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 Soke
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.
The
club is a memeber of
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 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
Darrel Haigh has been learning Karate since
he was 7years old.
He started doing Shotokan under the instruction of Renshi 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 Tashi Brian Marshall (4th Dan).
On the 23rd of October 2005 he graded for, and passed his 2nd
Dan black belt or Nidan degree, alongside his Sensei who also
graded to 5th Dan or Godan. In October 2007 Sensei Darrel 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 (Godan) 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 & abilities.
5th September 2019 saw Soke Darrel unexpectedly presented with
his 7th Dan by All the Committe Members Of T.R.S.A.O.M.A
for his teachings, running and organising of all Club & Association
duties along with Knowledge taught at the Multi-Style Budo Courses.