練習生 (Renshusei) Björn Steckmann from Hanover, Germany

Björn trained for four days as a Renshusei between August 4th - 7th, 2025.

Björn Steckmann Sensei (4th Dan) came for four days as a 練習生 (Renshusei) here in the Dojo. From Hanover, Germany, he had attended my seminars before; however, this was the first time in Japan.

From the very first two-hour Renshusei Training it was clear that Björn’s focus and eagerness to improve were exemplary. As a result, each day he made immense progress. It was also pleasure for me as an instructor as he had many mindful questions each day.

The focal points of my teaching were, as always, 武道空手 (Budo Karate) which, in particular, focuses on precise form and understanding.

These aspects are underpinned by the costant aims of optimal effectiveness and harmonious actions, specific for each individual. As my late mentor, Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei, used to always stress in his teachings: “Karate must be natural”.

This results in a critical aspect of Asai-ha Shotokan-ryu:  —“Karate for HEALTH” as opposed to moving in ways that damage the joints.

Obviously, in these regards, when karate is natural for oneself, only then 'optimal technical prowess' can be achieved; furthermore, natural actions (for each individual) direct one “…to avoid moving in ways which are unnatural, for their unique physical attributes”.

Here is a generic summarization of Björn’s four days as a Renshusei. I will not provide technical specifics—as they are for him to share—at his discretion.

A. 基本 (KIHON)

The focus in 基本 (KIHON) was to highlight the core mechanisms for generating speed and power; moreover, the irradiation of superfluous actions. Without going into detail, 立ち方 (Tachikata), 運足 (Unsoku), 受け技 (Ukewaza), 突き技 (Tsukiwaza), 蹴り技 (Keriwaza) and 打ち技  (Uchiwaza) were all covered. The high priorities within these technical categories were: (a) optimal kinetic chains in each waza; (b) exact positioning (initiation point and complete of each waza; and (c) softness/relaxation—consciously utililizing the joints as opposed to muscle force.

B. 型 (KATA)

Several 型 (Kata) were utilized/referenced over the four days including 平安 (Heian), 半月 (Hangetsu), 燕飛 (Enpi), 鶴翼 (Kakuyoku), amongst others. Taken as a whole, kata was seamlessly linked to 基本 (Kihon) and 組手(Kumite)—from the technical perspective of Karate-Do as 武術 (BUJUTSU).

C.  組手 (KUMITE)

The form ‘main forms’ of Shotokan 組手 (Kumite) were all covered: 五本組手 (Gohon Kumite), 基本一本組手 (Kihon Ippon Kumite), 自由一本組手 (Jiyu Ippon Kumite) and 自由組手 (Jiyu Kumite).

Emphasis was especially on correct 間合い (Maai)—especially in attacks. Without proper attacking maai (that is, “…launching waza at the correct distance to inflect maximum damage”) kumite practice is counterproductive.

Therefore, in Budo Karate, CONTROL means “being in the correct distance, applying maximum explosiveness, and fully committing the hips, but arresting the attacking limb as not to harm your training partner. This is the original way of the SUN-DOME rule, which has been distorted in present-day karate.

Accordingly, technique remains the same in Kumite, as when, say, hitting the sandbag with full power. The only difference being ‘not arresting the attacking limb’.

By the fourth day, Björn’s movement had significantly improved. This was largely due to his enthusiasm and studious approach to Karate, not to mention, he’s really great guy!

In sum, I want wish Björn all the very best for his on-going Karate-Do development. It was wonderful to have him as a Renshusei here in Oita City.

押忍！

André

Outside JR Oita Station at the conclusion of Björn’s first time as a Renshusei.

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