For centuries, martial arts have served as powerful conduits for self-discipline, physical strength, and personal growth, and have since evolved in the modern time as depicted in many action films and showcases.
Among them is Wadokai Karate which offers a pathway to enlightenment through its harmonious blend of techniques honed through rigorous training and forged through friendly competition.
Birthed by the visionary Hironori Otsuka in the mid-20th Century, Wadokai karate emerged as a distinct style within the vast realm of karate-do which was rooted in the ancient traditions of Okinawa, Japan.
This widespread also permeated into Brunei as a small number of Otsuka’s top students were dispatched across the world. Otsuka and his son Jiro visited Brunei in 1972 and presented the 1st Dan Black Belt to the late Shihan Haji Malai Mohammed bin Haji Malai Othman that same year.
The legacy left by Otsuka and Shihan Haji Malai Mohammed continues to the present day as many practitioners continue to showcase the art of Wadokai karate.
One such showcase was recently held as part of the Brunei Shell Recreation Club (BSRC) Wadokai Karate Tournament 2023, where over 65 participants from across the Belait District gather to compete in 25 categories.
One participant was Awangku Mohd Abdul Qawi bin Pengiran Haji Zainal, a young aspiring student and Wadokai karate practitioner who won Best of the Best Male Kumite, Cadet, Junior and Senior in the tournament.
“I have practised Wadokai karate for over six years, and I was inspired by my big brother who is also a practitioner, which made me want to also follow in his footsteps and gain experience in martial arts.”
In preparation for the tournament, Awangku Mohd Abdul Qawi had to divide his time between his studies and training due to the exam season. Fortunately, he was able to take time outside of cramming to jog and build up his stamina ahead of the tournament.
“This isn’t the first time I have competed, but it is the first time that I was able to receive the Best of the Best award,” he said. The wn motivated him to continue competing.
Meanwhile, 27-year-old Sailesh Rai from Nepal and stationed in Brunei also participated in the tournament, which marked his start in Wadokai karate.
“I initially started in Shito-Ryu when I was 16, which is a different discipline. Since then, I have been preoccupied with work and have just recently returned to karate, this time under the Wadokai school of thought.”
Having just started practising Wadokai karate in August of last year, he noted that while some muscle memory had stayed with him, he still had to train for the tournament.
“To be honest, I had very little training leading up to the tournament. But fortunately, I am proud of my achievement,” said Sailesh as he secured a gold medal in the Senior Male Kumite below 67 kilogrammes in the tournament.
Having seen the young aspiring Wadokai karate-do in the tournament, President of Wadokai Karate Brunei Darussalam Shihan Haji Sayed Jefferydean bin Haji Sayed Mohammed said he was impressed with the participants’ performances.
“We are able to see many players with the potential to compete on the international stage.
“There will be the Wadokai Open Championship 2023 at the Youth Centre where we expect over 400 players from across the ASEAN member countries and beyond to compete in one of the biggest Wadokai karate tournaments in the region,” he said. – Daniel Lim
