Don't copy others, create yourself

Gojushiho Dai practice (also stills from Enpi and Gankaku below) from the previous days self-training.

Today’s training began with calisthenics followed by extensive training of the three Tekki kata: 鉄騎初段 (Tekki Shodan), 鉄騎二段 (Tekki Nidan) and 鉄騎三段 (Tekki Sandan).

Following this was more kata practice; including百八歩 (Hyakuhachiho) and 水手 (Suishu).

At present, I’m primarily reviewing all of the main forms of kumite training in IKS (International Karate Shotokan)—国際空手道松濤館: (a) foundational kumite: gohon, sanbon and kihon ippon kumite; (b) semi free kumite: jiyu Ippon, kaeshi ippon and kihon oyo kumite; and (c) jiyu kumite and oyo kumite—goshinjutsu.

The recent developments have been highly refined and highly pragmatic, whilst maintaining the highest technical standards. I think this balance has never been achieved before within the realms of Shotokan. We are working at a higher level which allows serious individuals to maximize their potential above organizational systems.

While some will continue to merely seek a brand label and enjoy idolization of various instructors—and merely to be politically under their shadows—the ‘aware few’ will seek the maximization of their training. Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei often warned me against this. As I have always said from the very beginning of this site (and, of course, before)… “We must talk with our karate”. Again, this came from Asai Sensei also, and seriously influenced me.

It is interesting now as many senior and famous Japanese karateka are copying me, it further elucidates Asai Sensei's great wisdom.

"Do not copy my karate, do not copy others, create your own best karate" - T. Asai.

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2020).