What We Teach

Five arts under one association

Wado Ryu Karate is where most people start. Many go on to add a second art — we believe in cross training so training in more than one style is encouraged.

Japan, 1930s · Founded by Hironori Ohtsuka

Wado Ryu Karate

The way of harmony — and the art at the heart of WYSOK

Wado Ryu is the style most WYSOK students start with, and the one the association was built on. Its name translates roughly as "way of harmony", and that is not decoration — it describes how the art actually works.

Kihon Tai sabaki Kata Kumite

Read about this art Taught at 13 clubs

Japan · The parent art of both judo and aikido

Ju Jitsu

Close-quarters self-defence — throws, locks and control

Where karate works at striking distance, Ju Jitsu takes over when someone is already too close. It is the older Japanese art from which both judo and aikido were later developed.

Ukemi Nage waza Kansetsu waza Shime waza

Read about this art Taught at 3 clubs

Okinawa · Weapons improvised from agricultural implements

Traditional Okinawan Weaponry

Bo, jo, sai, tonfa, nunchaku, kama and the sword

Okinawan Kobudo is the weapons half of the tradition that produced karate, and it is trained alongside the empty-hand syllabus rather than instead of it.

Kobu Jutsu Bo Jutsu Jo Jutsu Sai Jutsu

Read about this art Association courses

Modern · Drawn from karate, boxing and Thai boxing

Kickboxing

Pads, bags and proper cardio — striking without the kata

Kickboxing is the most immediately physical thing we teach, and the quickest route to feeling fit and capable if that is what you are after.

Stance, guard and footwork Punching combinations drawn from boxing Kicks Knees and close-range work

Read about this art Taught at 1 club

Okinawa · Kept alive in this country by WYSOK

Mu Chindo Karate

No mind — acting without stopping to think

Mu Chindo means “no mind way”: a way of fighting that allows immediate action without conscious thought. It is one of the few Okinawan styles to have come through the last century largely unchanged, and in this country it is now all…

Kata Technique Kumite dachi Sanbon kumite

Read about this art Association courses

Not Sure Which?

Start with Wado Ryu

It is what most WYSOK members train, it is taught at nearly every club, and it gives you the foundation the other arts build on. If it turns out not to suit you, adding or switching to another art is straightforward and your instructor will help you work it out.

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