Welcome to British Wadokai
(Eikoku Wado Kai Karate-do Atemi Jujutsu Renmei)
British Wadokai is a non-profit & non-commercial organisation teaching only traditional Wadoryu
Keeping it consistent with authentic ‘undiluted’ Wadoryu, British Wadokai (BWK) was formed under the direction of Sensei Gary E Swift 9th Dan Hanshi, who started martial-arts training in 1966 at the age of 10. BWK is a friendly and traditional Wadoryu Karate organisation providing the highest standard of support, guidance and benefits to all students and clubs in membership.
Serving communities with the authentic, original and traditional Wadoryu Karate Ju-Jutsu syllabus of the British Wadokai Karate-do Federation.
“It’s the original syllabus, we don’t ‘make it up’ along the way!”
The ONLY organisation teaching the original, authentic British Wadokai karate syllabus, as introduced from Japan and practised within the UK since 1963.
The technical foundations of British Wadokai were established back in 1963, under the direction of Tatsuo Suzuki Hanshi of the United Kingdom Karate-do Wadokai (UKKW), formally the United Kingdom Karate-do Federation (UKKF 1963-1975); therefore the traditional lineage of British Wadokai extends over many years.
Wado officially began in May 1934 when Hironori Ohtsuka Meijin registered his own style of martial-art, which he named ‘Wado Ryu’, becoming recognised as an independent style of martial-arts in Japan. Wado’s origins were developed by Ohtsuka Meijin’s continuous study of various martial arts, formulating the Wado techniques by combining his own innovations and natural movements found in the other martial-arts he studied such as Jujutsu, Aikido, Kendo, Karate, Atemi, etc.
Whereas most Jujutsu schools specialise mainly in Nage-waza (throwing and ground techniques), the Shindo Yoshin Ryu Jujutsu School stress more towards Atemi-waza (vulnerable-point striking techniques).
Proud to be British, Proud to be Wado – Proud to be British Wadokai!
英国和道会空手道連盟
British Wadokai is not affiliated to any of the many modern ‘sport-karate’ or ‘all-styles’ governing bodies around today. Instead it is registered within only traditional Wado Karate governing bodies such as the British Wado Federation, European Wado Federation and the International Wado Federation.
The technical syllabus has remained unchanged since the first introduction of Wado Karate into the UK, such as Sanbon-gumite, Ohyo-gumite, Kihon-gumite, Kata etc. All these aspects are taught and promoted vigilantly within all British Wadokai Dojo and through the regular BWK Wadoryu Standardisation Courses.
While many Wadoryu organisations erode the original technical fabric and foundation of Wado-ryu we, at British Wadokai, do not. Take something away and it will be missed and then forgotten. We do not teach a ‘sport’, we teach a highly effective ‘martial-art’.
A Black Belt is simply a White Belt who doesn’t give up!
British Wadokai for Individuals
We welcome individuals wishing to train with us – whether you are beginner or more experienced. Please contact us to find a club near you. These clubs provide the opportunity to attend many specialist training courses held by highly respected instructors, and enter Wado competitions, should you wish to compete.
For the most able and committed there is the chance to also compete nationally within the British Wado Federation National Championships.
British Wadokai for Clubs & Associations
The British Wadokai Karate-do Federation warmly welcomes enquiries from clubs and associations looking for a positive and genuinely supportive federation to affiliate with.
British Wadokai adopts and implements strict vetting procedures when considering applications for new memberships or club affiliation. To view our syllabus, application forms and club policies please visit the relevant section of this website.
For reasons of safeguarding, Disclosure Barring Service (DBS/CRB) certification is a minimum requirement of membership to BWK and is vigorously enforced throughout all BWK Clubs & Associations.
Mission Statement
To preserve the traditional development of Wado Karate Jujutsu. We strive to accomplish this in an environment free of intimidation, politics, and other negative distractions and influences. We further seek to foster a spirit of fellowship and understanding by welcoming all like-minded individuals, regardless of race, gender, ethnic background, national origin, or physical handicap.
The British Wado Federation is not a member to any ‘multi-style’ affiliation or organisation as we do not follow or promote ‘generic sport-karate’.