 |
| At the remains of Funai Castle in central Oita City. |
A team of eight karateka from Lisbon, Portugal, came for two days of Renshusei Training.
Paulo Sternberg
Teotónio Alves
Manuel Fernandes
João Hala
Paulo Rocha
Filipe Alves
Bruno Gaspar
Bruno Batalha
Teotónio Alves
Manuel Fernandes
João Hala
Paulo Rocha
Filipe Alves
Bruno Gaspar
Bruno Batalha
Organized by Paulo Sternberg Sensei they trained for two hours on the first day, and for four hours (two-hour sessions on their second day).
In addition to these formal dojo classes, they also did several additional practices outside the dojo. But I will address from now with gratitude.
I was very happy that on the evening of their arrival, and after both days of training, the group kindly took me to dinner. During these evening, needless to say, there were many opportunities for technical questions and even some extra karate practice. This respectful gesture resulted in much more sharing of knowledge. Here in Japan, this matters a lot.
The themes of the training included: ‘Kihon within the Kihon’; ‘Maai in Budo Karate’ ranging from 五本組手 (Gohon Kumite) to 自由組手 (Jiyu Kumite); and several kata including 平安 (Heian), 半月 (Hangetsu) and 壯鎭 (Sochin). But other kata were also referenced in regard to OYO (Application).
A special note in the practice was the correct of ground power and the hips via the optimal use of 立ち方 (Tachikata).
I want to thank all eight men for their focus in training, also for their good heartedness. In addition to karate we also enjoyed some fun times together. I wish you all a safe and pleasant journey home to Portugal.
ありがとうございました、押忍！
André Bertel
©︎ André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2026).
