History Rising Sun School

The History Behind Wado-Ryu Karate

The founder of Wado-Ryu karate, Hironori Ohtsuka (1892-1982), was born on 1 June 1892 in Shimodate City, lbaraki prefecture, Japan. By the time he was six years of age, he had already started training in ju jitsu, studying under his maternal great-uncle. Upon entering middle school at the age of 13, he started to study Shindo Yoshin-ryu ju jitsu under Tatsusabaro Nakayama. These studies continued with Nakayama throughout his education at Waseda University, resulting in Ohtsuka being awarded his menkyo (licence-level proficiency) in Shindo Yoshin-ryu under Nakayama in 1921. In 1922, Ohtsuka heard of the karate demonstration given by Gichin Funakoshi in Tokyo and was determined to meet him. Throughout his studies of ju jitsu, Ohtsuka always sought out other styles of ju jitsu, trying to visit as many different dojos as possible. Ohtsuka could not contain his excitement at the advent of a completely new, weapon-less martial art. He met Funakoshi at his residence, the Meisei Juku, a boarding house for Okinawan students, in the same year. They talked for several hours discussing their interpretations of the martial arts and, by the end of that evening, Funakoshi agreed to accept Ohtsuka as a student at his karate jutsu. Ohtsuka started training with Funakoshi immediately, and his enthusiasm and martial arts background meant that he quickly grasped the physical techniques that he was being taught. In just over a year, he had studied and knew the movements of every single kata that Funakoshi had taught him. Kata was the only aspect of karate that Funakoshi taught at that time. Throughout this period, Ohtsuka did not cease his training in ju jitsu and began to incorporate this into his karate jutsu. In April 1924, Ohtsuka, aged 31, along with six others was graded to black belt by Funakoshi. He thus became one of the first Japanese black belts in karate-do. The continued devotion of Ohtsuka to ju jitsu and karate-do led to Ohtsuka becoming a Shihan (grand master) of Shindo Yoshin-ryu and Funakoshi's assistant instructor. He also began to train with other famous martial artists, such as Kenwa Mabuni, founder of the Shito-ryu style, and Choki Motobu, famed as a fighter in karate. As a proficient karate instructor, Ohtsuka began teaching at Tokyo University and his methods began to conflict with Funakoshi's teachings. Ohtsuka's brand of karate incorporated his ju jitsu techniques, enabling his students to practise free sparring. This was not to Funakoshi's liking and, as his concept of karate differed greatly from Ohtsuka's, Funakoshi felt that actual fighting (jissen) was far too dangerous and would immediately result in the death of one of the participants. On the other hand, Ohtsuka believed that, with specific guidance and rules, the students could use techniques in free fighting without severe injury. On this basis, Ohtsuka's departure from Funakoshi was inevitable and the future development of Wado Ryu was assured.

History About The Rising Sun School of Wado Ryu

The Rising Sun School of Wado Ryu karate was first opened by Sensei Darrel Haigh on the 3rd May 2005 in Goole, East Yorkshire. On the 1st of September 2011, The Rising Sun School opened its 2nd dojo in Scarborough, North Yorkshire for ages 7 years to adult. Then on 7th June 2017 opened the doors in Bridlington East Yorkshire. The Club grew with the doors being opened to it's 4th dojo in Scarborough @ Scarborough 6th Form College in January 2018. The club is affiliated with the
The Rising Sun Association Of Martial Arts (T.R.S.A.O.M.A). We obtain our licences, insurance for training and teaching through them as well as other arranged courses. We also attend Multi-Style Budo courses arranged through the T.R.S.A.O.M.A, which have a variety of martial arts in attendance. We are also affiliated with the Bridlington Wado-Ryu Karate club, East Yorkshire which is run by Sensei, Renshi Brian Marshall. We are also Affiliated to the Zenshin Kokoro Aikido, Hull East Yorkshire, Which is run by Renshi George McMaster.

History About Sensei Darrel Haigh

Sensei Darrel has been learning Karate since age 7. He started doing Shotokan under the instruction of Sensei Joe Starky, a 6th Dan black belt, and studied under him for 3 years (1981 to 1984) achieving a Yellow belt in that style. In 1984 he changed to Wado-Ryu and gained his Shodan belt (black belt) under the teaching of Sensei Brian Marshall, a 4th Dan or Yondan. On the 23rd of October 2005 he graded for, and passed his 2nd Dan black belt or Nidan degree, alongside his Sensei. His Sensei also passed his 5th Dan or Godan. In October 2007 he was given the honour of being put forward one year early for his 3rd Dan (Sandan) degree which was held on the 3rd November 2007 in front of Soke Sangwin of the UMA/WBK. The grading was in 2 parts and it was at the Budo seminar on 2nd February 2008 that he was awarded his 3rd Dan. At the Budo seminar on the 1st October 2011 he passed his 4th Dan (Yondan) Degree, again under the watchful eyes of Renshi (head instructor) Brian Marshall and Soke (head of the UMA/WBK) Colin Sangwin
At a Budo Course 30th April 2017 he was presented with his 5th Dan (Go-Dan) by Soke C. Sangwin.

At the beginning of 2018 he left the UMA/WBK to start new adventures with T.R.S.A.O.M.A, on 11th March 2018 the association presented him with his 6th Dan, because of his vast knowledge of Martial Arts as well as his dedication towards the Arts they were also impressed by his teaching methods & ability.