Customer Reviews

Wado Ryu Karate

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Wado-ryu by Hronori Otuska is a fair translation of the original book. It falters only in the precise meaning of martial terms. The material presented is that of a overview and does not cover technical details or the aspects of the art which distinguish Wado-ryu from other forms of Japanese Karate. There is no mention of Kihon Kumite kata or of teni, tengi, and tentai, the San-mi-ittai of Wado-ryu.

As a karate-ka of this particular school holding the rank of Nidan, I can particularly appreciate the eloquence of Otsuka Sensei's intricate art, and the way his explanation herein contained describes it so well.

A must-have for any Wado karate-ka, and an excellent choice for those interested in the depths of Japanese martial arts.

Wado Ryu Karate/Jujutsu This book is clearly translated by someone who is not a native English speaker. The descriptions of the moves are not very detailed and like other books on the subject, the photos omit important transitional movements in the Kata. Having said that, All-in-all, I strongly recommend this book as a good reference to for all Wado students.

This book could be A LOT better, but the simple fact is, it is one of the best references in existence at this time. Ohgami's KARATE KATAS OF WADO RYU is similar in content to this book, and while it contains several improvements, it still has many of the same shortcomings.

The best book on the topic is Mark Edward Cody's new book WADO RYU KARATE JUJUTSU. There is no comparison between Cody's text and Ohgami's book (KARATE KATAS OF WADO RYU), Otsuka's book or anything currently in print on the system.

I have read Cody's other two books as well as gleaning over the new WADO RYU KARATE/JUJUTSU book and I think Cody's work will eventually become the primary Wado reference book. Cody is an excellent writer, and unlike Otsuka and Ogami, English is his first language.

Very few writers have improved of Otsuka's master text of Wado and unfortunately, few have tried. Time is running out for most of the men who trained directly under Otsuka. Although Cody never trained under high-level Japanese instructors, I think his writing ability and attention to detail will prove to make his book WADO RYU/JUJUTSU the first text since Otsuka's to be widely used as an instructional text for the system.

Ohgami's book, like that of Otsuka, does not contain all 17 Kata normally taught in the system. Cody's book covers all 17 forms with well illustrated, HIGHLY detailed descriptions. Otsuka and Ohgami are often unclear on the direction of movement and the degree to which the body is turned. Cody is to the best of my knowledge the first martial arts writer to ever use compass points to chart the direction of movement. His system of explanation leaves no room for confusion.

Several other authors have attempted to improve on this original Wado book, penned by the founder of the system, but to date, Otsuka's WADO RYU is still the definitive text on the system.

This book is nice to have along side an actual instructor, in case you forget something your instructor taught you.

Having received Yudansha directly from Otsuka Sensei in the
1960's, this book along with my original Japanese Language
Master Test serves an historical as well as instructional
purpose. Some of the proposed shortcomings by others are
negligible in my opinion being far outweighed by the benefits
of having a record in the words of Otsuka Sensei regarding the
philosophical foundations and insights of our style, Wado-Ryu.
I recommend this book first to my students for the just stated
reason 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 help
maintain the true tradition of Wado-Ryu. Only years of experience
will allow the reader to truly understand all that is expressed
within the pages.

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!

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.

This is a very good, comprehensive reference to all the wado kata, which occupies the bulk of the text. The first 20% of the book has a number of passages reflecting Otsuka's views on different aspects of budo and life in general. I suspect something is lost in the translation here because some of it is a difficult read, but there are pearls of wisdom in there. Some of it displays a simple and straightforward view of life in the context of budo, which is interesting.

The sections on technique make some disappointing omissions. I'm not sure why this seems so lightly covered, I had hoped for more technical references.

Still, you absolutely need a kata reference while learning and practicing, and I can't imagine a better one to have.

I am a student of martial arts and received this as a Christmas present. I have found it very interesting and a great reference for the katas.