Hanshin Karate Club

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Hanshin train in the style of Karate known as Wado Ryu (pron. Wah-doh-roo). This is a a style of karate developed by Hironori Ohtsuka in the early half of the twentieth century and is a blend of more traditional Okinawan Karate and Jujitsu styles.

It is more upright style than Shotokan, and there are many differences in style and technique. Wado-Ryu focuses much more on speed, and this all stems from the stances, which are shorter than Shotokan. Emphasis is on evasive moves and deflecting opponents blows, then using the opponents strength as a weapon against them.

Ohtsuka Sensei studied with the founder of Shotokan and modern Karate (ichin Funakoshi) for many years and became an assistant instructor.

In 1934 Wado-Ryu was officially recognised as an independant style of karate. Ohtsuka Sensei went on to recieve many honours for his work throughout his long life includig the title of "Renshi-go" (grand-master).

Today Wado-Ryu has been exported all over the world and is practiced daily by millions.

Ohtsuka has truly left us with a legacy to strive for perfection in mastering all things, and his lifes work is an example to us all.

We all try to honour his memory by striving to master the art that he was so nobly recognised as The First Excellent Martial Artist in Karate.