| It is difficult to summarise what differentiates Wado | | | | like a "ball of air". |
| Ryu Karate from other styles. The main difference is | | | | He once said " defence and offence in martial arts |
| that in Wado Ryu karate there is no block of an | | | | work with the ways of nature. One's movements |
| attack as a means to itself, we try to hit and kick at | | | | must be like a ball, uninterrupted and fluid. A ball's |
| the same time as our opponent attacks. To do this we | | | | movement is smooth, it does not contradict or oppose |
| use the principles of Nagashi Zuki, Tai Sabaki and also | | | | the ways of nature. Techniques in martial arts must be |
| Nagasu, Inasu and Noru. The last three terms are | | | | flexible to change and other forces like a "ball of air". |
| important movements of Wado Ryu. | | | | Regardless of the degree of smoothness a flow of |
| Sensei SHIOMITSU explained the last three terms as | | | | movements must occur. A "ball of air" would move |
| follows; NAGSU, means like a river running, you try to | | | | freely from other external forces, it moves in |
| swim the same way as the river, so as the punch is | | | | accordance to its environment. It can change its shape |
| coming your arm moves to the same way as the | | | | and form infinitely thus, its surfaces and limits change |
| punch then that is called NAGASU. INASU is like when | | | | infinitely. |
| you make a bank at the side of the river, if you make | | | | There is shape without shape, surface without surface |
| a little bank then the water will change direction so, if | | | | and limit without limit. These changes are infinite. Like |
| you put a little friction and deflection with your arm then | | | | outer space, it is infinitely limitless. It is like the sky. This |
| the punch will change direction, that is called INASU. | | | | infinity embraces all things, and makes peace. In martial |
| NORU is to ride on top of your opponents strength, | | | | arts there is no such thing as the ultimate technique. |
| when you are attacked you ride on top of your | | | | Techniques must be infinitely changeable and altered, |
| opponents strength then punch, that is NORU. | | | | just like the sky and space." |
| Nagshi Zuki and Tai Sabaki are methods of moving | | | | In addition to the above concept of being fluid and |
| your own body to minimize the amount of energy | | | | adaptive there are three maxims to be observed; |
| needed to deliver your attack and to ensure that you | | | | Do not use unnecessary force |
| are moving out of danger from your opponents attack. | | | | Do not make unnecessary movement |
| These natural body movements and the concepts of | | | | Do not use unnecessary techniques to achieve your |
| NAGASU, INASU and NORU have their origins in the | | | | effect. |
| traditional budo approach to martial arts. Wado has as | | | | Many of the physical techniques of Wado Ryu karate |
| part of its origins elements of Shinto Yoshin Ryu Ju | | | | can be found in other styles it is the method of delivery |
| Jitsu and sword fighting techniques from Yaggyu Ryu | | | | and intent that makes the applications of these |
| Kenjutsu and Toda Ryu kodachi. These traditional | | | | techniques a Wado Ryu technique. There are also |
| budo style martial arts contribute greatly to the unique | | | | elements of Ju Jitsu found in Wado that are not found |
| methods employed in the Wado Ryu | | | | other karate styles, joint locking and throwing |
| system.Grandmaster Ohtsuka likened the flowing | | | | techniques are fully incorporated into the Wado Ryu |
| movement and flexibility of Wado Technique to being | | | | syllabus. |