Monday 11 March 2024

Renshusei from Deutschland (PART TWO)

This YouTube video is a "subtle reminder" for the following karateka from Deutschland, Stephan (4th Dan), Peer (4th Dan), Axel (4th Dan) and Andy (3rd Dan): all of whom came here to Oita as IKS RENSHUSEI on March 4th, 5th and 6th of 2024.

This video is primarily to remind them of the key points. I was very happy to see their technical development over the three days of training here in the dojo.

In particular, linking KIHON, KATA and KUMITE to achieve the TRADITIONAL WAZA/OYO.
During the training, the basis of Kihon and Kumite training were primarily (by request) Hangetsu, Jion and Kakuyoku Nidan.

As always impact training and oyo (practical application) were of prime focus. IKS is first and fore-most BUDO/BUJUTSU KARATE.
OSU, AB

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).

Thursday 7 March 2024

Renshusei from Deutschland (PART ONE)


 Axel, Stephan, Peer and Andy came as Renshusei here in Oita City. Axel and Peer came, before, so this was Andy and Stephan's first time. 

The experience of Renshusei is very special. 


IKS = TRADITIONAL


It models the private training I received from Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei, which follows Nakayama Masatoshi Sensei and Funakoshi Gichin Sensei.


I want to congratulate Stephan, Peer, Axel and Andy on completing their training here. Big respect to all of you. OSU!!


© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).


Friday 1 March 2024

PART TWO - NORTH ISLAND... February 2024: Kapiti Coast, New Zealand Seminar Overview

 On February 17th and 18th I taught a Seminar on the Kapiti Coast, in the North Island of New Zealand. The event was conceptualized, organized and hosted by Allan Youl Sensei (3rd Dan) and his organization, KKA Karate Academy. Here is a link to their official website: 

www.kka.co.nz

On a personal note…The last time I was in that region of the country, I was competing there, which was all the way back in 1993, which was also the year when I first went to went to Japan to train. Thus, my beginnings with Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei. So it was a full circle, so to speak.

This seminar also marked the 10th Anniversary of the KKA Karate Academy, so I’d like to once again offer my congratulations to Allan Sensei and all of his members. おめでとうございます!!!

In regards to the seminar content, as I have not been in New Zealand for several years many of the kihon, drills and fundamentals points overlapped with the South Island/Christchurch course (a week earlier); that being said, several other aspects were worked on, as it was my first time to teach there.


As promised, the kata was different. As it was my first-time teaching in Kapiti (and many of the karateka were unfamiliar with Asai Sensei’s advanced extension JKA-style Shotokan) I used 鶴翼初段 (Kakuyoku Shodan) to connect the dots between kihon and jissen-kumite —via this kata—and its respective 応用 (Oyo).

To reiterate, a key point was Nakayama Masatoshi Sensei’s differentiation between 分解 (Bunkai) and 応用 (Oyo). This aspect is critical in physical training for Shotokan to be the highly effective self-defense art that it is (as opposed to merely being a form of ‘fist kendo’). The karateka attending clearly embraced this point, especially pertaining to the practical use of our art.

Overall, it was great to share classical applications of Shotokan, from the pre-WW2 /pre-competition era; in sum, a return to the ‘self-defense focused’ karate of Funakoshi Gichin Sensei. It is my hope that “…while we strongly hang on to the advancements of karate in the more recent decades, that we work together to preserve the bujutsu knowledge of the past”.


I really enjoyed working with all of participants in the seminar and, in addition to budo/bujutsu karate practice, there was plenty of great camaraderie; furthermore, no politics!

Unambiguously, this was again reflective of Allan Sensei and his team, and also all the other clubs/organizations who attended.


As a fellow student of Karate-Do, I want to offer each and every one of you a big 押忍 (Osu) from Japan.


[The following YouTube video is for those who physically participated and provides reminders/cues about several of the key points covered. Kata notes and supplementary video links have been provided to Allan Youl Sensei to share accordingly].

よろしくお願いします!
André Bertel

To watch the YouTube video, click on the following link. Any comments, especially from the seminar participants, will be appreciated.
© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).

