Francisco Neuman
Shodan, WIKF Panama

A beginner's thoughts on Henka Waza


I had not yet come across the term Henka Waza and was interested to know what it was. In Karate, you hear the expression "every block is a punch, and every punch is a block", but in Henka Waza it all comes together and makes sense to freely flow from one technique to the next.

What's explained in "The Journey To Henka Waza" is a real eye-opener that gives my training more focus, since now I don't think in terms of one, two, three combinations, but in infinite flowing techniques.

Since I had never heard of the term Henka Waza before, I was very pleased to learn that this concept exists because, while it might be difficult to understand and apply at first, it's the core of what Karate is all about, regardless of style..

You won't regret watching this series even if you're already familiar with this concept. That's why I recommend you to watch this series because it presents this ideology in a practical way that is easy to understand.

Arkadiusz Grzyb
1 Dan, Japan Martial Arts Academy, Poland

Become more complete and aware


I try to use every opportunity to improve my own skill as well teaching my students, and I felt that this series would contribute.

My expectations were that I'll become more complete and aware as a karateka and instructor, and The Journey To Henka Waza definately did.

That's why I recommend this series to anyone who wants to broaden their knowledge of Wado-ryu and improve their level. I'm convinced you'll be delighted with the knowledge, information and communication contained here.

Jim

What AJ explaines will affect my partner exercises


Often Karate appears to be strict in the sense that there's only one way to do a technique/excercise. Through watching The Journey To Henka Waza I found there's a concept in place that encourages variation or adaptation to the situation. Very interesting.
 
What AJ explaines will affect my partner exercises the most. How to make the "official" techniques work with your current partner. How to react to unexpected situations. I like the idea of "freedom of movement" and applying the keys taught to every partner excercise.
 
If Karate means more to you than just a nice health exercise, I would recommend to have a look at the video.
In my understanding Henka waza is a concept that you should know and consider. Especially when you do partner exercises. 
 
Give it a try and watch the first video - after that you have an idea and can decide if you want to go into the details ;-) 
Ivan (IR)
Dan Grade, England

Great series


I watched The Stances Masterclass to be reminded of the traditional stances I first learnt as a beginner many years ago, as we sometimes names get lost with all the modern sports karate we seem to teach.

The biggest takeaway I got was the straight forward and easy to understand explanations of the various stances by AJ.

I will re watch this video again and when I teach these in class I will be confident that I am teaching correct Wado Ryu stances the way they we intended.

The series exceeded my expectations by AJ explains and demonstrates the stances in a thoroughly professional way and expanded my knowledge.

I would definately recommend this series to anyone who is serious about learning authentic wado - ryu karate. Go into watching this series with an open mind, and you'll learn more than you thought.

Nile
5th Kyu - Pennsylvania, USA

Always return to the basics


As a professional musician and music teacher, I always emphasize to students that basics are important.

I often remind myself that no matter how much we progress in rank or in skill, we must always go back to basics and make sure our foundation is solid. I found especially effective how AJ demonstrated how the stances are all related to each other. This relationship is not often taught.

The Stances Masterclass not only taught me how to position my body, but I also learned how stances make movements easier and more efficient.

I have a better understanding of stances as they relate to each other. This will facilitate learning the basics in a way that it “sticks” because each stance is not taught in isolation.

Watching this series will help keep your basics sharp.

Matthew Allen
United States

Great course for mastering the basics!


I have always enjoyed learning new ways to apply the basics of karate. This course definitely did not disappoint!

The new ways to apply the fists were eye opening and the application for kumate was very informative. Because of that, I'll definitely be keeping my mind open to even more ways to apply the basics beyond what I've learned.

This is the first video series that has taught new ways to apply the basics.

I've always looked for new ways and been disappointed. I was cautiously skeptical when I started the series, but I'm glad that I got it and would definitely recommend this series to anyone who wants to study the basics of karate in a new way.

Having a good foundation in the basics of karate is essential, and this series definitely provides that necessary foundation.

Matthew Allen
United States

Great series to learn freedom of movement.


