Our History
Serving Gainesville Since 1975
In the fall of 1975, Mr. Newton M. Harris, Jr. established an on campus Wado Karate Club while teaching for the University of Florida Physical Education Department. In doing so, he created the foundation for a legacy of martial arts instruction that has touched thousands of lives. Upon Mr. Harris‘s departure, the instructional duties were turned over to Mr. Mike Sawyer, currently Godan (5th degree black belt) and present head instructor.
In the Fall of 1975, Wado-Kai expanded beyond the confines of a UF club and into the Gainesville community as a whole. As off-campus facility was opened by Mr. Sawyer and his senior black belt Michael J. McCoy, also a Godan who currently lives in Orlando, Florida. Professional instruction for university students as well as children, adults and executive was initiated.
The World Martial Arts Center, now located inside the Sun Country Sports Center complex in West Gainesville, serves as an international epicenter for martial arts activity. Cory Schafer, now Yondan (4th degree black belt), manages the daily operations of the school and serves as Chief Instructor & program director. It is the national headquarters for the American Wado-Kai Karate Association (AWKA), which authorizes black belt testing and certifies black belt ranks and promotions. AWKA udanshi (black belt) ranks are fully recognized by the U.S. Eastern Wado-Ryu Federation which has the accreditation of the All-Japan Karate Federation. In 1989 the AWKA was introduced to Professor Rick Riccardi, Judan (10th degree black belt) and founder of Niseido Ju Jitsu. His skillful teaching and leadership has greatly enhanced the Wado program. The AWKA recognizes Niseido as its official ju jitsu techniques.
World Martial Arts Center continues to expand and diversify the arts and sports offered at their facilities. In addition to classes in Wado Ryu, programs in Aikido and Shutefighting / Mixed Martial Arts are also offered.
The World Martial Arts Center also houses the offices for the International Sport Karate Association (ISKA), a world-wide regulatory body for competitive martial arts and combat sports. The ISKA sanctions STRIKEFORCE MMA as seen on CBS and SHOWTIME premium television network. World Martial Arts Center also administrates the commissioner‘s duties for Chuck Norris‘ World Combat League, as seen on the VERSUS television network.
Mr. Sawyer, Mr. McCoy and Mr. Schafer also co-produce one of the largest and certainly most prestigious international martial arts tournaments in the world, the U.S. Open World Martial Arts Championship, as seen on ESPN.
The primary purpose of the World Martial Arts Center, however, continues to be instruction. This is where the most time is spent; in the research, organization, and execution of training programs for persons of all ages and from all walks of life.
A Brief Introduction to the History of Martial Arts
About fourteen hundred years ago Bodhidharma, an Indian monk, left India to travel to China to present lectures on Buddhism. Since even present roads between India and China could not be described as good, one can imagine the spirit and physical strength necessary to have been able to conquer with such courage this difficult, several-thousand-mile way alone.
In his travels to the Shaolin Temple (Shorin-ji) in Hunan Province, China to lecture on Buddhism, he found the monks there to be in very poor physical condition. He developed a system of exercises to help them recover their health and vigor. Gradually, these exercises were modified into a form of self-defense training to help protect the monks when they ventured from the confines of the Temple.
In later times, after the originally teachings of Bodhidharma spread to many other places, which came to bear the name of its origin - Shaolin Kung-Fu (or Shorin-ji Kempo). This method eventually reached the Okinawan Islands and developed into the forerunner of present-day karate.
The Origin and History of Wado Ryu Karate
1922 - Master Hironori Otsuka, the founder of Wado-Ryu, was born on June 1, 1892. He began his martial arts training at the age of six, practicing ju-jitsu under the tutelage of his father. Several years later he began his formal training by enrolling in the Shinto-Yoshin school of jujitsu, which stressed kicking and striking techniques, in contrast to the throwing and grappling techniques of most typical jujitsu styles. He studied in the school, under Master Nakayama, for 16 years. At age 29 he was presented, by Master Nakayama, a certificate of "full proficiency," and accepted the mastership of the Shinto-Yoshin school of jujitsu.
Otuka met Gichin Funakoshi, an Okinawan karate master who would later become known as the "Father of Modern-day Karate." Master Funakoshi had been sent to Japan by a council of Okinawan karate masters in order to introduce karate to the Japanese. After witnessing an impressive demonstration by Master Funakoshi, Master Otsuka began studying this new art of karate with him.
1934 - Master Otsuka inaugurated his own style of karate by altering some of the Shotokan movements learned from Master Funakoshi, and incorporating some jujitsu techniques from the Shinto-Yoshin school. Master Otsuka created a style of karate with the major physical characteristics of speed, mobility, efficiency - and of course effectiveness. The ultimate goal of the style however, is to provide a vehicle for positive character development as well as developing a sense of harmony within yourself and with others.
1940 - Master Otsuka finally devised the present name of the style, Wado-Ryu, which means "way of peace," or "way of harmony." The name Wado-Kai is interchangeable (kai, meaning "organization" or "club"). In keeping with this concept, he chose the dove encircling the fist as the symbol of his style, representing that peace contains strength. Master Otsuka believed that one's peaceful nature should be the controlling element in the use of our martial skills. Additionally, it is believed that someone who possesses genuine inner strength (or more simply put, self confidence and conviction) cannot be easily provoked to violence, hence will live in harmony with others. This is in contrast to the classical "bully" who lacks genuine inner strength (confidence), and most prove himself over and over again with outward signs of strength and violence.
1982 - On January 31, 1982, at the age of 89, Master Otsuka passed away. The inspiration of what he created, and the things he stood for, still lives on today, however, and his teachings will continue to be passed from instructor to student. In the words of Master Otsuka: "The difference between the impossible and the possible is one's will."