tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88626631091671329902024-03-16T10:12:21.759+09:00André Bertel's Karate-DoThis site is based on my daily practice of Shotokan Karate-Do here in Oita City, Japan. More than anything else, unlike the majority of other karate websites, this page is primarily dedicated to Budo Karate training itself; that is, Karate-Do as a vehicle for holistic development. Andre Bertelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05823370137569920598noreply@blogger.comBlogger1174125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862663109167132990.post-12228354837047665132024-03-11T23:32:00.005+09:002024-03-12T00:28:06.730+09:00Renshusei from Deutschland (PART TWO)<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O84ZS6o7SDk?si=R3KAcbNa80SdPqKV" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span face="Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>This YouTube video is a "subtle reminder" for the following karateka from Deutschland, Stephan (4th Dan), Peer (4th Dan), Axel (4th Dan) and Andy (3rd Dan): all of whom came here to Oita as IKS RENSHUSEI on March 4th, 5th and 6th of 2024.</b></span></span></p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve;">
This video is primarily to remind them of the key points. I was very happy to see their technical development over the three days of training here in the dojo.</span></span></span><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In particular, linking KIHON, KATA and KUMITE to achieve the TRADITIONAL WAZA/OYO. </span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve;">
During the training, the basis of Kihon and Kumite training were primarily (by request) Hangetsu, Jion and Kakuyoku Nidan.</span></span></span><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As always impact training and oyo (practical application) were of prime focus. IKS is first and fore-most BUDO/BUJUTSU KARATE.</span></b></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span face="Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; white-space-collapse: preserve;">
</span><div style="color: #0d0d0d; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>OSU, AB</b></div><div style="color: #0d0d0d; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face="Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"> © André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).</span></span></div></span></span></div></div></div>Andre Bertelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05823370137569920598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862663109167132990.post-60564282348195665052024-03-07T15:52:00.002+09:002024-03-11T23:30:56.708+09:00Renshusei from Deutschland (PART ONE) <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2el6x-3hXK8sst6BQylnSODGtGL2WzGtxmFsPyABUZmO0Wa_1TirJ777lMVea6pkaJM6ErcZB5jVZ6TZZLcP4ZrPV6eLCKw0fCwXXT_v_GVFlIzU_lfcoAEYK6HKcg_6C7fpo5FSRKM_Xhu3qWlJCz4XNc7WKJqQGgYsrqoqRCBHwq3neeDB5gsXfDs/s4312/image1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3539" data-original-width="4312" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2el6x-3hXK8sst6BQylnSODGtGL2WzGtxmFsPyABUZmO0Wa_1TirJ777lMVea6pkaJM6ErcZB5jVZ6TZZLcP4ZrPV6eLCKw0fCwXXT_v_GVFlIzU_lfcoAEYK6HKcg_6C7fpo5FSRKM_Xhu3qWlJCz4XNc7WKJqQGgYsrqoqRCBHwq3neeDB5gsXfDs/w640-h526/image1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Axel, Stephan, Peer and Andy came as Renshusei here in Oita City. Axel and Peer came, before, so this was Andy and Stephan's first time. </span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The experience of Renshusei is very special. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>IKS = TRADITIONAL</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">It models the private training I received from Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei, which follows Nakayama Masatoshi Sensei and Funakoshi Gichin Sensei.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I want to congratulate Stephan, Peer, Axel and Andy on completing their training here. Big respect to all of you. OSU!!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Andre Bertelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05823370137569920598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862663109167132990.post-21327530812261910932024-03-01T17:31:00.000+09:002024-03-01T17:31:02.607+09:00PART TWO - NORTH ISLAND... February 2024: Kapiti Coast, New Zealand Seminar Overview<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVkA9VnRxTJN7sHVdihEdZjYcXjxEb6CdR10IZejXVWS1f2g1oeTEZB_UO26zZI_NULxOUdhj5gyA11DuzEUgF-L1zwWUj6CuH2ymATqHIED7S5MnwpwNZloiQ_1-P1ZSDhKztc1-eVDajP-MGJkuBqblevnVhR4cwWyAi-2YHUB0THbgzzVvYCUekiQ/s4482/Andre%20Bertel%20Shihan%20Kapiti%20Coast%20Seminar%20-%20February%202024..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2831" data-original-width="4482" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVkA9VnRxTJN7sHVdihEdZjYcXjxEb6CdR10IZejXVWS1f2g1oeTEZB_UO26zZI_NULxOUdhj5gyA11DuzEUgF-L1zwWUj6CuH2ymATqHIED7S5MnwpwNZloiQ_1-P1ZSDhKztc1-eVDajP-MGJkuBqblevnVhR4cwWyAi-2YHUB0THbgzzVvYCUekiQ/w640-h404/Andre%20Bertel%20Shihan%20Kapiti%20Coast%20Seminar%20-%20February%202024..JPG" width="640" /></a></div><b> </b><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">On February 17th and 18th I taught a Seminar on the Kapiti
Coast, in the North Island of New Zealand. The event was conceptualized, organized and hosted
by Allan Youl Sensei (3rd Dan) and his organization, KKA Karate Academy. Here
is a link to their official website: </span></b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.kka.co.nz"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">www.kka.co.nz</span></a></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 4.8pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 4.8pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span>
On a personal note…The last time I was in that region of the country, I was
competing there, which was all the way back in 1993, which was also the year
when I first went to went to Japan to train. Thus, my beginnings with Asai
Tetsuhiko Sensei. So it was a full circle, so to speak.</span><br />
<br /><span>
This seminar also marked the 10th Anniversary of the KKA Karate Academy, so I’d
like to once again offer my congratulations to Allan Sensei and all of his
members. </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Mincho";">おめでとうございます!!!</span><br />
<br /><span>
In regards to the seminar content, as I have not been in New Zealand for
several years many of the kihon, drills and fundamentals points overlapped with
the South Island/Christchurch course (a week earlier); that being said, several
other aspects were worked on, as it was my first time to teach there.</span><br />
<br /><span><br />
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 4.8pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 4.8pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span>As promised, the kata was different. As it was my first-time teaching in Kapiti
(and many of the karateka were unfamiliar with Asai Sensei’s advanced
extension JKA-style Shotokan) I used </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Mincho";">鶴翼初段</span><span> (Kakuyoku Shodan) to connect the
dots between kihon and jissen-kumite —via this kata—and its respective </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Mincho";">応用</span><span>
(Oyo).</span><br />
<br /><span>
To reiterate, a key point was Nakayama Masatoshi Sensei’s differentiation
between </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Mincho";">分解</span><span>
(Bunkai) and </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Mincho";">応用</span><span>
(Oyo). This aspect is critical in physical training for Shotokan to be the
highly effective self-defense art that it is (as opposed to merely being a form
of ‘fist kendo’). The karateka attending clearly embraced this point,
especially pertaining to the practical use of our art.</span><br />
<br /><span>
Overall, it was great to share classical applications of Shotokan, from the
pre-WW2 /pre-competition era; in sum, a return to the ‘self-defense focused’
karate of Funakoshi Gichin Sensei. It is my hope that “…while we strongly hang
on to the advancements of karate in the more recent decades, that we work
together to preserve the bujutsu knowledge of the past”.</span><br />
<br />
<br /></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>I really enjoyed working with all of participants in the seminar and, in
addition to budo/bujutsu karate practice, there was plenty of great
camaraderie; furthermore, no politics!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">
Unambiguously, this was again reflective of Allan Sensei and his team, and also
all the other clubs/organizations who attended.</span><br />
<br /><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">As a fellow student of Karate-Do, I want to offer each and every one of you a
big </span><span style="font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Mincho";">押忍</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">
(Osu) from Japan.</span></div>
<br />
<br /><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">[The following YouTube video is for those who physically participated and provides reminders/cues about several of the key points covered. Kata notes and
supplementary video links have been provided to Allan Youl Sensei to share
accordingly].</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Mincho";"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">よろしくお願いします!</span></b></div></span><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">André Bertel</div>
<div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">To watch the YouTube video, click on the following link. Any comments,
especially from the seminar participants, will be appreciated. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ApgVaDYSpXw?si=qFs7Irmjn6gabr7H" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></span></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).</span></b></div></span><o:p></o:p><p></p>Andre Bertelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05823370137569920598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862663109167132990.post-19329343377830637552024-02-27T20:22:00.004+09:002024-02-29T20:01:08.891+09:00PART ONE - SOUTH ISLAND... February 2024: Christchurch, New Zealand Seminar Overview<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> <span face="Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span>On February 10th and 11th, I conducted a Technical Seminar in Christchurch City, New Zealand, which so happens to be my hometown.</span></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhKlezjnxACsuOyVXrGyIqRlfehvnmwOSaIPO_og_ByM8ZAMGoLwdbENSTDwmdt3j29hYdnWLG2viln-YCU_qEx0xQ5X6BoWvAwl41C2dlouwRoUftuypm0oZvW1OZedSBfZBOfW1zGFackPYOYb0bm0C5theBt2yUf_aSLsR7XrESIECz0MfppJgZNo/s4789/Andre%20Bertel%20Sensei%20-%20Christchurch%20Seminar%20-%20February%202024..JPG" style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1361" data-original-width="4789" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhKlezjnxACsuOyVXrGyIqRlfehvnmwOSaIPO_og_ByM8ZAMGoLwdbENSTDwmdt3j29hYdnWLG2viln-YCU_qEx0xQ5X6BoWvAwl41C2dlouwRoUftuypm0oZvW1OZedSBfZBOfW1zGFackPYOYb0bm0C5theBt2yUf_aSLsR7XrESIECz0MfppJgZNo/w400-h114/Andre%20Bertel%20Sensei%20-%20Christchurch%20Seminar%20-%20February%202024..JPG" width="400" /></a></p><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: large; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The course was an exclusive event, which only a small number of places available, making it very personal. It’s been five years since I’ve taught in New Zealand, so it was a chance for me to review a lot of past content—already taught elsewhere around the world—and also pass on some new material: not properly taught outside Japan before (in a budo/bujutsu context).
The chief organizer, Peter Burtenshaw Sensei (5th Dan) was nothing less than an excellent host, along with the guys at the Christchurch club. Allan Sensei, organizer of the Kapiti Coast (North Island) Seminar attended, which was awesome; also, Peter Sensei from Wellington enthusiastically attended both events. A few hardcore lads from Australia also came: Grant Sensei (from Perth), and Bryan Sensei and Morney (from Noosa). Yet others travelled from other parts of the South Island. It was also great to have karateka from other styles. A big bow to everyone.</span></span><div><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: large; white-space-collapse: preserve;">
In all cases, I’m always deeply honored to teach and hope that everyone gained from the experience; furthermore, that each individual had a fun time doing so.
By request, the kata covered were 半月 (Hangetsu) and 水手 (Suishu). These were covered in context with Budo/Bujutsu Karate Kihon and Oyo/Jissen-Kumite applications.
