SEMINAR OVERVIEW 
Christchurch, New Zealand: February 15-16, 2025.
I recently conducted the 2025 New Zealand Seminar. Hosted by IKS Christchurch, which is led by Peter Burtenshaw Sensei (5th Dan)—like last year, the seminar was an exclusive Budo Karate event. Exclusive, in that, the maximum number of participants was 50 trainees.
Consistent with other events here in Japan, and around the world, the seminar was quickly sold out by Karateka from across New Zealand, and Australia.
Technically, this technical seminar focused on precise 武道空手基本 (Budo Karate Kihon), which is underpinned by optimum form for maximum effectiveness. To be precise, the IKS (International Karate Shotokan) follows the Kihon of the pre-split JKA and the 'advanced' extensions of this made by my late teacher (former unified JKA Technical Director and Matsuno faction Chief Instructor), Asai Tetsuhiko Shuseki-Shihan.
These underpinnings were applied in 組手 (Kumite) and in the requested 型 (Kata): 青柳 (Seiryu). In sum, the fine details were the key points, as “…these are imperative for meaningful improvement in one’s karate” in both the immediate and long-term.
Overall, I’d like to again thank Peter Sensei and all the members of the Christchurch IKS Dojo for bringing me again, also all of the other great karateka who attended. It is blatantly obvious to me that—if top-level training and good camaraderie are the focus—dojo and/or style are irrelevant. So, a big 押忍 (Osu) and ありがとうございました (Arigatou gozaimashita) to all of you.
Overall, I’d like to again thank Peter Sensei and all the members of the Christchurch IKS Dojo for bringing me again, also all of the other great karateka who attended. It is blatantly obvious to me that—if top-level training and good camaraderie are the focus—dojo and/or style are irrelevant. So, a big 押忍 (Osu) and ありがとうございました (Arigatou gozaimashita) to all of you.
Lastly, even as I fly back home to Japan, I’m receiving many messages about the next seminar in New Zealand. This will be announced as soon as it is confirmed!
I must add that there will soon be an official SEMINAR VIDEO released on YouTube soon, in ‘Part Two’. Once again, this video will primarily highlight key points of the seminar: with the main objective of supporting the participants. Until then, below is a direct link to SEIRYU KATA.
Greetings from somewhere above the South China Sea.
押忍!!
André
© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2025).
