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Freital, Germany Seminar 2019 (Part V)

March 25, 2019, 2:26 am
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Brief seminar video, as a very subtle reminder of key underlying key points I taught, during the Freital 2019 Seminar.

These points generically cover one of the dimensions imperative for street effective karate - irrespective of ryuha/kaiha; that is budo/bujutsu karate.

By the way, we'd like to hear feedback on the seminar!! Video comments are always very appreciated.

押忍！

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2019).
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Video of Kakuyoku Shodan (Performed slowly)

March 28, 2019, 6:07 pm
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As promised, here is a video of 鶴翼初段 (Kakuyoku Shodan) kata performed slowly. This was filmed yesterday prior to my training.

It is primarily for seminar attendees. I hope that this video helps you to review the key points covered and, consequently, results in your increased technical effectiveness.


Best wishes from Oita City, Japan.
André

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2019).
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Latest Training Regime

April 10, 2019, 4:15 am
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By request, here is a brief rundown on what I'm currently doing in my self training.




Kihon:


I’m currently focused on the new Dan Examination Kihon. The focus of these kihonwaza are not only for testing examinees but, actually to really increase their skill level. This new approach and system is already causing positive effects. Coming from an education background, I majored in education at the University of Canterbury, I wanted the syllabus to primarily be a mechanism for martial arts technical development and increased effectiveness: not just a set of moves/combinations that one needs to pass tests. In sum, I want karateka to be the best they can be, and the new kihon syllabus actively functions to do this (in the preparation for tests and throughout one's karate lifespan).



Kata:


I’m currently going through all 65 of our official kata. Rather than exhaust you with the details, yesterday was Junro Shodan (—I will possibly write more about this very soon), Bassai Dai, Gankaku, Chinte, and Raiko. Today was Junro Nidan, Hangetsu, Enpi, Bassai Sho and Nijushiho. My training focus, in all kata, is always from my late Sensei’s advice; and accordingly, at present, mainly ‘technical/application—initiation’ is the top priority of my kata practice. Later in Halle, Deutschland this year, I will unveil a higher level of karate from Sensei, and in 2020 and beyond, this will expand further. Kata is at the soul of this process as it serves to transmit critical martial arts knowledge from the past. That being said, kata is useless unless it directly enhances one's self-defence capacity.



Kumite:


Like kata, I’m presently reviewing all the forms Kumite training. Decisively understanding and properly all forms of Kumite training is imperative to maximize training time. Today I worked on advanced Kihon ippon and Jiyu ippon Kumite. These forms of training underpin the core 'basics' of maximum power transfer—foundationally speaking. Kihon Ippon and Jiyu Ippon work together to achieve this target, therefore, are essential elements of optimal karate training.



Away from this broad daytime practice, my current socho-geiko (morning training) is still, of course,  ‘specializing’ (tokuiwaza, tokuigata etc...) as usual.


Greetings from Sakura covered Japan.
André 


© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2019).
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Trainee from Murnau, Germany: Punito Aisenpreis

April 29, 2019, 10:20 am
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Punito Aisenpreis (Yondan) came for five days of private training in April. I was greatly impressed to see that he has improved his core karate greatly.

A harmonious mix of Kihon, Kata and Kumite was covered including Kakuyoku Nidan and Rakuyo; the new IKS Dan Examination Kihon; and a generic coverage of proper Budo Kumite Training via the various forms of kumite.

Overall, I feel that Punito's improvements reflect his serious training and study; furthermore, as a professional therapist and trainer he maximizes his own karate practice in a holistic manner. Clearly, this makes him not only an excellent karateka, but also as a valuable instructor/mentor for others. Needless to say, this also goes beyond Karate-Do. In these regards, I would like to congratulate Punito on his improvements.


Lastly, rather than precisely detail about what was covered over those five days (this is for Punito), here are a few images.



Osu, Andre














© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2019).



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Trainee from Canada: Tyler Higo

May 7, 2019, 11:05 am
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Tyler Higo (Yondan) from Canada, and a member of of Shototakuhirokan, came and completed a private lesson with me here today.