<br /></span></span><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-large; white-space-collapse: preserve;">
</span><span face="Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: large; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Primarily, this YouTube video is for those who physically participated and provides reminders/cues about several of the key points covered. I need to add here that the kata notes and supplementary video links have been provided to Peter Burtenshaw Sensei (to share accordingly, with all of the participants).</span><span face="Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-large; white-space-collapse: preserve;">
</span><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><span face="Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-weight: 700; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><span face="Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-weight: 700; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>Overall, it was wonderful to practice with these wonderful people and also spend some enjoyable times outside the dojo as well. I wish you all the best of health, happiness and excellent training.</b></div><div style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Stay tuned, a report from the Kapiti Coast Seminar, and video will also be uploaded soon.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face="Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face="Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">押忍</span></span></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><i style="color: #0d0d0d; white-space-collapse: preserve;">André </i></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><span face="Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><span face="Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><span face="Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>To watch the YouTube video: click on the following link:</b></div></span><span face="Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-large; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TJVDUgXyE0Q?si=3AcyKOJgMctHff82" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).</b></div></span></span></div></div></div>Andre Bertelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05823370137569920598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862663109167132990.post-3823025415903071542024-02-02T18:28:00.003+09:002024-02-02T18:39:47.234+09:00義理 (Giri)<p style="text-align: center;"><b> <span style="font-size: x-large;">Continuing on from my last article brief article on Japanese culture, relevant to the practice of Karate, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">恩</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> ‘On’, today I’ll explain </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">義理</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> ‘Giri’ (Social Obligation). Once again, I’ll begin in </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">日本語</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> (Japanese language) followed by English.</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVQOmtcThCCjMrRPCGxE3IZWLR93a5p27gPS84nhCXLiCS7BqKmN77e0QG84k7kiLiIWt_OCZkr3klontDto4jJj2cSoT_2MvahI0zl9vTNehZjNMkG_4lh3COJjW8OchsjybNngJDEpuPiWcN5SEapQ30-EqxepMuQc95WCpUL6jnb_GNbz8acbrY8Q/s1600/Andre%20Bertel%20%60Telescopic%20Lens'%20Mawashi-geri.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="959" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVQOmtcThCCjMrRPCGxE3IZWLR93a5p27gPS84nhCXLiCS7BqKmN77e0QG84k7kiLiIWt_OCZkr3klontDto4jJj2cSoT_2MvahI0zl9vTNehZjNMkG_4lh3COJjW8OchsjybNngJDEpuPiWcN5SEapQ30-EqxepMuQc95WCpUL6jnb_GNbz8acbrY8Q/w384-h640/Andre%20Bertel%20%60Telescopic%20Lens'%20Mawashi-geri.JPG" width="384" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "MS Mincho";"><br /></span></span></b></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "MS Mincho";">義理 (</span></span><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-large;">Giri)</span></b></b></div><p></p><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "MS Mincho"; font-size: x-large;">「義理」とは、自分がある特別な関係にある人々に対して果たさなければならない義務のようなものです。人間関係において義理は、恩に報いることを必要とします。たとえば、援助してくれた人や恩恵を施してくれた人に、その返礼をしなければならないのです。</span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "MS Mincho";"><br /></span></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "MS Mincho";">封建時代には、武士にとっての義理とは、主君から与えられる領地や家禄といった恩恵に対し、自分の命を捨てても主君に仕えるということでした。現在でも、義理固いということは、その人の人間性が頼に値することを示します。</span><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "MS Mincho";"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "MS Mincho";"><span style="font-size: large;">義理を欠けば、他人の信用や支持が得られなくなるのです。</span></span><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The term ‘Giri refers to the obligation to act in relation
with other people, with whom has some particular social relations. It is a duty
that obliges one to observe reciprocal relations. For example, to help those
who have helped us; or, to do favors, for those who’ve done favors for us.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;">In feudal Japan, the obligation of Bushi (Warriors) was to
serve their respective lord, even at the cost of their own lives, and repay the
favor received from the lord, such as land or stipend.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Even now, in contemporary Japan, the observance of Giri is
an indication of high moral worth in society; furthermore, and more
importantly, to neglect Giri obligation results in the loss of trust and
support of other people.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-0PQW98cndPqQRGD1BqUmTJD9jV_lxHhQLs1ILpmrxTTbKWJgaM9moo19VuJB6zHwdTTibdjIlp1wXEzm2QX90vigXDgSoKE-rnRJKM_Mg5Ci2WHvPogjr-ZQbCZM-2ECnE8m0GNiMKOXwVUaIuGzbY3t0B-8QKvZuj4ELdNPuBfzA_k2xWuQuE5mpc/s733/R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="733" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-0PQW98cndPqQRGD1BqUmTJD9jV_lxHhQLs1ILpmrxTTbKWJgaM9moo19VuJB6zHwdTTibdjIlp1wXEzm2QX90vigXDgSoKE-rnRJKM_Mg5Ci2WHvPogjr-ZQbCZM-2ECnE8m0GNiMKOXwVUaIuGzbY3t0B-8QKvZuj4ELdNPuBfzA_k2xWuQuE5mpc/w640-h520/R.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).</b></span></p>Andre Bertelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05823370137569920598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862663109167132990.post-45280830728745493372024-02-01T00:30:00.000+09:002024-02-01T00:30:00.135+09:00花より団子 (Hana yori dango)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Today, being the first day of February, rather than write an article I thought to simply post some images from my daily self-training. Today's practice comprised of the IKS Shodan Ido-Kihon; Tekki Shodan, Hangetsu, Raiko and Maizuru Kata; and Kumite (Uchikomi): Jodan kizami-zuki kara jodan gyaku-zuki.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">The Japanese kotowaza (proverb) I used to title this post: 花より団子 (</span><i style="background-color: white; color: #202122; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Hana yori dango) literally means "Dumplings rather than flowers".</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #202122; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Its meaning is "TO PREFER FUNCTION OVER FORM" as in to prefer to be given functional, useful items (such as dumplings) instead of merely decorative items (such as flowers). This is the </span><span style="color: #202122; font-size: large;">difference</span><span style="color: #202122; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> between sports and budo/bujutsu karate/shotokan.</span></span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I hope that this post finds everyone training well and in good spirits. Greetings from Oita City, Japan.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">OSU, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>André</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5uUkw0DF7UmnTT9c9-BbmQLbFt2F_0B9B-TYP5OtMZmbS5xs9fwVm2PlCdjpi0sWWroz0JZaknhfv8gW4HjJsycI2rIBrp_RRjb4m6vwWhk4HxrcM4ifSGsWJUv-WEr9zHFF0cx5uHk8YqbYU_ppKPaEFgcMRGizw25czrib7fbGQnsd0LutvThxN2f8/s3865/Andre%20Bertel%20Training.%20February%2031st,%202024%20(2)..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3092" data-original-width="3865" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5uUkw0DF7UmnTT9c9-BbmQLbFt2F_0B9B-TYP5OtMZmbS5xs9fwVm2PlCdjpi0sWWroz0JZaknhfv8gW4HjJsycI2rIBrp_RRjb4m6vwWhk4HxrcM4ifSGsWJUv-WEr9zHFF0cx5uHk8YqbYU_ppKPaEFgcMRGizw25czrib7fbGQnsd0LutvThxN2f8/w640-h512/Andre%20Bertel%20Training.%20February%2031st,%202024%20(2)..JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7qqI74veYdTIR-W-Pho2AwwtCqR8VB7ZJBsgSoN3cQPOJJNwnD92Hjzd78mmkD5Hyfd5X9Bx_M73WsJ8oqEeh8C7aiNfSdS1oisj0CePswEN25CNGhu1ZrgND3vD5xme_dJ_OOPwrZ87rciGXNe2Bk00MwIeN2lnMsV22L79pP22djUtO-0aEg2AkcA/s3600/Andre%20Bertel%20Training.%20February%2031st,%202024%20(1)..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3299" data-original-width="3600" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7qqI74veYdTIR-W-Pho2AwwtCqR8VB7ZJBsgSoN3cQPOJJNwnD92Hjzd78mmkD5Hyfd5X9Bx_M73WsJ8oqEeh8C7aiNfSdS1oisj0CePswEN25CNGhu1ZrgND3vD5xme_dJ_OOPwrZ87rciGXNe2Bk00MwIeN2lnMsV22L79pP22djUtO-0aEg2AkcA/w640-h586/Andre%20Bertel%20Training.%20February%2031st,%202024%20(1)..JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KfbX-Hbl8rRBcQownI2HUNWgROGl3YeQE8vBBD3TIKhyphenhyphenR4U67iUDmYekvCtEctUd_Rl-IOhR56lLV8aJZGZyz1NxExr654AuiPq4IGGHPEQzDsmSlzpr9n1tQHVqYKc8ZEMXpwdhwCXW9TnttAE9ry0CwcbrNnvlIKdvJYbxCI0QcG7ezvO8Qqi9eak/s3826/Andre%20Bertel%20Training.%20February%2031st,%202024%20(3)..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3362" data-original-width="3826" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KfbX-Hbl8rRBcQownI2HUNWgROGl3YeQE8vBBD3TIKhyphenhyphenR4U67iUDmYekvCtEctUd_Rl-IOhR56lLV8aJZGZyz1NxExr654AuiPq4IGGHPEQzDsmSlzpr9n1tQHVqYKc8ZEMXpwdhwCXW9TnttAE9ry0CwcbrNnvlIKdvJYbxCI0QcG7ezvO8Qqi9eak/w640-h562/Andre%20Bertel%20Training.%20February%2031st,%202024%20(3)..JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VEGy0uV9Dt9Cz07fG9sniCVGdlIn5AJ5YBYMxc0mFsYHTh4Yxo9IpjjCyI2nWdKH5ss7Kr1lLcEbbTdwa37bQ5SQ5tlXNDi2pror7iKLnaLmtuHu2h-Pa9zIIvG1G79U0_r2y9MNCigiV1F9b2nJCK7aKqX55Cw9Uamv2QraSMGA3zWDr5Mzi6eK0FY/s3025/Andre%20Bertel%20Training.%20February%2031st,%202024%20(4)..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3025" data-original-width="2141" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VEGy0uV9Dt9Cz07fG9sniCVGdlIn5AJ5YBYMxc0mFsYHTh4Yxo9IpjjCyI2nWdKH5ss7Kr1lLcEbbTdwa37bQ5SQ5tlXNDi2pror7iKLnaLmtuHu2h-Pa9zIIvG1G79U0_r2y9MNCigiV1F9b2nJCK7aKqX55Cw9Uamv2QraSMGA3zWDr5Mzi6eK0FY/w452-h640/Andre%20Bertel%20Training.%20February%2031st,%202024%20(4)..JPG" width="452" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVXUYVb570fYSZUDKhQRLudPpmmZRBNY08BfLVsGBT3FPjaepT0MgNWQL93Vqx-OwGlVs5TocTlrq1Q8ivk1I00KtIq9PVqmlngbmf96M9sLhc7V0JQwCS5IZ8brcy7oD5BynCihsFd4I_bwmsG_ZTYmvgU6muplcc1vETnYwYeyoEOWwFFrhXh0TEl5I/s1159/Andre%20Bertel%20Training.%20February%2031st,%202024%20(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1159" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVXUYVb570fYSZUDKhQRLudPpmmZRBNY08BfLVsGBT3FPjaepT0MgNWQL93Vqx-OwGlVs5TocTlrq1Q8ivk1I00KtIq9PVqmlngbmf96M9sLhc7V0JQwCS5IZ8brcy7oD5BynCihsFd4I_bwmsG_ZTYmvgU6muplcc1vETnYwYeyoEOWwFFrhXh0TEl5I/w566-h640/Andre%20Bertel%20Training.%20February%2031st,%202024%20(5).JPG" width="566" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPW-24RTECGo4MpGvD8bgh7QT8IBN4vxlq3Go6_E4zOb-ZKnxuKcrpqdDELgu-hGR2tcnI5koM4l91F_PeEOylNj4lbi0yRXfNLqqXppQt381vBLzaCEgy585blq7rDybYpH4tEZvvM7qJUbiyRFrl230Ient8i3N6fqZp12xkMqdWuVSBBLVkkE5Vjg/s3958/Andre%20Bertel%20Training.%20February%2031st,%202024%20(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3519" data-original-width="3958" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPW-24RTECGo4MpGvD8bgh7QT8IBN4vxlq3Go6_E4zOb-ZKnxuKcrpqdDELgu-hGR2tcnI5koM4l91F_PeEOylNj4lbi0yRXfNLqqXppQt381vBLzaCEgy585blq7rDybYpH4tEZvvM7qJUbiyRFrl230Ient8i3N6fqZp12xkMqdWuVSBBLVkkE5Vjg/w640-h570/Andre%20Bertel%20Training.%20February%2031st,%202024%20(6).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><o:p style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).</span></div><p></p>Andre Bertelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05823370137569920598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862663109167132990.post-21911362700400298632024-01-30T19:57:00.001+09:002024-01-30T19:57:44.619+09:00Current Self-Training Regime<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjZocpQId6WsAwDnDnQJPebgtODu1Nphj-36nxBPxmJTpVhyphenhyphenr7V4R-9Adw8cDo58xvE6jE4Kw9dYirkvSp-0sYqUjJFZ9t4NiNc2ChWv_LwmK_Ge4JXKYDWvNW9K8WxNTyAiMrfr6cj7THiJ_mB5VFP5vSRgppbXgruEGKrs0a_ZBlAkVdJoP4kluSxA/s359/Andre%20Bertel%20TSUKI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="359" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjZocpQId6WsAwDnDnQJPebgtODu1Nphj-36nxBPxmJTpVhyphenhyphenr7V4R-9Adw8cDo58xvE6jE4Kw9dYirkvSp-0sYqUjJFZ9t4NiNc2ChWv_LwmK_Ge4JXKYDWvNW9K8WxNTyAiMrfr6cj7THiJ_mB5VFP5vSRgppbXgruEGKrs0a_ZBlAkVdJoP4kluSxA/w640-h356/Andre%20Bertel%20TSUKI.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Here is my current self-training regime, which began on January 1st. I have not included my stationary kihon nor conditioning work, as it has been inconsistent/random each day. Greetings and best wishes from Oita City, Japan. OSU!!! - AB.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">移動基本 </span></b></span> (IDO-KIHON) <p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">•</span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The stance is <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">前屈立ち</span> (Zenkutsu-dachi) unless
