Welcome to Karate Wado Kai and Jiu Jitsu, where our passion for martial arts and commitment to community empowerment come together! Established in 2021, our dojo has rapidly become a hub for individuals of all ages seeking to learn and grow through the practice of martial arts.
Our Affiliations
We are proud members of the USA Guseikai organization, affiliated with the Japan Karate Federation, under the esteemed guidance of Sensei Robert Nash, a 7th-degree black belt in Karate Wado Kai. Our affiliation with the USA National Karate Federation (Membership Number 20425) allows us to participate in national events and competitions, providing our students with opportunities to demonstrate their skills and sportsmanship.
Additionally, we are honored to be members of the Carlos Machado Organization, a distinguished coral belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This affiliation enriches our training programs, allowing us to offer a comprehensive curriculum with the grappling expertise of BJJ.
Educational Unit member of Jiu Jitsu Global Federation, Rickson Gracie organization
Our Mission
At Karate Wado kai and Jiu Jitsu, our mission is to teach quality and authentic martial arts skills and instill self-discipline within our community. We believe that martial arts training not only builds physical strength but also enhances mental resilience and character. Our experienced instructors are dedicated to fostering an environment of respect, focus, and personal growth.
Our Programs
We offer a variety of classes designed to cater to all skill levels and age groups, including:
Kids and Youth Programs: Tailored specifically for children, our youth classes foster focus, discipline, and camaraderie in a fun and engaging setting.
Karate Classes: Emphasizing traditional techniques, kata, and sparring, our karate classes promote discipline and confidence while teaching practical self-defense skills.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Our BJJ program focuses on ground techniques, submissions, and self-defense strategies, helping students develop adaptability and confidence in various situations.
Join Us
We invite you to be a part of our dojo family! Whether you are a beginner looking to explore martial arts or an experienced practitioner seeking to refine your skills, [Your Dojo Name] offers a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for all.
Thank you for considering Karate Wado kai and Jiu Jitsu as your martial arts home. We look forward to training with you and helping you achieve your goals on and off the mat!
Discover a world of possibilities
Our academy is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where students can thrive and achieve their full potential. Whether you’re a child, a teenager, or an adult, our classes are tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of each student.
By joining our martial arts family, you will embark on a transformative journey that goes beyond physical fitness. You will acquire lifelong skills, such as self-defense techniques, improved focus, enhanced self-confidence, and a resilient mindset that will positively impact all areas of your life.
Are you ready to unlock your true potential and experience the life-changing benefits of martial arts? Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how you can become a part of our thriving community. Together, let’s embark on a journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and empowerment through martial arts.
About our Instructor
About the instructor: Mauricio Lopez has more than 29 years of experience practicing martial arts: Muay Thai, Karate Wado Kai, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He has competed twice in the Karate Wado World Championships, and he is a 3rd-degree black belt in traditional Japanese Karate. He is officially recognized by Japan’s Karate Federation (JKF) Wado Kai, and earned his black belt in Nagoya, Japan. He is a coach member of the USA National Karate Federation. He is also a member of the Carlos Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association and holds a blue belt in BJJ.
USA National Karate Federation member number 20424
What is “Wado”?
Wado Ryu is a Japanese style of karate that translates to “Way of Peace” (和道流). It was founded by Hironori Otsuka in the early 20th century and is characterized by its emphasis on harmony, fluid movement, and the integration of techniques from traditional Japanese jujitsu.
Key Features of Wado Ryu:
- Philosophy of Harmony: The term “Wado” reflects the style’s focus on achieving peace and harmony in both physical encounters and mental discipline. Practitioners are encouraged to avoid direct confrontation, seeking instead to neutralize attacks through evasion and redirection.
- Fluid Movement: Wado Ryu emphasizes smooth, flowing movements that allow for quick transitions between techniques. This fluidity helps practitioners evade attacks and counter with precision.
- Integration of Jujitsu: Wado Ryu incorporates techniques from Japanese jujitsu, particularly from the Yoshin Ryu school, which influences its grappling and self-defense aspects. This integration includes joint locks, throws, and other techniques that enhance the effectiveness of the training.
