Shropshire Wado Ryu

02/07/2026

Kihon Kumite No. 5, demonstration by Grand Master Hironori Ōtsuka I, with Mr Yoshiaki Ajari as uke.

I have slowed this footage down so that the finer technical details are easier to study. Although the original recording is quite old and the image quality is far from ideal, there is still a great deal to learn from Otsuka Sensei’s techniques, movement, timing, posture, and body control.

Mr Ajari’s role as uke is equally important. His committed attacks, timing, and reactions allow the principles of Kihon Kumite No. 5 to be demonstrated as they were intended.

I've seen many many different variations of this kata, sometimes looking beyond the differences reveals subtle details that are easily missed.

I hope this slowed version is useful to those studying Wadō-ryū.

#和道流柔術拳法

01/07/2026

A very young Grand Master Hironori Otsuka I demonstrating Tachi-ai Tanto-dori.

#和道流柔術拳法

28/06/2026

In this video, you can see Inoue Tsuyoshi Munetoshi, the 18th Generation Soke of Hontai Yōshin-ryū Jūjutsu, demonstrating the mechanics of a technique we call in Wado Ryu, Kinukuguri.

​In Wadō-ryū Tantō-dori, we practice a direct relative of this technique in our knife defense kata.

While the core principle of passing under the arm remains the same, a key adaptation in Wadō-ryū Kinukuguri is that we pull the right foot back to safely avoid the knife blade.

​Looking at the fluid body movement and balance-breaking in this video, you can clearly see the historic origins of Wado Ryu heavily embedded within this classical Yōshin-ryū form.

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24/06/2026

Although this is a classical sword training method, the underlying concept will be familiar to Wadō-ryū practitioners.

Sensen no sen is a fundamental principle within Wadō-ryū, where victory is sought not through meeting force with force, but by perceiving intention, controlling ma-ai and timing, and moving at the moment the opponent commits to action.

Different traditions express this principle through different methods, but the strategic idea remains the same: seizing the initiative before the attack reaches its conclusion.

20/06/2026

Gumite Gata demonstration by the founder of Wado Ryu Grand Master Hironori Otsuka and his son.

#和道流

20/06/2026

19/06/2026

Following on from last night's class, where we covered some of the No. 2 paired kata and how many jujutsu fundamentals became incorporated into the foundations of Wado Ryu.

The below video shows a demonstration by the grandson of the founder and current Headmaster, Hironori Otsuka III.

This demonstration presents a variation of the Kihon Gumite No. 2 Tachi Ai, which many of you are familiar with. This version includes Oiho no Waza (supplementary technique).

Oiho no Waza (追補の技)
Oiho (追補) = supplementary or additional
no = of
Waza (技) = technique


#和道流柔術拳法

08/06/2026

Solo kata - Pinan Godan (平安五段)

The Pinan series were developed by Ankō Itosu in Okinawa and later integrated into Wadō-ryū by Grand Master Hironori Ōtsuka I. They were adapted as foundational kata to develop strong body mechanics, posture, and smooth transitions between techniques.

Pinan Godan is the fifth kata of the series and is often considered the most complex, containing a refined blend of defensive movements, directional changes, and body control. It reflects the principles of harmony and timing that are central to Wadō-ryū.

In this demonstration, the kata is shown at a reduced speed to allow clearer observation of stance transitions, body shifting, and technical detail.

Demonstration by Grand Master Hironori Ōtsuka II.


#和道流柔術拳法


#平安五段

26/03/2026

Morning all, as there’s no class later, I thought I’d share a little challenge for you.

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and close your eyes. Lift one foot off the ground so that your knee is level with your hip, and see how long you can hold the position before you have to put your foot down.

No peeking, make sure your eyes are firmly closed.

If you can make it to 30 seconds, leave a thumbs up.

Photo - Gumite Kata demonstration by the first and second Grand Master.

13/03/2026