WHERE DISCIPLINE BECOMES INSTINCT
Move your limits in Rotterdam's new karate dojo
Have you always been fascinated by martial arts but never gotten the opportunity to train? Did watching the Karate Kid give you aspirations to learn the sacred ways of karate?
Well, the good news is that now you don't have to travel to Japan to perfect your karate skills. We're bringing the Wado Kai karate to the Netherlands.
01 / The art
The karate style we teach at Wado Kai
Wado is one of the four major traditional karate styles in Japan. We at the Wado Kai karate organization practice a specific style called Wadō-ryū. It's a mixture of the Okinawan karate style and the traditional Japanese martial art, Shinto-yoshin-ryu Jyujyutsu.
Training karate doesn't mean mastering the physical aspect of the craft. Once you start learning Wado, you will soon realize the mindset is what sets karate apart from other sports. Your body and mind become equally engaged.
Wa represents harmony and the Japanese spirit, while Do symbolizes the road we need to take – the right track to follow. When merged together, Wado gains deeper meaning. In its essence, it becomes the harmony between sky, earth and humans. A sacred unity between these 3 essential elements.
02 / The legacy
Why is Wado Kai special?
Teaching at Wado Kai means continuing an important legacy.
Naoki Ishikawa was a leading figure in the Wado Karate in Benelux and played an important role in developing this style in the region.
However, he passed away in 2008.
After his passing, no one could continue teaching this style. As a result, Wado Karate gradually disappeared from the Netherlands.
Now, 18 years later, his legacy is coming back to life.
Jiro Ishikawa, Naoki's grandson, together with Kazuma Matsuo, are set to continue late Naoki Ishikawa's legacy and bringing Wado Karate back to the Netherlands.
This is a new generation on a mission to keep an important tradition going.
03 / THE TEAM
The people behind our practice
The lessons take place under the supervision and guidance of:
Kazuma Matsuo 🇯🇵 松尾和真
Both of our instructors are Japanese and having trained since the very young age, they come in with an extensive experience and deep knowledge of karate. Passionate about guiding others in this martial art, they aim to support each student in the best way they can.
Kazuma was born in Gifu, Japan. He started karate as a hobby, but it quickly became something much more serious and meaningful to him. Jiro started training when he was 5 years old, making the practice his daily bread and butter. Together, they are committed to sharing their karate skills and knowledge with their students.
Their journey started in Kakamigahara Dojo – an official Wado Kai organization in Japan – where they trained under Hiroyuki Hanamura. Thanks to their continuous learning and connections with renowned karate instructors across Europe and Japan, such as Nobuyuki Nukina and Takamasa Arakawa, you will experience a first-class approach in their teaching as they bring their international skills all the way to the Netherlands.
04 / The practice
What can you expect from our karate lessons?
The lessons are suitable for any levels, and no previous experience of karate or martial arts is needed (however, if you do have some – we're happy to help you improve!). Everyone is welcome, regardless of your level.
The main teaching languages are English and Japanese. But don't worry, Japanese is mainly used for technical movements and karate terminology, ensuring the students can learn the techniques and movements correctly.
05 / Rotterdam
Where can you find our karate practice?
We are currently teaching our karate lessons at the Erasmus University in Rotterdam. Already an international hub on its own merit, perfectly suited to welcome people from all around the world.
Are you interested in joining or just trying it out at first?
Excellent, because both are possible. We want everyone to feel comfortable and supported, and we welcome those who are eager to explore this long-respected martial art with an open mind and genuine curiosity.
To inquire about the exact schedule and training times, please send us a DM via Instagram. Our lessons generally take place on Friday afternoons.
I want to know more