Tuesday 27 February 2024

PART ONE - SOUTH ISLAND... February 2024: Christchurch, New Zealand Seminar Overview

 On February 10th and 11th, I conducted a Technical Seminar in Christchurch City, New Zealand, which so happens to be my hometown.

The course was an exclusive event, which only a small number of places available, making it very personal. It’s been five years since I’ve taught in New Zealand, so it was a chance for me to review a lot of past content—already taught elsewhere around the world—and also pass on some new material: not properly taught outside Japan before (in a budo/bujutsu context). The chief organizer, Peter Burtenshaw Sensei (5th Dan) was nothing less than an excellent host, along with the guys at the Christchurch club. Allan Sensei, organizer of the Kapiti Coast (North Island) Seminar attended, which was awesome; also, Peter Sensei from Wellington enthusiastically attended both events. A few hardcore lads from Australia also came: Grant Sensei (from Perth), and Bryan Sensei and Morney (from Noosa). Yet others travelled from other parts of the South Island. It was also great to have karateka from other styles. A big bow to everyone.

In all cases, I’m always deeply honored to teach and hope that everyone gained from the experience; furthermore, that each individual had a fun time doing so. By request, the kata covered were 半月 (Hangetsu) and 水手 (Suishu). These were covered in context with Budo/Bujutsu Karate Kihon and Oyo/Jissen-Kumite applications.
Primarily, this YouTube video is for those who physically participated and provides reminders/cues about several of the key points covered. I need to add here that the kata notes and supplementary video links have been provided to Peter Burtenshaw Sensei (to share accordingly, with all of the participants).


Overall, it was wonderful to practice with these wonderful people and also spend some enjoyable times outside the dojo as well. I wish you all the best of health, happiness and excellent training.

Stay tuned, a report from the Kapiti Coast Seminar, and video will also be uploaded soon.

押忍
André


To watch the YouTube video: click on the following link:
© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).

Friday 2 February 2024

義理 (Giri)

 Continuing on from my last article brief article on Japanese culture, relevant to the practice of Karate,  ‘On’, today I’ll explain 義理 ‘Giri’ (Social Obligation). Once again, I’ll begin in 日本語 (Japanese language) followed by English.


義理 (Giri)

「義理」とは、自分がある特別な関係にある人々に対して果たさなければならない義務のようなものです。人間関係において義理は、恩に報いることを必要とします。たとえば、援助してくれた人や恩恵を施してくれた人に、その返礼をしなければならないのです。


封建時代には、武士にとっての義理とは、主君から与えられる領地や家禄といった恩恵に対し、自分の命を捨てても主君に仕えるということでした。現在でも、義理固いということは、その人の人間性が頼に値することを示します。


義理を欠けば、他人の信用や支持が得られなくなるのです。

 

The term ‘Giri refers to the obligation to act in relation with other people, with whom has some particular social relations. It is a duty that obliges one to observe reciprocal relations. For example, to help those who have helped us; or, to do favors, for those who’ve done favors for us.

 In feudal Japan, the obligation of Bushi (Warriors) was to serve their respective lord, even at the cost of their own lives, and repay the favor received from the lord, such as land or stipend.

 

Even now, in contemporary Japan, the observance of Giri is an indication of high moral worth in society; furthermore, and more importantly, to neglect Giri obligation results in the loss of trust and support of other people.

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).

Thursday 1 February 2024

花より団子 (Hana yori dango)

Today, being the first day of February, rather than write an article I thought to simply post some images from my daily self-training. Today's practice comprised of the IKS Shodan Ido-Kihon; Tekki Shodan, Hangetsu, Raiko and Maizuru Kata; and Kumite (Uchikomi): Jodan kizami-zuki kara jodan gyaku-zuki.


The Japanese kotowaza (proverb) I used to title this post: 花より団子 (Hana yori dango) literally means "Dumplings rather than flowers".

Its meaning is "TO PREFER FUNCTION OVER FORM" as in to prefer to be given functional, useful items (such as dumplings) instead of merely decorative items (such as flowers). This is the difference between sports and budo/bujutsu karate/shotokan.