otherwise stated in brackets; likewise, the unsoku is <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">踏み出し</span> (fumidashi).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">一</span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">飛び込んで三本連突き。</span></b>Tobi-konde
sanbon ren-zuki</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">二</span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">上段揚げ受けから中段前蹴り蹴上げそして中段逆突き。</span></b>Jodan age-uke kara chudan mae-geri keage soshite chudan
gyaku-zuki.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">三</span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">中段外受けから寄り足</span>(<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">騎馬立ち</span>)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">横猿臂そして裏拳横回し打</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ち。</span></b>Chudan soto-uke kara yori-ashi (kiba-dachi) yoko-enpi
soshite uraken yokomawashi uchi.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">四</span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>(<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">後屈立ち</span>) <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">手刀中段受けから中段刻み前蹴りそして中段縦四本中段貫手。</span></b>(Kokutsu-dachi)
Shuto chudan-uke kara chudan kizami mae-geri soshite chudan tateshihon-nukite.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">五</span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>(<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">後屈立ち</span>) <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">中段内受けから上段刻み、そして中段逆突き。</span></b>(Kokutsu-dachi) Chudan uchi-uke kara jodan kizami-zuki
soshite chudan gyaku-zuki.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">六</span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">回転しながら下段払いから中段逆突き。</span> </b>Kaiten
shinagara gedan-barai kara chudan gyaku-zuki.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">七</span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">連蹴り:</span> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">中段前蹴り蹴上げから上段前蹴り蹴上げ。</span></b> Ren-geri:
Chudan mae-geri keage kara jodan mae-geri keage.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">八</span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">中段前蹴り蹴上げから中段追い突き。</span></b>Chudan
mae-geri keage kara chudan oi-zuki.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">九</span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">回し蹴りから中段逆突き。</span></b> Mawashi-geri
kara chudan gyaku-zuki.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">十</span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">中段後ろ蹴り蹴込み。</span></b>Chudan
ushiro-geri kekomi.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>十一(騎馬立ち)横蹴り蹴上げ足を変えて横蹴り蹴込み。</b></span>(Kiba-dachi)
Yoko-geri keage ashi o kaete yoko-geri kekomi.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">十二</span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>手刀上段外回し打ち、手同じで手刀上段内回し打ち</b>。</span>Shuto
jodan sotomawashi uchi te onaji de shuto
jodan uchimawashi uchi</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">型 </span></span></b> (KATA) </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">一</span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>平安初段</b></span> (</span>Heian
Shodan)</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">二</span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">鉄騎初段</span> </b>(</span>Tekki
Shodan)</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">三</span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>半月</b></span> (</span>Hangetsu)</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">四</span> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>燕飛</b> </span></span>(Enpi)</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">五</span> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>舞鶴</b> </span></span>(Maizuru)</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">組手 </span></b></span> (KUMITE) </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">一</span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">自由一本組手</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">型の応用</span>) </span></b>Jiyu
Ippon Kumite (Kata no Oyo).</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">二</span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">打ち込み </span></span></b> Uchikomi:
special focus on <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">突き技</span>
(tsukiwaza).</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pjVRsxh6P90bT9hmhhiHsXQqKLUaH304bzeeRQIuL8AxJFK5lwvi97mj5-bWI2FFblEQX50BRGzYnbk7RjYYbkKiiHq1rLW1qmbiA6xdUq9uDZbGF2pXO6zKC5sUvGMTV5EBIjd1tr4oRau9eRLhaaBnhAwBBu-X_v-CUpy1Z1dUoZzEOasuDI2sm4k/s442/Andre%20Bertel%20Jiyu%20Kumite.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="416" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pjVRsxh6P90bT9hmhhiHsXQqKLUaH304bzeeRQIuL8AxJFK5lwvi97mj5-bWI2FFblEQX50BRGzYnbk7RjYYbkKiiHq1rLW1qmbiA6xdUq9uDZbGF2pXO6zKC5sUvGMTV5EBIjd1tr4oRau9eRLhaaBnhAwBBu-X_v-CUpy1Z1dUoZzEOasuDI2sm4k/w602-h640/Andre%20Bertel%20Jiyu%20Kumite.png" width="602" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My kumite specialty is DEAI, which I learned from Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei. This skill is imperative for smaller karateka, but also for all seeking to maximize their karate ability.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;">© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).</span></p>Andre Bertelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05823370137569920598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862663109167132990.post-36236177814906627452024-01-29T17:44:00.003+09:002024-01-29T17:50:39.189+09:00恩 (“On”)<p style="text-align: center;"><b> <span style="font-size: large;">Many have noted the kanji—for my name—on my dogi and obi is: 恩道礼 (“On-dou-rei”) So today, let’s briefly examine 恩 (“On”). In doing this I can also briefly explain an aspect of Japanese culture. </span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG4Fiu8o5ZwZ419hYdRU1AZq7kVSlEGiLUSxYFFAA-76ARe63QgJQGDwcs7PS6CvHnfnh3HBAP20jPonvnDxfA__5I4sSV5wzgj_tsteV8YhwXS_bF2pA-CkNIjBINOb8bAt3P9TyLTV1eJLzxc1ux9Ynn-4w8NrGs8hHq47WVQ02YCzw8nHDW17-t3nQ/s756/TATEZUKI.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="756" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG4Fiu8o5ZwZ419hYdRU1AZq7kVSlEGiLUSxYFFAA-76ARe63QgJQGDwcs7PS6CvHnfnh3HBAP20jPonvnDxfA__5I4sSV5wzgj_tsteV8YhwXS_bF2pA-CkNIjBINOb8bAt3P9TyLTV1eJLzxc1ux9Ynn-4w8NrGs8hHq47WVQ02YCzw8nHDW17-t3nQ/w640-h270/TATEZUKI.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">I will begin writing in 日本語 (Japanese) followed by 英語 (English).</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>"</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="text-align: center;"><span>恩</span></b></span><span>"</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">「恩」とは、何らかの好意を受けたときに人が感じる深い感謝の気持ちで、 それにいくらか負い目のような気持ちも混っています。人は、自分をいつくし み育ててくれた親に恩を感じます。いろいろ世話になり目をかけてくれた雇い 主に恩を感じます。また、やさしく指導してくれた先生にも恩を感じるでしょ う。</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">日本では、恩を感じたら、何らかの形で恩人に尊敬の念とか忠誠心を示さな ければならないとされています。世話になった人々に贈り物をする習慣も、こ のような事情から生まれてきたのです。 </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>"ON"</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">“On” is the deep feeling of gratitude that people feel when they receive some kind of favor, and it is also mixed with a feeling of some sense of indebtedness. For example, people feel indebted to parents who cared for them and raised them well. Likewise, someone might feel grateful to their employer who takes care of them. Another example is that a student may feel indebted to a sensei who has taught them well. Here in Japan, it is believed that if you feel indebted to someone, you must show respect or loyalty to the benefactor in some way. Hence, the custom of giving gifts to 'seniors', 'teachers', etcetera (which is often very odd to non-Japanese) came from this situation.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Ondorei" is my name in kanji (from my mentor, Asai Tetsuhiko Shuseki Shihan). It has a nice meaning in Japanese, from a direct Sensei/Deshi relationship. But it is not that simple. It is also steeped in 義理 (Giri), which means ‘Obligation’. This has especially guided my mission as an instructor, in addition to my daily self-training. To conclude, if there is interest, I will address 'Giri' in a future article.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">恩道礼 (ONDOREI)</span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjed5_GtgQaO6sQjlGb9Ukstykbx8MNb4svz62rf8FRUDrtI_EWjutowVQQlcs6yCfWs5Nd_X2tEYxULmo7VikPHBv0WCNXaOQN6n-cj8zk8kHQDGcObtph4cNYuckqFOhWdZ9UxrbR5pDJ3LBFhr7UW2lc7AD0EdMa8VCzXITrgIyf6hfM4ClvR28FcSM/s4032/ON.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjed5_GtgQaO6sQjlGb9Ukstykbx8MNb4svz62rf8FRUDrtI_EWjutowVQQlcs6yCfWs5Nd_X2tEYxULmo7VikPHBv0WCNXaOQN6n-cj8zk8kHQDGcObtph4cNYuckqFOhWdZ9UxrbR5pDJ3LBFhr7UW2lc7AD0EdMa8VCzXITrgIyf6hfM4ClvR28FcSM/w480-h640/ON.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">(c) Andre Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).</span></p>Andre Bertelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05823370137569920598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862663109167132990.post-35073929129356591802024-01-20T17:38:00.018+09:002024-01-23T17:38:30.559+09:00舞鶴型 (Maizuru Kata)<p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhXFRPnBMQAoKihgsDbEgEQkiz7dRaAHTqN7aH4mm_SdZmgvBywv3r7yFEND3u0SUtEobE9M3sVgLElUTbOWAY0OAkFCumYza84C05IpQ6DOHxuS13mY-9DZX92hUMeLoAlLJsTsoZe0_RMFmUOwwgokLctzFfKRed9GpKzw1S70mlItBZ5hOw2LF-_Q/s1781/Andre%20Bertel%20Maizuru%201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1402" data-original-width="1781" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhXFRPnBMQAoKihgsDbEgEQkiz7dRaAHTqN7aH4mm_SdZmgvBywv3r7yFEND3u0SUtEobE9M3sVgLElUTbOWAY0OAkFCumYza84C05IpQ6DOHxuS13mY-9DZX92hUMeLoAlLJsTsoZe0_RMFmUOwwgokLctzFfKRed9GpKzw1S70mlItBZ5hOw2LF-_Q/w640-h504/Andre%20Bertel%20Maizuru%201.JPG" width="640" /></a></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEKK-HHdA97LHBdPv2LCdH96VkONyVU4L5X7Yumd9IzC4UJ8pxhiFUrsql0kp0Bi7tuuXJkXRXp-wBJnkwgbg3WUgporm05GA_xNYwXWWaaOQ0ehnrTSJOHcRi3pgj-zpk0wYiYQ2dtLZON-GyLkAtdq0v-f8bOHIpwZAlNWd7wQheOf8fDpuybp0nPI/s1333/Andre%20Bertel%20MAIZURU%20KATA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1333" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEKK-HHdA97LHBdPv2LCdH96VkONyVU4L5X7Yumd9IzC4UJ8pxhiFUrsql0kp0Bi7tuuXJkXRXp-wBJnkwgbg3WUgporm05GA_xNYwXWWaaOQ0ehnrTSJOHcRi3pgj-zpk0wYiYQ2dtLZON-GyLkAtdq0v-f8bOHIpwZAlNWd7wQheOf8fDpuybp0nPI/w640-h360/Andre%20Bertel%20MAIZURU%20KATA.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I dedicated today’s practice to the kata </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">舞鶴</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> (Maizuru) and its
oyo/practical applications in jissen-kumite. This kata focuses on sharp ‘karada
no buki’ attacking various anatomical weak points;</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">furthermore, doing so with distinct </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">白鶴拳</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">(Hakutsuruken/white crane fist) techniques
and strategies. Much use is made of </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">不動立ち</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
(Fudo-dachi) and </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">三戦立ち</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
(Sanchin-dachi) to execute koryu karate-jutsu waza.</span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Maizuru is an extremely elegant kata with its biggest
technical challenge being all of the sudden and fluid changes in <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">力の強弱</span> (Chikara no kyoujaku).
