受けは極めなり UKE WA KIME NARI

Today I will quote the main teacher of my late mentor (Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei), NAKAYAMA MASATOSHI SENSEI. I believe that this is good food for thought, especially for those practicing karate as BUDO.  - André Bertel

Nakayama Sensei's 'Tokui' in Kumite was "受けは極めなり" (UKE WA KIME NARI)

Here is a direct quote from him about this aspect of Shotokan:

"The uke (reception) becomes the kimewaza (decisive technique). This is the motto of Shotokan-Ryu Karate-Do. According to its use the ukewaza can become a powerful attack. Along with advancing the leg and posture, the critical aspect is decisiveness".

Nakayama Sensei expands on this by stating: 

"The real ukewaza (reception techniques) of karate-do not end simply with the reception of an attack; according to the way the uke is used, it can be a strong kime-waza (decisive technique).

Uke kime ichijo: Uke and kime are one. This is the characteristic that, more than any other, gives karate-do its distinctive nature.

With only a reception, arms and legs forged into iron by daily training can deliver a tremendous shock to an opponent and shatter his will to fight.

To be able to protect oneself without injuring human life is the very soul of karate-do and can be said to be the proper function of all martial arts.

In recent years, contests have become popular everywhere.

Great importance is attached to gaining points by concentrating one's energies on henka waza, renzoku waza, tai-sabaki, deai etc., and to making great progress through skill. This is tine so long as the spirit of karate is not lost. If it is lost, there is cause for great sorrow.

In former times, when karate was thought of as fighting techniques, there was the motto, ikken hissatsu, to kill with one blow.

The meaning that uke is also kime is implicit in this motto.

We must pay great attention to this point, conduct contests with seriousness, understand the nature of karate-do, and pass these things on to those who follow karate-do in the future."

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2025).

井の中の蛙大海を知らず

 My current self-training has varied 基本 (Kihon), 型 (Kata) and 組手 (Kumite) each day. The main consistency is that my Kumite is based on 型の応用 (the Oyo/ ‘Applications’ of the kata I’m working on. For this reason, today, I’ll merely provide some images from my daily practice.

This month I’m very busy here in Japan. However, next month I’ll be conducting a Technical Seminar in Vohenstrauß, Germany.

For those who managed to book a place at the Budo event, see you there! It will be a wonderful seminar.

To conclude I’d like to quote a Japanese kotowaza or proverb: 井の中の蛙大海を知らず (I no naka no kawazu taikai wo shirazu), which literally translates as “The frog in a well knows nothing of the ocean.

Irrespective of organization, let's be in the budo ocean together.

Positive energy to all my seniors, colleagues and students here in Japan and abroad! 押忍！

アンドレ 

_________________________________

André Bertel
7th Dan
International Karate Shotokan
国際空手道松濤館
Oita City, JAPAN
_________________________________

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2025).

RENSHUSEI FROM BERLIN, GERMANY: Jan Gebhardt Sensei (PART TWO): YouTube Video

 

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2025).

RENSHUSEI FROM BERLIN, GERMANY: Jan Gebhardt Sensei (PART ONE): Overview

 Jan Gebhardt Sensei (6th Dan), Chief Instructor of ‘KEIKO Kampfkunst und Sport e.V.’ in Wildau, Germany, came to Oita as a 連取性 (Renshusei/Trainee) between June 5th and 8th, 2025.

My focus was on teaching him the Nakayama Masatoshi Sensei (and Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei) version of 百八歩 (Hyakuhappo) kata, which is more commonly referred to as Hyakuhachi or Hyakuhachiho. Needless to say, this is "The Suparinpei (Pechurin) of Shotokan-Ryu", which is preserved by the IKS (INTERNATIONAL KARATE SHOTOKAN).

Overview: For three days of Renshusei, I took Jan through this kata and relevant 基本 (Kihon), 組手 (Kumite), 分解 (Bunkai) and 応用 (Oyo). During this time, I also cross referenced with a number of the standard 26 Shotokan kata, to clarify certain fundamental and applicative points.

To conclude, I was greatly impressed by not only Jan Sensei’s physical efforts, but also by his technical questions. He was clearly determined to learn as much as possible while he was here in the dojo. So, I’d like to congratulate him in these regards.

I wish you a safe and enjoyable journey back to Deutschland from Oita. 押忍, —André

______________________________ André Bertel 7th Dan

International Karate Shotokan 国際空手道松濤館 Oita City, JAPAN

______________________________

PART TWO — YouTube Video 

COMING SOON!

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2025).

Renshusei from NETHERLANDS: Alex Hermans: PART TWO (YouTube Video)

The YouTube Video embedded below is a reference for Alex. I want to congratulate him on his efforts and improvements during his time here in the dojo as a Renshusei. OSU!

Here is a direct link to PART ONE:

André Bertel's Karate-Do: Renshusei from NETHERLANDS: Alex Hermans: PART ONE

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2025).

