My aim is to one day 'achieve even 10% of Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei's skill'.

Rather than say much, here are some images from my daily self-training here in Oita City, Japan, from today. I'm still a complete beginner 44 years on, in my journey (and 32 years since I came here to "the source" and began learning from Master Asai).

My aim is to one day achieve even 10% of Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei's skill. But irrespective of that outcome, I'm so lucky to have had that inspiration firsthand. 

Each day, for two hours, irrespective of whether I teach karate or not, I self-train: this follows Asai Sensei's example, that he personally encouraged me to do.

To conclude,what matters is: (1) Training-training-training; (2) Quality training; and (3) Accessing excellent instruction. OSU!!!

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

ちりも積もれば山となる (Chiri mo tsumoreba yama to naru)

The Japanese saying" ちりも積もれば山となる (Chiri mo tsumoreba yama to naru) translates as "Even dust when piled up makes mountains. This is a great saying in regard to one's daily keiko, and reminds me of late mentor, Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei, and his constant emphasis (of karate):"Step-by-step".

With that in mind, today’s training was focused on a handful of 型 (kata)—and their respective 基本技 (kihonwaza), 立ち方 (tachikata) and 運足 (unsoku); furthermore, 自由一本組手の攻撃技 (jiyu ippon kumite no kogekiwaza).

型

燕飛 (Enpi)

半月 (Hangetsu)

十手 (Jitte)

珍手 (Chinte)

壮鎭 (Sochin)

Particular emphasis was on 技の緩急 (Waza no kankyu). Also focus on 引き手 (Hikite). Concentrate on stressing a decisive 右拳右腰 (Uken migi koshi) and 左拳左腰 (Saken hidari koshi).

自由一本組手の攻撃技

上段 (上段順突き): “Joudan” — Jodan jun-zuki

中段 (上段順突き): “Chuudan” — Chudan jun-zuki
        

前蹴り(中段前蹴り蹴上げ): “Maegeri” — Chudan mae-geri keage
        

横蹴り(中段横蹴り蹴込み): “Yokogeri” — Chudan yoko-geri kekomi

回し蹴り(上段回し蹴り): “Mawashigeri” — Jodan mawashi-geri

後ろ蹴り(中段後ろ蹴り蹴込み): “Ushirogeri” — Chudan ushiro-geri kekomi

Focus was on 体の武器 (Karada no buki) and 体の伸縮 (Tai no shinshuku). In the case of ‘kara no buki’—for the tsukiwaza—it is imperative that ‘seiken’ is correctly formed, the impact angle is precise; furthermore, that depth is correct so that, if not controlled, maximum damage will be achieved. Likewise, for ‘josokutei’ when executing mae-geri and mawashi-geri, ‘sokuto’ for yoko-kekomi, and ‘kakato’ for ushiro-geri. I highly recommend, when making keriwaza, to firmly form the impact weapon at the start of your action. To maximize ‘tai no shinshuku’ the stretch/expansion of the sasae-ashi is imperative to drive the hips forward. The feeling should be to crash your hips through your opponent. In addition to this heavy action, the kicking leg must be raised high and tightly; also, extended fully, via being relaxed and whip-like.

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

評価基準 (HYOKAKIJUN) Evaluation Critera for 形 (KATA)

 

Raikou Kata



形 (KATA)	評価基準 (HYOKAKIJUN) Evaluation Critera
KATA NO ENBU	① 立ち方 (Tachikata) ② 技 (Waza) ③ 流れるような動き(Flowing movements) ④ タイミングおよび同時性 (Timing/Coordination) ⑤ 正確な呼吸法 (Correct breathing) ⑥ 極め (Kime) ⑦ 適合性（Tekigosei: 流派の基本の一貫性） (Suitability: consistent of the respective Ryuha) ⑧ 力強さ (Chikara zuyoi/Power) ⑨ スピード (Speed) ⑩ バランス (Balance)

 

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