Hawaii Wado Karate Association

Hawaii Wado Karate Association is a martial arts school in Hilo, Hawaii, teaching traditional Japanese Wado-ryu karate to students of all ages and fitness levels. The school focuses on tai sabaki, the body management and evasive shifting used to redirect attacks rather than meet force with force, and pairs that physical training with five guiding principles called Dojo Kun: upholding propriety and courtesy, cultivating the spirit of effort, perfecting patience, living the way of truth, and exercising self-control. Students are expected to memorize and apply these principles in class and beyond it.

The school was established on March 1, 2004 by Dr. Craig Kadooka, David Tamura, and Dr. Walter Dudley, and has been teaching traditional Japanese karate in Hilo since then. Its black belt instructors are volunteers who work to pass along the technical standards of Wado Kai along with values of discipline, confidence, respect, and self-control. The chief instructor is Sensei David Sasaki, a 6th Dan, with Stephen Shiigi serving as the current Head Sensei. The school operates under the instructional guidance of Wado Guseikai Karate USA, founded by Sensei Bob Nash, a 7th Dan, and has been a recognized member of the Japan Karate Federation Wado-Kai since June 21, 2008.

The school sits on Kilauea Avenue, near Lincoln Park and Kamehameha Avenue, and about a quarter mile from the Bayfront Highway, the Central Fire Station, and the Hilo Farmer's Market. With a rating of 5.00 from its reviewers, Hawaii Wado Karate Association reflects the consistency of instruction that has drawn students in Hilo to its style since 2004.