The practice was kata and self-defence focused, namely in the form of Kanku Dai, Enpi and Kakuyoku Shodan. I had several key points I wanted to share with Tyler (from his last private training with me).

After training we visited Funai Jo (castle) which, while no longer exists, is illuminated. There we practiced a little more focusing on some questions Tyler had for me on mawashi-geri and some other points.

























Overall, it was super to catch up with Tyler and give him a private lesson before I travel to New Zealand to teach there. Tyler, my family and I wish to you and your family all the very best for your remaining time here in Japan. Until next time, osu!!

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2019).
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2019 NEW ZEALAND SEMINAR

May 21, 2019, 6:58 pm
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The YouTube video featured below is from Day Two—Lesson 3—from my May 2019 Seminar in New Zealand. The seminar was hosted by ‘International Karate Shotokan Christchurch’ and was a very small exclusive event.

I’d especially like to thank the head organizer Peter Burtenshaw Sensei, Matt Brew Sensei and the members of the club. Special mention of Troy Gutry and, indeed, Geoff and Jan!!!

Also special mention must go to Morgan Dilks Sensei who travelled down from Palmerston North, Shivam Patel who flew in from Auckland and Janine Krekel who travelled all the way from Frankfurt, Germany, to attend the seminar.

Lastly, congratulations to everyone who attempted exams. Pass or not pass, the experience is always what matters the most. The spirit of perseverance and resilience are high on the agenda of all true karateka and budoka in general.


Overall, I hope is that this brief video will act as a subtle reminder of some of the key points taught in the third session for all who attended. If you have time, please paste a comment! 

Please note: Many people from around Japan and around the world ask me to upload more videos! To answer these people... `Likes`,`shares`and/or `comments` literally motivate  me to post more.


© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2019).

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Trainees from Deutschland: Axel Hoffmeyer, Frank Kohler and Peer Frasch

May 26, 2019, 3:59 am
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Over the weekend, three karateka from Deutschland, Axel Hoffmeyer (3rd Dan), Frank Kohler (4th Dan) and Peer Frasch (3rd Dan) came to me, for advanced Budo Karate training, here in Oita City.

Rather than describing the lessons I taught I've instead decided to post images. Soon a brief video will also be released on YouTube as a subtle reminder of  some of the key points covered.


Last but not least, I would like to congratulate Peer, Axel and Frank on their completion of the three days of training; moreover, for the significant improvements they have made to their Karate technique. Osu,André


















© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2019).
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Trainees from Deutschland: Axel Hoffmeyer, Frank Kohler and Peer Frasch (VIDEO)

May 27, 2019, 6:53 pm
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As promised here is a brief video from last weekends Instructor Class with trainees Axel Hoffmeyer, Peer Frasch and Frank Kohler. 



© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2019).
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International Seminar in Braga, Portugal (PART I): NEWSPAPER

June 13, 2019, 11:23 pm
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I'm now back in Japan after giving my first seminar in Braga, Portugal. To preview the upcoming impressions, images and YOUTUBE video, here are some Newspaper Articles. You can click on these to enlarge them for better viewing.

Stay tuned, more to come soon!!





© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2019).



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International Seminar in Braga, Portugal (PART II): DOJO PROFILE

June 15, 2019, 11:07 pm
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In this post I am going to provide a DOJO PROFILE about the host club of my recent seminars in Braga, Portugal. I 
would like to thank Francisco Pinto Sensei for providing this and also Tiago Gomes for his assistance.

Karate Braga hosted my first seminar in Portugal on June 8th and 9th.


DOJO PROFILE: `Karate Braga – Portugal`


Karate Braga was established in January of 2001


Instructors:

The chief instructor is Francisco Pinto (4th Dan);
Instructor assistants are Paulo Narciso (3rd Dan); and Rui Moreira and Agostinho Costa, whom both have the rank of 2nd Dan.


