8th Degree Black Belt – Shihan
World Champion
Master Instructor, David Deaton Karate Studios – Mount Juliet
and Chief Instructor of the American Wado Black Belt Association
Mr. Wayne Tyler, originally hailing from Atlanta, Georgia relocated to Tennessee at the age of six. His first introduction into the martial arts was in the form of Judo at the age of 14 at Sewart Air Force Base in Smyrna, TN. In 1965 he started his long study of the Wado system under the direction of Sensei Guy Milazzo and, in 1967, continued training under Sensei Jimmy Kittrell. Mr. Tyler studied under C.T. Patterson for many years and was one of the Shihan Deishi (personal students) of Sensei Patterson until his death in October of 2002.
During a visit by the Late Grand Master H. Otsuka in 1970, Mr. Tyler was spot promoted to the rank of Sho-Dan (1st degree Black Belt). This was not a common practice and speaks highly of Mr. Tyler’s ability to perform Wado techniques as they were designed. Subsequently, on Master Otsuka’s 1974 visit, Mr. Tyler was promoted to San-Dan (3rd Degree Black Belt).
Mr. Tyler’s expertise in the Wado system and in his ability to manage, allowed him to open his first full-time karate school in 1972. He expanded this school to three dojos over the next 15-year period. Currently, he is the senior operator and head instructor at David Deaton’s Karate School in Mount Juliet, TN and instructs well over 250 students.
Due to his leadership and instructional abilities he was selected by Sensei Patterson to be placed on the U.S. Eastern Wado-Ryu Karate-Do Federation’s Board of Directors and Black Belt Examination Board which he remained involved in until his retirement from the Board in December of 2002. He is presently the Chief Instructor and a member of the Board of Examiners for The American Wado Karate- Do Black Belt Association.
Mr. Tyler’s participation in the competition arena was very active and successful. In 1974 he was one of the U.S.E.W.R.F. team members that traveled to New York to compete in the Wado championships sponsored by the International Wado-Ryu Federation. He has also competed in the NASKA world tour in 1999 and attained the world championship as #1 in forms and was ranked #2 in weapons and #3 in fighting.
Mr. Tyler has studied two other styles of martial arts. Kenjutsu (samarai sword). In 1979, Master Seikichi Odo, promoted him to 1st degree Black Belt in Okinawan Kempo Kobudo (weapons).
Mr. Wayne Tyler is a true martial artist and Wado-Ryu Instructor/Practitioner. He is another team player that the DDKS Schools can be proud to have on their team.
Wayne Tyler Traditional Style Bo Staff Kata 1999 Bluegrass Nationals Karate Tournament.
Wayne Tyler Traditional Bo Kata 1996 Empire State Nationals Karate Tournament
Wayne Tyler Traditional Bo Kata 1996 U S Open World Martial Arts Championships
