The Wado-Ryu(Way of Peace) School of karate, was founded in 1931 by the late Grand Master Hinori Ohtsuka (1892-1982).

Ohtsuka Sensei was already an accomplished master of Jujitsu, Shnido Yoshin Ryu, when Master Gichin Funakoshi introduced Karate in Tokyo, Japan. Master Ohtsuka became interested in Karate in 1922. By 1928, he was Assistant Instructor to Funakoshi Sensei. In 1931, Master Ohtsuka founded the Wado-Ryu style of karate. In 1972, Ohtsuka Sensei was awarded the title Shodai Karate do Meijin Judan(the greatest title possible) from the Imperial Japanese family. This means first generation karate master of the 10th dan; he was the first Japanese (not Okinawan) to make a style of karate in the form of Japanese Budo, thus making it a true Japanese martial art. Master Ohtsuka also recived the Shiju Hooshu medal for his outstanding contributions to sport from the government of Japan. He was the only man ever in the history of karate to be so honoured.