Harmony should not be interpreted as pacifism; it is simply the acknowledgment that yielding is sometimes more effective than brute strength, which founds the art's mentality in fighting.
Most of the underlying principles, however, were derived from Shindō Yōshin-ryū, an atemi waza focused style of Jujutsu.
When Ōtsuka first registered his school with the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai in 1938, the style was called "Shinshu Wadō-ryū Karate-Jūjutsu," a name that reflects its hybrid character.
The Japanese term can be translated as "body-management," and refers to body manipulation so as to move the defender as well as the attacker out of harm's way.
[1]: 205 [9] Using these principles, the energy of the attack is diverted and evaded, and then or simultaneously countered with joint-locking, throwing, or striking techniques.
The technical execution is subject to the following principles: Wadō-ryū is also characterised by a higher body position and stances than in other Karate styles.
[citation needed] While the core principles (at least with regard to the transmission of body mass into punches) of turning on the heel remain in Wadō, as it is the fastest way to push the hips in the direction of attack, the progression to the ball of the foot is a hallmark of the style.
[citation needed] Kata are predefined, specific patterns of movement that incorporate and encapsulate martial techniques, concepts, and applications.
[17][full citation needed] However, after his death, other organizations of the style have added other forms, such as unsu and kumpu.
Although some other karate styles add stripes to their belt for the dan ranks, Wado-ryū practitioners tend not to follow that practice.
Some Wado ryu organisations require completion of a special course in addition to attaining a certain dan rank.
To broaden his knowledge of Karate, Ōtsuka also studied with other prominent masters such as Kenwa Mabuni of Shitō-ryū and Motobu Chōki.
[30] In 1938, Ōtsuka registered his style of karate with the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai under the name of "Shinshu Wadoryu Karate-Jujutsu."
The first video, "Wadō-ryū Karate Volume 1," consists of: in-depth history and recollections; demonstrations of the eight Kihon No Tsuki body shifts; the first five Kihon-Kumite; and the kata Pinan 1–5, Kūshankū, Jion, Naihanchi, and Seishan.
The second video, "Wadō-ryū Karate Volume 2," consists of: more history; the kata Chintō, Niseishi, Rōhai, Wanshu, and Jitte; as well as Kihon-Kumite 6–10, along with application.
In 1966, Ōtsuka was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Fifth Class by Emperor Hirohito for his dedication to the introduction and teaching of karate.
In 1972, the President of Kokusai Budō Renmei, a member of the Japanese royal family, awarded Ōtsuka the title of Meijin.
[6][32] In 1975, Suzuki received his 8th dan, the highest grade ever given (at the time) by the Federation of All Japan Karate-dō Organisations, and was named Hanshi-Go by the uncle of Emperor Higashikuni.
In 2015 following Jiro's death, his son Kazutaka succeeded him as grandmaster of Wadō-ryū, assuming the name "Hironori Otsuka III".
Japanese Wadō-ryū stylists Tatsuo Suzuki, Teruo Kono, Masafumi Shiomitsu, H. Takashima, Naoki Ishikawa, Yoshihiko Iwasaki, Kuniaki Sakagami and many others spread the art in Europe.