I got access to The Journey Of Henka Waza hoping to learn how to better techniques of movement. The series did not disappoint! It helps me to find new ways of working on kata to find new variations.

A real eye-opener was to find out that freedom of movement isn't just physical, it's mental too. Especially the "how-to transform a missed technique into another" tips are very practical and easy to implement.

I would definitely recommend others watch the series because it helps to learn to adjust their forms to adapt in self defense situations.

If you think about watching this series... Definitely watch this series!

Martin Ström
3rd Dan, Wadokai Sweden

Added dimention


When I first saw it in action I was facinated. This has not been anything I have been tought during all the years. This is like a new dimention added to technics you already have been practiced but put in a more effective way. To block or trap with striking in the same movement is an effective weapon indeed. Now I would like to work on how to increase the power in the movements. The big range of application on whatever situation is an eye-opener. I´m already implementing training from the videos and also trying out idèas on how to use it. It will open up to a new dimention of Karate. It is facinating that you really can`t get fully learned. I would strongly recommend to others that are interested to deepen their knowlege and discover a new effectiveness of Karate. It will improve their fighting and defens ability, body contol and body centerline.

Martin Ström
3 dan Kungälvs Karate Klubb

Development


When I got a glimpse of what The Digi Dojo contains and it's value, getting access to the online courses was a no brainer...

And it exceeded my expectations.

The Digi Dojo is a great place to get inspiration that I can put into my teaching and my techniques. For example, I now study Meotode and try to implement it as an extension of other techniques.

I've been on many seminars with Sensei Sakagami and Sensei Nukina and learned Kumite Gata which we had little or no experience from before. But there is too much that will be forgotten, so now I use the Digi Dojo to study to check the different forms.

Give it a try. You will not be disapointed.

Francisco Neuman
1st Dan - Panama

Excellent source for any Wado practitioner


This eBook on Ohyo Kumite enabled me to improve my training.

My biggest takeaway was to find out that movements that seem simple are actually quite sophisticated if one is to perform them correctly.

The most refreshing and beneficial aspect of this book in my opinion, are the detailed photographs accompanied by even more detailed explanations of the techniques, down to the smallest detail. Most times we are told: "push down with right hand", or "place your arm across your opponent and throw him", which does not transmit the subtle parts of the technique that makes it work.

The explanations provide a level of detail often found only when training with top level instructors, usually on big seminars which normally do not provide much one-on-one attention from the instructor.

It did make a huge impact on how minor tweaks or fixes missing from a certain movement or technique can make it all the more effective, as well as it's principles can be applied to other areas of training and application.

I would recommend this book because of it's in-depth details when explaining every movement and technique.

Roy Solheim
1.Dan/Skedsmo Karateklubb, Norway

Setting the Mind in Motion with Every Visit to the Digi Dojo


After looking on the Internet to find information about Wado Ryu, I found The Digi Dojo.

My Elite Licence has provided me with the most comprehensive knowledge gathered at one place on the World Wide Web. Especially because I access to all videos, showing the different techniques, kumites, katas and more.

I think that the idea behind the Digi Dojo is excellent and an invaluable asset for studying and evolve myself and my students in both Wado and karate.

杜 Bernard Wiseman
3rd Dan - Kenshikai Shanghai, Shidoin

It doesn't matter which school you are in


I got full access to The Digi Dojo because I wanted access to all the videos, not just a few or having temporary access.

Even though I'm in Shorin Ryu, it's really useful. It will do me good for sure as this fabulous website contain so much details, regardless to the school you are in.

And it's not just the detailed explananations. AJ is always ready to answer your questions thoroughly and never backs down to take a extra step if necessary.

Don't hesitate if you're thinking to get your Elite Licence too :)

Matthew Allen
United States

Great course for mastering the basics!


I have always enjoyed learning new ways to apply the basics of karate. This course definitely did not disappoint!

The new ways to apply the fists were eye opening and the application for kumate was very informative. Because of that, I'll definitely be keeping my mind open to even more ways to apply the basics beyond what I've learned.

This is the first video series that has taught new ways to apply the basics.