That being said, like the other Koten-gata, as technical as it is, it’s also
natural and not hard on the body. This means that more explosive power can be
produced.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">In my own training I utilize kata to enhance my
jissen-kumite/goshin-jutsu capacity and, accordingly, this results in the
extraction of kihon (single and renzokuwaza) from kata. In IKS, kihon is not
only making waza into thin air for ‘form’ practice, but also extensive impact
training and partner drills.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Kata therefore, while still being an art form, functions as
pragmatic training tool.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">舞鶴</span> is a
kata I really enjoy practicing, and, at the same time I find very
challenging. Accordingly, like the other koten-gata, it motivates my training and enhances
the base ‘standard Shotokan’ kata.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6rkcjcIs0_HBcHdYlMmCuAkrEW_KLXQxW5BBJZKayXnRqDXX_tIf9z1VjAla7LDgg9xg1v8wOJ3jvzh5VSFHq12uZC1HjY7qGHABQyJH5l1vvfYDsEl-fCeNO0R_sl1IFQ_VEqCwk2nGG8CvomwU0H47sj9TI9hZejcuZvthTRhEfOAERgcHMbnyMJ5o/s5184/Andre%20Bertel%20Maizuru%203.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3757" data-original-width="5184" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6rkcjcIs0_HBcHdYlMmCuAkrEW_KLXQxW5BBJZKayXnRqDXX_tIf9z1VjAla7LDgg9xg1v8wOJ3jvzh5VSFHq12uZC1HjY7qGHABQyJH5l1vvfYDsEl-fCeNO0R_sl1IFQ_VEqCwk2nGG8CvomwU0H47sj9TI9hZejcuZvthTRhEfOAERgcHMbnyMJ5o/w640-h464/Andre%20Bertel%20Maizuru%203.JPG" width="640" /></a></b></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2y_uusjZz-nnl9LRJRltMBIUSbpNI3d_szeUGqXh3Yc5pnHTn1KkiBGSrolfVdgFJHM-y6PB1oxVyMVGb5KUwiyY6-1SpMjklSVLlguPNCVFNcKZb3gDdGI0iUkOpgZ3ITWMubwRLd_zj-DNsVrzofR2Q5m7AfPZfoCGYC3mmQP7RiytXd2zul8Qt6A/s1038/AB.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1038" data-original-width="822" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2y_uusjZz-nnl9LRJRltMBIUSbpNI3d_szeUGqXh3Yc5pnHTn1KkiBGSrolfVdgFJHM-y6PB1oxVyMVGb5KUwiyY6-1SpMjklSVLlguPNCVFNcKZb3gDdGI0iUkOpgZ3ITWMubwRLd_zj-DNsVrzofR2Q5m7AfPZfoCGYC3mmQP7RiytXd2zul8Qt6A/s320/AB.JPG" width="253" /></a></b></div><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">押忍</span></span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>André Bertel</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;">© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></p>Andre Bertelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05823370137569920598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862663109167132990.post-67119530251846597312024-01-14T17:52:00.001+09:002024-01-15T18:50:38.514+09:00Renshusei from Wales: Jon and Misty<p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: x-large;">Jonathan Jones, and his partner Misty, from Wales came for
private training on January 14th. They were the first non-Japanese Renshusei of
2024.</b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZO8n0hTDkPLxjwA23Ar1bkE0mNre95bx7_EwjNu5GUg-MM6dddLdYCgkLx5Js3Aouo6SgbI1eTQwz5j6RPo9n0ARQYH0GJgSgmkZeLsayDfm7HR3lWood_atL5YOyF3ouL7HaczD587tqVxR-PlXZ5JI2NPKbp1J1XlJ5sII3RMhHwaf2dKoYm2nDxM/s5184/Jonathan%20and%20Mistry%20-%20Oita,%20Japan%20(Jan.%2014th,%202024)..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZO8n0hTDkPLxjwA23Ar1bkE0mNre95bx7_EwjNu5GUg-MM6dddLdYCgkLx5Js3Aouo6SgbI1eTQwz5j6RPo9n0ARQYH0GJgSgmkZeLsayDfm7HR3lWood_atL5YOyF3ouL7HaczD587tqVxR-PlXZ5JI2NPKbp1J1XlJ5sII3RMhHwaf2dKoYm2nDxM/w640-h480/Jonathan%20and%20Mistry%20-%20Oita,%20Japan%20(Jan.%2014th,%202024)..JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">They got in touch with me via my friend Lyn Jehu Sensei who
came for training back in 2009. It’s hard to believe that’s nearly 15 years
ago! Here’s a link: <o:p></o:p></span><a href="https://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2009/06/trainee-from-kitakyushu.html?m=1" rel="nofollow"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>André Bertel's Karate-Do: Trainee from Kitakyushu (andrebertel.blogspot.com)</b></span></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Both Jon and Misty are currently brown belts with KUGB
(Karate Union of Great Britain) and came with the objective refining their <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">基本</span> (kihon). Based on this
request, I focused on the foundational body mechanics of Shotokan as
budo/bujutsu: especially focusing on Brown belt/Shodan level <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">腰の回転</span> (Koshi no kaiten). In
this process, I had them do a lot of work on <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">前屈立ち</span>
(Zenkutsu-dachi): shomen and hanmi. A key aspect was ‘stance moderation’ for
optimal functionality, which is largely based on each individual’s physique and
flexibility. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">In addition, and in support of this, we also covered <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">五本組手</span>Gohon Kumite, and <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">型</span> (kata): especially <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">平安初段</span> (Heian Shodan) and <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">鉄騎初段</span> (Tekki Shodan). In
particular, the focus in my teaching was ‘how kihon, kata and kumite’ are one
in the same’ and reinforce each other’ for greater effectiveness.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Overall, Jon and Misty were great to work with and I really
enjoyed having them here in the dojo. I really hope the training will result in immediate and long-term technical gains as experienced by other Renshusei. </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Lastly, I want to wish Jon and Misty the very
best in your respective karate journeys and a wonderful time here in Japan.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">押忍</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>André</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> </o:p><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large; padding: 0in;">© André</span><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).</span></p>Andre Bertelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05823370137569920598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862663109167132990.post-78353387028690916862024-01-12T22:16:00.002+09:002024-01-12T22:20:48.190+09:00IKS SHODAN EXAM KIHON (IDO-KIHON)<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytuQl3QAuJjx_SRGxL2HgE380QXDBipgnGdoEn06wRW3fDloWjl9VkEl0kX7z55hTZdpdlKSaH1HtOv4x2TQGyGqC5Sm34ddzyYPhSHjrleUukIKsmbBw9y6EAcVeat6NZs0pQaf4y5kY57GwiP81DOGxSMk6o1hIKJuzAS8sYdbJvP8Srl9QAiDXPRg/s2363/Andre%20Bertel%20January%2011th,%202024..JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="2363" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytuQl3QAuJjx_SRGxL2HgE380QXDBipgnGdoEn06wRW3fDloWjl9VkEl0kX7z55hTZdpdlKSaH1HtOv4x2TQGyGqC5Sm34ddzyYPhSHjrleUukIKsmbBw9y6EAcVeat6NZs0pQaf4y5kY57GwiP81DOGxSMk6o1hIKJuzAS8sYdbJvP8Srl9QAiDXPRg/w640-h438/Andre%20Bertel%20January%2011th,%202024..JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Here
is the official <span style="font-family: "MS Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Gothic";">移動基本</span>
(Ido-Kihon) for the SHODAN EXAMINATION of <span style="font-family: "MS Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Gothic";">国際空手道松濤館</span> (IKS—International Karate Shotokan).</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The
essence of this kihon is not complexity but, rather, precise and effective
Shotokan-Ryu fundamentals. Accordingly, just doing the movements is
insufficient. Rather, each element must be ‘classical old-school’ Shodan level.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Techniques
checked in this exam precisely check all base elements of the core Shotokan
kihon. The five base uke, five keriwaza (also kizami-geri), oi-zuki,
gyaku-zuki, kizami-zuki, shihon-nukite, yoko-uraken, yoko-empi, and both
basic forms of shuto strikes. Two kicking combinations are covered, front and
side. Also ‘legs followed by hands’ in two forms. The only single waza in the
test is ushiro-geri, which in base form, must be mastered to achieve this rank.