Dojo’s location:

Semelhe's Cultural Center of Parish Council
Address: Rua do Souto nº8    4705-363 Semelhe – Braga - Portugal. GPS 41.554682,-8.460353     Maps


Training days:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday (Saturday and Sunday with appointment).


Training schedule: 

Beginner's class from 19:00 - 20:00.

Graded members class from 20:00 - 21:00 (Friday: until 21:30).


Information and images:




© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2019).
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International Seminar in Braga, Portugal (PART III): VIDEO ONE

June 16, 2019, 3:58 am
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© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2019).
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International Seminar in Braga, Portugal (PART IV): VIDEO TWO

June 18, 2019, 12:45 am
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© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2019).
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Trainee from Lübeck, Germany: Jan Kohberg

June 20, 2019, 10:01 pm
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Jan Kohberg from Lübeck, Germany, came for four days of intensive technical training this week. 


His objective was to learn effective budo karate applications, which covered each day via the connectivity between Kihon, Kata and Jissen Kumite/Goshin-jutsu (real fighting/self-defense).
To initiate this process the six shitei-gata were used, for the fundamental base, followed by a request for Kakuyoku and Enpi. Overall, I saw Jan’s level greatly improve each day and was impressed by his eager willingness to learn and, indeed, his physical effort. 


To wrap up I’d like to congratulate Jan on his progression and wish him all the best for his ongoing martial arts development. For those interested in coming to Japan for instructor and/or elite training as a Renshusei, please read the information below. 

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2019).

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BECOMING A RENSHUSEI

Renshusei training purposes...While being a renshusei is not really hard training, like daily dojo practice is—but it is very technical—as the purpose is two-fold: (1) to greatly enhance each trainees ability/skill level; and (2) to pass on 'closed door knowledge' from Japan. 

Application...For those wishing to apply to be Renshusei (here at my dojo in Oita City) you must book well in advance to avoid disappointment. As a general rule, it is highly advisable to check my availability then secure the available days, and times, at least three months in advance. This can be done by emailing directly me at: andrebertelono@gmail.com

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12th ANNIVERSARY OF THIS BLOG

June 22, 2019, 7:28 am
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I've been alerted by a few hundred people, over the last few days, that this blog just had its 12th Anniversary. Thank you all very much for this support.
POST ONE -- JUNE 19th, 2007

While this website/blog will never be so big - as it is not a part of mainstream commercial karate - it's still had over 1.6 million visitors.


Consequently, I'm really happy that so many practitioners, from all around the world, are training and primarily seeking karate as an effective and serious martial art of self-defence. 


Most appropriately, my next seminar outside of Japan will be IKS-1. This seminar will begin a group of trainings around the world that will share knowledge never taught outside the most elite Shotokan dojo (plural) here in Japan before.


ABOUT IKS-1

This will be INTERNATIONAL KARATE SHOTOKAN's ( 国 際 空 手 道 松 濤 館 ) first international Gasshuku outside Japan. It will be hosted in Halle, Westphalia Germany, in September of this year. This event, will be very valuable for those who attend and will begin the opening of a new phase of Budo Karate knowledge distribution from my late teacher. 


More information will come soon!!!



© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2019).




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Upcoming 'IKS1' BUDO KARATE SEMINAR in Halle (Westfalen), Germany

June 27, 2019, 7:58 pm
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My final teaching, outside of Japan, in 2019 will be the 'IKS1' BUDO GASSUKU in Westphalia, Germany. It will occur on September 14th and 15th

This event will be the first official seminar of the International Karate Shotokanoutside Japan; hence, the acronym‘IKS1’. That being said, it is open to all practitioners of Karate: irrespective of affiliation.

Securing a place at IKS1
The only limitation is numbers, therefore, if you wish to secure a place—it is highly recommended that you book early. This can be done by contacting: info@karate-dojo-halle.de

This will be a particularly technical course this time, not so physically hard, but you will need a means to take notes!

