What is Wado Ryu Karate Wado Ryu Karate is distingushed from other Japanese karate style by its unique yielding nature, a form of soft energy blended with sheer, hard force in its techniques. Besides primary punching and kicking techniques Wado Ryu students learn how to use body shifting to neutralise or deflect an attack, thereby causing the attacker to lose balance and to become more vulnerable to a counter-attack.