Gichin Funakoshi who systematized and popularized this Okinawan martial art introduced karate first to Japan and then the world. Funakoshi developed the name of karate (empty hand) to reflect the unarmed style of Okinawa, which was a result of intermingling international martial arts, primarily from China, with regional ones.

From Funakoshi, the modern concept of karate has developed into four major schools of which Wado-Kai is one. Developed by Sensei Otsuka, who included techniques from his training in Japanese jiujutsu, the way of harmony (Wado) has continued to evolve into the martial art in which we train today.

Both Sensei Manara and his deceased instructor, Sensei Masaru Shintani, are students of Sensei Hironori Otsuka. Sensei Manara continues to promote the art of karate throughout his organization in North America, the United Kingdom and the Caribbean.