WADO-RYU: History
The Wado Ryu style was created by Master Hironori Otsuka in the 1930's but wasn't given its official name until 1940. He died in 1982 the oldest practicing martial artist. Just before his death, Master Otsuka handed the Mastership of this style to his eldest son Jiro Otsuka who took his father's name at his death in honor of him. The reason I mentioned this is Wado Ryu is one of the few martial arts styles that still hands the mastership to the most deserving son to keep the tradition, the style and the family strong.
Master Otsuka, during his martial arts career, had earned several awards given to him by Emperor Hirohito of Japan . The first was after WWII. Master Otsuka was 53. He was still actively teaching the martial arts, even though the US Military had taken over control of Japan (after their surrender in 1945) and put a ban on the martial arts practice because of its war-like training. Master Otsuka instead of closing up changed the school name to a boxing academy, even though nothing different was being taught, because Americans know boxing as a sport. It is all in the labeling. The Emperor also bestowed upon him years later the title of Hanshi, which made Otsuka the head of all martial arts in Japan .
He held that title until his death. On October 9, 1972 , the International Martial Arts Federation awarded Master Otsuka the JU-DAN (10th degree black belt) in karate-do.
Master Otsuka created this style with the teachings he learned from a lot of masters and their styles of martial arts. The first was Shinto Yoshin Ryu Jujitsu created by Yoshitoki Aikiyama, which not only stressed takedowns, joint locks, chokes and throws, but also strikes and kicks. Master Otsuka started this style at the age of 5. At the age of 29, he became the 4th headmaster of the style. Master Nakayama (the 3rd headmaster), bestowed the certificate of mastery to Hironori Otsuka.
In 1922, Master Otsuka met a man by the name of Gichin Funakoshi, the founder and creator of the Shotokan style of karate. He studied under Master Funakoshi for about 10 years. He was among the first students of Master Funakoshi and also one of the first karate practitioners in Japan to receive a black belt rank, when the colored belt system was adopted by karate from Judo.
Master Otsuka was at this time practicing and teaching jujitsu at his jujitsu school as well as karate at a sister school for Funakoshi. Though a difference of opinion in teaching styles led to a split between Otsuka and Funakoshi, they remained friends. Funakoshi thought Otsuka taught too much jujitsu and sparring at the Shotokan School for Funakoshi.
Master Otsuka, hungry for knowledge about kata, also studied with Kenwa Mabuni, the founder and creator of Shito-Ryu. Kenwa Mabuni was well respected for his mastery, knowledge, and teachings of kata. He was also a fan of sparring, unlike Funakoshi, so he and Otsuka probably had a lot to talk about in this subject.
Choki Motobi, creator of Motobu-Ryu was a known bully who hung out in the red light district and picked fights. He was not interested in running a lot of kata, but did run one kata religiously, "Niahanchi". It is believed Choki Motobi taught Niahanchi to Otsuka.
He also taught Otsuka a lot about fighting and street self-defense. For example, to not only be defensive but offensive when confronted with a situation you cannot get out of. Also, to know when the attack is coming before it happens. And finally, to always be alert and aware of your surroundings wherever you are.
What is interesting about all of these styles and their masters is that they all stem from the same style and Master, Okinawan Master Ankoh Itosu of the Shuri-te style. It is interesting, they are all from the same style, have the same teachings but have three different interpretations.
Another prominent Master Otsuka learned from was Morihei Ueshiba, the founder and creator of Aikido. He taught Otsuka about "Ki" (inner energy) and how to use it in every aspect of life, not just martial arts training or self-defense. Also how important it is to use your whole body in everything you do.
Out of all these teachings, Master Otsuka devised one of the most complete styles out there. He combined the movement and balance of Jujitsu with the blocks, strikes and punches of Karate. He also believed that if you can control your opponent's actions you could control the fight. By doing this, you may be able to get out of the fight without hurting your opponent or your opponent hurting you. This all is a part of Master Otsuka's belief in a relaxed mind and body. If you have a relaxed mind and body, you can control your emotions and thusly control your actions. If you are angry, you will be more likely to hurt someone unintentionally, maybe even yourself. If you are calm, you will be more likely to try and defuse the situation than get physical. If it does get physical and you stay calm, you will be more likely to not want to hurt someone or get yourself hurt. Master Otsuka was a very peaceful man hence the name of the style, Wado-Ryu (Way of Peace and Harmony).