Wado-Ryu Hironori Otsuka was one of Gichin Funakoshi's first students. Otsuka was already practicing Jiu-Jitsu at the time and may have come into contact with Funakoshi through the judo master Jiro Kano, who showed a strong interest in karate. Otsuka achieved master's degree under Funakoshi. When he met Kenwa Mabuni, he began studying his Shito- ryu. Thus, most of the Wado-ryu Kata are based on the Shito-ryu Kata. He adopted the five Heian Kata under their original Okinawan name, Pinan. The Naihanchi corresponds to the Naihanchin (Tekki) Shodan and is not identical to the ancient Naifanchin.

The same applies to Bassai, which corresponds to Bassai Dai. Kushanku corresponds to Kosokun Dai, but some techniques are performed as in Kanku Dai. Seishan is identical to Shotokan Hangetsu. Chinto is almost identical to Shito-ryu Chinto and is considered the highest Kata of Wado-ryu. Further Kata were added later. When Otsuka published his Wado-ryu, it aroused considerable interest in Japan. After all, he was the first Japanese to establish his own style as a master of this art. Wado-ryu is still recognized accordingly in Japan today. Wado-ryu is very realistic in the application of its techniques. The forms of Tai Sabaki, the evasion of an attack, play a particularly important role. Otsuka's intensive study of possible real-life attack situations demonstrates the integration of knife fighting into his martial art. At that time, it was unlikely that an opponent would attack with a sword, stick, tonfa, sai or similar weapon. It was much more likely that knives were used in an attack. In fact, a knife is a very dangerous weapon, yet relatively small and easy to carry. Like Sokon Matsumura, the legendary grandmaster of Shuri-te, Otsuka came to the conclusion that evasion is fundamentally superior to blocking techniques. Overall, Wado- ryu is oriented toward the ancient Okinawan origins of the martial art. This makes Wado-ryu appear less athletic, which is why the style's Kata are rarely successful in competitions. But competitions are not the purpose of original karate and actually have no real meaning beyond the fun of it. Wado-ryu's orientation toward the ancient martial arts is also evident in the fact that many Wado-ryu masters incorporate old and rare Okinawan karate Kata, such as Happoren and even Rokkishu, into their training, even though these Kata are not part of the official Wado-ryu Kata. In Germany, the style was largely represented by Teruo Kono. The Wado-ryu Kata were modified by Hironori Otsuka based on his studies of Gichin Funakoshi's karate and Kenwa Mabuni's Shito-ryu, with some Shito-ryu influences more clearly evident. Originally, Wado-ryu included only the Pinan Kata, Naifanchin (Shodan), as well as Seishan, Kushanku, and Chinto. Additional Kata were added later. Depending on the school, Suparimpei (Pechurrin) was also added. Bassai The Kata largely corresponds to the Shito-ryu version. Only the ending with Mikazuki Geri, Kosa Uke, and the subsequent Yama Zukis is again typical of Shotokan. Chinto The Chinto differs from the Shito-ryu Chinto only in the execution of the techniques. Jion The Jion is largely typical of Shito-ryu. In Wado-ryu, only Gyaku Age Uke was added. Instead of Age Uke, Gyaku Zuki, here it is Age Uke, Gyaku Age Uke, Choku Zuki. Jitte The Jitte is also only slightly modified and is mostly practiced in the Shito-ryu version, although the beginning has been modified based on the Shotokan version. Kushanku Kushanku largely corresponds to the Kosokun Dai of Shito-ryu, and is therefore in no way comparable to the Chatanyara Kushanku. Here, too, some passages are performed in the style of the Kanku Dai of Shotokan. Naihanchi Naihanchi corresponds to the Naifanchin Shodan, but has been modified in some areas, primarily concerning the combination with Uraken Uchi. Niseishi This Kata largely corresponds to the Nijushiho of Shotokan. The Age Uke followed by Gyaku Tate Empi is not performed to the side, but rather forward. Pinan Shodan: The Pinan Kata of Wado- ryu corresponds to the Heian Kata of Shito-ryu. The differences are minor and primarily concern stance and step movements. Furthermore, Yoko Uke and Shuto Uke are performed in Jodan. Pinan Shodan is identical to the Heian Shodan of Shito-ryu (Heian Nidan of Shotokan). Pinan Shodan The Pinan Kata of Wado-ryu correspond to the Heian Kata of Shito-ryu. The differences are minor and primarily concern stance and footwork. Furthermore, Yoko Uke and Shuto Uke are performed in Jodan. Pinan Shodan is identical to Heian Shodan of Shito-ryu (Heian Nidan of Shotokan). Pinan Nidan Corresponds to Shito Ryu Heian Nidan (Heian Shodan of Shotokan). Pinan Sandan Corresponds to Shito Ryu Heian Sandan. Pinan Yondan Corresponds to Shito Ryu Heian Yondan. Pinan Godan Corresponds to Shito Ryu Heian Godan. Rohai The Rohai corresponds in detail to the Rohai Shodan of Shito- ryu. Seishan There are virtually no differences to the Hangetsu of the Shotokan school. Only the execution of the techniques differs, with more passages being performed at a slower tempo. Wanshu The only difference from Shotokan Kata Empi is that after the Gyaku zuki in Kosa Dachi, instead of the Ushiro Gedan Barai, a Gedan Barai is performed in Zenkutsu Dachi, in the same direction as the Gyaku zuki.