It must be noted that besides ‘tenshin’ for ushiro-geri, the exam also features
a 360 degree turn with gedan-barai followed by gyaku-zuki. It is also important
to mention the unsoku and transitions. Fumidashi, yoriashi/yoseashi,
tobi-konde, moving through kosa-dachi, and stance switches from zenkutsu-dachi
to kiba-dachi, and kokutsu-dachi to zenkutsu-dachi. Note - a missing element is the 'double kick with one leg'. While this ren-geri is practiced, IKS focuses on power power kicks and, accordingly, this was phased out of the Shodan Exam.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">It
must be noted that <span style="font-family: "MS Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Gothic";">初段</span>
(Shodan) is not <span style="font-family: "MS Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Gothic";">一段</span>
(Ichidan); that is, while it is the ‘First Dan’, the name literally translates as
‘Beginners level’. Thus, this is where one’s karate journey truly begins. At
the heart of this beginning is having the sufficient kihon in order to ‘truly
begin’. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">In
addition to all these points, to change from a brown to a black belt, one must
demonstrate strong spirit, courage and determination; moreover, foster
resilience. Without the aforementioned physical points, and these psychological
strengths, Shodan has no meaning. Sadly, nowadays, Shodan in most cases, literally has no meaning.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">IKS
has been working hard to restore “Dan” to their proper standards. Accordingly,
anyone who receives Dan from our organization is truly worth their rank. You can see this in the mass failures at our examinations. This
not only benefits IKS, but karate as a whole. Restoration of "true DAN".</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "MS Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Gothic";">押忍</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit;">André</span></span></i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">—————————————<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">André</span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Bertel</span></span></b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">7th
Dan<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">International
Karate Shotokan<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Oita
City, JAPAN <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">—————————————</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">移動基本</span></b></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">•</span> The stance is <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">前屈立ち</span> (Zenkutsu-dachi) unless
otherwise stated in brackets; likewise, the unsoku is <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">踏み出し</span> (fumidashi). Each waza is demonstrated between three and five times. Each stance, hip action, leg movement, and waza must be completed and clear. Not rushed nor blurred for the mere appearance of speed. A kiai is applied only on the last waza of each set.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">一</span> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">飛び込んで三本連突き。</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> Tobi-konde
sanbon ren-zuki.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">二 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">上段揚げ受けから中段前蹴り蹴上げそして中段逆突き。</span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jodan age-uke kara chudan mae-geri keage soshite chudan
gyaku-zuki.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">三</span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">中段外受けから寄り足</span>(<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">騎馬立ち</span>)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">横猿臂そして裏拳横回し打</span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ち。</span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Chudan soto-uke kara yori-ashi (kiba-dachi) yoko-enpi
soshite uraken yokomawashi uchi.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">四 </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>(<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">後屈立ち</span>) <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">手刀中段受けから中段刻み前蹴りそして中段縦四本中段貫手。</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">(Kokutsu-dachi)
Shuto chudan-uke kara chudan kizami mae-geri soshite chudan tateshihon-nukite.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">五</span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></b><b>(<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">後屈立ち</span>) </b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">中段内受けから上段刻みそして中段逆突き。</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">(Kokutsu-dachi) Chudan
uchi-uke kara jodan kizami-zuki soshite chudan gyaku-zuki.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">六</span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">回転しながら下段払いから中段逆突き。</span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Kaiten
shinagara gedan-barai kara chudan gyaku-zuki.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">七</span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">連蹴り:</span> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">中段前蹴り蹴上げから上段前蹴り蹴上げ。</span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Ren-geri:
Chudan mae-geri keage kara jodan mae-geri keage.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">八</span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">中段前蹴り蹴上げから中段追い突き。</span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Chudan
mae-geri keage kara chudan oi-zuki.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">九</span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">回し蹴りから中段逆突き。</span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Mawashi-geri
kara chudan gyaku-zuki.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">十</span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">中段後ろ蹴り蹴込み。</span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Chudan
ushiro-geri kekomi.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>十一(騎馬立ち)横蹴り蹴上げ足を変えて横蹴り蹴込み。</b></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">(Kiba-dachi)
Yoko-geri keage ashi o kaete yoko-geri kekomi.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">十二</span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">手刀上段外回し打ち</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt;">、</span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">手同じで手刀上段内回し打ち。</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Shuto
jodan sotomawashi uchi te onaji de shuto
jodan uchimawashi uchi.<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKH6MTYwognWGszBYjKHy0WumcLNTShV-Sc2OCURyGWy-XaDwY7_GelqUh6dJXmMf-tWvuMnb84_R0cQ9AHBC8y6XZbAd1xybLthC4y6VQ0vz12TYOBAoJmU7uNPKbnPQL6AYC8OpPyzVmFiCprVWjrzz6J6zFyX9B57Na0zIPGhddEHvc1DKyrAw2SY/s5184/Andre%20Bertel%20Mae-geri.JPG" style="font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKH6MTYwognWGszBYjKHy0WumcLNTShV-Sc2OCURyGWy-XaDwY7_GelqUh6dJXmMf-tWvuMnb84_R0cQ9AHBC8y6XZbAd1xybLthC4y6VQ0vz12TYOBAoJmU7uNPKbnPQL6AYC8OpPyzVmFiCprVWjrzz6J6zFyX9B57Na0zIPGhddEHvc1DKyrAw2SY/w640-h480/Andre%20Bertel%20Mae-geri.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p style="font-size: x-large;"> </o:p><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large; padding: 0in;">© André</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Bertel. Oita
City, Japan (2024).</span></p>Andre Bertelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05823370137569920598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862663109167132990.post-1457364919479599342024-01-08T19:20:00.002+09:002024-01-08T19:27:19.430+09:00 明けましておめでとうございます!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrN8f2okiF9qVfYo0eqbD1Zn1BN9jF2fceMfAsMGtKtOWsSwV_VyniSuIMyqz-KuqeuBSMIVykZyRC0RuzeSECGk3nTO9xFoCzyp7hSd2x-Wi9xaTptqrJpDtx5Hx1VhqUepjzt9brtXB8hhHlY4vOZjxh5AIn9uZuyRTBd1b5a0txlEVWr6t6Ca5MPR4/s1600/IMG_8171.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrN8f2okiF9qVfYo0eqbD1Zn1BN9jF2fceMfAsMGtKtOWsSwV_VyniSuIMyqz-KuqeuBSMIVykZyRC0RuzeSECGk3nTO9xFoCzyp7hSd2x-Wi9xaTptqrJpDtx5Hx1VhqUepjzt9brtXB8hhHlY4vOZjxh5AIn9uZuyRTBd1b5a0txlEVWr6t6Ca5MPR4/w266-h400/IMG_8171.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-size: x-large;">On the afternoon of
January 1st, I had my first training of 2024. Unlike the previous day, New
Years Eve—which was all </b><b style="font-size: x-large;">基本</b><b style="font-size: x-large;"> (Kihon), my New Years Day practice was
focused on kata. My first kata of the year was </b><b style="font-size: x-large;">五十四歩小</b><b style="font-size: x-large;"> (Gojushiho Sho).</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b> </b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Many of you know
that from the early 1990s, I was focused on 五十四歩大 (Gojushiho Dai) as it was, and still is,
better for my physique; nevertheless, I still enjoy ‘Sho’ as a variation to my
more ‘standard self-practice’. Needless to say, many of my Japanese trainees,
and trainees around the world, specialize in this kata.<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> <span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">My focus in this
practice was on smoothness of movements/transitions and sharp projection of
waza; furthermore, stance moderation dictated by posture and alignment to
optimize technical effectiveness. <span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> <span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 3.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 3.75pt;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><span><span style="color: black;">In addition to this kata
I also did </span><span style="color: #444444; letter-spacing: 0.95pt;">慈恩 (</span></span>Jion), <span style="color: #444444; letter-spacing: 0.95pt;">鶴翼 (</span>Kakuyoku), and</span></h3><h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 3.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 3.75pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444; letter-spacing: 0.95pt;">掌</span>手 (Shote).</span></span></h3><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Overall, a solid start for 令和6年 (the sixth year of the Reiwa Emperor). Big things to come this year!!!</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> <span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">I want to wish
everyone here in Japan and around the world happiness, good health and
excellent training. In sum, "Happy New Year".</span></b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> </b></span><b style="font-family: inherit;">明けましておめでとうございます</b><b style="font-family: inherit;">!!!</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gs2JbEru3z_Nbf79w0MUDmOnwB3Btfdx06MMXG5psnQqjYoX0gYxirCKR6of6mjTq3LMiy2nD943MuvUdYTWQc-AwXHpb59eg27P3hUF5Y2JCFJe7CiUuVNha0CQCaTI0bg-FmnmVcPfspG4wlnIYcl6k8r2d37MzVsZsaWQ9U1LjUGRlqsysBNnwM8/s1170/IMG_8173.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="680" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gs2JbEru3z_Nbf79w0MUDmOnwB3Btfdx06MMXG5psnQqjYoX0gYxirCKR6of6mjTq3LMiy2nD943MuvUdYTWQc-AwXHpb59eg27P3hUF5Y2JCFJe7CiUuVNha0CQCaTI0bg-FmnmVcPfspG4wlnIYcl6k8r2d37MzVsZsaWQ9U1LjUGRlqsysBNnwM8/w372-h640/IMG_8173.jpg" width="372" /></a></b></div><b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">© Andre Bertel. Oita City, New Zealand (2024).</span></div></b><p></p>Andre Bertelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05823370137569920598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862663109167132990.post-31647637264119091542023-12-27T18:21:00.007+09:002023-12-27T18:26:15.664+09:00KIHON MUST DEVELOP FUNCTIONAL KARATE<p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAbWWShWxxvJ_9m4Jr8nvPrdW3bko9ts0qrbnpiiys6BfZw0tIZgXhgnN45goutaLAfjDc8vQNcBFNQCkZGHeKL128HqdgWTZkTnq9y4Ei8RxPQdyHAV81bU8ofn7cfukeXthe27nlNL4sy2CmQffxiVjBeK9mtFWG74hmeaVr7TH-ENqLx2y1zRXiVA/s897/Taku%20Dai%201939.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="897" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAbWWShWxxvJ_9m4Jr8nvPrdW3bko9ts0qrbnpiiys6BfZw0tIZgXhgnN45goutaLAfjDc8vQNcBFNQCkZGHeKL128HqdgWTZkTnq9y4Ei8RxPQdyHAV81bU8ofn7cfukeXthe27nlNL4sy2CmQffxiVjBeK9mtFWG74hmeaVr7TH-ENqLx2y1zRXiVA/w640-h360/Taku%20Dai%201939.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Takushoku University 1939</td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span>You can’t only practice </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">基本</span><span>
on the spot—Sonoba Kihon; and marching up and down the dojo—Ido Kihon. Yes, merely hitting the invisible enemy. Splitting the air. </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Yet so