I hope that this post finds everyone training well and in good spirits. Greetings from Oita City, Japan.

OSU, 
André








 © André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).

Tuesday 30 January 2024

Current Self-Training Regime


Here is my current self-training regime, which began on January 1st. I have not included my stationary kihon nor conditioning work, as it has been inconsistent/random each day. Greetings and best wishes from Oita City, Japan. OSU!!! - AB.


移動基本  (IDO-KIHON) 

 

  The stance is 前屈立ち (Zenkutsu-dachi) unless otherwise stated in brackets; likewise, the unsoku is 踏み出し (fumidashi).

 

  飛び込んで三本連突き。Tobi-konde sanbon ren-zuki

 

  上段揚げ受けから中段前蹴り蹴上げそして中段逆突き。Jodan age-uke kara chudan mae-geri keage soshite chudan gyaku-zuki.

 

  中段外受けから寄り足(騎馬立ち)横猿臂そして裏拳横回し打ち。Chudan soto-uke kara yori-ashi (kiba-dachi) yoko-enpi soshite uraken yokomawashi uchi.

 

  (後屈立ち) 手刀中段受けから中段刻み前蹴りそして中段縦四本中段貫手。(Kokutsu-dachi) Shuto chudan-uke kara chudan kizami mae-geri soshite chudan tateshihon-nukite.

 

  (後屈立ち) 中段内受けから上段刻み、そして中段逆突き。(Kokutsu-dachi) Chudan uchi-uke kara jodan kizami-zuki soshite chudan gyaku-zuki.

 

  回転しながら下段払いから中段逆突き。 Kaiten shinagara gedan-barai kara chudan gyaku-zuki.

 

  連蹴り: 中段前蹴り蹴上げから上段前蹴り蹴上げ。 Ren-geri: Chudan mae-geri keage kara jodan mae-geri keage.

 

   中段前蹴り蹴上げから中段追い突き。Chudan mae-geri keage kara chudan oi-zuki.

 

   回し蹴りから中段逆突き。 Mawashi-geri kara chudan gyaku-zuki.

 

  中段後ろ蹴り蹴込み。Chudan ushiro-geri kekomi.

 

十一(騎馬立ち)横蹴り蹴上げ足を変えて横蹴り蹴込み。(Kiba-dachi) Yoko-geri keage ashi o kaete yoko-geri kekomi.

 

十二  手刀上段外回し打ち、手同じで手刀上段内回し打ちShuto jodan sotomawashi uchi te onaji de  shuto jodan uchimawashi uchi

 

 型  (KATA) 


    平安初段 (Heian Shodan)

 

    鉄騎初段 (Tekki Shodan)

 

    半月 (Hangetsu)

 

    燕飛 (Enpi)

 

    舞鶴 (Maizuru)

 

組手  (KUMITE) 

 

 自由一本組手  (型の応用)  Jiyu Ippon Kumite (Kata no Oyo).

  打ち込み   Uchikomi: special focus on 突き技 (tsukiwaza).

My kumite specialty is DEAI, which I learned from Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei. This skill is imperative for smaller karateka, but also for all seeking to maximize their karate ability.

 

 © André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).

Monday 29 January 2024

恩 (“On”)

 Many have noted the kanji—for my name—on my dogi and obi is: 恩道礼 (“On-dou-rei”) So today, let’s briefly examine 恩 (“On”). In doing this I can also briefly explain an aspect of Japanese culture. 

I will begin writing in 日本語 (Japanese) followed by 英語 (English).


