Jiro Otsuka [2nd Grandmaster of Wadō-ryū 和道流 Karate] Tribute (1934- 2015)

Jiro Otsuka was born on February 28, 1934, in Tokyo, Japan. The second son of Grand Master Hironori Otsuka I, he was born the same year the first Grand Master established his own organization, “Dai Nihon Karate-do Shinko Club”, which was the parent organization of Wado-Ryu Karate-Do. Grand Master Jiro Otsuka graduated from Meji University in Tokyo, receiving a degree in Economics. A unique feature of Wado-Ryu is that the position of Grand Master is still handed down from the current Master to the next generation family member who is most deserving of the title. This hereditary system was one prevalent in ancient Japan but is not seen today. In preparation for this succession, Master Jiro Otsuka began his training in Wado-Ryu at the age of 15. He has also trained in Iai-Do, Ken-Do, Judo, Aiki-do and Wado Shindo Yoshin Ryu Jujitsu Kempo.