I've always looked for new ways and been disappointed. I was cautiously skeptical when I started the series, but I'm glad that I got it and would definitely recommend this series to anyone who wants to study the basics of karate in a new way.

Having a good foundation in the basics of karate is essential, and this series definitely provides that necessary foundation.

Bill Wands
4th Dan

It will not only help beginners


The technical information will not only help beginners but act as a reference source for more experienced practitioners as well. You should be proud of your accomplishment.

Dr. Missaka Senanayake
2nd Dan - Sri Lanka

The search for a comprehensive resource ended...


Coming from a family of Wado karate practitioners we always felt that there was a serious lack of educational material available to Wado students outside of Japan.

Hours spent online looking for resource material on katas, techniques and details regarding on how to execute them correctly fell painfully short. The negative consequence of such lack of information makes learning, understanding and progress in karate, dependent on the short period of time you get to interact with your Sensei at personal level.

As karate has transitioned into a more of a sports and competition oriented model, the time spent on thorough analysis of each technique is lost, thus we see kids blindly emulating the seniors without much attention nor understanding on technique, body mechanics and aesthetics.

The search for a comprehensive resource ended when I stumbled upon AJ's Wado No Michi. It was an All-in-One (albeit a few which he has since added on to The Digi Dojo site) compendium to fill the void of a true reference book. It covers Basics, Pinan & Advanced Katas, Kumite Techniques all with detailed explanations answering the vital questions of Why/What/When/Where and How?

AJ's Video collections on The Digi Dojo complements and completes where "Wado No Michi" fell short due to its limitation as a book.

Personally it has helped me to learn, discover and identify many areas in which I was lacking may it be in Katas, Kihon or Kumite. It also helps me to incorporate learning in the comfort of my own home during by busy work schedules. The magnificent gifts of modern technology, bringing access of this invaluable information on a global scale, and at your fingertips.

I recommend this to all practitioners of Wado, young and old, to sign up and use this invaluable resource and take your karate to the next level.

Geoffrey Légat
1st Kyu - Wadokai Belgium

Best Wado-ryu resource


I was looking for a source to improve my martial arts skills and then I found AJ’s book Wado No Michi. All the details help me to understand techniques better and principles deeper.

I like AJ’s precision about anything he demonstrates, his training methods (and his jokes). What is definitely one of the best things is the simplicity. AJ’s ability of teaching hard concept with simple word and pictures helps me to better understand and to improve my skills and also my teaching.

For example Meotode principle. Before I only focused on one hand and took distance after attack (like in kumite competition). And now I use both hands, one hand for a punch, the other hand for controlling the opponent then I can reverse hands to do combination. It allows me to score more easily and make my techniques more effective than before.

The biggest difference between Wado No Michi and other books are the plenty pictures, lot of details for each technique and complete course of Wado in one book. I have many books about martial arts and this is the best about Wado-ryu karate and would therefore definitely recommend this book and AJ’s work to other Karateka.

Christoph Mau

After years of training...


The second I got access to Ido Kihon Pro, I looked up Junzuki.  I'm already impressed. Even after years of training I found some tips to improve my Junzuki right away!

Francisco Neuman
Panama

Should be called the Wado Wikipedia


I had been following Sensei AJ's YouTube channel for a while, and had always wondered how can I learn from this person while being a continent apart. The answer: The Digi Dojo.

What stood out to me from Sensei AJ's videos was his sharp execution of technique, which to me means that he has that rare combination of thousands of hours of practice plus the understanding of the principles at work behind the techniques.

The biggest takeaway for me was that sometimes the smallest detail will have the greatest impact on improving or progressing to the next level of karate training/understanding.

His teaching style allows me to look at karate from a completely different perspective of not just repeating movements endlessly, but to train with a specific purpose in mind. He even encourages that we change that specific purpose between training sessions in order to improve as a whole.

The best example has a not particularly important video regarding Hikite. Sensei AJ said don't focus on your fist, focus on your shoulder and the fist will automatically find itself in the correct position. And after some practice, by God was he right!

