Our Heritage & Lineage
Discover the origins and legacy of Wado International Karate Academy in India.
MAHA GURU's Profile
MAHA GURU Dr. V.K. RAJASEKARAN
Wado International Karate Academy traces its proud origins in India to the visionary efforts of Maha Guru Dr. V.K. Rajasekaran — an exceptional martial artist, inspiring teacher, and one of the pioneering figures who introduced authentic Wado Karate to Bangalore, India.
A lifelong devotee of Martial Arts since 1968, Dr. V.K. Rajasekaran has dedicated his life to the pursuit and promotion of traditional karate. Although his primary discipline is Wado Ryu Karate, his extensive knowledge also encompasses Shorin Ryu, Shotokan, and Shito Ryu styles. His martial arts journey further expanded in Japan, where he studied Shorin Ryu Karate under the esteemed So Shihan Hoshu Ikeda.
In 1978, he opened his first Martial Arts school in Bangalore at a time when the art of karate was still largely unfamiliar to the city. Through unwavering dedication, discipline, and visionary leadership, the organization grew into one of the largest karate movements in India, proudly nurturing more than 20,000 students. Today, it stands as one of the few karate systems in the country with its headquarters based in Bangalore.
He opened up his first Martial Arts school in Bangalore in 1978. Bangalore at that time was completely unfamiliar with the art. This system currently is one of the largest karate groups in India having over 20,000 students and is the only system in India having a headquarters situated in Bangalore. The Wado system proves to be a very good karate system because it has a completely scientific background. It is an ideal system for people seeking knowledge in self defense and also physical fitness and flexibility. The Wado system has also been recognized by the All India Karate Federation, the governing body for Karate in India and the World Karate Federation. Other governing bodies of the Wado are the Japan Karate Federation. Indeed the introduction of this system has come to us as a blessing from the great masters from the past.
The Wado system is internationally respected for its scientific principles, technical precision, and balanced approach to self-defense, physical fitness, flexibility, and mental discipline. It provides students not only with martial skills, but also with confidence, character, respect, and inner strength.
The Wado system has earned recognition from prestigious governing bodies including the All India Karate Federation, the World Karate Federation, and the Japan Karate Federation. The introduction and growth of this traditional system in India truly stands as a remarkable contribution inspired by the great masters of the past.
Dr. V.K. Rajasekaran possesses profound mastery in Martial Arts. His lifelong dedication, humble service, and tireless efforts to spread authentic karate have earned him a place among the true legends of Indian Martial Arts. Generations of students continue to benefit from his wisdom, discipline, and extraordinary legacy.
TATSUO SUZUKI's Profile
TATSUO SUZUKI SENSEI
Tatsuo Suzuki started training with Hironori Otsuka, the founder of Wado Ryu karate, at the age of 14. After six years of studying karate Suzuki Sensei was awarded 3rd Dan and in 1951 he was awarded 5th Dan, the highest grade in Wado Ryu at that time.
In 1963, Hironori Otsuka sent Tatsuo Suzuki to spread Wado Ryu karate around the world.
From 1965 Suzuki Sensei formed the first Wado-Ryu Federation in England and from his base in London expanded throughout Europe. He brought students from Japan, taught them how to be instructors and sent them to various countries in Europe. In a few years the Wado Ryu Karate style became very popular in Europe. Suzuki Sensei was responsible for spreading Wado Ryu karate throughout Europe and America.
In 1975 he received the 8th Dan, the highest grade of the Japan Karate Federation and the Wadokai. In that year, he also received the highest title "Hanshi". In Wado Ryu the only other person with that title was Hironori Otsuka Sensei.
In 1991 Suzuki Sensei decided to form his own international federation to safeguard the essence of Wado Ryu as taught to him by his teacher Otsuka.
Tatsuo Suzuki met Eleni Labiri in April 1986 and they formed a relationship both emotionally and mutually with their dedication to karate. They lived and trained together from 1994 and they married in 1997. Eleni accompanied, trained and assisted her husband worldwide until he passed away in 2011. Tatsuo Suzuki died in his home in London on the 12th July 2011.