Stefan Schulz (Shodan) from Northeast Germany visited Oita.

During his time here the focus was on the core 基本 (KIHON) of classical 松濤館流空手道 (Shōtōkan Karatedō), which is systematically covered in the IKS Shodan and Nidan grading syllabus.

型 (KATA) covered in detail included 鉄騎  (Tekki), 燕飛 (Enpi), 十手 (Jitte), and by Stefan’s request青柳 (Seiryu). As always both the 分解 (Bunkai) and 応用 (Oyo) were also clarified.

Insofar as 組手 (KUMITE) is concerned, the main focus was on applying kihon and kata techniques, principles and tactics.

It was a pleasure for me to see Stefan improve his Karate. Rather than detailing Stefan’s specific time here in the dojo, below are some images. 

Lastly, I want to wish Stefan and his daughters a wonderful remaining time here in Japan. It was great to have you all here in Oita City. 

押忍！

AB

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

今日で50歳になりました。

As a professional karate instructor, in addition to teaching Renshusei, I do my own self-training every day without compromise.

今日で50歳になりました (Today I turned 50 years old), which, of course—in the art of 空手道 (Karate-Dō)—is still a youngster.

On the subject of age Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei once said to me that: “competition peak is usually between your mid 20s and early 30s”. Whereas “…one’s actual Budō technical peak (for long-time practitioners) is from your 60s”.

This highlights that 'maturity of waza' can only attained through many years of technical refinement, and an experienced mindset. Yes, the old maximum is indeed true: 'Youth is wasted on the youth'. 

With these points in mind, I remain inspired, just as ever, 'to challenge myself via daily training'. Again, to quote my late mentor, Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei: "Every day, the serious budoka must consistently seek improvement through the rigors of their personal keiko".

As I enter my "50's" on this day, I want to offer sincerest thanks to all of my seniors, peers and juniors (past and present): both here in Japan and around the world.

どうもありがとうございます、

押忍！

André Bertel

With 'the girls' last week in Okinawa at the Shureimon (Shuri-Jo).
 

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

IKS 参段 (SANDAN) EXAM REQUIREMENTS

 参段

型

1. 得意型①：松濤館流の型

2. 得意型②：松濤館流型またはIKSの正式古典型

型の応用

3–5護身術の応用技

自由組手

制御された連続自由組手

IKS 弐段 (NIDAN) EXAM REQUIREMENTS

 弐段

基本

1. (自由な構え) 刻み突きから三本連突き

2. (自由な構え) 刻み突きから中段前蹴り蹴上げそして中段順突き

3. (自由な構え) 上段揚げ受けから回し蹴り、裏拳横回し打ちそして中段順突き

4. 移動目標：右逆突き

5. 移動目標：左逆突き

型

1. 選定型：抜賽大、観空大、燕飛、慈恩、十手、岩鶴、半月、鉄騎、常行。

2. 得意型：松濤館流の型

自由組手

制御された連続自由組手

IKS 初段 (SHODAN) EXAM REQUIREMENTS

 初段 

基本

1. 三本連突き。
2. 上段揚げ受けか中段前蹴り蹴上げそして中段逆突き。
3. 中段外受けから腕同じで寄り足 （騎馬立ち）横猿臂そして腕同じで裏拳横回し打。
4. 中段内受けから手同じで刻み突きそして中段逆突き。
5. 回転しながら下段払いから中段逆突き。
6. 手刀中段受け (後屈立ち) から刻み前蹴りそして縦四本貫手。
7. 連蹴り。
8. 回し蹴りから後ろ蹴り蹴込み。
9. (騎馬立ち) 交差擦り足横蹴り蹴上げ足を変えて横蹴り蹴込み。
10. 手刀上段外回し打ちから手同じで手刀上段内回し打ち。

• インパクトテスト

型

1. 指定型：平安、順路、鉄騎。

2. 選定型：抜賽大、観空大、燕飛、慈恩、十手、岩鶴、半月。

自由一本組手

上段、中段、前蹴り、横蹴り、回し蹴り、後ろ蹴り、刻み突

き、逆突き

Training at the 沖縄空手会館 (Okinawa Karate Kaikan): PART THREE - YouTube Video

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

Training at the 沖縄空手会館 (Okinawa Karate Kaikan): PART TWO - Supplementary Images

© André Bertel. Japan (2026).