Renshusei from NETHERLANDS: Alex Hermans: PART ONE

Tobi-kaiten in Kanku-Sho Kata loading shuto chudan-uke (and Enpi). Upper and lower body compression.

 Alex Hermans (5th Dan) from Vlijmen, Netherlands, came here to Japan for four days of Renshusei Training with me. 

Chief instructor of the ‘Shotokan Karate-Do Tora no Maki’ dojo (www.karatedovlijmen.nl), he studied intensively for all the days he was here.

I was impressed by his efforts in the dojo, and his studious questions and extensive note taking. 

Application of jumping with TENSHIN to avoid the opponents 'tsuki'. Simultaneously counterattack with shuto jodan uchimawashi uchi to the opponent's throat or bridge of the nose.'

 Here is a generic overview—written by Alex—summarizing his Renshusei experience:

“I booked the Renshusei way ahead in preparation for my rokudan examination. I think you have to learn wherever you can and whenever you can. I am not organization bound, so I practice JKA, SKI, Kase Ha, and IKS.

The training actually gave me a lot. I really wanted to level up what I do now. I attended a really technical seminar a couple of years ago, in 2017, by Andre Sensei. His technique was very refined, so I always remembered that if I wanted to work on my skills Andre Sensei is the way to go.

We had a great time training, in the dojo, at outside locations and also laughed a lot during some sightseeing. Also, Andre is more than a great Sensei, he is also a great person with a good heart and soul.

My rokudan exam is coming up next year in the summer and I intend to go back for another Renshusei before my exam." — Alex Hermans.

To conclude, I’d like to wish Alex the very best in his ongoing karate development. He is a great guy, and I respect his enthusiasm to seriously improve his skills. This is the essence of being a Renshusei. Until next time Alex, 押忍！

PART TWO — COMING SOON...

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2025).

Today's Daily Keiko (and updates for 2026)

 Today’s practice was 掌手小 (Shote Sho) kata, along with its respective 基本技 (Kihonwaza: ‘fundamental techniques’) and 応用 (Oyo: practical ‘applications’).

Shote Sho requires sufficient skill of the other two ‘Iron Pam’ forms: 旋掌 (Sensho) and 掌手大 (Shote Dai). 

Featuring only three leg techniques, only open-handed thrusts, strikes and receptions are utilized. Karada no buki include: teisho, seiryuto, kakuto, shuto, haito, koko, shihon-nukite, boshiken, kumade and nihon-nukite”.

I personally find all of the kata of karate difficult; however, the more advanced formal exercises are at a different level. In saying that, they always bring us a full circle back to Heian, Tekki and the core fundamentals. As Funakoshi Gichin Sensei stated: “Victory and defeat are determined by simple matters”.

Ironically, we find that complexity most strongly directs us in this way; moreover, strengthens the base level techniques and budo/bujutsu principles.

Next year marks the 30th Year since I introduced the Shotokan of my late mentor, Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei, to New Zealand. This was formalized by the establishment of my first official Dojo in Christchurch City.

Accordingly, from 2026 I will begin the process of teaching the more advanced 古典型 (Koten-gata) outside Japan at various technical seminars around the world.

押忍!

André

Szczecin, POLAND SEMINAR 2025 (Part Two): YOUTUBE VIDEO

The following YOUTUBE video has been comprised to give ‘little reminders’ of key aspects for those who attended the seminars. By watching this video, several of the fundamental budo/bujutsu principles—I taught over the two days—can be comprehensively reviewed by those who were there.

For all who attended, I really hope that this video helps. For additional and exact information on the kata practiced, 火手  (Kashu) and  鶴翼初段  (Kakuyoku Shodan), please reference my official YouTube channel: ANDRE BERTEL - YouTube

押忍!

André

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2025).

Szczecin, POLAND SEMINAR 2025 (Part One)

Attendees on the first day of the Szezezin, Poland 2025 Seminar.

I just completed conducting my first Budo Karate Technical Seminar in Poland, which hosted by the UKS POMERANIA SZCZECIN karate club.

Here’s a link to their official website: https://karateklub.szczecin.pl and Facebook page: https://m.facebook.com/karatepomerania/

For the majority of karateka attending, it was the first time to train with me, so it was great to make many new friends through each keiko. Due to this, I structured the sessions around the base of my karate—handed down from Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei and my other Shotokan mentors in Japan.

It was also super to catch up with several longtime friends.


I’d especially like to thank Paweł Karpow Sensei, chief instructor of Karate Pomerania; his wife Olga; and Arsenij Karpow Sensei. Furthermore, I’d like to thank all the members and supporters of UKS Pomerania Karate, and all those who attended the seminar.


My hope is that this seminar contributed to Karate by spreading traditional Shotokan knowledge directly from Japan; moreover, that each individual who attended can improve their skills from what was taught.

Members of the host UKS POMERANIA SZCZECIN karate club.

Best wishes from IKS Sohonbu Dojo, Japan.

押忍!

