Wado Ryu Karate: Hironori Otsuka

Having received Yudansha directly from Otsuka Sensei in the1960's, this book along with my original Japanese LanguageMaster Test serves an historical as well as instructionalpurpose. Some of the proposed shortcomings by others arenegligible in my opinion being far outweighed by the benefitsof having a record in the words of Otsuka Sensei regarding thephilosophical foundations and insights of our style, Wado-Ryu.I recommend this book first to my students for the just statedreason and follow with other choices for their technical merits.Along with others I believe that nothing can replace being trained well. This book along with a good teacher will helpmaintain the true tradition of Wado-Ryu. Only years of experiencewill allow the reader to truly understand all that is expressedwithin the pages.

This books has changed my wado ryu karate in so many ways simply by reading the words of the orginator. Having trained in wado ryu for the last 34 years i have learnt so much and are still learnig simply by reading and practisicng from the book. I am fortunate enough to have both of Otsuka sensei's books but they are in Japanese. To have one of the books translated into english has opended more doors to my development and yours. I wish someone would transalte sensei's kihon gumite book as well.I whole heartedly recommend this book as a tool to aid your development in wado ryu karate do.

greatbook almost original

This is a great book. For those who enjoy karate (and other martial arts as well) it is a must, since the japanese karate federation was formed mainly by 4 styles: shotokan, wadoryu, shitoryu and gojuryu. The book cover the work of the founder of one of these styles, wadoryu.Of course, it is lacking some japanese names of stances and moves, but it is the closest thing to hearing from the founder and grand master himself.

I studied Goju Ryu Karate so I thought it would be interesting to study one of the other styles. While similar there are a lot of differences. The book has decent illustrations and is wonderfully written. I appreciated it.

I am a Wado Ryu black belt. In my opinion this book is very important to all Wado ryu karateca.

If your in Wado Ryu- you need/want this book!!!!!!It will be very useful to you. I advise it for all Wado Ryu people- any rank! any age!

Wise words from our Shihan!

Very informative, one of the best and original Wado books in my collection.Some parts need to be read a few times as the translation can be misleading.

Interetibg perspectives on karate from the author. Also several nice illustrations and explanations of different katas.

和道流の空手道第一巻の英語版でした。もともと和道流の昔の本は、世間で手に入りづらい本なので身近に買えるのはいいかと思います。

Dieses Buch wurde vom Begründer der Karate-Stilrichtung Wado Ryu verfasst. Mich hat Anfangs die sehr schlichte Aufmachung, und die aus heutiger Sicht eher mittelmässigen Schwarzweissfotos sehr gestört. Aber das Buch enthält alles, was man insbesondere in den ersten Jahren braucht: eine eher philosophische Einführung in Karate und die Wichtigkeit der Katas, und eine Schritt-für-Schritt Anleitung der einzelnen Katas. Letztlich ist das Buch für mich sogar hilfreicher als die vielen Youtube-Videos, da die einzelnen Bewegungen nicht nur gezeigt werden, sondern im Detail erklärt werden: Stellung der Füsse, Position des Oberkörpers, etc... Allerdings muss man bedenken dass dieses Buch 1970 (Showa 45) von dem zum Zeitpunkt fast 80-Jährigen Meister verfasst wurde und nicht danach aussieht, als wäre es jemals grafisch aktualisiert worden. Und alles ist Schwarz-Weiss. Störte mich Anfangs, aber mittlerweile macht es auch den Charme des Buchs aus.

I liked the detail of all the Katas