On January 31st and February 1st of 2026, André Bertel Shihan (7th Dan), conducted a Technical Seminar in the Kapiti Coast. Located in the North Island of New Zealand, close the capital (Wellington), the event marked the 30th Anniversary of André Shihan opening his first official dojo in Christchurch.
The first classes being held on Thursday, February 1st, 1996 (at the Spreydon School Hall) marked the beginning of Asai-Ha Shotokan Karate in New Zealand; that is, the Shotokan of Asai Tetsuhiko Shuseki-Shihan. At the time, Master Asai was the Chief Instructor of the JKA (Japan Karate Association) faction chaired by Matsuno Raizo.
The 国際空手道松濤館 (IKS - 'International Karatedō Shōtōkan') was born later with the aim of preserving and promoting Budō Karate technically at the highest level, and without politics.
The 2026 Seminar in Kapiti Coast was attended by karateka from all over New Zealand, Australia and even one from Ireland. Furthermore, different organizations and styles were represented.
We were particularly honored to have Mark Willis Shihan (8th Dan) ISKF/TSKF attend, who is the most senior New Zealand Shotokan Karateka.
Lastly, the point of this footage is to remind the participants of key points from the seminar, especially in regards to Budō Karate Maai, and use of relaxation to employ 'whip-like' power, as opposed to rigid/stiff muscular force... NATURAL ENERGY.
This was summarized via the kata 鶴翼三段 (Kakuyoku Sandan). All in all, this "Way of Shotokan' is one which improves with age, as the additional kata provide more natural ways to move and generate power and stimulate motivation; thereby, enhancing technical skill and effectiveness, expanding the 'art of karate', and making training healthier for the muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints.
We'd like to thank Allan Youl Sensei (4th Dan), chief instructor or KKA and head organizer; his fantastic team of instructors; his wife Brenda; all of the seminar attendees; and Denni Bryant for filming and providing this video footage.
©︎ André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2026).
