Wado Kokusai Karate-do Ireland — Summer Course 2014 {#summer2014}

Group photo

Sensei Philip Kear (8th Dan) visited Ireland in August 2014 after an invitation from Sensei Robert McGrath (6th Dan).

They first met in Japan in 1984 during the 50th Anniversary of Wado Ryu Karate. After training together again in recent years, Sensei Robert invited Sensei Philip to run a course in Dublin.

Kear Sensei, the eldest student of the late Tatsuo Suzuki, trained full-time in Japan in 1969 at Nichi Dai University Dojo, grading under Hironori Ohtsuka Meijin (10th Dan).

Karateka from Australia, Wales, and Sweden attended the course. The focus was on understanding the fundamentals of Wado technique, particularly:

“Wado is not from Okinawa but is a Japanese art. The main objective is to break the attacker’s balance (Kuzushi). You must take over your opponent’s centre by using your own.”

Mitsu no Sen

Swedish group

Mitsu no Sen — Three timing concepts in combat:

  • Sen: Seizing initiative through immediate attack
  • Sen no Sen: Attacking as the opponent initiates
  • Go no Sen: Counter-attacking by evading first

Owning the timing is known as SENTE, a principle reinforced throughout the course.

The course also covered:

  • Kata
  • Kihon Kumite (Ohtsuka Sensei’s two-man drills)
  • Ohyu Kumite (Suzuki Sensei’s fighting techniques)
  • Tanto Dori (knife defense)

Testimonials

Michael Quinn (4th Dan)

“Wado, as demonstrated by Sensei Kear, retains the advantage by using body energy, not brute force. His technique physically and spiritually breaks opponents. It was incredible.”

Ciaran King (1st Dan)

“His explanation of center, balance, and stance was fantastic. Wado is personal – your Sensei can show the way, but it’s up to you to go further.”

Tanto Dori

Alan Smith (4th Dan)

“Training with true Wado Ryu at this level was a breath of fresh air. His focus on Seishan kata, stance, and breathing brought clarity to the purpose behind each move.”

Eric Brothwood (1st Dan)

“Kear Sensei doesn’t need arrogance — his skill speaks for itself. He emphasized juniors, made everyone feel valued, and stayed focused on Wado’s essence.”

Mary Smith (3rd Dan)

“An inspiring experience. I never trained with Suzuki Sensei, but Sensei Kear carried his legacy. Clear, controlled, and truly motivating.”

Eamon House (5th Dan)

“Sensei Kear walks in the shadow of the great masters. He made Wado’s fundamentals alive through body movement, control, and technique.”

If you’d like more information about WKKI or Sensei Kear:
Visit www.wado.ie or www.sannoya.com