Karate Wadoryu: From Japan to the West

Karate Wadoryu From Japan to the West is the story of Otsuka Hironori's unique school of karate. Covering the schools origins in 1920's Tokyo right up to the present day. It discusses his time with Funakoshi Gichin, Mabuni Kenwa and Motobu Choki. Otsuka's earliest students such as Kawakami, Kihara, Kato, Ota, Ueno, Eriguchi, Hirakawa and many more are also introduced and their contribution discussed. The establishment of overseas branches of Wadoryu karate in Europe and America is covered with a particular focus on activities in the UK led by the ABKA and subsequently the UKKF / UKKW. All major competition events are detailed through to the most recent Wadokai World Cup. Based on first hand interviews with leading students of Otsuka. These include Suzuki Tatsuo, Ota Yoshito, Wakabayashi Eichi, Setamatsu Hiromasa, Hakoishi Katsumi, Ishizuka Akira, Arakawa Toru, Ohgami Shingo, Sugiura Kengo, Sakagami Kuniaki and many more. The book also draws on extensive translations from Japanese sourced materials as well as contemporary Western documents. Extensively referenced and containing many rare and previously unpublished photographs, Karate Wadoryu From Japan to the West is essential reading for all students of Japanese karatedo.