This site is based on my daily practice of Shotokan Karate-Do here in Oita City, Japan. More than anything else, unlike the majority of other karate websites, this page is primarily dedicated to Budo Karate training itself; that is, Karate-Do as a vehicle for holistic development.
February 16th-20th, 2026 Renshusei: Erik, Robin and Tino.
Three karateka from Woltersdorf, Germany, came for training as 練習生(Renshusei). Robin Zehbe (Godan), Tino Weichert (Sandan) and Erik Lewerenz (Shodan) from Nikko Dojo: https://www.nikko-dojo.de/
They diligently trained for two hours every day for a total of five days. Also, on one day we also did an additional two-hour training.
The focus of my teaching was on the fine details of Budo Karate. In particular, the correct use of energy and critical body mechanics; furthermore, ‘bujutsu no maai’.
The opening of Kakuyoku Shodan Kata.
I will not specifically outline the trainings as this knowledge is for them to share.
However, what I will say is that I was impressed by their enthusiasm and efforts over the days they were here as (Renshusei).
It was also great to see them improve their Kihon, Kata and Kumite as the sessions progressed.
Tekki Sandan Kata.
In addition to time in the dojo, we also had a lot of good times. A big 'OSU' to Robin, Tino and Erik.
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.
I just returned home to Oita City, Japan, after conducting a two-day Technical Seminar, Dan Examination's, and the usual Private Training for the host dojo/group. These events took place on the Kapiti Coast, just North of Wellington, in the North Island of Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Asai Sensei sometimes showed slight variation in the Koten-Gata for 'adaptive budo'. These variations are slight, such as trajectory change, different tachikata, etcetera. That being said, it makes these kata alive, and a wonderful bujutsu extension of standard Shotokan-Ryu.
In this regard, I taught Kakuyoku Sandan (with some subtle variations) at the 2018 Seminar in Halle, Germany. Here's a direct link to the overview of that event: https://youtu.be/DSQd8ApZxeU?si=kuLt75pY3MBOgBt0
Within the next day or two, I'll share a BRIEF REPORTabout the seminar...
And also share some VIDEO FOOTAGE via YouTube. If you attended, I hope this will help review key points in the training!
Until then, when flying, I completed generic notes on Kakuyoku Sandan Kata, which (as promised) I've passed on to Allan Sensei to share with any seminar participants wishing to have them.
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