The Legacy of Kamimura Shihan: A Direct Lineage to Wado’s Founder
A Living Tradition
Did you know that your training at Rei Karate-Do connects directly to the founder of Wado Karate? Every kata, strike, and movement you learn is part of a legacy passed down through generations of dedicated martial artists.
At Rei Karate-Do in Barrie, Ontario, students follow an unbroken lineage that traces back to Otsuka Shihan, the founder of Wado. This direct connection exists thanks to Kamimura Shihan, a legendary master who played a crucial role in spreading Wado Karate throughout Japan and internationally. His teachings were passed on to Raki Sensei, who now continues this tradition in Canada.
Recognized by the Japan Karate Federation (JKF)
Rei Karate-Do is certified by the Japan Karate Federation (JKF), ensuring that the instruction provided follows the highest standards of authentic Wado Karate. This certification means students receive true Japanese martial arts training, preserving the principles and techniques set by Otsuka Shihan and the Wado Karate masters before him.
Who Was Kamimura Shihan?
A Student of the Founder of Wado
Kamimura Shihan was a direct student of Otsuka Shihan, the creator of Wado Karate. His training gave him firsthand knowledge of the techniques, strategies, and principles that define Wado, and he spent much of his life sharing this knowledge with students across Japan and internationally.
He was one of four grandmasters personally trained by Otsuka Shihan, alongside:
Suzuki Sensei
Arakawa Sensei
Takagi Sensei
Kamimura Sensei (our direct lineage to Wado’s founder)
These four grandmasters became known as "The Four Legs of a Chair," symbolizing their crucial role in shaping and expanding Wado Karate for future generations.
A Respected Instructor, Competitor & Referee
Kamimura Shihan was more than just a teacher—he was a high-level competitor, instructor, and referee, recognized both in Japan and internationally.
Instructor: Trained countless students in Wado’s principles, techniques, and real-world applications.
Competitor: As an elite-level competitor, he tested his skills against Japan’s top martial artists.
Referee: His technical mastery and deep knowledge of competition rules earned him the role of a high-ranking referee, overseeing major karate tournaments.
His ability to train, compete, and officiate at the highest level made Kamimura Shihan one of the most respected martial artists of his generation.
上村新三郎
かみむらしんざぶろう
(Kamimura Shinzaburou
8th Dan Wado)
1944年1月15日に生まれ Born
2021年7月24日に亡くなった Died
The Private Dojo at Azabu University
As Kamimura Shihan’s reputation grew, he established a private dojo at Azabu University, where he trained some of Japan’s top martial artists.
Many sought him out specifically because of his connection to Otsuka Shihan and his exceptional knowledge of Wado Karate. He not only taught techniques but also emphasized the adaptability and evolution of Wado, ensuring that his students could apply its principles in real combat, competition, and self-defence.
This dojo became a hub for elite-level training, attracting students eager to experience one of the purest forms of Wado Karate.
Training in Japan: Raki Sensei’s Journey
One of the martial artists deeply impacted by this lineage is Raki Sensei, who trained extensively in Japan.
During his time there, Raki Sensei trained under Kamimura Shihan, refining his understanding of high-level Japanese martial arts, competition strategy, and traditional Wado principles.
Through this experience, Raki Sensei gained insight into the true essence of Wado Karate, knowledge he would later bring to Ontario, Canada, where he now serves as Head Instructor at Rei Karate-Do.
His training under Kamimura Shihan and his certification with the Japan Karate Federation (JKF) ensure that students at Rei Karate-Do receive world-class instruction rooted in Wado’s original teachings.
An Unbroken Lineage: From Otsuka Shihan to Rei Karate-Do
This lineage follows a clear, direct path:
🟢 Otsuka Shihan (Founder of Wado Karate)
⬇️
🟢 Kamimura Shihan (Direct Student of Otsuka Shihan)
⬇️
🟢 Raki Sensei (Trained under Kamimura Shihan in Japan)
⬇️
🟢 Rei Karate-Do Students in Barrie, Ontario
This means that when you train at Rei Karate-Do, you are not just learning martial arts—you are inheriting a legacy.
Why This Matters for Karate in Ontario
In an era where martial arts instruction can be inconsistent, knowing your lineage is critical. With so many variations of karate being taught around the world, training in a school with a direct connection to the style’s founder ensures authenticity, discipline, and high-quality instruction.
At Rei Karate-Do in Barrie, students are not just practicing techniques—they are living the traditions of Wado Karate, certified by the Japan Karate Federation (JKF) to uphold the highest standards of excellence.
Final Thoughts: Carrying the Spirit of Wado Forward
Kamimura Shihan’s dedication to teaching, competition, and refereeing ensured that Wado Karate would continue to evolve while staying true to its roots. His impact lives on today through Raki Sensei and the students at Rei Karate-Do.
So the next time you train, remember:
💡 You’re not just learning moves—you’re part of an unbroken tradition that connects back to the very origins of Wado Karate.
Let’s Keep the Tradition Alive
Wado Karate is more than just a martial art—it’s a living tradition.
📍 If you're in Ontario and want to train in authentic Wado Karate, join Rei Karate-Do—certified by the Japan Karate Federation (JKF)—and become part of this incredible lineage.