I believe Sensei AJ's content would help Karateka from other styles, not just Wado, because his focus is on principles and natural movement. He even shows Kobudo training and educates how armed training can translate into unarmed training.

And finally, most other publications are limited to their syllabus. Sensei AJ's content is always evolving, and he constantly asks for feedback on what topics to address.

This is not something I see any top-level instructor do.

Francisco Neuman
1st Dan - Panama

Excellent source for any Wado practitioner


This eBook on Ohyo Kumite enabled me to improve my training.

My biggest takeaway was to find out that movements that seem simple are actually quite sophisticated if one is to perform them correctly.

The most refreshing and beneficial aspect of this book in my opinion, are the detailed photographs accompanied by even more detailed explanations of the techniques, down to the smallest detail. Most times we are told: "push down with right hand", or "place your arm across your opponent and throw him", which does not transmit the subtle parts of the technique that makes it work.

The explanations provide a level of detail often found only when training with top level instructors, usually on big seminars which normally do not provide much one-on-one attention from the instructor.

It did make a huge impact on how minor tweaks or fixes missing from a certain movement or technique can make it all the more effective, as well as it's principles can be applied to other areas of training and application.

I would recommend this book because of it's in-depth details when explaining every movement and technique.

Dr. Missaka Senanayake
2nd Dan - Sri Lanka

The search for a comprehensive resource ended...


Coming from a family of Wado karate practitioners we always felt that there was a serious lack of educational material available to Wado students outside of Japan.

Hours spent online looking for resource material on katas, techniques and details regarding on how to execute them correctly fell painfully short. The negative consequence of such lack of information makes learning, understanding and progress in karate, dependent on the short period of time you get to interact with your Sensei at personal level.

As karate has transitioned into a more of a sports and competition oriented model, the time spent on thorough analysis of each technique is lost, thus we see kids blindly emulating the seniors without much attention nor understanding on technique, body mechanics and aesthetics.

The search for a comprehensive resource ended when I stumbled upon AJ's Wado No Michi. It was an All-in-One (albeit a few which he has since added on to The Digi Dojo site) compendium to fill the void of a true reference book. It covers Basics, Pinan & Advanced Katas, Kumite Techniques all with detailed explanations answering the vital questions of Why/What/When/Where and How?

AJ's Video collections on The Digi Dojo complements and completes where "Wado No Michi" fell short due to its limitation as a book.

Personally it has helped me to learn, discover and identify many areas in which I was lacking may it be in Katas, Kihon or Kumite. It also helps me to incorporate learning in the comfort of my own home during by busy work schedules. The magnificent gifts of modern technology, bringing access of this invaluable information on a global scale, and at your fingertips.

I recommend this to all practitioners of Wado, young and old, to sign up and use this invaluable resource and take your karate to the next level.

Geoffrey Légat
1st Kyu - Wadokai Belgium

Best Wado-ryu resource


I was looking for a source to improve my martial arts skills and then I found AJ’s book Wado No Michi. All the details help me to understand techniques better and principles deeper.

I like AJ’s precision about anything he demonstrates, his training methods (and his jokes). What is definitely one of the best things is the simplicity. AJ’s ability of teaching hard concept with simple word and pictures helps me to better understand and to improve my skills and also my teaching.

For example Meotode principle. Before I only focused on one hand and took distance after attack (like in kumite competition). And now I use both hands, one hand for a punch, the other hand for controlling the opponent then I can reverse hands to do combination. It allows me to score more easily and make my techniques more effective than before.

The biggest difference between Wado No Michi and other books are the plenty pictures, lot of details for each technique and complete course of Wado in one book. I have many books about martial arts and this is the best about Wado-ryu karate and would therefore definitely recommend this book and AJ’s work to other Karateka.

Francisco Neuman
Panama

Should be called the Wado Wikipedia


I had been following Sensei AJ's YouTube channel for a while, and had always wondered how can I learn from this person while being a continent apart. The answer: The Digi Dojo.

What stood out to me from Sensei AJ's videos was his sharp execution of technique, which to me means that he has that rare combination of thousands of hours of practice plus the understanding of the principles at work behind the techniques.

