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