Night classes teach self-defence at Crossroads

If you show up at Crossroads School in Devlin at 6 p.m. on Monday or Wednesday, you’ll see a lot of learning going on. But it’s not your typical curriculum.
This is more like the school of hard knocks.
Instead of blackboards and textbooks, you’re likely to see 20 or more barefoot people dressed in white learning the traditional martial art known as Wado Kai—a form of karate developed in Japan.
The course is the product of Claude Boucher of Fort Frances. By day, Boucher is a maintenance supervisor at the Abitibi-Consolidated mill here, but by night, he is sensei (teacher) to 26 students ranging in age from seven to over 40.
Boucher said this particular discipline is ideal for people who are more concerned with self-defence and personal development than in aggressive competition, although there are opportunities for those who wish to do so.
But primarily, Boucher concentrates on instilling a sense of discipline and well-being. That’s why he teaches this particular style.
“Wado means ‘the way of peace and harmony,’” he explained. “It’s a very humble form of karate.”
Wado Kai was founded in Japan in 1939 by master Hironori Otsuka, but its origins go back to the 15th century to the island of Okinawa. Being in such close proximity to so many Asian powers, Okinawa was influenced by the cultures of all of them.
Under the Sho dynasty, the king decreed no one be allowed to carry weapons for fear of a revolt, so warlords and even peasants developed new means to protect themselves.
When the Japanese annexed the island in 1609, the weapons ban remained in effect, but by then, the locals had learned and adapted several Chinese martial arts—including Shaolin fist boxing—into a way of life.
It was exported to the Japanese mainland in the early 1920s, where it diversified into many different styles and disciplines.
The aim of Wado Kai, said Boucher, is not merely the perfection of the physical techniques of self-defence, but the development of a mind that is both tranquil and alive—able to react intuitively to any situation.
“We’re trying to build self-confidence and self-esteem,” he stressed. “It helps you deal with life’s situations in a different way.”
The philosophy and techniques of Wado Kai differ from some of the more aggressive martial arts. Speed and technique are stressed over strength and size.
“I like to think of it as the little man’s karate,” said Boucher.
For instance, one of the fundamental aspects of Wado Kai is taisabaki—a technique derived from Japanese swordsmanship. It involves body shifting to avoid the full brunt of an attack.
“When the train is coming down the track, your best course of action is to get out of the way,” Boucher reasoned.
Boucher, 44, studied Wado Kai for 13 years under Chris Bazinet of Fort Frances, who holds the rank of Godan (black belt, fourth degree).
Boucher, a Nidan (black belt, second degree), has been teaching classes at Crossroads for three years and during that time, he has seen both a great deal of success and considerable turnover.
Wado Kai, it seems, is not for everybody—at least not the way Boucher teaches it.
The traditions of the sport require humility and respect to be shown to the teacher and one’s fellow students. There are strict rules and rituals that are fiercely adhered to and enforced.
“Some people can’t handle the discipline,” he acknowledged.
But for every student who gives up, there are many who learn and grow—and that, says Boucher, is what it’s all about.
“Some people really get hooked on it,” he remarked. “The biggest thing for me is watching them develop. It’s a great feeling to be able to mold people.
“When you take someone who can’t seem to put one foot in front of the other and turn them into someone who is confident and graceful, it’s great.”
Wado Kai classes take place every Monday and Wednesday night in the Crossroads gym. Each course runs for four months, with the next one starting in January.
The cost is $50, plus the price of the gi (uniform).
For more information, contact Boucher at 486-3732 after 5 p.m.