The Hawaii Wado Karate Association (HWKA) was established by Dr. Craig Kadooka, David Tamura and Dr. Walter Dudley on March 1, 2004 and has been proudly serving the community with the experience in teaching and cultivating the art of traditional Japanese karate ever since.

Our black belt instructors are dedicated volunteers who are passionate about teaching and passing down traditional Japanese Karate and its core principles. They focus not only on imparting the techniques of the art but to also instill important values such as Discipline, Confidence, Respect, and Self-Control in every student. With a deep commitment to fostering both personal growth and martial skills, our instructors create a supportive and motivating environment where students can thrive and develop these life-enhancing qualities.

We are under the Instructional guidance of Wado Karate Guseikai - USA founded and operated by Sensei Bob Nash (7th Dan) and our chief instructor for the Hawaii Wado Karate Association is Sensei David Sasaki (6th Dan).

HWKA’s Original Senseis. (Left to Right) Stephen Shiigi - HWKA’s Current Head Sensei, Dr. Walter Dudley, Dr. Craig Kadooka, David Tamura and Eddy Masaki

About Wado Karate Guseikai:

“Instruction at Guseikai Karate dojos is highly technical and it takes great dedication to master the principles of movement that are the hallmark of Wado Kai Karate. The standards are very high and instruction can be very intense. Achieving a Shodan or 1st degree Wado Kai Black Belt is very challenging; however, once attained, it sets the stage for greater development both in karate and in one’s personal life. Any student who qualifies to test for their Shodan and successfully passes is registered and certified by the JKF Wado Kai. They are recognized in Japan and throughout the world as having attained the highest technical and moral standards. Dan rank certificates are signed by the president of the JKF Wado Kai and bear an official stamp which is recorded in the “Book of Black Belts”, certifying one’s Dan rank.”