Fax: (03) 390-2929
Japan Karatedo College
1-6-2 Zempukiji, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 167-0041, Japan
Mr. Michiro Noguchi
Etsukokai
Koshigaya-shi, Saitama-ken, Japan
e-mail: [email protected]
Kenshinkan Dojo
Nishitanabe-cho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi 545-0014 Japan
e-mail: [email protected]
Wado-ryu
Wado-ryu (“The Way of Peace”) was founded in 1931 by Master Otsuka Hironori (1892-1982). When Master Funakoshi Gichin introduced Okinawan karatedo to Japan, Otsuka Sensei was a high-ranking exponent of Shindo Yoshin-ryu jujutsu. Funakoshi Sensei’s demonstrations, teaching message, and style so affected Ohtsuka Sensei that he began the study of karatedo under the Okinawan master in 1922. By 1928 he was Funakoshi Sensei’s assistant instructor and in 1931 Otsuka Sensei founded the Wado-ryu. Forty-one years later Otsuka Sensei received the title Shodai Karatedo Meijin Judan (First-Generation Karate Master of the Tenth Dan) from the Japanese imperial family. Otsuka Sensei was also presented the Shiju Hoshu medal for his outstanding contributions to physical education and sport from the government of Japan. Wado-ryu practitioners claim that Otsuka Sensei was the first master to create a karatedo style in the form of Japanese (not Okinawan) budo.
Wado-ryu karatedo is characterized 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.
The following are the Wado-ryu rules for practice; a listing of behaviors, by the way, that should be followed wherever one practices martial arts in Japan.
1. No idle chatter, smoking, alcohol, eating, chewing gum, etc. in the dojo.
2. All karateka must bow before entering and upon leaving the dojo. To those who practice karate the dojo is a sacred place. We bow when entering the dojo to affirm our intention to train and seriously and we bow when leaving to show thanks for a good training session.
3. All karateka must bow to instructors or visiting instructors. We emphasis politeness at all times in the dojo and seek to cultivate a spirit based on gentleness and respect.
4. When the instructors or visiting instructors enter/exit the dojo, all karateka must stop whatever they are doing and face the sensei at the door and bow. Each person should seek to develop as full a state of attentiveness as possible. Karate requires and promotes a high degree of training of the mind as it does of the body.
5. A karate gi or loose comfortable clothing must be worn. No socks or shoes are permitted.
6. Show absolute obedience to your sensei. All instruction from the sensei or designated instructor must be followed.
7. Call your instructor “sensei.”
8. Always acknowledge criticism given by the instructor or any other person. Respond to the sensei or a black belt instructor with the word “Hai!”
9. Never stand around with your hands on your waist. The standing position is the one assumed just before kata or yoi, namely two clenched fists in front of the body in standing position.
10. When sitting, always sit cross-legged or in seiza position.
11. Fingernails and toenails should be regularly cut in order to prevent injury.
12. Jewelry should not be worn in the dojo. It has no place in the dojo and can easily be broken or even cause injury.
13. In all practice, emphasis is placed on control, accuracy, and noncontact.
14. Do not attempt to learn or teach new forms without the expressed permission of the sensei.
15. The dojo is to be kept clean by all students. Please help to keep the floor dry, clean, and free of objects. Please look for a broom to sweep the floor as soon as you enter the dojo, before the start of class. Each student should do his or her part to contribute to a proper training environment.
16. If you arrive late, you must perform ten knuckle push-ups upon entering the dojo. Sit in seiza, bow once and stay seated until the sensei gives you permission to join in, or any other instructions. Then, bow again and proceed.
17. Report immediately to the sensei any injury or illness.
18. All karateka must stay inside the dojo. Inform the sensei if you must leave the dojo. Then follow the normal procedures for leaving the dojo.
19. Please check for all personal belongings before leaving the dojo.
20. Whatever you do, do it with all your might. Strengthen weak hands. Make your knees strong. Don’t say “I’ll work hard at a later time,” etc. Practice a technique in the exact manner you’d apply it—with full force.
21. Each student is considered an integral part of the karate community. Should it become necessary to discontinue training for any reason, please notify the instructor. This is so that we may have an accurate and up-to-date record of all students.
Information concerning entrance into a Wado-ryu dojo in Japan may be obtained by contacting Mr. M. Furakawa, general secretary, in Tokyo. His telephone number is (0425) 91-3569. Fax: (0425) 91-3676.
Kyokushin
The founder of Kyokushin karatedo is Oyama Masutatsu Sosai. This style of karatedo is noted for its powerful techniques and emphasis on strength. Oyama Sensei, after all, killed a bull with his bare hands in order to make that point. The tenor of this style might be understood by considering Oyama Sensei’s statement of “Kyokushin spirit”: “Keep one’s head low (modesty), eyes high (ambition), be reserved in speech (mind one’s language) and kind in heart (treat others with respect and courtesy). Treat others with kindness; filial piety is the starting point (serve your parents well).” (from www.kyokushin.co.jp)
Oyama Sensei’s eleven mottoes for karatedo training are as follows: (Ibid.)
1. The martial way begins and ends with courtesy.
2. Following the martial way is like scaling a cliff: continue upwards without rest.
3. Strive to seize the initiative in all things, all the time, guarding against actions stemming from selfish animosity or thoughtlessness.
4. Even for the martial artist, the place of money cannot be ignored. Yet one should be careful never to become attached to it.
5. The martial way is centered in posture. Strive to maintain correct posture at all times.
6. The martial way begins with one thousand days and is mastered after ten thousand days of training.
7. In the martial arts, introspection begets wisdom. Always see contemplation on your actions as an opportunity to improve.
8. The nature and purpose of the martial way is universal. All selfish desires should be roasted in the tempering fires of hard training.
9. The martial arts begin with a point and end in a circle. Straight lines stem from this principle.
10. The true essence of the martial way can only be realized through experience. Knowing this, learn never to fear its demands.
11. Always remember: in the martial arts the rewards of a confident and grateful heart are truly abundant.
The headquarters of the International Karate Organization (IKO), the organizational structure of Kyokushin Karatedo, can be contacted at the following address:
Matsui Shokei Kancho
International Karate Organization Kyokushinkaikan
2-38-1 Nishi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-0021, Japan
These are some of the many dojo