many fail to insufficiently go beyond these base methods. It's like a baseball player simply practicing their swing, yet never facing a pitcher trying to strike them out. Lots of karate instructors are like this now, only image, not combative practicality. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">It is utterly imperative to train kihon to be functional,
which means ‘kumite training of kihon’ and full-contact impact work; moreover,
doing this practice needs to be regular—especially for the higher kyu grades and
beyond. Otherwise, it is not true karate: only an impression of karate: 'karate movement'.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The constant target of “…being able to hit more accurately,
more strongly, and faster, are naturally high priorities amongst budo karateka
(plural)”.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">What I strongly advise, for those doing insufficient kihon,
is to simply amp up uchikomi practice and bag work (also makiwara, focus mitts,
impact shields, etcetera).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I also recommend doing reps and sets. Three sets of fifteen
sets of a ‘one—two’ combination: for example, kizami-zuki kara jodan
gyaku-zuki. Set one as uchikomi with a training partner. Sets two and three
with maximum explosiveness on the sandbag, followed by moving focus mitts.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>This is a super simple example, nevertheless, a 'start point' for many people. Reps and sets help: they motivate! I need to add here that many require strength training. Not only to maximize their karate and avoid injury, but also for daily life. The typically sedentary nature of people's lives now has resulted in the average person's muscles and bones to be weaker. </span><span>Hojo-undo, weights, </span><span>calisthenics, plyometrics, and so forth, are all excellent to maximize ourselves. However, it is imperative to take care to not overtrain and cause injuries: step-by-step... The key is to be systematic and build up slowly.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWQSpdFrrHtZEUhkETbtBEm5Vg0EkKjjXdwss65VDf6A0X6UTemVdVaV1wn-FJeFEWmg0ex6zVrPbxqSEJ2TJh2Wsp61LUYKlu7RxFPPRvfooCgolX0QEPH-iU1gsQWf7rytTOSPME-cIPF_mkgejZLKNgapZmuUOtO4qnGwV3xmcou-C3zcVcY91MN4/s2736/IMG_0089.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="2736" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWQSpdFrrHtZEUhkETbtBEm5Vg0EkKjjXdwss65VDf6A0X6UTemVdVaV1wn-FJeFEWmg0ex6zVrPbxqSEJ2TJh2Wsp61LUYKlu7RxFPPRvfooCgolX0QEPH-iU1gsQWf7rytTOSPME-cIPF_mkgejZLKNgapZmuUOtO4qnGwV3xmcou-C3zcVcY91MN4/w640-h640/IMG_0089.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>ALL OF THESE POINTS ARE 'KIHON'. Mix them in accordance with what you need to maximize yourself. Furthermore, do so safely so that you can avoid injuries. </b></span><b>Simply punching the air on the spot and doing line-work is OK for beginners and intermediate level karateka; however, one cannot develop true BUDO/BUJUTSU (that is, REAL KARATE) if they only do this.</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2023).</span></b></p>Andre Bertelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05823370137569920598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862663109167132990.post-21142660221890495252023-12-26T17:10:00.008+09:002023-12-27T17:31:43.703+09:00New Hirota TAKUMI Dogi<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span> I recently go a new dogi from Hirota. My last one was a MH-11 </span><span>and the latest is a new designed </span><span>custom cut </span><span>TAKUMI.</span></span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlqv71sLdsRXsmxcOnR04B7e770n97wlNGPf4ecIDPebYxmVfemfSgmzo7-U9vrKXbuJB9SZ8FDO5csYNjKxoe1gyAnzSEXnDlFo-hkcaer_Cl6QSJYZ_DTfxqfWY-TgkqpgQFV2l3NspA7V9N_kyvE4t3rg_OdZYcohTFPF2fz10H_d_K0htPjDSmVg/s4464/New%20dogi%20-%20December%2015th,%202023%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4464" data-original-width="2904" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlqv71sLdsRXsmxcOnR04B7e770n97wlNGPf4ecIDPebYxmVfemfSgmzo7-U9vrKXbuJB9SZ8FDO5csYNjKxoe1gyAnzSEXnDlFo-hkcaer_Cl6QSJYZ_DTfxqfWY-TgkqpgQFV2l3NspA7V9N_kyvE4t3rg_OdZYcohTFPF2fz10H_d_K0htPjDSmVg/w416-h640/New%20dogi%20-%20December%2015th,%202023%20(2).JPG" width="416" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This time I’ve gone for a longer cut for more comfort.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>There are several reasons I really like the Takumi. Firstly, it sits very well. </span><span>Secondly, it is very thin and dries quickly. Thirdly, it’s strong! You can </span><span>literally use it in hardcore grappling training. Fourthly, and <i>in merely my opinion</i> as </span><span>a professional instructor, it’s the best karatedogi on the market; that is,</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><b style="font-size: x-large;">"IT'S THE BEST" KARATE DOGI IN THE WORLD</b><span style="font-size: x-large;">.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I literally go through two or three Dogi every year as I self-train every day, in addition to teaching. The Hirota Takumi 'more than fulfills' all my requirements.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCQ8_7IzqNh_UBmAeVA9fuNicmwkHqeklUXWrYEL3ecQ8nMBXh6iySMu0TqNDSj4b6vXYGP6pKt1GE0vsWWchRaKwHRFnh7-RyVGhU2WSXVAKGkHZ-sYinLLovngWhOxuF1CPdIxTG_g2TGt9s9cZPVEio5b2ng2krov77A3mwLSziIzjIjOgFQtEfLQ/s3088/Andre%20Bertel%20and%20Louie%20-%20December%2026th,%202023..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCQ8_7IzqNh_UBmAeVA9fuNicmwkHqeklUXWrYEL3ecQ8nMBXh6iySMu0TqNDSj4b6vXYGP6pKt1GE0vsWWchRaKwHRFnh7-RyVGhU2WSXVAKGkHZ-sYinLLovngWhOxuF1CPdIxTG_g2TGt9s9cZPVEio5b2ng2krov77A3mwLSziIzjIjOgFQtEfLQ/w480-h640/Andre%20Bertel%20and%20Louie%20-%20December%2026th,%202023..jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Accordingly, while I still give the MH-11 five out of five stars (it is </span><span>comparable with Shureido and Tokaido's best models), the Hirota Takumi simply </span><span>has the edge over everything else.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">押忍</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">© Andre Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2023).</span></p>Andre Bertelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05823370137569920598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862663109167132990.post-64171443186617473942023-12-25T17:17:00.042+09:002023-12-26T18:31:40.913+09:00鷹 (Hawk)<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjn_ocIies6rdBGGufG636EFSRhvTPfxzcerA34hyphenhyphenj0T5JLUh0th-p9HhStphv7RXJiEXPzc-Ox1ip_OGR9mfHkPkuPiOYRsxUMNFPQ7HVR2iAb1x3WsQnKKH3FqDIonzbAe4qxhE-dcTkrZgUGeu25HDYcGMGDcF3cM5XN8fVVFjHbEGIijEgEVGUGHQ/s629/IMG_8005.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="629" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjn_ocIies6rdBGGufG636EFSRhvTPfxzcerA34hyphenhyphenj0T5JLUh0th-p9HhStphv7RXJiEXPzc-Ox1ip_OGR9mfHkPkuPiOYRsxUMNFPQ7HVR2iAb1x3WsQnKKH3FqDIonzbAe4qxhE-dcTkrZgUGeu25HDYcGMGDcF3cM5XN8fVVFjHbEGIijEgEVGUGHQ/w640-h434/IMG_8005.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span>I had a unique experience on Christmas Day here in central
Oita City. Whilst </span><span>walking through the remains of Funai Castle, I was eating a convenience </span><span>store burrito. Normally I don’t eat on the run nor eat junk
food, but I was in </span><span>a real rush and needed some quick calories.</span></span></b></div></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span>As I was eating, suddenly an ominous shadow came from above. Looking up </span><span>I saw a</span><span> </span></b><span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "MS Mincho";"><span><b>鷹 (TAKA - hawk)</b></span></span><b><span> rapidly swooping down on me!!!</span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>In that moment, without a word of a lie, the hawk literally grabbed my
hand </span><span>with one of its talons and snatched my lunch with its
beak... I pulled the </span><span>burrito back. The hawk
then</span><span> </span><span>immediately soared upwards. In this process a kiai automatically
came out, but only </span><span>from shock and needing composure to react.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>This story sounds crazy…even impossible, but it <i>really</i>
happened. So,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span>I feel compelled had to write about it! For me it has been
the oddest </span><span>experience of 2023. To be frank, I was completely caught off
guard, the </span><span>speed and angle the bird came at me was utterly astounding. The shadow was my only indicator of its incoming. My
reactions were </span><span>not skilled in any way nor form, just from sheer shock and reactive
desperation. I just </span><span>couldn’t believe what had happened. The suddenness and randomness of the incident... </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Fortunately, one city council worker witnessed the whole thing (the Oita City Office is next to the castle remains). She </span><span>asked if I was harmed as it had clearly made physical
contact. She was </span><span>amazed at the speed the hawk and stated (in
Japanese):</span><span> </span><span>“So scary, but your </span><span>yell scared him off!” To be honest, I’ve never been attacked
by wild bird before, so I was still stunned as she spoke.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>To be frank, I was just lucky it was clearly not
wanting to harm me. </span><span>She went on to explain that—she’d never seen a hawk do that
before—</span><span>even though she walks through the castle grounds four times a day for her job.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>She introduced herself as (Ms.). Ishikawa and even asked if
she could have </span><span>a photo with me! It turns out that she is a yoga instructor
here in the city in </span><span>addition to her day job. I did not reveal that I was a
karate teacher as I’d </span><span>just been totally outclassed by a feathered thief! An opponent I've never trained for, nor expected.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>That hawk has balls! Or maybe not, it might have been a mother hawk stealing my food? I have no idea, but attacking a man like that is certainly courageous. In karate this is referred to as KIHAKU. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>What I find really interesting, about what happened, is that I’m
sure the hawk </span><span>could have really hurt me, but with the exception of getting
a chunk of my </span><span>lunch, it didn’t even slightly damage my hand with its
talon. It actually, </span><span>somehow, grabbed me gently. What incredible control, dexterity, and, I
assume </span><span>intelligence.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>It was a good reminder for me that we are no match for
nature. Of course, </span><span>after parting ways with Ms. Ishikawa I immediately called my
wife to tell </span><span>her about what I'd experienced. I hope the hawk enjoyed a little piece of my burrito and didn't get a bad stomach from it!!!</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Later when walking back through the castle grounds I
found my new </span><span>feathered friend again: circling high in the sky. I could only wonder
if he/she </span><span>recognized me from earlier; moreover, if it knew it was Christmas Day and </span><span>wanted to steal a present!? Who knows, but the experience is something I'll never forget</span><span>!!</span></span></b></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">押忍</span></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Andre</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">© Andre Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2023).</span></p><p></p>Andre Bertelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05823370137569920598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862663109167132990.post-47647584121947130512023-12-23T16:07:00.002+09:002023-12-24T16:23:57.282+09:00Exclusive Christchurch Seminar<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span>My first seminar outside Japan next year will be in
Christchurch, in the </span><span>South Island of New Zealand.</span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Everyone is welcome (political issues, organization, style,
etcetera, </span><span>mean nothing, only world class training and friendship—so,
everyone is </span><span>welcome); however, there are limited spaces on this course. So, let’s enjoy </span><span>keiko together in a small group. Yes, this one is exclusive, so get in fast if you want to attend!</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>What I promise (as always) is that everyone who
attends this seminar will </span><span>significantly improve their karate, furthermore, instructors 'will attain many </span><span>points not taught outside the elite institutions here in
Japan' (foreigners </span><span>visiting are never subjected to the highest-level training).
