Wado Ryu Sport Martial Art Association - Wado Ryu Sport Karate MRU

The result of years of hard work, with their highs and lows, dedication and commitment. An example to follow. Wish you many more years of karate training with the same passion.

It is with profound sadness and deep regret that the Wado-Ryu Sport Martial Art Association announces the passing of Sensei Gérard Sylva.

​A true pioneer of karate on the island of Rodrigues, Sensei Gérard served for many years as the dedicated Rodrigues Chief Instructor for the English Wado-Ryu Sport Karate Association.

His legacy, discipline, and passion for martial arts inspired generations of students and will never be forgotten.

​We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and students during this difficult time.

​"Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts "

WADO-RYU SPORT MARTIAL ART ASSOCIATION

When the Black Belt Ego Takes Over

By Arnaud Bigaignon

Receiving a black belt is an important milestone in a martial artist's journey. It represents dedication, discipline, perseverance and years of training. However, a black belt should never be considered the end of learning—or a symbol of superiority over others.

Sometimes, a new black belt can become so focused on the rank that the belt begins to influence their attitude and behaviour. This is often referred to as the “black belt ego.”

A black belt ego can appear in many ways. A practitioner may suddenly believe they know everything, become resistant to correction, compare their rank with others, or feel that their new status makes them more important than lower grades. They may begin correcting others without being asked, refuse to practise basic techniques with beginners, or treat every sparring session as a competition that must be won.

Another warning sign is losing humility. A black belt who looks down on beginners has forgotten an important truth: every black belt was once a beginner. The techniques that now seem simple were once difficult, and progress was only possible because someone was willing to teach, correct and guide them.

A black belt should also never be used to undermine senior instructors or dismiss traditional techniques simply because they do not fit one's personal preferences. Martial arts are much broader than what one practitioner currently understands. There is always something more to learn.

Most importantly, obtaining a black belt does not mean that learning has finished. In many ways, it means that a new stage of learning has begun. A mature black belt continues to ask questions, accepts correction, attends training and seminars as a student, and remains open to learning from others.

The true measure of a black belt is therefore not simply the colour of the belt, the Dan grade or the certificates on the wall. It is character, humility, discipline and the way the practitioner treats others.

The real question is:

Can you wear the black belt without allowing the black belt to wear you?

A black belt should increase humility, responsibility and willingness to help others—not ego and arrogance.

The belt says:

“I have learned a lot.”

It should never say:

“I am better than you.”

A true black belt understands that the journey never ends. The higher the rank, the greater the responsibility to continue learning, to support others and to represent the martial arts with dignity and respect.

The WUKF is proud to recognise a lifetime of dedication to karate with the award of 10th Dan to Shibamori Kando Sensei.

Following a decision of the WUKF Executive Committee, WUKF President Dr. Liviu Crisan formally presented this prestigious grade during the WUKF World Championships in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

Born in Ibaraki, Japan, in 1945, Shibamori Sensei trained under Sakai Kazuo Sensei and Wado-Ryu founder Otsuka Hironori Sensei. After moving to Austria in 1973, he played an important role in the development of Wado-Ryu karate across Europe.

For decades, Shibamori Sensei has shared his knowledge and experience throughout Europe and has been a valued technical advisor to WUKO and WUKF since their earliest years.

Congratulations on this exceptional and thoroughly deserved recognition.

All Martial Arts 💪✊👍🤟

We are delighted to confirm our new affiliation to the World General Karate Federation (W.G.K.F ).