Wado-Kai is a Japanese karate style founded in 1934 by Hironori Otsuka.
Wado, meaning "way of harmony", is one of the four major
Japanese karate styles, and is perhaps the purest form of Karate-Do.
It is steeped in classical bujutsu (Code of the Samurai) as Mr. Otsuka
applied this outlook and experience to his teaching. He rejected hardening
certain parts of the body, such as callusing the knuckles of the hand,
believing it to be a useless preparation. The aim of Wado-Kai Karate
is perfection of technique as well as development of a mind that is
tranquil, yet alive. Also the aim is to develop the ability to react
intuitively and without hesitation in any situation. The training
and concentrated effort required in Wado-Kai helps the student acquire
inner strength and calmness of character. Students also learn the
virtues of self-control and true humility.
Karate-Do for Mr. Otsuka was primarily a spiritual discipline. In
his own words: "Violent action may be understood as the martial
arts, but the true meaning of martial arts is to seek and attain the
way to peace and harmony".
Basics such as punching, kicking, blocking, guarding, striking, and
joint twisting, as well as pre-arranged and free-style sparring comprise
the training foundation of Wado-Kai. Equally emphasized and fundamental
to Wado is taisabaki -body shifting to avoid the full brunt of an
attack -a technique derived from Japanese swordsmanship.
Wado-Kai Karate is ideal for all body types and age groups due to
its versatility. The study of karate is a rewarding and enriching
experience.
Sensei Masaru Shintani
Sensei Masaru Shintani was a direct student of Mr. Otsuka, the founder
of Wado-Kai Karate. Mr. Shintani has trained in karate for over fifty
years and his training has been passed down through his instructors.
Originally, he started karate as a boy in an internment camp for
Canadians of Japanese descent. Typical of his character, he changed
that nightmare into a blessing. Continuing his studies afterwards,
he attained a 3rd degree black belt in Judo, a 1st degree black belt
in Aikido, and a 1st degree black belt in Kendo.
He attained a 9th degree black belt, the highest rank attainable in
Wado-Kai Karate.
In the late 1950's he competed at the All-Japan Karate-Do Championships,
and did very well. It was at this competition that he was noticed
by Sensei Otsuka. Mr. Otsuka saw the skill, perseverance, and humility,
which is so vital to the study of karate, in the young Shintani. They
developed a deep friendship and Masaru Shintani became a student of
Sensei Otsuka's until Sensei Otsuka's death in 1982. In 1968, Mr.
Otsuka appointed Sensei Shintani the head of Wado-Kai in North America.
According to Sensei Shintani: "True Karate can transcend national
boundaries. A Canadian need not leave Canada to achieve excellence
in the martial arts. Personal drive or determination and perseverance
are what make good Karateka out of students."
The Welland Karate Clubs were founded by Sensei Masaru Shintani in
1968. The first dojo was located at the corner of Duncan and Cozy
Streets, and housed not only the Karate Clubs, but the Kudokan Judo
Club. In 1971 the Welland Karate Clubs became the Welland YMCA Karate
Club when Sensei Shintani affiliated his organization with the Welland
Area YMCA. In 1973, due to increased enrollment, the Duncan street
Dojo was no longer suitable, so the Karate Clubs and the Judo Club
were forced to go their separate ways. The Karate Clubs moved into
school gymnasiums and into the YMCA itself. In October 1994, the Clubs
came full circle when they again found a permanent home with the Kudokan
Judo Club until April 2001.
At present, the Welland Karate Clubs, along with the Kudokan Judo
Club are the oldest martial arts clubs in Welland. The Welland Clubs
are highly recognized and respected throughout the Wado-Kai Organization
in North America.
Sensei Peter Ciolfi (6th Dan) was the Head Instructor of the Welland
Wado-Kai Karate Clubs until his unexpected death March 20th, 1997
of cardiovascular complications. He was a true Master in the making.
He was active in many committees and was a top competitor, practitioner
and teacher in the Shintani Wado-Kai Karate Federation. He was a great
friend and is immensely missed by those who knew him. We commemorate
our Annual Welland Tournament in his honour and memory.
Sensei Dominic Morabito (6th Dan) was in Wado Kai Karate since 1970, initially learning under the guidance of Sensei Masaru Shintani. Sensei Morabito passed away at the age of 77. He was a great inspiration to us all.
For more information about the Welland Wado-Kai Karate Clubs, please
click on the links below.
