Karate

At Hakuryu Karate Kenkyu Kai (White Dragon School) students study a progressive style of Japanese Karate based on Wado Ryu Karate. Wado Ryu itself was founded in 1934 by Otsuka Sensei by melding the ancient Japanese Art of Jujitsu and Shotokan Karate, made popular by Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957).

Hakuryu Karate is a method of unarmed combat which utilizes the practitioner's entire body to defend against attack. The style utilizes both percussion (striking attacks) and grappling techniques (throws and joint locks. Saito Sensei's mastery of Kodakan Judo affords students the opportunity to learn critical aspects of grappling techniques. Hakryu Karate, although physically and mentally challenging, it taught at a pace which allows individuals of all ages to participate.

Training involves basic techniques, Taisabaki (evasive body movements) Kata (pre-arranged forms), Yakuso Kumite (two person sparring drills) and Kumite No Kata (two person fighting). As students develop they participate in supervised and controlled Kumite (free sparring). Through training, Hakuryu Karate students forge their bodies by developing strength, speed, stamina, coordination and awareness. Karate training promotes both physical and mental health. Students develop self-confidence and discipline as they develop perfection of character through training.

Kawaguchi Sensei with Saito Sensei

Hakuryu Karate Class

Otsuka Sensei
In 1898, a six year old boy named Hironori began practicing the Japanese Samurai art of Jujitsu. By age 13, he was studying Shinto Yoshin Ryu Jujitsu under Master Yukiyoshi Tatsusaburo Nakayama. By 29, Otsuka took over the mastership of the Shinto Yoshin Ryu from Nakayama.
At 30, Otsuka became one of Gichin Funakoshi's first Japanese Karate Students. Then, in 1934, Otsuka founded his own style of Karate, known as Wado-ryu, which is a combination of karate and Jujitsu.

Saito Sensei
Noboru Saito began training in Judo under the guidance of Sensei Yoshio Kawaguchi (eight Dan in Wado Ryu Karate and sixth Dan in Judo). Additionally, Saito began his study of Karate after graduating from High School. The Dojo at which Saito Sensei trained was well respected by Wado Ryu practitioners. At the 1966 all Japan Wado Ryu championship, the Dojo team won the team championship. In 1968, Saito Sensei competed with his team at the all Japan Wado Ryu championship, taking second place team championship.