Jürgen Schneider-Jahnson (3rd Dan) from Bissendorf, Germany, came for three days as a 練習生 (Renshusei, Trainee).
Training for two hours each day on March 24th, 25th and 26th, Jürgen not only practiced but also came with many technical questions. This allowed me to specifically teach him according to his personal image of what ‘being a Renshusei’ would achieve for him.
This is what being a Renshusei here is all about in my dojo: ‘Karate specific for the individual for maximum technical development’.
Besides the critical details of budo karate kihon, which I always stress, much emphasis was put on fundamental kata such as平安初段 (Heian Shodan) and 順路初段 (Junro Shodan), also several of the more advanced Shotokan forms such as 半月 (Hangetsu) and 明鏡 (Meikyo).
Yakusoku Kumite was also high on the agenda, especially 五本組手 (Gohon Kumite), 三本組手 (Sanbon Kumite), 基本一本組手 (Kihon Ippon Kumite) and 自由一本組手 (Jiyu Ippon Kumite). Besides correct budo/bujutsu karate 間合 (Maai) the focus was on correctly and autonomously utilizing a greater variety of body shifts in defense, such as:
• 体捌き (Tai-sabaki)
• 転身 (Tenshin)
• 出合い (Deai)
• 足切り替え (Ashi kirikae), etcetera…
For example, stepping back directly; diagonally leftward or rightward, rearward or forward; moving sideward right or left; spinning either way; advancing; dropping or leaping; and/or a combination of these.
Returning to 基本 (Kihon) and 型 (Kata) I emphasized how, in traditional Budo Karate—Kihon, Kata and Kumite—are literally one: completely harmonious.
In all three of these domains correct 呼吸 (Kokyu) is essential, not only for optimal physical prowess, but also for psychological control.
Overall, Jürgen was very diligent over the three days here and did very well. In sum, he has a lot of karate homework and new knowledge to take back to Germany! It was also nice to spend some time outside the dojo with him and his lovely wife.
押忍！
© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2026).
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