So, the seminar </span><span>will be super valuable to everyone and all styles: not only
Shotokan groups.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>I deeply respect all of the ryuha and kaiha and hope to see
a great mix. I like the term</span><span>: ‘karate family’. Irrespective, I am just happy to say this, as I really want karate to move forward without any barriers and, that the next generation, can really expand in expertise.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span>To secure a place on this exclusive seminar, you can do so
via the following </span><span>contact information on the poster. This will be a knowledge-packed event
which will </span><span>especially give instructors (and serious karateka) a greatly
boosted </span><span>advantageous edge: in both coaching and training.</span></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkoAkff7EVDcFzXddwKB-Zxo1_FpzeuRTeFpq6DjjUVIdSZCFdJIOba9K7OBukOIqad8KNRRgRJnX5CgxK9kqrBS2ppDyxtQN7VaImOhH_ReFQokWFl_ZUDiLltg7J8MQC9fCY6GeVQZSPOJbSBia2u2p_VB79bp72UIO6ruT1K4OwjwSyCYsC_fLzRs/s3508/2024%20Seminar%20Poster%5B10351%5D.png" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3508" data-original-width="2480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkoAkff7EVDcFzXddwKB-Zxo1_FpzeuRTeFpq6DjjUVIdSZCFdJIOba9K7OBukOIqad8KNRRgRJnX5CgxK9kqrBS2ppDyxtQN7VaImOhH_ReFQokWFl_ZUDiLltg7J8MQC9fCY6GeVQZSPOJbSBia2u2p_VB79bp72UIO6ruT1K4OwjwSyCYsC_fLzRs/w452-h640/2024%20Seminar%20Poster%5B10351%5D.png" width="452" /></a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2023).</b></span></p>Andre Bertelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05823370137569920598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862663109167132990.post-26504347107364685682023-12-22T17:56:00.002+09:002023-12-22T19:10:39.033+09:00Kapiti Coast New Zealand Seminar: February 2024<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecAEOZ0OF4sj1bXLiBFb6Oie5X4AbeYn86vpb5Rb1p58jWKE-koLH2PtAkTwasS2ESEFaUykaw5V8HcHfM-AAUJFtVLayjmUWXnPe1EL7tO7LCneXSEF4BKf88QG3-6MgvrKIhSNO8MHdfSIGY3O9QI8p8uSLYfGXBhINcp4hOBB4n2RKSvRxLxZdmdE/s933/Andre%20Bertel%20NEW%20ZEALAND%20TOUR%202023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="933" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecAEOZ0OF4sj1bXLiBFb6Oie5X4AbeYn86vpb5Rb1p58jWKE-koLH2PtAkTwasS2ESEFaUykaw5V8HcHfM-AAUJFtVLayjmUWXnPe1EL7tO7LCneXSEF4BKf88QG3-6MgvrKIhSNO8MHdfSIGY3O9QI8p8uSLYfGXBhINcp4hOBB4n2RKSvRxLxZdmdE/w640-h424/Andre%20Bertel%20NEW%20ZEALAND%20TOUR%202023.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Here's a link to the Kapiti Coast (North Island, New Zealand) Seminar Information, which will be conducted in February 2023.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Click here for the details:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.kka.co.nz/andre-bertel-seminar"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">KKA Karate Academy - Andre Bertel Seminar</span></b></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">For all who are attending, greetings from Japan and see you there!!!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">押忍</span>, AB</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2023).</span></p>Andre Bertelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05823370137569920598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862663109167132990.post-76469912024637733862023-12-21T18:15:00.000+09:002023-12-21T18:15:03.953+09:00形 or 型 ?<p> <b style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">Many instructors use the kanji </b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">形</span><b style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"> as opposed to </b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">型</span><b style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"> for KATA. I tend to use </b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">型</span><b style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"> as I personally follow the 'old style
JKA Shotokan' (and the extensions/advancements of this style: researched, developed and introduced by Asai Tetsuhiko
Sensei).</b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-kFIQx6U04T1ea19vK2cYYtYy_Ow-kXUzo-6pZJwYaevTX-H4C1R4wPWxlaoxgvQGBazyDHxBg8X98e7cagb-S57VGBk7-dnB8UnsHGrM9cBM3N45Ricuh9rm-mHO0zUSDx1s1SGeEDjZfQuz11xBe7gcMxIA77sELAxt2Kwy5YsmH6egoRF0S4vwRY/s5087/AB%20december%2020,%202023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3815" data-original-width="5087" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-kFIQx6U04T1ea19vK2cYYtYy_Ow-kXUzo-6pZJwYaevTX-H4C1R4wPWxlaoxgvQGBazyDHxBg8X98e7cagb-S57VGBk7-dnB8UnsHGrM9cBM3N45Ricuh9rm-mHO0zUSDx1s1SGeEDjZfQuz11xBe7gcMxIA77sELAxt2Kwy5YsmH6egoRF0S4vwRY/w640-h480/AB%20december%2020,%202023.JPG" width="640" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Nevertheless, for advanced karate practitioners (from a
kanji perspective) probably <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">形</span>
is more appropriate in the context of self-training.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Let me explain the basic difference between the two
kanji:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to convey what I’m meaning by this
comment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>1.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">型</span> (Kata)</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Meaning: ‘Type’, ‘(Set) Model’, ‘Mould’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>2.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">形</span> (Kata)</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Meaning: ‘Shape’, ‘Form’, ‘Style’</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;">In Japanese </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">型</span></b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
conveys a far more set routine. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Whereas the kanji </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">形</span></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"> somewhat insinuates 'plasticity'; that is, ‘less strictness’ and, potentially, adaptability.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlw6lOFBd_Nx0rK0Se8dFQHQ_kX1Fe1x7cz0hllBqn_-bwPLCdOiFPcQSVdAComyg_S2z-R7pSp-_O7A05jJ9ocDvUnv7UxHR9fipEsyn1oc-aIH-XC9Ae2dVxCUDkqObsjsGrPbOpzOv6cjtH6mG_mi7LUC5clCw4gY4TILLRJolbcYOXhQ3aIT5h8s/s1536/Andre%20Bertel%20Dec.%2020th,%202023..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlw6lOFBd_Nx0rK0Se8dFQHQ_kX1Fe1x7cz0hllBqn_-bwPLCdOiFPcQSVdAComyg_S2z-R7pSp-_O7A05jJ9ocDvUnv7UxHR9fipEsyn1oc-aIH-XC9Ae2dVxCUDkqObsjsGrPbOpzOv6cjtH6mG_mi7LUC5clCw4gY4TILLRJolbcYOXhQ3aIT5h8s/w640-h640/Andre%20Bertel%20Dec.%2020th,%202023..JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Self-training: December 20th, 2023. -- Jodan heiko-zuki (Kiba-dachi).</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>While I tend to favor the first of the two, in my
self-training, and when teaching others, I’m always seeking individual
optimization; therefore, in actuality <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">形</span>
is more appropriate. To conclude kata, for advanced karate practitioners, must
evolve into ‘alive fighting forms’ as opposed to merely being empty routines.</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">押忍</span>,
André</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2023).</span><o:p></o:p></p>Andre Bertelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05823370137569920598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862663109167132990.post-23791704329443883192023-12-18T17:30:00.015+09:002023-12-20T00:17:49.462+09:00Technical Form: 'find what's best for you". — T. ASAI<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaIyv2JMDemjvbx2CYie1NTSJ9w8_WgXNmkjS20wElnnE_joo7yMmr0UlXx0aZ647n4qfLAL-u13ZXT5eAa6yUKY4M5YjIVq2qCzIjcBla34kHsS7PNWA7NOc7oJVhQpfhlFK8q6ckpoDM5Wz52HMe83yEmqcJJ9s3RkK3REgQoZo-5UjSayawIvGdoDI/s1153/Asai%20Shihan%20and%20Andre%20Sensei.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="804" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaIyv2JMDemjvbx2CYie1NTSJ9w8_WgXNmkjS20wElnnE_joo7yMmr0UlXx0aZ647n4qfLAL-u13ZXT5eAa6yUKY4M5YjIVq2qCzIjcBla34kHsS7PNWA7NOc7oJVhQpfhlFK8q6ckpoDM5Wz52HMe83yEmqcJJ9s3RkK3REgQoZo-5UjSayawIvGdoDI/w446-h640/Asai%20Shihan%20and%20Andre%20Sensei.jpg" width="446" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><b style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">One action that I’ve been asked about is Asai Tetsuhiko
Sensei’s sliding up of the rear foot when executing <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">右上段揚げ突き</span> (Migi jodan age-zuki), which is
performed four times: on movements six, ten, 20 and 26 respectively. Needless
to say, I’m talking about <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">燕飛型</span>
(Enpi Kata).</b>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Some claim this an error, or just a bad habit… Both of which
is incorrect. For example, he did not do this when doing Chinte Kata, where 'Nihon-nukite jodan age-zuki' is executed. These points are ideal to allow me to explain an important
aspect: in regards to karate technique</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">—</span><span style="font-size: large;">'for advanced practitioners.'<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">To begin, I need to emphasize that in competition, I would
not do that as maintaining the elongated zenkutsu-dachi is the set form.
Consequently, by sliding up the rear foot—in this case—would result in a lower
score.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">However, from a bujutsu perspective (and a higher level) sliding up the rear foot results in more impact power via getting ‘more body’
into your tsuki. This is because moving your center forward and
advancing into shokutsu-dachi allows for greater </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">gyaku-hanmi </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">torque. Considering, say, Asai Sensei’s smaller physique, you can readily
understand why he’d do that with any seiken-zuki. He needed to increase the impact. Likewise, you can also see why he didn't need to do that with nihon-nukite in Chinte. From a self-defense perspective this is all obvious stuff... And this is the origin of our art of Karate and Shotokan-Ryu Waza.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">To conclude, I want to stress that high-level ‘technical
karate form’ is about ‘optimal effect in self-defense’. While ‘kata in
isolation’ is unrealistic, in the greater picture—via ‘the bujutsu habits’ its
training ‘should instill’—it contributes to optimal actions when facing a
violent attack.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Simply to do the form well, with good speed, power and poise
is not enough. This is nothing more than a ‘karate form of gymnastics’, which
is what the majority of karateka around the world do now. Ironically, this type
of ‘performance’ always results in robotic looking kata, where the unique
characteristics of the different forms are inevitably lost.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Rather, bujutsu karate requires ‘active kata’. Yes, the
aforementioned gymnastic attributes are there; however, the budo karateka
actively seeks how to increase effectiveness of the actions as opposed to being
locked into the external form. I like to say the kata are organic. They are
‘alive fighting forms’. This is why many instructors, for kata,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>use the kanji <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">形</span>
as opposed to <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">型</span>.
However, that is worthy of another article. Accordingly, out for respect for those who read this, I will write that: and post that here on the site soon.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">OK! So, I need to stress here that “…this doesn’t mean that one goes
off onto a strange tangent where the form disintegrates, and Shotokan becomes
unrecognizable”. Nevertheless, at a high level must find what best works for
them in their constant seeking of ichigeki-hissatsu. Without this constant aim
in daily training, one’s maximum potential cannot be attained.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>This is the reference point for all of the great masters
here in Japan; moreover, it is why the older generation all have ‘unique styles
of Shotokan’. In this regard, rather than look at the differences from an
aesthetic standpoint (and be blown around by different opinions and
various teachings), “…seek the optimal effectiveness of your own karate-waza" and then, via training and systematic testing, THE FORM WILL FIND YOU. This is the traditional way of kata.</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">押忍</span>,
André </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;">© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2023).</span><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"> </span></p>Andre Bertelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05823370137569920598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862663109167132990.post-80147589775192642302023-12-15T18:20:00.005+09:002023-12-15T18:20:58.963+09:00 自由一本組手 (Jiyu Ippon Kumite) a few notes...<p style="text-align: center;"><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGi9a9BGmeWXokOhc9MLcctG1xHhhoZ-bx4ywXgbthWvaX6qiQbnukUI4r2F-RnRbEBDvVvjX7mSz1tSKFxYaPG3z-czDuwZUuNCHNDKabaczFckuo-HARvlUuOwXfxDyS0szxrWTMjVdjOdqLEqDNUGP0jFp3iy3vtKnFSiCjv8ELhz9KOw1RZ9Kxs54/s706/IMG_7869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="706" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGi9a9BGmeWXokOhc9MLcctG1xHhhoZ-bx4ywXgbthWvaX6qiQbnukUI4r2F-RnRbEBDvVvjX7mSz1tSKFxYaPG3z-czDuwZUuNCHNDKabaczFckuo-HARvlUuOwXfxDyS0szxrWTMjVdjOdqLEqDNUGP0jFp3iy3vtKnFSiCjv8ELhz9KOw1RZ9Kxs54/w640-h560/IMG_7869.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jiyu Ippon Kumite under the direction of Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">自由一本組手</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
(Jiyu Ippon Kumite) is often translated as ‘Semi-free sparring’; however, it is
probably better described as ‘free one-step sparring’. Unlike Kihon Ippon
Kumite both karateka are in a freestyle stance with a ‘kamae’, furthermore,
move around freely like in Jiyu Kumite.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">In sum, from these positions, it involves single attacks by
a designated attacker and a free defense and counterattack by the designated
defender. Another difference from Kihon Ippon Kumite is that ‘instead of
leaving the counter thrusts extended, after countering the defender immediately
returns to their en-guard position’. After the completion of several sequences,
the roles of attacker and defender are reversed. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">At a basic level, the attacks are prearranged and announced
before being launches; however, during matured practice of jiyu ippon kumite
(in daily training), each of the single attacks can be any waza. The only rule
is that the attack is launched from an exact position optimal for its
effectiveness. Kenseiwaza (feints) are also permitted but if perceived as
‘mubobi’, the defender can preemptively attack the attacker.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The defender can utilize tai-sabaki, deai, tenshin and so
on; however, high level practitioners must deliver ‘the best waza from where
they, following or simultaneously with their defense’. That is, after say
executing an ukewaza, one must change their position, this is too late.
