O’Riley Karate Centers
We are a school that has been in the Antioch area since 1994. Our head instructor is Sensei Steven W. O’Riley, a 7th degree black belt with over 40 years of training and more than 35 years of experience teaching.
He is internationally certified and is recognized as a master instructor by the Wado-Ryu Federation. Sensei O’Riley oversees the promoting of all students in our dojos and personally handles the instruction and quality of the instructors.
His dedication to the style and the honor he has shown in the years of his participation in the federation has made him known and highly respected by all long standing members.
The leadership and tenacity to his training he demonstrates to all his students the is soul of his teaching style. It has led many down a path of greater self-reflection and self worth.
Our founder
Hirinori Otsuka
Hironori Otsuka was born in Shimodate, Ibaraki, on June 1, 1892. At age five (April 1, 1897) he began martial arts training with his uncle, Chojiro Ehashi. At 14 (April 1905) he became a student of Shinzaburo Nakayama of the Shinto Yoshin-Ryu jujutsu school. On June 1, 1920, at 29, he achieved full master rank and became the school's 4th-generation successor.
In July 1922 he began studying Ryukyu (Okinawan) karate and blended its techniques with his jujutsu background. In May 1934, at 43, he founded Wado-Ryu Karate Jutsu (Wado-Ryu Jujutsu Kenpo).
Otsuka emphasized the principle of "Wa" — harmony and balance. He taught that martial arts are not meant for fighting and brutality but for seeking balance, harmony, and personal growth rather than just strength and power.
Hironori Otsuka’s principles still apply today. They help people grow, adapt, build strong will, and stay physically fit to face hardships.
On April 29, 1966, he received the Order of the Rising Sun (Gold and Silver Rays) from Japan for promoting karate. On October 9, 1972, he became the first karate master awarded 10th Dan Meijin by the International Martial Arts Federation, led by Prince Naruhiko Higashikuni. At that time, the only other Meijin were Kyuzo Mifune (judo) and Hakudo Nakayama (kendo).
On December 20, 1981, he stepped down and named his son Jiro as successor of Wado-Ryu Karate-Do and Jujutsu Kenpo. Hironori Otsuka died peacefully on January 29, 1982, at age 90.
(Sourced from the Wado-Ryu Karate Do Renmei website)
We have two locations
Antioch
Next to Ezell-Harding School, Rural Hill Church, and
Priest-Lake Veterinary Hospital
Smyrna
Near the intersection of Enon Springs Road and
Old Nashville Highway.
Contact us
Interested in getting started with karate or working with our dojo? Call or text us at 615-415-5833, or fill out the form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.