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).