The biggest takeaway for me was that sometimes the smallest detail will have the greatest impact on improving or progressing to the next level of karate training/understanding.

His teaching style allows me to look at karate from a completely different perspective of not just repeating movements endlessly, but to train with a specific purpose in mind. He even encourages that we change that specific purpose between training sessions in order to improve as a whole.

The best example has a not particularly important video regarding Hikite. Sensei AJ said don't focus on your fist, focus on your shoulder and the fist will automatically find itself in the correct position. And after some practice, by God was he right!

I believe Sensei AJ's content would help Karateka from other styles, not just Wado, because his focus is on principles and natural movement. He even shows Kobudo training and educates how armed training can translate into unarmed training.

And finally, most other publications are limited to their syllabus. Sensei AJ's content is always evolving, and he constantly asks for feedback on what topics to address.

This is not something I see any top-level instructor do.

Carl
United Kingdom

37 years a studying karateka! 58 yrs old!


In these difficult times this book made me re focus and give me ideas on different ways to study. And to be honest, all contents met and exceeded. It has opened my mind to other square metre options.

Hasheem Muththalif
Black belt 3rd Dan- Wado Ryu Spinea Sri lanka

Very useful book


In Sri Lanka our Karate technical knowledge is low..This book has practical pictures and very clear explanations so it's very useful to overcome that situation.

Jeff
2nd dan, UK

Find those missing links


The book is a good quick reference if you feel you're missing something in your technique. It's is easy to access with plenty of tips, good explanations and good photographs.

Dave Shephard
5th Dan (Wado Kokusai -Altiplano) Granada, Spain

Wado in lockdown


Training in a small area will be new to many people and is essential in these unprecedented times. The book and videos shows how to make the most of limited space and when I saw the book I straightaway noticed the ease, clarity and effectiveness of the drills.

AJ Sensei is a world class instructor. His teachings are always thoughtful and have meaning and purpose. They will increase your understanding of principles and techniques. You will not be disappointed.

Neil Bennett
1st Dan

A true guide with creative views


The E-book offers a true guide to basic forms. The creative views and explanations within the e-book are easy to follow and packed with all the information you’ll need.

It gets you to question exactly how you move, why you move in that way and produces a feeling of satisfaction when you realise how it all comes together.

Art
Dan grade, Northern Ireland

Next to no other


AJ has been very thorough in demonstrating & explaining the techniques. The text was very clear on what to expect when movements are done correctly that also give incredible insights on what to expect when done correctly..

I believe anyone will benefit from AJ's training methods & the in-depth study that he has put here online through the years of hard work and the studying of the great masters that have (come on gone).

Alison Morgan
1st kyu, Gary McLenaghan Karate, UK

Excellent book for training in a confined space


When I checked what this book covered, the first things I noticed were the wide range of karate moves and how they are broken down into steps.

I feel very confident about these methods because the text explains why a move is to be done a certain way or what precisely it is that you are looking to achieve.

When practicing at home it's easy to get stuck in a rut of doing the same thing and the ebook provides variety. You can also mix and match to make a training session as long or as short as you want.

Francisco Neuman
Panama

Finally...


Finally a book and videos that addresses practical home training.. For example, the methods on generating power without stepping forwards are simple yet effective. 
Gary mcclenaghan
3rd dan wado, 1st dan shotokan, 1st dan taekwondo, 1st dan kick boxing , Bsc (hons) MA Ed.

My students already responded with a very positive attitude towards the content


This book is different from other literature I have studied for Karate training, techniques and theory because the illustrations and reasoning are very clear and precise which enables both the senior student and novice alike

The contents of the information exceeded my expectations because AJ and his team have put together information both from knowledge gained and information gathered from other masters and instructors and home the extra mile to produce and relay the information back to the reader clearly which in my opinion has not been achieved before in the martial arts literary field.

The videos complement the book because some students thrive on being able to visualise the technique from video and watch and re-watch the videos until they start to get a better understanding of what they are attempting to learn. Some students cannot learn from black and white reading materials they need a bit more which is where the videos come in .

