Renshusei from Rotorua, New Zealand: Martin Lee

Martin Lee Sensei (4th Dan) from Rotorua, New Zealand, came to Oita for 連取性  (Renshusei) Training. It was wonderful to catch up with him.

I first met Martin, when I gave a seminar at his dojo—the ‘Otonga Shotokan Karate Club’—twenty-something years ago. Their general classes in Rotorua (open to new beginners and visitors) are held every Wednesday and Thursday at 6 to 7pm.


Martin also got to train with my late teacher Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei. So, it was a full circle for him to come and train at the IKS Sohonbu Dojo.

In regard to his Renshusei Training, the focus was on fine details in 基本 (Kihon); in particular 手足同じ (Te ashi onaji), 決め (Kime), 鞭身 (Muchimi) and ‘standardization of the classical Shotokan-Ryu waza’ as “…a baseline for individualized budo/bujutsu karate development” (directed by one’s own unique personal attributes and physique). As always, in this process, I referenced many of the Kata, for example, Bassai Dai, Jion, Enpi, Hangetsu, Gojushiho Sho and so forth.

型 (Kata): The standard Shotokan Kata included, but not limited to, were: 平安初段 (Heian Shodan), 鉄騎初段 (Tekki Shodan), 珍手 (Chinte) and 王冠 (Wankan).

I also reviewed Martin’s 順路初段 (Junro Shodan), 鶴翼初段 (Kakuyoku Shodan) and 青柳 (Seiryu) with 応用 (Oyo/Applications). During this time, I showed the versions and applications that Asai Sensei practiced and taught me privately.

組手 (Kumite) was twofold: Correct五本組手 (Gohon Kumite) and correct 自由組手 (Jiyu Kumite). Focus was on applying correct kihon for maximum effect—large sale actions; exact 間合 (maai); and the base 自由な構え (Kamae).

It was great to have you here Martin. 

押忍！

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