Karate is a martial art practised for centuries and has many different styles, each with unique techniques and philosophies. Two of the most popular types of karate are Ryu and Wado Ryu. This is the style of karate I practised for nearly 20 years and now I am getting older it may be the time to start again. Follow me on my journey of getting healthy in my fifties.
Ryu, also known as Ryuu, is a traditional Okinawan karate style developed by Choshin Chibana in the early 20th century. It is known for its powerful strikes, deep stances, and emphasis on physical conditioning. Students of Ryu learn to respect their instructors and fellow students while developing strong character traits like discipline and self-confidence.
On the other hand, Wado Ryu is a hybrid karate style that karate legend Hironori Ōtsuka created. This style combines many karate styles that Ōtsuka had mastered throughout his life. Wado Ryu is known for its striking-based techniques, which primarily use kicks and punches to deliver damage to the opponent. Although Wado Ryu roughly translates to ‘the way of peace and harmony,’ it is a highly effective martial art requiring much practice and discipline.
Tai Sabaki
Wado Ryu differs from other styles of karate because it employs evading techniques, such as Tai Sabaki, rather than fighting force with force. It also uses techniques learned from Jiu-Jitsu. Practising the katas in Wado Ryu is an excellent way to understand your body’s strengths and weaknesses while also getting in shape and learning self-defence skills.
Wado Ryu is suited to both ectomorphs and mesomorphs, but it should not be ruled out by endomorphs either. In fact, “big people” who may appear slow and heavy can be surprisingly light on their feet and possess a natural talent for Wado Ryu.
Overall, whether you choose to practise Ryu or Wado Ryu, both styles of karate offer excellent physical and mental benefits. They are both challenging martial arts that require dedication and hard work, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
The benefits
There are many benefits to practising karate, regardless of the specific style. Some of the critical benefits of karate include the following:
- Physical fitness: Karate is an excellent form of exercise that helps improve overall fitness and health. It can help increase strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, and coordination.
- Self-defence skills: Karate is a martial art that focuses on self-defence. Practising it can help you develop the skills and techniques to protect yourself in dangerous situations.
- Mental discipline: Karate requires a lot of mental discipline, including focus, perseverance, and self-control. Practising karate can help you develop these skills, which can also be applied to other areas of your life. Learn more about combat psychology.
- Confidence: As you progress in your karate training, you will gain more confidence in your abilities. This can help improve your self-esteem and give you a sense of accomplishment.
- Stress relief: Like many forms of exercise, karate can be a great way to relieve stress and improve your mood. It can help you feel more relaxed and centred and give you an outlet for any pent-up energy or frustration.
- Community: Joining a karate school can provide you with a sense of community and camaraderie. You will be surrounded by like-minded individuals working hard to improve themselves and their skills.
Practising karate can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience with many physical and mental benefits. It requires hard work and dedication, but the rewards are worth the effort. Is this the most effective martial arts for you?