irespective as to whether it is labelled do or Jutsu), is fully functional in all respects - Practical - Self Improvement - and Sport. Otsukas' Wado is a complete art in this respect. This is an excellent article by Tim Shaw on Wado Ryu and Japanese Budo, in which he has a section where he explains the Jutsu vs Do relationship. https://www.wadoryu.org.uk/budo.html Its a really good read, I think you will enjoy it. WNM

Its the same art practiced by three different groups - JKF Wado-kai, Renmei and WIKF. At one stage there was only one group that practiced the art of Wado-ryu, and that was the Wado-kai, but it has now subsiquently divided into 3. Think of them as different head offices. As you say the "other" group who opereate in the US and Canada under the name of Wado-kai have nothing to do with the JKF Wado-kai. If in Doubt you could contact Bob Nash, who runs the oficial US branch of the JKF Wado-kai, and I am sure he will help you out. https://www.uswadokai.com Thanks WNM

Mr Takamizawa was indeed influential in propagating Wado under the banner of the UKKF/W? as it was then, and then with the likes of Mr Spanton and Mr James etc. No argument there. The politics in Wado are/were not un-similar to that of other arts like Aikido for example, but certainly it was the cause for many to depart from the main wado fold prematurely maybe? shionara ?? Perhaps Shinohara sensei?? Either way, I catch the drift. Not unclean fella, as long as the principles remain constant. Change the principles behind it and it ceases to be Wado. One problem I have though, is when people read the word "Jujutsu" attached to Wado, and see in their minds eye "modern Jujutsu" ie locks and throws and holds (of the Judo type). Of course the Jujutsu that Otsuka was exposed to in his Shindo Yoshin Ryu upbringing was of the "Koryu" nature, with a very different flavour (and purpose) to that of the often homogenised modern stuff This combined with a lack of detailed wado understanding often causes Wado-ka to look to other arts or self proclaimed "Bunkai masters" for answers which is a shame I think, as it is looking in a wrong direction if you want your Wado to get better IMO. I also would not be too quick to dismiss the importance of "shiai" or competition karate within traditional Wado spectrum of things. As I understand it Otsuka saw this as very important conditioning for Wado-ka to experience. Anyway..rant over, I hope you enjoyed your shower. Cheers WNM

You could try Shotokai. They are a traditional Shotokan group who prefer to keep more in line with Funakoshi's principles of "not" sparring (or at least not in the competitive sense). https://www.shotokai.org But to back up what the others have said, sparing is important to your Karate, it doesn't need to be scary and actually is quite a lot of fun. Remember also you won't be thrown straight into it. A good school will provide you with the building blocks with which you can confidently start to spar (and then only in a very carefully controlled environment). When you are up and running with it sure, maybe from time to time you may take a bit of a knock (I have taken more than my share ) but they are usually no more than you would expect if you played a sport like football (or soccer as it is sometimes incorrectly referred to as by our North American friends ). Point is - it helps you keep focussed on the reason why you are practicing Karate (as opposed to dancing), and in a word (as my sensei says) that’s “Intent”. I can’t remember whether it was on this board that a member had the following as a signature: “Karate without kumite (sparring) is like swimming on sand”. Either way, it’s right on the money as far as I can see. WNM

The 3 main international Wado groups are as follows: 1. Japan Karate Federation (JKF) Wado-kai 2. Wado-Ryu Renmei 3. Wado Kokusai (or WIKF) The style of Karate practiced by all 3 is Wado Ryu. One of the early names that Otsuka chose for his art was “Shinshu Wado Ryu Karate Jujutsu", however shortly after this was abbreviated to WadoRyu. Some schools may refer to what they do today as Wado ryu karate Jujutsu, but this is probably in an attempt to emphasise the Jujutsu element within the art, to make it more appealing to those who otherwise may overlook it as a choice - however essentially, it is still Wado ryu. WNM [edit] There is a another group who operate in North America who use the term "Wado kai" to descibe their Karate. The group in question is NOT recognised by any of the main International groups.

I think this is more what they have come to represent. "Dansei" is the Japanese for male (I guess you could extrapolate Dan from this), but i am not sure that "Kyu" means boy as "kun" is boy as far as I understand. But I guess the Senpai / Kohai relationship is constant in your description. WNM

Do you guys have a web site we could have a look at? WNM

Slightly different spelling and Kanji - although the origins are very close. Japanese translation for the word to describe someone in MA who does not hold the rank of Dan grade (or Mudansha) is Kyu or "級". It literally means Rank Grade. The Romanjification though is "Kyu" The number nine in Japanese in Romanji is "Ku" written as "九" in its kanji form. Either way they are stages, but I think it would be wrong to say that Kyu as in Kyu grade = Nine stages. Hope that helps. WNM

