ABOUT

Wado Kai Karate is a Japanese Karate style founded in 1939 by Hironori Otsuka.

It is an amalgamation of Funakoshi's Shotokan Karate, jujutsu and kempo.

Wado Kai, means the ‘Way of Peace & Harmony”. It is one of the four major styles of Karate in Japan and remains one of the purest form of Karate-do.

Similar to most other Karate styles, Wado Kai includes

Basic techniques (waza), which include punching, kicking, blocking, open and closed hand strikes, and study of grappling and joint-twisting maneuvers.
Kata (sequences of techniques done against imagined attackers).
Kumite (prearranged and free-style sparring) are equally emphasized training foundations. Equally fundamental to Wado is taisabaki, bodyshifting to avoid the full brunt of an attack, this technique was derived from Japanese swordsmanship.

There are many other facets to Wado Kai Karate that make it a unique and valuable interpretation of Karate-do.

In Wado Kai Karate, as skill and knowledge are acquired through training and concentrated effort, the student is expected to develop inner strength and calmness of character, in addition to the virtues of self-control, respect for others, and humility.

"Violent action may be understood as the way of martial arts, but the true meaning of martial arts is to seek and attain the way of peace and harmony" - Sensei Otsuka

Sensei Oliver

A former student of Sensei Shintani (10th Dan), Sensei Oliver grew up in the Niagara area of Ontario. Considered the hub of Wado kai in Canada, our Hombu or Headquarters is located in Welland Ontario.

Sensei Oliver began his training in Shotokan at the age of 14 after a break switched over to Wado kai at age 18. By 1989 he reached the rank of Shodan or 1st Dan Black belt and subsequently entered the Navy which landed him in Victoria BC.

Continuing his training in the Martial Arts Sensei found his way to study Aikido, Kenpo and Jujitsu for a time. After locating a Sensei in Wado Kai in Vancouver, he graded to Nidan (2nd Dan Black belt) in 1996. At this time Sensei Oliver was made responsible to teach various Naval Boarding teams for operations such as the Arabian Gulf.

In 2015 Sensei earned the rank of Sandan or 3rd Dan and currently trains under Sensei Dan McKee, 6th Dan of Qualicum Beach. Sensei also trains with a local Shotokan club and continues his study of the Martial Arts practicing Japanese & Brazilian Jujitsu.

Aside from being a former Veteran and decorated member of the Armed Forces, Sensei also worked in Corrections and eventually working with VIHA. He also has had many years of working with children with Special needs, in the area of Physical rehabilitation.