About Wado Kai Karate

Wadokai Karate is a martial art, originating from Okinawa, now a part of Japan. It is a form of self defence combining punches, kicks, blocks and strikes. We practice a traditional style of karate called 'Wado Kai' meaning 'Way of Peace'.

Karate helps build coordination, agility, strength and poise. The confidence gained through training helps foster a strong positive self image. Wado is a traditional form of karate, and is one of the 'softer' styles, meaning that it does not rely so heavily on phyiscal strength, making it accessible to students of all ages.

At the heart of Wado karate is the goal of self improvement. Students are not judged against their peers, but by their own progress. Because of this, no one is too old, young or unfit too start. We practice a 'non-contact' form of karate, so attacks are controlled and stopped before they hit the intended target, so beginners can train without fear of injury. History of Wado Karate

Sensei Ohtsuka

Reading Wado Kai Karate Club

Sensei Barry Wilkinson started the Reading Wado Karate Club at South Reading Leisure Centre in the October of 1990, when he was a 5th Dan Black Belt. Following a few months of assisting, Sensei Russell Kenyon began instructing at the club and he was awarded his 1st Dan Black Belt in 1992.

In 1994 Sensei Marcus Bowden & Sensei Janet Bowden started instructing at the club whilst they were Brown belts. Later Sensei Marcus ran the club on his own when Sensei Janet left to run the Bracknell SKW Club.

Sensei Marcus continued to run the club until 2003, when it went full circle and Sensei Wilkinson returned to Reading, instructing the club until 2004.

During 2004 Sensei Russell Kenyon returned to the area and again ran the club, during which time we relocated to the South Reading Youth & Community Centre when the South Reading Leisure Centre was closed for development in May 2006. Also during this time Sempai Carl Spiller achieved the ‘Student of the Year Award 2005’ and went on to be awarded his 1st Dan Black Belt in May 2006.

In June 2006 Sensei Kenyon relocated to Canada and Sensei Barry Wilkinson returned as Senior Instructor for the club.

Currently the club instructors are Carl Spiller (1st Dan, Black Belt), Rebecca Moreland (1st Kyu, Senior Brown) and Rob Barrett (1st Kyu, Senior Brown). more>

Reading Wado Kai Karate Club is a member of England Wado Kai which boasts a membership of over 50 clubs throughout the country. England Wado Kai is a member of Karate England and is affiliated to the Federation of Wado Kai Europe and to JFK Wado Kai Japan.

England Wado Kai