I have already recommended the book/videos to my students and they have already responded with a very positive attitude towards the content which is very helpful.

T. Hotz
United States

Right into the methods


The book goes right into the methods, rather than rehashing history or techniques. The author assumes that the reader already has experience with karate.

The pictures are clear and the instructions are easy to follow. The author is very crisp in his movements and does them perfectly.

This would not only be a great supplement for those who train alone, but for a lesson on using technique in crowded spaces. Techniques are only useful if we can make them work in all situations and surroundings.

Geoffrey Légat
1st Kyu - Wadokai Belgium

Best Wado-ryu resource


I was looking for a source to improve my martial arts skills and then I found AJ’s book Wado No Michi. All the details help me to understand techniques better and principles deeper.

I like AJ’s precision about anything he demonstrates, his training methods (and his jokes). What is definitely one of the best things is the simplicity. AJ’s ability of teaching hard concept with simple word and pictures helps me to better understand and to improve my skills and also my teaching.

For example Meotode principle. Before I only focused on one hand and took distance after attack (like in kumite competition). And now I use both hands, one hand for a punch, the other hand for controlling the opponent then I can reverse hands to do combination. It allows me to score more easily and make my techniques more effective than before.

The biggest difference between Wado No Michi and other books are the plenty pictures, lot of details for each technique and complete course of Wado in one book. I have many books about martial arts and this is the best about Wado-ryu karate and would therefore definitely recommend this book and AJ’s work to other Karateka.

Carl
United Kingdom

Eureka moments


The book gives you guidance, the videos give you confirmation, almost like "eureka" moments.

No matter what style you are studying at present, it's so easy to adapt to suit your own techniques and form, and then add some more of your own.

Hasheem Muththalif
Black belt 3rd Dan- Wado Ryu Spinea Sri lanka

The perfect step


AJ's explanations are very clear about karate and techniques, so this book in combination with the videos will be a perfect step to do Karate in a correct way.

Jeff
2nd dan, UK

A picture paints a thousand words but...


The book and videos will give you plenty to explore because it has plenty of bullet points and good explanations.

As they say, a picture paints a thousand words but a video will give you more.

Dave Shephard
5th Dan (Wado Kokusai -Altiplano) Granada, Spain

AJ's teachings are always thoughtful and have meaning and purpose


AJ Sensei is a world class instructor. His teachings are always thoughtful and have meaning and purpose. They will increase your understanding of principles and techniques.

Books are good but seeing movement goes a long way to increasing understanding and confidence. You will not be disappointed.

Neil Bennett
1st Dan

Back the e-book up with the online video series


AJ has many teaching methods, he presents himself well and communicates in a way that is easy to understand, follow and practice.

Back the e-book up with the online video series and a key to The Digi Dojo and you have a world of knowledge available 24/7. Get the videos too, you will not be disappointed.

Art
Dan grade, Northern Ireland

It’s like having AJ in your own room as a private instructor.


AJ shares knowledge that is next to no other instructor that you have seen on the internet.

The videos compliment all aspects of the e-book, with easy teaching methods & a very articulate teacher no other than Sensei AJ van Dijk. It’s like having AJ in your own room as a private instructor.

Alison Morgan
1st kyu, Gary McLenaghan Karate, UK

I learn by watching and doing


The videos were very helpful for me to make sure I was doing the moves correctly. I learn by watching and then doing so now, when I go back to the ebook, I have a picture in my head of what the moves look like.

If you're short on space but want to get stuck in to some real practice at home then the ebook combined with the videos will give you lots of guidance and ideas for training at home.

Nigel Blackman
2nd Dan, Camberley UK

Essential tool for serious Wado Karateka


This book contains lots of key points that are at your fingertips and you can train straight away. I would recommend training along with the video series first though as the book acts as a great refresher.

The bits that emphasise momentum, timing, and the advanced skills to generate power exceeded my expectations, even though I'm following AJ from quite a few years.

I can go from one to the other very easily as the book and videos complement each other very well. The book is especially good if you want to train effectively but are limited with time.

