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 

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

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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).