After training, we all feel great, even if we did not want to train before.

Everyday training, no excuse… just train!

For me, after 43 years of karate training, the main thing is to train and to learn from the best mentors. That’s why I’ve lived here in Japan consistently for over 30 years. 

Today, I worked on the four JKF SHITEI-GATA (Kankudai, Enpi, Jion and Kankusho). These kata are very difficult for me and my body, irrespective of externally perceived precision. 

 

In sum, when considering Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei, Nakamura Masamitsu Sensei, Yoshiharu Osaka Sensei, and others, who’ve I've directly been tutored by, I’m still a total beginner in karate.

 

Insofar as the sentei-gata go, I’ve always been an Enpi guy (it is perfect for my body and attributes). However, my aim has always been Jion. Jion is a very difficult challenge; hence it was the last in Master Funakoshi’s syllabus. This kata, for both Asai Sensei and Osaka Sensei, epitomizes the core waza of Karatedo (and, indeed, Karatejutsu).

 

Regardless of challenges in training, I advise not to think too much. Just train! 

After training, we all feel great, even if we did not want to train before.

OSU, AB 

Enpi Kata: Movement 33 - Migi zenkutsu-dachi, Migi teisho oshiage-uke doji ni hidari teisho chudan oshiage-uke.

Jion Kata: Movement 35 - Migi zenkutsu-dachi, Migi uraken jodan-uchi.

Kanku Dai: Migi jodan mae-geri keage.

KANKU-SHO - CHUDAN UCHI-UKE

 

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