Getting The Square-Meter Series will improve your karate no end technically and help you relax. They will also motivate you to train more, as there is so much to study and improve on. I watch and I read, then I want to do !

Francisco Neuman
Panama

THE Home Training Series


If you want your karate to improve overnight, this book and videos are a must. One of my weakest techniques is uraken, and after practicing one day with this series, I feel I have improved my uraken more than in the last year of dojo practice. Instant results!

Another example: in the video "Fall-In Junzuki", its like having AJ next to me translating the difficult to decipher 'move from tanden'. Instead of that clasically obscure explanation, he turns it into easy to understand ideas like "push your hips while maintaining posture".

T. Hotz
United States

Unique training aid


The videos help the reader to avoid any confusion with the direction of the techniques and the author is very crisp in his movements and does them perfectly.

This would not only be a great supplement for those who train alone, but for a lesson on using technique in crowded spaces. Techniques are only useful if we can make them work in all situations and surroundings.

Gary mcclenaghan
3rd dan wado, 1st dan shotokan, 1st dan taekwondo, 1st dan kick boxing , Bsc (hons) MA Ed.

My students already responded with a very positive attitude towards the content


This book is different from other literature I have studied for Karate training, techniques and theory because the illustrations and reasoning are very clear and precise which enables both the senior student and novice alike

The contents of the information exceeded my expectations because AJ and his team have put together information both from knowledge gained and information gathered from other masters and instructors and home the extra mile to produce and relay the information back to the reader clearly which in my opinion has not been achieved before in the martial arts literary field.

The videos complement the book because some students thrive on being able to visualise the technique from video and watch and re-watch the videos until they start to get a better understanding of what they are attempting to learn. Some students cannot learn from black and white reading materials they need a bit more which is where the videos come in .

I have already recommended the book/videos to my students and they have already responded with a very positive attitude towards the content which is very helpful.

Francisco Neuman
1st Dan - Panama

Excellent source for any Wado practitioner


This eBook on Ohyo Kumite enabled me to improve my training.

My biggest takeaway was to find out that movements that seem simple are actually quite sophisticated if one is to perform them correctly.

The most refreshing and beneficial aspect of this book in my opinion, are the detailed photographs accompanied by even more detailed explanations of the techniques, down to the smallest detail. Most times we are told: "push down with right hand", or "place your arm across your opponent and throw him", which does not transmit the subtle parts of the technique that makes it work.

The explanations provide a level of detail often found only when training with top level instructors, usually on big seminars which normally do not provide much one-on-one attention from the instructor.

It did make a huge impact on how minor tweaks or fixes missing from a certain movement or technique can make it all the more effective, as well as it's principles can be applied to other areas of training and application.

I would recommend this book because of it's in-depth details when explaining every movement and technique.

Geoffrey Légat
1st Kyu - Wadokai Belgium

Best Wado-ryu resource


I was looking for a source to improve my martial arts skills and then I found AJ’s book Wado No Michi. All the details help me to understand techniques better and principles deeper.

I like AJ’s precision about anything he demonstrates, his training methods (and his jokes). What is definitely one of the best things is the simplicity. AJ’s ability of teaching hard concept with simple word and pictures helps me to better understand and to improve my skills and also my teaching.

For example Meotode principle. Before I only focused on one hand and took distance after attack (like in kumite competition). And now I use both hands, one hand for a punch, the other hand for controlling the opponent then I can reverse hands to do combination. It allows me to score more easily and make my techniques more effective than before.

The biggest difference between Wado No Michi and other books are the plenty pictures, lot of details for each technique and complete course of Wado in one book. I have many books about martial arts and this is the best about Wado-ryu karate and would therefore definitely recommend this book and AJ’s work to other Karateka.

Carl
United Kingdom

Eureka moments


The book gives you guidance, the videos give you confirmation, almost like "eureka" moments.

No matter what style you are studying at present, it's so easy to adapt to suit your own techniques and form, and then add some more of your own.

Hasheem Muththalif
Black belt 3rd Dan- Wado Ryu Spinea Sri lanka

The perfect step


AJ's explanations are very clear about karate and techniques, so this book in combination with the videos will be a perfect step to do Karate in a correct way.