""

「恩」とは、何らかの好意を受けたときに人が感じる深い感謝の気持ちで、 それにいくらか負い目のような気持ちも混っています。人は、自分をいつくし み育ててくれた親に恩を感じます。いろいろ世話になり目をかけてくれた雇い 主に恩を感じます。また、やさしく指導してくれた先生にも恩を感じるでしょ う。


日本では、恩を感じたら、何らかの形で恩人に尊敬の念とか忠誠心を示さな ければならないとされています。世話になった人々に贈り物をする習慣も、こ のような事情から生まれてきたのです。 

 

"ON"

“On” is the deep feeling of gratitude that people feel when they receive some kind of favor, and it is also mixed with a feeling of some sense of indebtedness. For example, people feel indebted to parents who cared for them and raised them well. Likewise, someone might feel grateful to their employer who takes care of them. Another example is that a student may feel indebted to a sensei who has taught them well. Here in Japan, it is believed that if you feel indebted to someone, you must show respect or loyalty to the benefactor in some way. Hence, the custom of giving gifts to 'seniors', 'teachers', etcetera (which is often very odd to non-Japanese) came from this situation.


"Ondorei" is my name in kanji (from my mentor, Asai Tetsuhiko Shuseki Shihan). It has a nice meaning in Japanese, from a direct Sensei/Deshi relationship. But it is not that simple. It is also steeped in 義理 (Giri), which means ‘Obligation’. This has especially guided my mission as an instructor, in addition to my daily self-training. To conclude, if there is interest, I will address 'Giri' in a future article.

 

恩道礼 (ONDOREI)

(c) Andre Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).

Saturday 20 January 2024

舞鶴型 (Maizuru Kata)


I dedicated today’s practice to the kata 舞鶴 (Maizuru) and its oyo/practical applications in jissen-kumite. This kata focuses on sharp ‘karada no buki’ attacking various anatomical weak points; furthermore, doing so with distinct 白鶴拳  (Hakutsuruken/white crane fist) techniques and strategies. Much use is made of 不動立ち (Fudo-dachi) and 三戦立ち (Sanchin-dachi) to execute koryu karate-jutsu waza.

 

Maizuru is an extremely elegant kata with its biggest technical challenge being all of the sudden and fluid changes in 力の強弱 (Chikara no kyoujaku). That being said, like the other Koten-gata, as technical as it is, it’s also natural and not hard on the body. This means that more explosive power can be produced.

 

In my own training I utilize kata to enhance my jissen-kumite/goshin-jutsu capacity and, accordingly, this results in the extraction of kihon (single and renzokuwaza) from kata. In IKS, kihon is not only making waza into thin air for ‘form’ practice, but also extensive impact training and partner drills.

 

Kata therefore, while still being an art form, functions as pragmatic training tool.

 

舞鶴 is a kata I really enjoy practicing, and, at the same time I find very challenging. Accordingly, like the other koten-gata, it motivates my training and enhances the base ‘standard Shotokan’ kata.

押忍

André Bertel

 © André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).

Sunday 14 January 2024

Renshusei from Wales: Jon and Misty

Jonathan Jones, and his partner Misty, from Wales came for private training on January 14th. They were the first non-Japanese Renshusei of 2024.

They got in touch with me via my friend Lyn Jehu Sensei who came for training back in 2009. It’s hard to believe that’s nearly 15 years ago! Here’s a link: André Bertel's Karate-Do: Trainee from Kitakyushu (andrebertel.blogspot.com)

 

Both Jon and Misty are currently brown belts with KUGB (Karate Union of Great Britain) and came with the objective refining their 基本 (kihon). Based on this request, I focused on the foundational body mechanics of Shotokan as budo/bujutsu: especially focusing on Brown belt/Shodan level 腰の回転 (Koshi no kaiten). In this process, I had them do a lot of work on 前屈立ち (Zenkutsu-dachi): shomen and hanmi. A key aspect was ‘stance moderation’ for optimal functionality, which is largely based on each individual’s physique and flexibility. 

 

In addition, and in support of this, we also covered 五本組手Gohon Kumite, and (kata): especially 平安初段 (Heian Shodan) and 鉄騎初段 (Tekki Shodan). In particular, the focus in my teaching was ‘how kihon, kata and kumite’ are one in the same’ and reinforce each other’ for greater effectiveness.

 

Overall, Jon and Misty were great to work with and I really enjoyed having them here in the dojo. I really hope the training will result in immediate and long-term technical gains as experienced by other Renshusei. 


Lastly, I want to wish Jon and Misty the very best in your respective karate journeys and a wonderful time here in Japan.

 

押忍

André

 © André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).