Probably the greatest technical lesson I learned from Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei was to "MAKE 'MY KARATE' MY OWN". He stressed not to copy him, but to assimilate the Bujutsu Priciples that underpinned his Karate. This karate was an EXTENSION OF JKA style SHOTOKAN, which was focused on the use of natural energy, snap, smoothness, necessary relaxation/softness, and re-integration of techniques and Oyo (applications) that were neglected post-WW2.
Looking at a few movements of Asai Sensei performing Tekki Shodan (images below), it is easy to see that his execution maximizes his smaller framed physique and extreme flexibility. Yes, he broke the 'standard' rules, but he had fully mastered them (under Nakayama Masatoshi Sensei) and used them as a reference to optimize himself.
This is what all senior practitioners must do, if maximizing their individual potential is their aim.
OSU, André
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