Influence of Yoshin Ryu:
Yoshin Ryu is a traditional school of Japanese jujitsu founded by the martial artist Mikinosuke Kuroda in the early 17th century. The influence of Yoshin Ryu on Wado Ryu is significant in several ways:
- Techniques: Wado Ryu includes several grappling techniques and self-defense strategies derived from Yoshin Ryu. This blend allows practitioners to engage effectively in close-quarters situations, utilizing locks, throws, and counters.
- Focus on Timing and Distance: Yoshin Ryu emphasizes principles of timing, balance, and body mechanics, which are foundational to Wado Ryu. Understanding these concepts enhances a practitioner’s ability to respond effectively in various combat scenarios.
- Holistic Self-Defense: The incorporation of jujitsu techniques into Wado Ryu provides practitioners with a broader skill set for self-defense, making it adaptable to different situations and opponents.
Founder: Hironori Otsuka
Hironori Otsuka (1892-1982) was a prominent martial artist who played a crucial role in the development of Wado Ryu.
- Background: Otsuka began his martial arts training in jujitsu and later studied traditional karate under various masters, integrating these influences into his own style.
- Establishment of Wado Ryu: In 1938, Otsuka officially established Wado Ryu, combining the principles of karate and jujitsu to create a unique martial art that emphasized peace, harmony, and effective self-defense techniques.
- Legacy: Otsuka is remembered as a pioneer who contributed significantly to the spread of karate in Japan and around the world. His teachings continue to influence martial artists today, and Wado Ryu remains a respected and practiced style globally.
In summary, Wado Ryu is a martial art that embodies the principles of harmony and effective self-defense, drawing on techniques from Yoshin Ryu jujitsu. The founder, Hironori Otsuka, played a pivotal role in its development, creating a legacy that continues to thrive in the martial arts community.
Wado Kai or Wado Ryu?
Wadokai is the original organization from which Ohtsuka departed to establish what is now known as ‘Wado Ryu Renmei.’ A court ruling determined that Wadokai retains the right to utilize the logo featuring the fist. Wado Renmei, affiliated with the Ohtsuka family, incorporates the Kanji for ‘Wa’ within the dove emblem.
Essentially, the style practiced is Wado. Similar to Shito Ryu and Goju Ryu, Wado signifies Wado Ryu—the Wado style. The primary distinction resides within the administrative body to which one is affiliated.
What is “Brazilian Jiu Jitsu”?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on ground fighting and submission grappling. Its roots trace back to early 20th-century Japan, where judo was developed from traditional Japanese jiu-jitsu. The art was introduced to Brazil when Mitsuyo Maeda, a judo expert and one of the first to promote judo worldwide, arrived in the country in 1914. He began teaching judo to various students, including the Gracie family.
Helio Gracie, one of the most significant figures in the development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, was born in 1913. He was a member of the Gracie family and played a pivotal role in adapting traditional jiu-jitsu techniques for practicality in real combat situations. Due to his physical limitations—he was smaller and weaker than many of his peers—Helio focused on leverage and technique rather than brute strength. This led him to refine and innovate many techniques, emphasizing ground control and submissions.
In 1925, Helio and his Carlos Gracie began to develop their own style, which they called “Jiu-Jitsu” rather than “Judo,” to distinguish it from the techniques taught by Maeda. They opened the first Gracie Academy in Rio de Janeiro and began teaching their version of the art to students, emphasizing self-defense and competition.
The Gracie family became famous for their challenge matches, in which they demonstrated the effectiveness of BJJ against practitioners of other martial arts. This helped to popularize Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu not only in Brazil but eventually worldwide, especially after the establishment of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in the 1990s, where BJJ proved to be highly effective.
Helio Gracie’s legacy is significant in the martial arts world, as he is credited with popularizing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and establishing it as a distinct martial art. His teachings and philosophy continue to influence BJJ practitioners and schools globally. Helio passed away in 2009, but his contributions to martial arts are still celebrated today.
