CORE ASHIWAZA (from the 26 Standard Shotokan-Ryu Kata)

Please note that the following waza are OMOTE; that is, I have not included the URA applications. Furthermore, I have not included other obvious 'leg waza' applications such as the third move of Wankan including a Hiza-tsuchi; Nami-gaeshi also being applied as an Ashi-barai; using the tachikata to manipulate the opponents stance/balance, etcetera. 

(1) Yoko-geri keage

Heian Nidan, Heian Yondan, Kanku Dai, Gankaku, Bassai Sho, Kanku Sho, Sochin.

(2) Mae-geri keage

Heian Nidan, Heian Yondan, Kanku Dai, Jion, Hangetsu, Kanku Sho, Chinte, Unsu, Sochin, Gojushiho Dai, Gojushiho Sho, Wankan, Jiin.

(Please note: this waza is typically CHUDAN; however, some federations cite JODAN mae-geri keage for Heian Yondan, Kanku Dai and Unsu).

(3) Fumikomi

Heian Sandan, Heian Godan, Tekki Shodan, Tekki Nidan, Tekki Sandan, Bassai Dai, Jitte, Gankaku, Jion, Gojuhiho Dai, Gojushiho Sho.

(4) Hiza-tsuchi

Heian Yondan.

(5) Mikazuki-geri

Heian Godan, Bassai Dai, Hangetsu, Kanku Sho, Unsu, Sochin, Meikyo.

(Please note: this waza is CHUDAN; however, some federations cite JODAN mikazuki-geri for Sochin).

(6) Sokuto gedan-kekomi (Gedan yoko-geri kekomi)

Bassai Dai, Bassai Sho.

(7) Nidan-geri

Kanku Dai, Gankaku.

(8) De ashi-barai

Bassai Sho.

(9) Yoko-geri kekomi

Nijushiho (Japan Karatedo Federation: also permitted in Gankaku).

(Please note: this waza is officially CHUDAN; however, typically JODAN is also permissible).

(10) Fuse mawashi-geri 

Unsu.

(11) Kakato gedan-kekomi (Gedan mae-geri kekomi)

Unsu.

(12) Kakato ushiro-geri kekomi (Tobi ushiro-geri kekomi)

Unsu.

(13) Nami-gaeshi

Tekki Shodan.

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan.

Daily training and research

Some images from my two training sessions, on this 1st Day of July 2026.

In addition to daily training in the dojo I'm continuing my technical research into Karate-Do, especially in regard to classical waza as 'bujtusu'. This follows in the tradition of Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei, who sought the origins of Shotokan-Ryu and greater understanding of optimal human movement.

Indeed, (and following Asai Sensei's example) only from physical training can such research have meaning in our art, so nearly 45 years on, daily training with specific (and measurable) goals is, and has always been, my top priority. 

There will be some upcoming announcements regarding 2027 as soon as possible.

I wish you all good health and the very best in your Karate-Do training.  

押忍 !

   アンドレ 

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (July 1st, 2026).