Renshusei from New Zealand: Troy Gutry (Part I)

Manjuji (Central Oita City, Japan).

Troy Gutry (3rd Dan) from New Zealand came to Oita to visit and train. Traveling with his friend Jarod, he completed two days of renshusei training. In this, and the next post, I will provide a general overview of the main aspects that I taught in these sessions, which were specifically tailored for Troy. That being said, I will not go into great detail as those are for him to share. This will also include a brief YouTube video in the second post, which will reflect the aforementioned points.

Day One: 

The first session was very special as Nakamura Masamitsu Shihan had us in his dojo, the Shototakuhirokan, in central Kumamoto City. Shihan had me teach Troy as he checked him from the back of the dojo (in other words, he was surrounded). Between segments Shihan gave ample advice, including many technical and first-hand-experienced historical gems.

During the water break Nakamura Shihan checked my 十手 (Jitte) and took me through some applicative variations. In sum, more homework for me.

After training with Nakamura Masamitsu Shihan.

Technically the practice for Troy comprised of 平安初段 (Heian Shodan) kata Broken down into kihon in relation to kumite/self-defense application and the Kata, in its entirety, as solo form. Hip and foot positions, and the coordination of arm actions—to maximize natural energy (keep this in mind)—was high on the agenda. We also covered the first one third of 鉄騎二段  (Tekki Nidan); that is, movements one to eight in fundamental detail in 応用 (Oyo/Functional application).

Troy at Ryozenji (November 2022).

The theme of the practice was nothing fancy; rather, I focused on ‘natural energy for effortless karate’. In sum: (a) Relaxation for speed and environmental awareness before, during and after executing techniques; (b) Moving the center for optimal use of one’s mass; and (c) Positioning of the opponent in relation to oneself and vice-versa.

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2022).