The Northern Ireland Karate-Do Wado-Kai was established in May 1980. At that time it comprised of only 5 clubs and now under the leadership of Sensei Oliver Brunton (6th Dan) it has grown to become the largest Karate organization in the country with 11 clubs throughout Northern Ireland totaling over 600 members. Sensei Brunton introduced Karate to the province in the early sixties and his dedicated practice and experience of Karate-Do is well reflected in the success of the NIKW. The association puts most of its emphasis on traditional Wado-Ryu Karate. The aim of the NIKW is to cater for all ages and sexes, and so there are classes for children, ladies, beginners, intermediate and advanced students. Special emphasis is placed on the teaching and practice of Kata.

Kata is the ultimate in Karate-Do. It incorporates all the basic movements which enables the exponent to achieve the feeling of being in full control of any given situation. The physical aspect of Kata is fulfilling in itself, but only when both mind and body reach harmony can the true meaning of Karate be experienced. There is no easy way of achieving this except by constant study and practice, and sadly today this is lacking in a lot of Karate ka. This is due to the over emphasis on sport or competition Kumite Karate.

The NIKW is very fortunate to receive regular instruction from Sensei Brunton who has over 45 years experience of Wado-Ryu Karate He is also Ireland's only World Qualified Kumite Referee and Kata judge,and is also Ireland's only technical examiner for the Japanese wado-kai. and is certainly qualified to guide his students along the correct traditional path.

Courses and competitions are regular features in the Association's calendar, and again these are geared to accommodate beginner and advanced students alike.

Loyalty between students and instructors is an essential criteria and this quality is extremely evident, especially in the more senior members of the association. Each club tends to develop into a closely knit community with a social bond encouraging all clubs to make a very strong and indeed a very special Karate organization.

The standard of the NIKW is undoubtedly very high and discipline extremely strict, but for serious students, a high progress rate is guaranteed.