Application for IKS Dan Examination
For those wishing to attempt Dan Examination you can email me directly at:andrebertelono@gmail.com


See you soon in Halle, Westphalia, Germany for an awesome Budo Karate event and wonderful time!! Greetings from Japan’s  'tsuyu' (rainy season). Osu, André

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2019).
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TRAINEES FROM INDIA

July 2, 2019, 4:33 am
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Two from India came to Oita for training, Mr. Sudhir Parab (from Mumbai, Bombay) and Mr. Kailas Lohar (from Pune, Maharashta). Both came to me with the desire to begin properly learning the Shotokan style as budo/bujutsu.
 

It was clearly a challenge for them to relearn Kihon but both men did their best and I could see significant improvements, in their movement, by the end of the second session. This is a credit to their efforts.


I’ll not provide fine details of what I taught them except that I focused on the foundational techniques via Heian; continuity with Enpi; and 'Seiryu kata' as a base for understanding relaxation and snap (青柳 - Seiryu Kata performed PROPERLY: Please refer to the following YouTube video reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNcOeu5Fv20).

Furthermore, I taught Sudhir and Kailas proper Gohon Kumite and Kihon Ippon Kumite including first level basic objectives; thereby, helping them link these 'kihon partner training methods' to all other aspects of Karate Training. This will provide a base for future training.








Last, but certainly not least I provided an introduction of ‘Self-defense principles/themes’, which are consistently found throughout the standard Shotokan kata.




To conclude, I’d like to wish both Sudhir and Kailas the very best in their ongoing karate development. Osu, André.

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2019).
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Latest Self-Training Regime and some Tips

July 7, 2019, 12:36 am
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Movement one of  二十四歩 NIJUSHIHO.
Here is my latest training regime. To supplement this one, as I have not posted my personal routine in a while, I've also included some information on practice objectives in kihon; furthermore, some tips for Yakusoku Kumite training (namely, three major points to avoid when counterattacking). I hope this post finds everyone well, moreover, offers something useful for your own karate practice. Best wishes from Oita City, Kyushu, Japan.
Osu, André


基本(Kihon)


At present my foundational training is all Ido-Kihon, based on the following 10 renzokuwaza. Repetitions of each of these is dependent on my daily condition; nevertheless, the average is between 10 and 30 bursts.



1. Basic punch combination with a focus on correct propulsion and penetration, via ‘shoulder extension’ and hikite: either (a)Sanbon ren zuki or(b) Kizami zuki kara sanbon ren zuki;



2-5. Fundamental rotation from hanmi into zenmi with focus of correct correspondences between axises and heels: the four foundational  closed fist ukewaza—(2) jodan age uke, (3) chudan soto ude uke, (4) chudan uchi ude uke and(5) gedan barai—each followed by chudan gyaku zuki;



6. Transition of power from back stance ‘100% forward’ with both keri and tsuki: Chudan shuto uke (kokutsu dachi) kara chudan kizami mae geri soshite chudan tate shihon nukite;



7-9. ‘Legs followed by hands’—with special focus on the sasae ashi—when kicking and, again, after kicking to deliver the follow up ‘tsuki’: (7) Mae geri keage kara oi zuki; (8) Mawashi geri kara chudan gyaku zuki; (9) Ushiro geri kekomi kara chudan gyaku zuki; and…



10.Defining the difference between the two main forms of yoko geri, however in both cases, especially expressing full ‘tai no shinshuku’ for optimal power and bio-mechanically healthy movement: Yoko geri keage ashi o kaete yoko geri kekomi (kiba dachi).

型(Kata)



At present I’m practising four kata per day. These are: (1) One指定型 (Shiteigata)—any 平安(Heian) or鉄騎初段(Tekki Shodan); (2) One 選定型(Senteigata)—either 慈恩(Jion), 拔塞大(Bassai Dai), 燕飛(Enpi) or観空大(Kanku Dai); (3) One 自由型  (Jiyugata)—currently either 珍手(Chinte) or二十四歩(Nijushiho); and (4) One 古典型  (Kotengata). In recent weeks this kata has been chosen from ‘the natural energy forms’: 火手(Kashu), 水手(Suishu), 風手 (Hushu) and 浪手(Roshu). Training/Repetitions: all four kata that I practise each day are repeated no less than four times (alternating between very slow and regular speed).