アンドレ  バーテル

__________________________

André Bertel
7th Dan
International Karate Shotokan
国際空手道松濤館
Oita City, JAPAN
__________________________

           

                                  © André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2025).

"He probably has no equals" - (Nakayama Masatoshi Sensei)

Asai Sensei throwing Osaka Yoshiharu Sensei (Best Karate 3)

Today I'll simply quote Master Nakayama Masatoshi directly, from his publication 'Best Karate' (Volume Three: Kumite 1). It is a reminder of where my late mentor, Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei, was situated in relation to his peers [during the Golden Era of the JKA].

"Tetsuhiko Asai's ever-changing movements, sometimes resembling a dance performed in the air, leave spectators gaping with admiration. 

Dodging under a kicking leg, striking to the groin from below, escaping an attack by a paper-thin margin, leaping for a sword hand attack to the opponent's neck, landing and reversing direction for a leg sweep-such intricate and acrobatic feats as these, which are of actual use in combat, he performs in kumite. He probably has no equals.

His inimitable talent has its source in training since youth, fostering powerful hips, a flexible body, deep technical skill, excellent reflexes and nerveless courage."  - Nakayama Masatoshi.

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2025).

A picture speaks a thousand words: Some recent images from my daily self-training here in Oita

 Few words, just images from my recent daily self-training/practice. 

POSITIVE ENERGY TO EVERYONE!!!

A big OSU from Oita City, Japan.

 押忍!

アンドレ

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2025).

UPDATES

 

      Greetings to all karateka here in Japan and around the world. 

UPCOMING SEMINAR OUTSIDE JAPAN

This month I will be conducting the first Technical Seminar in Poland. For those attending, see you soon!

IKS Goals: UNCHANGED

The goal of International Karate Shotokan is a to preserve and spread the highest level of Traditional Budo Karate without political restrictions and outdated organizational structures.

We have deep respect and cooperation with other Shotokan groups, Goju Ryu, Wado Ryu, Shito Ryu and other styles. This is critical for mutual understanding and higher levels of technical karate development.

I encourage all karateka to seek knowledge from multiple sources. Seek to maximize your potential. Organizations means nothing without this. That is, don't rest on a brand label; rather, become the best you can be. This is TRUE BUDO/BUJUTSU.

RENSHUSEI

Besides the seminars here in Japan and abroad, the Renshusei Program here in Oita continues to produce excellence amongst Japanese and foreign karateka.

This is year has been fully booked up until October. For those wishing to book places, it is important to do so 'at least three months in advance'. In sum, book early to secure your days (and times) to avoid missing out.

To conclude, I want to thank everyone for their support. I am training each day seeking the skill levels of Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei, Nakamura Masamitsu Sensei, Osaka Yoshiharu Sensei, and other masters who have directly contributed to my technical evolution, and as an instructor of Karate-Do. I am also grateful for my wonderful students here in Japan and around the world. A deep bow to you all.

  押忍!

アンドレ

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2025).

一、力の強弱体の伸縮技の緩急を忘るな

Maizuru-Dai Kata: Hidari teisho age-zuki, Migi ashi mae sanchin-dachi.

Mae-geri keage with high reps... Sweating it out on the tatami, trying not to lose form: May 2nd, 2025.

Today's training was completely dedicated to KIHON and KATA. Here's an overview of my practice.

Movement 8 of Ransetsu: Hidari jodan mikizuki-geri, Usho-ate.

KIHON

The focus of my kihon was KERIWAZA and to supplement this I used the 'basic training kata' 'RANSETSU', which is Asai Sensei's original version of the now more commonly practiced 'RANTAI'. Special attention was given to: (1) Mikazuki-geri; (2) Kansetsu-geri; (3) Mawashi-geri; (4) Ushiro-geri kekomi; (5) Yoko-geri kekomi; (6) Various forms of Fumikomi, including 'Kakato-otoshi.

Ashi soto-uke and Ashi uchi-uke were also practiced extensively.

While Nidan-geri is also in Ransetsu, I did not practice this in isolation.

The basic Mae-geri keage, 'the staple kick of Shotokan-Ryu' was also trained as usual as Sonoba-Kihon.

Maizuru-Dai Kata: Hidari ashi mae fudo-dachi, Hidari hitosashiyubi ippon-ken chudan-zuki.

KATA

1. HANGETSU

2. JION 

3. KAKUYOKU

4. MAIZURU DAI

The second to final action of the three Kakuyoku Kata.

Movement 24 of Jion Kata: Hidari teisho, hidari sokumen chudan yoko-uke (Kiba-dachi)

Raher than say more, I will conclude this post by directly quoting and translating our styles founder (and 'my teacher's' teacher), Funakoshi Gichin Sensei:

一、力の強弱体の伸縮技の緩急を忘るな

(Hitotsu, chikara no kyōjaku, karada no shinshuku, waza no kankyū o wasuruna)

"Do not forget the employment or withdrawal of power, the extension or contraction of the body, the swift or leisurely application of technique."

押忍、

アンドレ

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2025).