Jiro Otsuka was born on February 28, 1934, in Tokyo, Japan. The second son of Grand Master Hironori Otsuka I, he was born the same year the first Grand Master established his own organization, “Dai Nihon Karate-do Shinko Club”, which was the parent organization of Wado-Ryu Karate-Do.
Grand Master Jiro Otsuka graduated from Meji University in Tokyo, receiving a degree in Economics.
A unique feature of Wado-Ryu is that the position of Grand Master is still handed down from the current Master to the next generation family member who is most deserving of the title. This hereditary system was one prevalent in ancient Japan but is not seen today. In preparation for this succession, Master Jiro Otsuka began his training in Wado-Ryu at the age of fifteen (15). He has also trained in Iai-Do, Ken-Do, Judo, Aiki-do and Wado Shindo Yoshin Ryu Jujitsu Kempo.
In 1983, upon the death of his father, Grand Master Hironori Otsuka I, Jiro Otsuka took his father’s name and became Grand Master Otsuka II and succeeded Grand Master Hironori Otsuka becoming the president of the Wado-Ryu Organization. There are presently 1,000 branch dojos throughout the world, with a membership of 40,000, which are under his supervision.
Grand Master Otsuka II and his wife, Aiko, have three (3) children. Kazutaka, who was born in 1965, has trained in Iai-Do, Judo, and Wado-Ryu Karate and is presently the chief instructor at the main dojo in Tokyo. A daughter, Rika, was born in 1967 and has trained in Iai-Do and Wado-Ryu. The youngest son, Kazumichi, was born in 1968.
Grand Master Otsuka II passed away on June 26, 2015.