Hi yondangirl, and welcome to the forum. Reference Shotokan clubs in London area, this is not a bad place to start I guess. https://www.jka-england.org/FindClub/Resources/JKAEnglandKarateClubSE.htm Amount of Kumite probably varies from club to club, but they have a fair few listed as central lodon clubs. On a side note, I know that Enoeda sensei was instrumental in setting up most of the early shotokan clubs here in the south east of the UK, and... Until very recently( before his death) continued to teach / grade regularly at them. I am not a Shoto boy, but if you can hook up with a group with such a heritage I would say that would stand you in good stead. Let us know how you get on. WNM

Hi wouldbemaster, I think I see what you are saying, but perhaps your reference to 45 degree would be better suited to describe the rotation angle the shoulders travel??? IE between the initial block (when we should have travelled "naname") into Shiko dachi (or at least I do anyway), and when we convert to the counter strike / parry combination (in Seishan Dachi). I would say the the angle travelled by the shoulders was 45 deg ish.. Remember though there are no "actuals" in Wado I hope that helps. WNM

Dobbersky, Forgive me if I have asked you this before on this board (or others that we both frequent), but I am right in saying that you will be tested for Nidan in your own system (that you have created) by external examiners from other styles - Namely Wado Ryu? WNM

Unless you want to. Yes, there is that! I agree. Nothing bad happens if you wash the belt. You don't lose anything as far as experience or knowlege. Neither is there enough accurate information out there that states that "you don't wash your belt because it is tradition." Like others; I couldn't care one way or another really, but I definately think that the myths that surround belts and how they change colour through hard graft, or should be venerated etc., etc. are just that.. myths - bullcrud. That said, I don't tend to wash my belts (nothing to do with the above), mainly becasue washing them knocks the stuffing out of them... even if you do them by hand in cold water etc. I think as long as you keep yourself clean, and your karate suit clean (don't leave sweaty belts and suits in a bag after a training sessions to fester), there is no problem. Also, I just buy a new one when I think it has had enough. WNM

The very first block is Soto-uke Jodan - or outer block head. All the other hand is doing is "Higite" or pulling back - in this instance - in order to add to the inertia created by the turn. WNM

What is the main move? at what point in the vid on the counter for example. WNM

Just thought I'd chime in here considering how many of you are interested now in using correct termonoligy etc., (which is nice because up till recently there seemed to be a reluctance to embrace it) , but - "Koto" has several meanings in Japanese none of them have any relevance to what we are discussing here. "Kote" as I say means wrist so it could be this. "Ude" = Arm, "Mae" = fore / before / infront (as in Maegeri= Front kick) so.. "Maeude" = forearm and... "Maeude uke" = Forearm Block. Have you seen any Youtube footage that comes even close to what you are describing. WNM

Can't remember whether it was on this forum that I mentioned this before, but a good way to overcome the problems that "wearing in" a new belt sometimes brings, is to tuck the ends back under the waist of the belt. In fact it was originally the way that belts were tied apparently The "hangy down ends" as a way to tie your belt was invented by the young bucks of the Japanese Universities that had Karate clubs, such as the Tokai and Nichidai as I understand it... seems that students were rebels back then also. If you look at some early photos of the likes of Funakoshi and Mabuni for example, this is the way they seem to tie their belts for training at least. It does help stop it from coming undone, also stops the belt ends from flapping around. WNM

What is the name of your school? Can't the instructors throw any light on the names etc. WNM

Hi furry_Homeboy, and welcome to the forum. What style of Karate do you study? I don't recognise the names of the Katas you mentioned, and they don't appear to be very "Japanese" sounding words. They could be Okinawan but I would suggest that they were probably more like Chinese - or as you say Indonesian. Good luck with your search. WNM

In fact, if I remember correctly, wasn't it a Judo dojo anyway - or at least they were practicing judo in it when he returned the infamous sign?

Here's a thought though maybe. If you consider that here in the UK at least, when Karate was being introduced in the 60's, in many cases it was in Judo clubs? WNM

Go for it. Well go for it yes, but do your "due diligence" first; otherwise you could be throwing good money (and time) after bad if you are not careful. WNM

I suppose though, in order to answer that question, you have to define the criteria that makes a good martial artist. Or more importantly what you as an individual define as important. WNM Another point I can't argue nor will I. Having said that, you've layed out what is your/the criteria, therefore, all that's missing is your answer. If this answer is to remain private, I respect your wishes. My answer to the question is...NO! After only 19 years in the Martial Arts as a mere Yondan, I wasn't no where close to what Bruce Lee had. In a lifetime, 19 years is infancy at best. Ditto, My answer is also No. But then that doesn't make either you or me any less a martial artist than Bruce Lee - if only for the want of trying to constantly improve WNM

I don't think you are a quitter from what you have written. Opposite actually, as you were forced to stop through injury, but tried to come back but it was maybe too soon - but that shows commitment and tenacity on your part. So I don’t think that should be your block. I'd worry more about the fact the school is under "new management" - as it may not be the same school you left. Have a play... remember you are the consumer in this contract - get what is best for you and don't worry about what you think they may think about you. As to whether you want to commit, well only you can answer that. Best of luck WNM