Renshusei from Lubeck, Germany

Movement eight of 落葉 (Rakuyo) Kata.

Jan Kohberg from Lubeck, Germany, came for four days of Renshusei training between June 22nd and June 25th.

Besides working on subtleties of the core fundamentals of Shōtōkan Karate-Dō on the first day, the sessions were primarily focused on themes requested by Jan.

Namely, he wanted to develop his 自由組手 (Jiyu-kumite) skills and properly learn the Asai-ha Shotokan-ryu kata 落葉 (Rakuyo).

'Bunkai' of movement one: 落葉 (Rakuyo).

After some analysis of his movement and skills, I decided to primarily utilize 順路初段 (Junro Shodan) and 自由一本組手 (Jiyu Ippon Kumite) to lift his technical level.

Focal points were primarily Jan's 立ち方 (Tachikata) and use of 力の強弱 (Chikara no kyojaku).

Jiyu Ippon Kumite.

Rakuyo kata was particularly useful in regard to stances due its extensive use of 転身 (Tenshin).

Furthermore—as the name of the kata suggests (‘Falling leaves’)—relaxation and fluidity are absolutely imperative. I joked with Jan that the kata must not be ‘falling coconuts’; thereby, emphasizing the need for lightness.

In the Jiyu Ippon Kumite and Jiyu Kumite practice I focused on applying the principles from Junro Shodan and Rakuyo. This included the traditional use of 出合い (Deai), 体捌き (Tai-sabaki), 技の緩急 (Waza no kankyu) and so forth.

In addition to all the aforementioned points we also worked on the classical Shotokan kata 岩鶴 (Gankaku) to further enhance core stability/balance and 姿勢 (Shisei).

To conclude, over the four days it was great to see Jan improve in technical skill. This was the result of his diligent practice each day.

頑張ってください Jan、押忍!

       © André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2026).