The founder of Wado-Ryu Karate-Do Hironori Otsuka was born in June 1892 and started to practice Ju-Jitsu from the age of 5 to overcome infirmity and illness. Otsuka studied under Nakayama Sensei and at the age of 29 Otsuka succeeded his teacher and became the 4th Grandmaster of Shinto Yoshin Ryu. In 1921 Otsuka began to study Karate, first with Funakoshi Sensei and then with Sensei Mabuni and Motobu. Otsuka not satisfied further studied Yagyu Shiage Ryu Kenjitsu. In putting together these experiences Otsuka created the basis of “Wado-Ryu”. Otsuka Sensei passed away in 1982, but his wishes and spirit were carried on by his son Jiro who had over forty years of direct daily training from his father. On the death of his father Jiro Otsuka has custom was re-named H.Otsuka II. Sadly H.Otsuka II passed away in 2015, he has been succeeded by his son Kazutaka who has taken the name H.Otsuka III. The Otsuka Soke is represented in Europe by the Wado-Ryu Karate-Do Academy headed by a direct student of the original Grandmaster, the legendary and world renowned M.Shiomitsu 9th Dan Hanshi. The Wado-Ryu Karate-Do Academy is the only organisation in Europe teaching and practicing the correct authentic techniques, theories, movements, spirit and standards of Wado-Ryu Karate-Do and Wado-Ryu Ju-Jitsu Kempo according to the wishes of the founder and his family.