José-Carlos García Hatchi-dan (8th Dan) Head of the Oshawa Wado-Kai Sensei García has studied karate since 1974 and holds an internationally recognized 8th-degree black belt in Karate (2019), a 5th Dan in Shindo (1996), a 3rd Dan in Iaido (2015), Shodan-Ho in Taekwondo, and practices Yoshinkan Aikido since 2007 and Tai Chi Chuan Yang since 2013. In 1986, he received the Karate-Do Instructor Certification from Sensei Shintani. He is a recipient of the 1988 DKI and 1991 TWKK appreciation awards and he is also a recipient of the Shintani Karate Award. He established Oshawa Wado-Kai in 1981 and opened the first Junior karate club in 1982, initiating several children's karate programs with the City of Oshawa. Sensei García has ranked over 3,000 students and awarded over 100 black belts. He is a respected member of the martial arts community, serving as the Technical Director of Toronto Wado-Kai and as a member of the Toronto Wado-Kai Senior Dan Council since 1981. Sensei García attended the Aeronautical Engineering University in Madrid, Spain, and later Ryerson University in Toronto, where he graduated as a Project Manager. He taught at Durham College (Ontario Tech University) from 1983 to 1984 and is an Associate Member of The Ontario Association of Certified Technicians and Technologists. For 35 years, he worked in the IT industry for large corporations. Presently retired, he focuses on his martial arts practice and development.

Oshawa Wado-Kai Karate was established in 1981 by José-Carlos García sensei. We offer several classes operating from various locations out of Oshawa and Whitby, Ontario, Canada. The style practiced is Wado-Kai, which is a classical form of Japaness Karate. The classes are for students from ages 7 to seniors (65+). We teach traditional karate in a safe and controlled atmosphere. Students can advance at a reasonable rate by attending two classes per week. Oshawa Wado-Kai is affiliated with Toronto Wado-Kai, and the Shintani Karate Federation. Masaru Shintani sensei, José-Carlos García sensei, Dave Manara sensei Masaru Shintani sensei, Hironori Otsuka sensei Masters of karate in Tokyo (c. 1930s) Kanken Toyama, Hironori Otsuka, Takeshi Shimoda, Gichin Funakoshi, Choki Motobu, Kenwa Mabuni, Genwa Nakasone, and Shinken Taira (from left to right)

What is Karate? Karate was originally developed as the ultimate form of unarmed self-defence. Through the years it has transformed into a popular sport that can be practiced on your own or with a group. It can be as competitive as you want or strictly for self-appreciation. Some aspects can be practiced in a very limited area. Various types of equipment are available but are not a necessity. The benefits of Karate are numerous. It is an excellent form of physical conditioning, which helps develop speed and endurance as well as balance, co-ordination, and flexibility. Many students train in Karate as a supplement to other activities, such as sports that are seasonal in nature. If personal growth is desired, Karate can be a means of gaining self understanding, of establishing contact with one's own body, and ultimately, it can become, for the dedicated student an art form through which one can express his or her own individuality. It should be noted that the breaking of boards, bricks, or tiles is not a part of the traditional Karate and that, except for demonstration purposes, this type of sensationalism is not practiced in the club. Karate provides the exercises essential for the strengthening of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. What is Wado-Kai? Wado is a Japanese karate style founded in 1939 by Hironori Otsuka. Wado kai or ryu, meaning the "way of peace and harmony", is one of the four major styles of karate in Japan and perhaps the purest form of karate-do (the way of the empty hands). What is Shindo? Masaru Shintani sensei is the founder of the Shintani Karate Shindo Federation of North America. Masaru Shintani sensei developed Shindo from the hanbo (3 foot staff) jutsu techniques of his samurai ancestors, the Matsumoto clan of Japan. Shindo is now a modern martial art practiced around the world. It was primarily developed for defensive tactics for law enforcement agencies but has been adopted by various traditional martial artists. The Shindo stick is 1.25" in diameter, 3 feet long with rounded ends. It is made from either oak (preferably) or maple and is normally painted black. Shintani sensei has now certified over 1200 black belts in Shindo. Shindo is a stick form utilizing striking, thrusting, blocking techniques, as well as locking or control techniques. As with all good martial arts kihon (basic) drills are practiced regularly as well as kihon kumite (pre-arranged sparring) drills, kata and jiyu kumite (free sparring). A specially designed foam covered Shindo stick is utilized for both kihon kumite and jiyu kumite. For safety, head protection is also used for these drills. A hockey helmet with appropriate faceguard is acceptable.