Movement 16 of Sentei-gata: 観空大  KANKU DAI.
Movement 36 of Sentei-gata: 燕飛ENPI.
 組手(Kumite)



I’m focused on two forms of Kumite at present to lift my foundational skills and reactivity. These are: 五本組手(Gohon Kumite) and 基本一本組手(Kihon Ippon Kumite). 


While some may scoff at the practicality of these training methods, over the years, I have found them to be very effective tools for sharpening my pragmatic skills. People who have attended my classes and seminars will understand this!! Anyway—away from this generic point—in my current training I am working on further cutting down the time for immediate hangeki (counterattack). 

Please note: It is imperative to avoid three major errors that many people make when countering in yakusoku kumite: 

(i) Firstly, many karateka merely use gyaku zuki, every time, when they counter their training partner. Of course, gyaku zuki is perfect if the maai, and positioning/angles, are optimal. If it isn't optimal, it is an all-out error. This is what is often referred to, by competent instructors ,as 'the brainless gyaku-zuki'.

(ii) Secondly and contrastingly, many people start ‘getting creative’ and using all sorts of fancy counters… Don’t be creative, choose the most effective/devastating counter instinctively. Avoid set techniques. Overall, ask yourself, after each time returning to shizentai, “would the counter I selected, in that given moment, give me the best chance of finishing my opponent?”. If not, it is obvious that bad habits are being trained. 


(iii) And thirdly, as mentioned above, move as quickly as possible, without any adjustment from your defensive position. This relates to the first two points, yet needs to be stressed. Any adjustment of your defensive position to launch your counterattack literally invalidates the counterattack. You must 'launch' from where you are!!! With this in mind, let me reiterate… Counter from your immediate position, with no adjustment and with the best possible technique (to the optimal target). This is based on you and your opponents position in an instant. Don’t be creative with your counterattacks, be utterly pragmatic. Yes, the best technique is the most simple in that moment; hence, gyaku zuki is often used. But not always! Last, but certainly not least, always remember that Gohon and Kihon Ippon Kumite are Kihon drills, not "Kumite/Fighting" as such; therefore, use the controlled stimuli these drills provide to hone practical responses.
 
© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2019).
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Ido Kihon elucidating blind faith

July 14, 2019, 6:03 am
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Over the last few days I have been extensively working on IDO KIHON in addition to kumite and karate training. The one thing that I aim for in my foundational training is optimal efficiency and effectiveness of every action. I call it `organic movement for maximum effect`, but this would require a long article so I`ll leave that here.

To be honest, I am not interested in the latest trends for competition nor what organizations (or famous instructors) teach as budo gospel. I`m only interested in optimizing my martial arts ability/effectiveness.

This brings me to a major psychological weakness in Shotokan, and one which I have long eradicated from my own karate training; that is, BLIND FAITH. Proof... my karate and, far more wonderfully, my senior students around the world

Obviously, this advice is not for beginners, it is for seasoned black belts -- as you need a strong base of physical knowledge first; nevertheless, from my experience, BLIND FAITH is unfortunately as high as ever, even amongst senior instructors... Even in our so-called information age.

SOLUTION.... Listen and learn, practice and TEST... Test in kumite, test is self-defence/street defense training, test against the bag, makiwara etc... Then, test alternative methods of doing the same thing. Test for yourself!!! Find the best one for you!!! Make karate your own. If you don`t, you will never maximize your unique potential. 

This begins with Kihon and, in my case, it is Ido Kihon at present. I will leave you with some images from my last few days of Ido Kihon training. Osu, AB.



© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2019).
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騎馬拳 （Kibaken）

August 4, 2019, 9:15 pm
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This kata is very centralized both in stance and numbers. It has precisely 60 Movements and the kiai is found on movements 30 and 60. It is a useful kata in combination with the three Tekki - for an extension of self defense applications - as this kata adds the aspects of turning and so forth; furthermore, Asai Sensei recommended Kibaken in conjunction with the kurumaisu kata (the wheel chair kata). A key point in Kibaken, in relation to this point, is alternately 'squeezing' the chest and back/shoulder muscles for snap. This lesson is imperative for maximizing upper body mechanics and, in fact, is less challenging in Kibaken than than Shorin Dai (the first of the Wheelchair Kata). But I suppose this is another subject, which I can divulge another day.

Here is an overview of Kibaken... Please note, this Kibaken is different from others. However, it is how Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei personally taught me.




So here we go:      騎馬拳 (KIBAKEN)






1. Ryo ken jodan age-uke (Heiko-dachi).



2. Move the left leg to form kiba-dachi facing shomen with ryoken sokumen gedan-barai (the right arm is on top).



3. Ryo ken sokumen chudan uchi-uke.



4. Ryo ken sokumen jodan ura-zuki.



5. Hidari tateshuto sokumen chudan-uke.



6. Yori-ashi leftward with migi kagi-zuki.



7. Kaiten shinagara migi chudan yoko enpi-uchi



8. Mawari nagara sagatte hidari sokumen gedan-barai.



9. Hidari sokumen chudan uchi-uke.



10. Yori-ashi leftward with migi gyaku-zuki



11-16. Repeat movements 6-11 on the opposite side.



17. Hidari sokumen jodan uchi-uke with a simultaneous migichudan gyaku-zuki.



18. Yori-ashi leftward with hidari sokumen jodan ura-zuki.



19. Hidari kentsui sokumen kentsui yokomawshi uchi.



20-22. Repeat movements 17-19 on the opposite side.



23. Bring the right fist across to the left shoulder and make migijodan uchi-uke.



24. Migi jodan soto-uke.



25. Migi chudan mae-geri keage.



26. Hidari chudan choku-zuki (kiba-dachi).



27-30. Repeat movements 23-26 on the opposite side (Note: on the final technique—migi chudan choku-zuki —Kiai



31. Turn 180 degrees counterclockwise, using the right foot as the pivot, to face ura-shomen and make migi chudan uchi-ukeand a simultaneous hidari gedan-barai.



32. Hidari chudan uchi-uke and a simultaneous migi gedan-barai.



33. Hidari jodan ura-zuki (snapped back to the uchi-ukeposition).



34.  Leaving Hidari chudan uchi-uke in place slowly make migichudan uchi-uke to form chudan kakiwake kamae.



35. Migi nami-gaeshi.



36. Migi chudan choku-zuki.



37. Hidari chudan choku-zuki.



38. Slow kosa-aiyumibashi rightward.



39-45. Without the 180 degree of movement 30—repeat movements 30-36 on the opposite side.



46. Turn clockwise 180 degrees, using the left foot as the pivot,to face shomen with migi tateshuto-uke.



47. Flow immediately into hidari mae enpi-uchi.



48. Immediately make migi mae enpi-uchi.



49. Hidari hidari ashikubi kake-uke with a simultaneous hidarijodan choku-zuki.



50. Migi chudan choku-zuki (kiba-dachi).



51. Hidari chudan choku-zuki.



52-54. Repeat movements 49-51 on the opposite side.



55. Ryo ken jodan age-uke.



56. Ryo ken kentsui chudan hasami-uchi.



57. Ryo ken kentsui chudan sokumen-uchi (wind up with the right arm over the left).



58. Slowly execute migi tateshuto chudan-uke.



59. Hidari chudan choku-zuki.



60. Migi chudan choku-zuki. — Kiai


© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2019).

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Trainees from Ireland

August 11, 2019, 2:12 am
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A group of karateka from Ireland came for training at with me, here in central Oita City, on August 10th. After the two hours of practice we went to a local Oita izakaya restaurant.

I greatly enjoyed their company in and out of the dojo and hope that they learned plenty from the training. The overall theme was 'how to make karate work in a real situation'.

Wishing you all a safe and fun return home. Osu, Andre
 
© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2019).
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