About Us and Wado Karate

Originally operating as Canadian Associated Schools of Karate-do (CASK), the Wado Canada Hombu was opened in Victoria by Sensei Greg Reid (8th Dan) in 1982 and has since developed into a larger network of schools throughout North America, the Caribbean, and Europe.

Wado Canada Hombu runs beginner, intermediate, and black belt programs year round, with students receiving a chance to compete nationally and abroad.  The style of Karate taught is Wado, which is one of the four largest styles of karate in the world.  We are the headquarters (hombu) for Wado Karate Association of Canada and are affiliated with Karate British Columbia, Shintani Karate-do, ISKF, and WUKO.

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The word “Wado” means “school/way to peace”.  The style Wado was created by Hironori Otsuka (1892-1982) in 1934 in Japan.  Master Otsuka formed Wado from traditional shurite-type karate from Okinawa, concentrating on the use of light and quick movements in conjunction with hip and body shifting.  Master Otsuka also incorporated his earlier jujitsu into Wado Karate. 

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In North America, the late Master Masaru Shintani was the supreme head for all Wado; CASK & Wado Canada Hombu was under his direct guidance.  Master Shintani held a ninth degree black belt, and was Master Otsuka’s senior student.  Master Greg Reid is Master Shintani’s successor and is the technical director for Wado Canada.

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