Women in Karate Women are especially encouraged to participate. All women should know what to do if attacked. It takes several years of serious and consistent training to learn how to adequately defend oneself and it is foolish to believe that a few tricks learned from a self-defence book or in a crash course is enough. While women receive the same training as men, they are not expected to posses the same strength. Physical strength, though helpful, is not a critical factor in learning Karate. Indeed, women may find themselves progressing faster in some areas than the male students. In addition to the self-defence aspect, Karate is an excellent form of weight control and figure training. Unlike many other sports, Karate helps to tone muscles, rather than develop them. However, this is not the most important feature Karate can offer. Recently, women have become more aware of, and concerned about their health. Karate provides the exercises essential for the strengthening of the body systems which most determine one's state of health; the cardio-vascular and respiratory systems.

Children in Karate Through karate children learn to respect others while at the same time they build self confidence that helps them to cope at home and in school. Children are very different to teach from adults and putting them apart from adult classes, they can get the attention they need. Children are very active and playful. They have that need to learn, to discover, to experiment. From the various exercises combined with games they improve their co-ordination, their balance and their attention span. Students will be able to participate in non-contact tournaments.

Class of 1976 1981 García sensei introduced Wado-Kai Karate (only for adults) in the Oshawa and Whitby community with a class of 13 students. 1982 In Oshawa, García sensei introduced and taught the first children's classes in the TWKK. 1985 Oshawa Wado-Kai hosted its first Invitational Tournament with the participation of over 500 participants from various styles. It was recorded and televised by Rogers Cable. The event was distinguished with the presence of Dave Manara sensei and Masaru Shintani sensei. 1986 Oshawa Wado-Kai was introduced to the City of Oshawa Leisure Program. 1987 Oshawa Wado-Kai was introduced to the Recreation Centre at the General Motors Truck Assembly Plant. 1987 Oshawa Wado-Kai was taught to 53 students for a credit program for Monsignor Paul Dwyer Secondary School for the DRRCSSB in Oshawa. 1988 Oshawa Wado-Kai was invited to the induction ceremory of the Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame. 1996 Oshawa Wado-Kai was introduced to the YWCA Program. 1998 Oshawa Wado-Kai taught Grade 9 and 10 students an Introduction to Karate class for Monsignor G.L. Roberts Secondary School in Oshawa. 1998 Oshawa Wado-Kai taught Grade 11 students an Introduction to Karate class for Monsignor Paul Dwyer Secondary School in Oshawa. 1999 Oshawa Wado-Kai taught Grade 8 students a two weeks Introduction to Karate program for Sir Albert Love Catholic School in Oshawa. 1999 Oshawa Wado-Kai was invited by the Oshawa Curling Club to participate in the sports demonstration during Fiesta Week. 2000 The Oshawa Wado-Kai Children's Program participants were invited to the Oshawa Optimist Club for a Demonstration. 2002 García sensei introduced Wado-Kai Karate for Children in the Whitby community. 2003 Oshawa Wado-Kai taught Grade 10 students an Introduction to Karate Program for their Physical Education Class at the Central Collegiate High School in Oshawa. 2003 Oshawa Wado-Kai taught Scouts Canada Campers an Introduction to Karate Program at Camp Samac in Oshawa. 2006 CONGRATULATIONS to the OSHAWA WADO-KAI KARATE CLUB On behalf of the Governament of Ontario - Dalton McGuintyPremier, for celebrating 25 years in serving the Durham Region. 2007 García sensei and his black belts were invited to participate at Courtice North P.S. Family Fitness night to promote the diversity and benefit of the sport with the connection between the participants and their families 2010 Oshawa Wado-Kai has participated in the Oshawa Christmas Parade on 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. 2010 Oshawa Wado-Kai was invited to participate in the July 1st Celebration with a Martial Arts Demonstration. Oshawa Wado-Kai also participated in 1988, 1989, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. 2011 CONGRATULATIONS to the OSHAWA WADO-KAI KARATE CLUB On behalf of the Primer Minister of Canada - Stephen Harper, the Premier of Ontario - Dalton McGuint and the Mayor of Oshawa - John Henry, for celebrating 30 years in serving the Durham Region.                   2016 CONGRATULATIONS to the OSHAWA WADO-KAI KARATE CLUB On behalf of the Primer Minister of Canada - Stephen Harper, the Premier of Ontario - Dalton McGuint and the Mayor of Oshawa - John Henry, for celebrating 35 years in serving the Durham Region. 2017 García sensei has graded over 3,000 students and over 100 have achieved the rank of various Black Belt degrees.