Wadoryu is one of the major styles of Japanese karate, alongside Shitoryu, Gojuryu and Shotokanryu. Each of these schools have their own unique characteristics which define them as distinct styles. In the case of Wadoryu, we place an emphasis on speed, timing and body movement. So for example, rather than directly blocking an attack, we try to move and counter simultaneously.
The school originally had a a strong influence from jujutsu (Yoshinryu line) and old style kendo (Yagyuryu line). As a result, Wadoryu technique is built around the concepts of inasu -dodging, nagasu – parrying and noru – riding. It places an emphasis on keeping relaxed and moving the body in a natural way.
Wadoryu is practised all over the world, with branch members affiliated directly to the JKF Wadokai headquarters in Japan. Manchester JKF Wadokai has been an official branch member since 2011 and we have hosted various seminars by senior teachers. This includes the UK’s senior Wadoryu karate teacher Sakagami sensei, as well as being the first club in Europe to host the former Chair of the JKF Wadokai Technical Committee, Shimura sensei 8 Dan. Maintaining contact with the headquarters is important to us as a club as we want to ensure we are constantly improving our knowledge and understanding as well as to keep a regular check on our technique. To this end we have also hosted Katsube sensei 7th Dan and Uchida sensei 7th Dan at our club and we’ve enjoyed visits to our dojo from other karate friends we’ve met through our connection with dojo in Japan.
