Sensei Barry Wilkinson leads England Wadokai in Aldershot, Hampshire, where he dedicates himself to promoting Wado Karate throughout the North of England and the Midlands. As Chairman and Chief Instructor of the England Wado-Kai Karate-Do Renmei, and a key figure in the Federation of Wado-Kai Europe, Sensei Barry is at the helm of a school committed to teaching the “Way of Peace” philosophy.
Founded by Master Hironori Ohtsuka, Wado Karate emphasises body shifting and evasion techniques, avoiding direct confrontation. As a formally registered martial art since 1939, Wado-ryu Karate integrates these principles, making it a unique discipline within the martial arts community.
England Wadokai resumed contact training after the easing of Covid-19 restrictions in July 2021. Students are advised to keep in touch with their Sensei for updates on club activities. The school offers an extensive list of training courses, including seasonal and specialised sessions such as the Winter Training Course, Halloween Karate Training Course, Senior Grade Training, Kata Course, Autumn Course, Squad Training, and Summer Karate Course.
The organisation is affiliated with both the Federation of Wado-Kai Europe and the JKF Japan International Wado-Kai. These affiliations underscore a commitment to maintaining high technical standards, offering comprehensive testing, and facilitating planned seminars. With over 850,000 members globally, the JKF Wado-Kai is a prominent entity in martial arts, emphasising cohesion and excellence.
Supporting Sensei Barry is Sensei Sir Brian Hayes, who serves as President, and Sensei Andrew Dare, the Vice-Chairman. The administrative team includes Julie Franklin as General Secretary and Louise Ferguson as Registrar.
England Wadokai is reachable by phone at (01252) 310 253 or via email at info@ewkr.org. The school continues to promote an inclusive environment, welcoming all students to embark on their martial arts journey with dedication and support.