| Grand Master Hironori Otsuka II |
 |
G
rand Master Hironori Otsuka II 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.
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
fifteen (15). He has also trained in Iaido, Kendo, Judo, Aikido and Wado
Shindo Yoshin Ryu Jujutsu Kempo.
In 1983, upon the death of his father, the present Grand
Master Otsuka II succeeded Grand Master Hironori Otsuka and became the
president of the Wado-Ryu Organization. There are presently 1,000 branch dojos
throughout the world, with a membership of 40,000, which are under his
supervision.
A graduate of Meji University in Tokyo, receiving his degree
in economics, Grand Master Otsuka II and his wife, Aiko, have three (3)
children. Kazutaka, who was born in 1965, has trained in Iai-Do, Judo, and
Wado-Ryu Karate and is presently the chief instructor at the main dojo in
Tokyo. A daughter, Rika, was born in 1967 and has trained in Iaido and Wado
Ryu. Their youngest son, Kazumichi, was born in 1968.
