Brief History of Wado Ryu Karate

The founder of Wado-Ryu, Hironori Ohtsuka, became interested in Karate when, in 1922, Gichin Funakoshi began teaching in Tokyo. By 1928, Master Ohtsuka was assistant instructor. In 1939, Master Ohtsuka registered the name Wado-Ryu, and later demonstrated the art in Europe and America.  In 1942, Tatsuo Suzuki began training under Master Ohtsuka, the then highest karate authority in Japan. Within six years, Master Suzuki was awarded 3rd Dan. In 1951 he was awarded the then highest grade of 5th Dan in Wado-Ryu karate. In 1975 he received 8th Dan and the highest Japanese Martial Arts title of Hanshi, awarded to him by the Uncle of the Emperor Higashikuni.  Master Suzuki is the only living person with this title in Wado-Ryu, the only other person being the late Master Ohtsuka.

Master Suzuki is the Chief Director for the WIKF (Wado International Karate-Do Federation) and instructs all over the world. He is looked upon by many as the world's greatest living Wado-Ryu master, and Master Ohtsuka's natural successor.