一枚の絵が千を描く (Ichi mai no e ga sen o kaku)

Some images from Keiko over the last two days. As I conclude the year my focus primarily goes to Kihon and Kata practice.

This year, to wrap up, I have been following Nakayama Masatoshi Sensei's final grading syllabus kihon, before he passed away. I have an official copy of this and it has some renwaza not commonly trained now.

Indeed, such changes reflect a different approach and mentality in Shotokan Karate and, certainly, Karate in general.

In 2026, I want to talk about this point, from my mentor, Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei's perspective: who was Nakayama Sensei's 'right-hand man' in 1987, and the Technical Director of the JKA (Japan Karate Association).

Until then, 一枚の絵が千を描く (Ichi mai no e ga sen o kaku)... "A picture speaks a thousand words"

押忍!
 

 

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

4th International Budo Karate Seminar in FREITAL, GERMANY on March 14th and 15th, 2026

Upcoming Technical Seminar in FREITAL, GERMANY

March 2026

To avoid missing out you can secure a place at the seminar via the link below. For those who attend, greetings from Japan and see you there!

 Shotokan-Karateverein Freital e. V. - Kaminari-Arashi-Dojo - International Budo-Karate Seminar

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

André Bertel [Karate meets TAIKO] Konigs Wusterhausen 2025: Video by Oliver SCHÖMBURG

 Below is a direct link to a new YouTube video by Oliver SCHÖMBURG.

Here's also a link to Oliver's YouTube Channel, where you can see other professional video productions.

https://www.youtube.com/@olliwaa

A very big " 押忍" to Oliver. 

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

Wrapping up 2025

Coming to the end of the year. My last self-training of 2025 is on the December 31s; however, the Dojo is closed between December 29th and January 3rd. Finally, this is when I will do my KANGEIKO (a little delayed this year). 

Here are some images from keiko today. I am still working on Maizuru Sho. This koten-gata is so hard for me. So, I must work harder. 

In addition to this kata today, I worked on a lot of the core Shotokan kihon. Especially, 'pelvic alignment', 'thumbs' and 'forearm snap'.

A big OSU (OSS) and positive energy to everyone.

AB

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

Winter is here... Kind of

I practiced 舞鶴小 (Maizuru Sho) again today—as pictured in this post—but also 鉄騎三段 (Tekki Sandan), 五十四歩大 (Gojushiho Dai) and 移動基本 (Ido-Kihon).

My Ido-kihon consisted only 順突き/追い突き (Jun-zuki/Oi-zuki), both chudan and jodan, going up and down the dojo. I worked with differing 技の緩急 (WAZA NO KANKYU) and 力の強弱 (CHIKARA NO KYOJAKU); furthermore, not only in my ‘tsuki’ practice, I also focused on these points in the three kata I trained.


Overall, it was not an overly physical session but, rather, technically challenging.


Finally, today, there was a slight wintery feeling here in the dojo. Nevertheless, for many of you, the winter we experience—here in Kyushu—is extremely mild.


I hope that this post finds everyone training hard and in good health.

押忍!
アンドレ 

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

Koten-gata: 舞鶴小 (Maizuru Sho)

Movement 8 of Maizuru Sho. Hidari nakadaka ippon-ken jodan ura-zuki (Hidari ashi mae fudo-dachi).

Movement 59 of Maizuru Sho: Migi fuse ushiro-geri kekomi.

I decided that my self-training today would be focused on a single kata, its respective kihon, oyo and the form itself. 

My selection was the  Koten-gata, 舞鶴小 (Maizuru Sho).

Movement 3 of Maizuru Sho: Migi koko jodan gyaku-zuki (Hidari ashi mae sanchin-dachi).

Movement 60 of Maizuru Sho: Here I'm making a mistake. Migi ashi mae tatehiza-dachi and Hidari tateken chudan gyaku-zuki is correct; however, the fist should be a vertical Nakadaka Ippon-Ken.

Like Maizuru Dai, the movements between outside and inside tension stances is a theme, also the use of various 'karada no buki' against anatomically vulnerable targets. Whilst Dai focuses more on Ippon-ken, Sho utilizes Nakadaka Ippon-Ken.

Movement 22 of Maizuru Sho: Hidari tekubi kake-uke (Migi ashi mae zawan-dachi)

The balance required in Maizuru Sho is far more difficult as there are many movements not found in the standard Shotokan kata, nor the more commonly practiced Koten-gata. This makes these two kata highly valuable for senior ranked karateka to increase their technical skill.

Movement 2 of Maizuru Sho: Hidari shuto tateotoshi-uchi.

Movement 49 of Maizuru Sho: Hidari hiza-geri, Ryo sho koshi.

Movement 5 of Maizuru Sho: Migi shuto tateotoshi uchi (Migi ashi mae fudo-dachi).

Today's practice was both challenging and enjoyable. My body is tired after the session but, like the other 'Asai-Ha Shotokan-Ryu' Kata, the movements are natural and healthy for the body. 

This is not only good for one's muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints, but it also means the actions can GENERATE MORE POWER!

Movement 21 of Maizuru Sho: Kaisho manji-uke (Migi sagiashi-dachi)

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

Special Seminar: KAPITI COAST, NEW ZEALAND 2026

Here is a direct link to the Technical Seminar in New Zealand next year, which will be a VERY SPECIAL GASSUKU!

 KKA Martial Arts - Andre Bertel 2026

Hosted by Allan Youl Sensei (4th Dan), and his group the KKA KARATE ACADEMY, it will mark exactly 30 years since I opened my first official dojo in New Zealand.

Needless to say, it was also the introduction of my teacher, Asai Tetsuhiko Shuseki-Shihan's revolutionary style of Shotokan in the country, which at that time expanded the JKA syllabus.

Indeed, this syllabus is now preserved by the IKS (International Karate Shotokan) both here in Japan, and around the world. And we openly invite all groups who wish to expand their knowledge of Karate as BUDO/BUJUTSU.

The seminar is open to all styles and organizations, so for those who manage to secure places, see you in Kapiti Coast.

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