Jeff
2nd dan, UK

A picture paints a thousand words but...


The book and videos will give you plenty to explore because it has plenty of bullet points and good explanations.

As they say, a picture paints a thousand words but a video will give you more.

Dave Shephard
5th Dan (Wado Kokusai -Altiplano) Granada, Spain

AJ's teachings are always thoughtful and have meaning and purpose


AJ Sensei is a world class instructor. His teachings are always thoughtful and have meaning and purpose. They will increase your understanding of principles and techniques.

Books are good but seeing movement goes a long way to increasing understanding and confidence. You will not be disappointed.

Neil Bennett
1st Dan

Back the e-book up with the online video series


AJ has many teaching methods, he presents himself well and communicates in a way that is easy to understand, follow and practice.

Back the e-book up with the online video series and a key to The Digi Dojo and you have a world of knowledge available 24/7. Get the videos too, you will not be disappointed.

Art
Dan grade, Northern Ireland

It’s like having AJ in your own room as a private instructor.


AJ shares knowledge that is next to no other instructor that you have seen on the internet.

The videos compliment all aspects of the e-book, with easy teaching methods & a very articulate teacher no other than Sensei AJ van Dijk. It’s like having AJ in your own room as a private instructor.

Alison Morgan
1st kyu, Gary McLenaghan Karate, UK

I learn by watching and doing


The videos were very helpful for me to make sure I was doing the moves correctly. I learn by watching and then doing so now, when I go back to the ebook, I have a picture in my head of what the moves look like.

If you're short on space but want to get stuck in to some real practice at home then the ebook combined with the videos will give you lots of guidance and ideas for training at home.

Nigel Blackman
2nd Dan, Camberley UK

Essential tool for serious Wado Karateka


This book contains lots of key points that are at your fingertips and you can train straight away. I would recommend training along with the video series first though as the book acts as a great refresher.

The bits that emphasise momentum, timing, and the advanced skills to generate power exceeded my expectations, even though I'm following AJ from quite a few years.

I can go from one to the other very easily as the book and videos complement each other very well. The book is especially good if you want to train effectively but are limited with time.

Getting The Square-Meter Series will improve your karate no end technically and help you relax. They will also motivate you to train more, as there is so much to study and improve on. I watch and I read, then I want to do !

Francisco Neuman
Panama

THE Home Training Series


If you want your karate to improve overnight, this book and videos are a must. One of my weakest techniques is uraken, and after practicing one day with this series, I feel I have improved my uraken more than in the last year of dojo practice. Instant results!

Another example: in the video "Fall-In Junzuki", its like having AJ next to me translating the difficult to decipher 'move from tanden'. Instead of that clasically obscure explanation, he turns it into easy to understand ideas like "push your hips while maintaining posture".

T. Hotz
United States

Unique training aid


The videos help the reader to avoid any confusion with the direction of the techniques and the author is very crisp in his movements and does them perfectly.

This would not only be a great supplement for those who train alone, but for a lesson on using technique in crowded spaces. Techniques are only useful if we can make them work in all situations and surroundings.

Gary mcclenaghan
3rd dan wado, 1st dan shotokan, 1st dan taekwondo, 1st dan kick boxing , Bsc (hons) MA Ed.

My students already responded with a very positive attitude towards the content


This book is different from other literature I have studied for Karate training, techniques and theory because the illustrations and reasoning are very clear and precise which enables both the senior student and novice alike

The contents of the information exceeded my expectations because AJ and his team have put together information both from knowledge gained and information gathered from other masters and instructors and home the extra mile to produce and relay the information back to the reader clearly which in my opinion has not been achieved before in the martial arts literary field.

The videos complement the book because some students thrive on being able to visualise the technique from video and watch and re-watch the videos until they start to get a better understanding of what they are attempting to learn. Some students cannot learn from black and white reading materials they need a bit more which is where the videos come in .

I have already recommended the book/videos to my students and they have already responded with a very positive attitude towards the content which is very helpful.

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