Wado-Ryu karate mixes the traditional karate techniques with those from jujutsu, English: the Japanese art focused on locks and throws. As created by Hironori Ohtsuka, Wado-Ryu relies on avoiding straight battles. While traditionally people fight back with equal force, here, students are taught to use gentle moves to redirect an attack. That is why the style allows for fast exchanges and needs good strategies.
In contrast to styles that depend mostly on strength, Wado-Ryu is based on proper movement and body placement. You’ll try to move your weight, dodge strikes at a side angle, and redirect the power back to your opponent. Because of this, Wado-Ryu is best suited for people who are not big or strong when it comes to self-defense. It trains the person to use less movements, stay in control, and respond with calmness whenever they are under stress.
In Wado-Ryu, you train in joint manipulation in addition to learning how to punch, kick, and take down your opponent in fighting. Katas look beautiful and contain precise movements that reflect them responding to attacks as well as countering them. Being a mixed style, Wado-Ryu supports techniques for standing fight as well as wrestling. If you choose cautious movements and like smooth transitions, Wado-Ryu will be an excellent training style for you.
Shito-Ryu Karate
Shito-Ryu karate is distinguished by having many katas and using a combination of strong and gentle movements. The style of Shito-Ryu was developed by Kenwa Mabuni and merged techniques from Shotokan and Goju-Ryu. Because it offers many techniques, it attracts those who like change and flexibility. In Shito-Ryu, emphasis is placed on speed, power, and form, especially by learning proper stances and proper breathing methods.
A big advantage of Shito-Ryu is how strongly it focuses on learning different katas. They are produced by different sources and include types of movements that are linear or circular. Such movement gives students the chance to practice several forms of healthy physical movements. You should expect to learn lots of unusual blocks, strikes, and combinations between them. For these reasons, Shito-Ryu challenges you both physically and mentally.
During the practice of kata in Shito-Ryu, instructors usually guide students to use fluidity, balance, and rhythm. You will find ways to control the movements in your hips and breathes in order to produce power. Since it includes methods for attack and defense, this style helps you deal with different situations. If you like variety, using both hands, and complete techniques, Shito-Ryu could be the right place for you.
Finding the Suitable Style
The decision for a karate style is something everyone has to make by themselves. Visit the nearby dojos, see how they teach, and ask the members to explain their techniques to you. Notice how the instructor relates to his or her students. Notice the atmosphere, the way lessons proceed at school, and what it stands for and values. It is important for the activity to suit your ways of learning, your fitness level, and what you want to gain from doing it.
What is it that makes you enthusiastic? Do you enjoy practicing movements that are well organized, as in Shotokan? Do you find Goju-Ryu’s merging of strength and breathing interesting? It’s possible that the smooth and practical movements of Wado-Ryu represent your personality. Shito-Ryu’s many kata and strong emphasis on balance could also be exactly what you are looking for.
Don’t forget that feeling comfortable in your dance wear matters, not only the techniques you learn. By the end of your class, you should be motivated, feel respected, and have met some difficult tasks. It is crucial to select a place that helps you feel at ease and gives you the chance to improve. Since karate requires a long journey, pick the route that works for you