Accordingly, the karateka must immediately and reactively execute the optimal
waza in that very moment. This skill is critical in this drill.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">One major error is where the defender keeps running away, so
that the attacker is unable to begin the drill. Here in Japan that’s a ‘no-no’
and, in serious dojo (plural) one will eventually be chartered with a barrage
of attacks. I should add here that this coincides with the attacker doing
‘mubobi’. Both in attack and defense one must respect their training partner,
have courage and kihaku (fighting spirit).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>The ‘standard set’ of attacks are as follows</u>:</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1.</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">上段</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> (Jodan): </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">上段追い突き</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> (Jodan oi-zuki).</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Target the jinchu with seiken. The maai is to reach between
two inches and midway through the skull. A deeper thrust is preferable, but not
at the expense of losing acceleration and engaging in mubobi.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>2.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">中段</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Chudan): <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">中段追い突き</span>(Chudan
oi-zuki).</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Target the suigetsu with seiken. The maai is to reach the
rear of the spinal column.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>3.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">前蹴り</span>(Mae-geri): <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">中段前蹴り蹴上げ</span> (Chudan mae-geri
keage).</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Target the suigetsu or myojo with josokutei/koshi. The maai
is to reach the rear of the spinal column.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>4.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">横蹴込み</span> (Yoko-kekomi): <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">中段横蹴り蹴込み</span> (Chudan yoko-geri
kekomi). </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Target the suigetsu or myojo with sokuto. The maai is to
reach the rear of the spinal column. Please note — Never land passively after
this waza; that is, after hiki-ashi land in zenkutsu-dachi as opposed
kiba-dachi.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>5.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">回し蹴り</span>(Mawashi-geri): <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">中段または上段回し蹴り</span>(Chudan or Jodan
mawashi-geri). </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Target the opposite side of the head or torso. Make sure<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>your maai is close enough. Many people make
their mawashi-geri out of distance to deliver a full contact waza. Note — when
calling the attack announce “chudan mawashi-geri” or “jodan mawashi-geri”
depending on the waza you are executing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>6.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">後ろ蹴り</span> (Ushiro-kekomi): <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">中段後ろ蹴り蹴込み</span> (Chudan
ushiro-geri kekomi). </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Target the suigetsu with kakato. The maai is to reach the
rear of the spinal column. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Supplementary Notes</u> —</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>a.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></b>Asai
Tetsuhiko Sensei taught me that after countering I should use tenshin every
time to escape and/or position myself optimally for any follow up action. He
also stressed this is important training when dealing with more than one
opponent (to essentially use people as body shields. Positioning yourself
correctly in such situations can largely mitigate the advantage that more than
one opponent has.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>b.</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In any
case, high level Jiyu Ippon Kumite counters must be “…exactly the same as when
you want to make full-contact on the sandbag or break a thick board or roof
tile”. Hence, (a) the maai must be exact to do this for optimal target
penetration; (b) the lower body and hips must be fully engaged; (c) the speed
and power maximum; (d) the weapon of the body and corresponding target optimal;
(e) fighting spirit —yet, “calm, reactive and aware”; (f) the target is
reached, but the attacking limb is stopped. What this means is that “your
control is to either hit with full power, or not”. To reiterate, if the
technique is incapable of working (hitting the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>target with absolute maximum force), the technique is wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>c.</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Take
note when forming your <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">自由立ち</span>
(Jiyu-dachi). Unless feinting/drawing the opponents attack, always contract
your stance by bringing the rear forward. In this way you can immediately
attack. Pulling back the front foot against a strong opponent—who is focused on
finishing you—provides them with an opening.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>d.</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Also take
note of the <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">自由な構え</span>
(Jiyu na kamae). The ‘general position’ has your lead fist or open hand
pointing at the opponents jinchu with the rear arms elbow resting on the torso
in front of the ribs. The direction of the fist is variable, but usually aimed
at a chudan or jodan target. Extend the front arm but keep enough bend to
directly attack from this position. This greatly depends on arm length,
however, the bend should be no greater than 90 degrees and no less than 45
degrees. In regards to the position of the hips, I personally prefer being
closer to shomen, as this allows fully body power with both hands, and more
natural defense. I teach ‘using hanmi’ in offensive, defensive and evasive
actions.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>e.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></b>Fix the
eyes. Asai Sensei watched the opponents throat as opposed to their eyes. So I
followed this. It is great because you can easily see all four limbs of the
opponent and, at least for me, allows me to also have better peripheral
awareness. When I worked in security and entered physical conflicts, I found
that this worked extremely well, especially in regards to instinctive fear. All
of the verbal abuse and attempts to intimidate me with fierce eyes had no
affect. I simply ‘went in’. Practice this in jiyu ippon kumite and make it your
habit. It works in real fights.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>f.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></b>Jiyu
Ippon Kumite is required for the shodan examination. To pass you need to really
try to hit your opponent when attacking. Conversely, when defending your
counter must be full-power but arrested (as noted above). At ikkyu (1st Kyu)
and above, if your defense fails you will be hit extremely hard by your opponent. If this is not the
case, it is not proper jiyu ippon kumite. If so,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the karateka is/are not ready for jiyu ippon
kumite and should return to kihon ippon kumite to build up accordingly. This is
the original way of Yakusoku Kumite practice that is really followed now. Asai
Sensei told me to preserve this ‘way’.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>g.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></b>For brief
moments the point of kime is classical kihon between fluxes of freestyle. If
one can replicate this and the underlying principles in Jiyu Kumite, their free
fighting will be very strong. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I<b>n sum, Jiyu Ippon Kumite links kihon, kata and
kumite with the objective of mastering kime in all actions. Underpinning this
is “…constant goal of seeking ‘ichigeki-hisatsu”; thereby, maximizing one’s
karate potential.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">© Andre Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2023).</span></p>Andre Bertelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05823370137569920598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862663109167132990.post-30452304013578015452023-12-14T20:48:00.002+09:002023-12-15T11:37:37.018+09:00 基本一本組手 (Kihon Ippon Kumite): a few notes...<p style="text-align: center;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKPHy2ADkVljhf44Rvyhcb4alH0IzBi1fCIJWu_y_HSwOzie2TTWeYjJGP0a56I3Ri2asLSBuZaF5OGs925VyMNwMrpoD0h3ll3xEU7CnYj_3__T9EI0QwJmT5Lu57UKzyn4AuPFTlKjZoLWodah3rFcUC31d9Du7beA5o61Om6S-jfMwoF3l4bg4j0QM/s3295/IMG_7867.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3295" height="588" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKPHy2ADkVljhf44Rvyhcb4alH0IzBi1fCIJWu_y_HSwOzie2TTWeYjJGP0a56I3Ri2asLSBuZaF5OGs925VyMNwMrpoD0h3ll3xEU7CnYj_3__T9EI0QwJmT5Lu57UKzyn4AuPFTlKjZoLWodah3rFcUC31d9Du7beA5o61Om6S-jfMwoF3l4bg4j0QM/w640-h588/IMG_7867.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kumite training with World Games Champion, Inada Yasuhisa (photo, circa 2002).<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><b> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">基本一本組手</span><span>
(Kihon Ippon Kumite) involves two to five foundational attacks, which are
practiced on both right and left sides. Today, I’d like to briefly address
these in regards to targeting and distancing; furthermore, some other fundamental
notes (for the budo/bujutsu practice of this drill).</span></span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p><span><b> </b></span></o:p><b> </b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>1.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">上段</span> (Jodan): <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">上段追い突き</span> (Jodan oi-zuki).</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Target the jinchu with seiken. The maai is to reach between
two inches and midway through the skull. A deeper thrust is preferable, but not
at the expense of losing acceleration and engaging in mubobi.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>2.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">中段</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Chudan): <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">中段追い突き</span>(Chudan
oi-zuki).</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Target the suigetsu with seiken. The maai is to reach the
rear of the spinal column.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>3.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">前蹴り</span>(Mae-geri): <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">中段前蹴り蹴上げ</span> (Chudan mae-geri
keage).</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Target the suigetsu or myojo with josokutei/koshi. The maai
is to reach the rear of the spinal column.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>4.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">横蹴込み</span> (Yoko-kekomi): <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">中段横蹴り蹴込み</span> (Chudan yoko-geri
kekomi). </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Target the suigetsu or myojo with sokuto. The maai is to
reach the rear of the spinal column. Please note — Never land passively after
this waza; that is, after hiki-ashi land in zenkutsu-dachi as opposed
kiba-dachi.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>5.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">回し蹴り</span>(Mawashi-geri): <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">中段またわ上段回し蹴り</span>(Chudan or Jodan
mawashi-geri). </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Target the opposite side of the head or torso. Make sure<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>your maai is close enough. Many people make
their mawashi-geri out of distance to deliver a full contact waza. Note — when
calling the attack announce “chudan mawashi-geri” or “jodan mawashi-geri”
depending on the waza you are executing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span><u>Supplementary Notes</u> —</span></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>a.</b></span><span><b> </b></span><span>If unsure
about maai, use the ‘board breaking reference’. If the technique is not at the
correct distance to break a board, i.e — only able to make surface level
impact, quite simply, it’s wrong. Wrong because the technique is ineffective
and literally grooving a bad habit. This bad habit is not negative only for the
attacker… It also ‘wastes the defenders training time’.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>b.</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Attack
with your zenkutsu-dachi. In the case of the tsukiwaza the seiken must impact
slightly before the completion of the stance; thereby, it maximizes hand speed
and maximum transfer of bodyweight/mass into the target. Obviously, in the
keriwaza one leg is already up; therefore, emphasize the snap/whipping action
of the kicking leg and the drive of the sasae-ashi. In both cases,”harmoniously
combine hard and soft actions”.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>c.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></b>Always
keep in mind that whilst <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">基本</span>
(Kihon) can be translated as ‘basic’, it better to be described as
‘foundational’ or ‘base’ techniques, drills and kata. This allows one to
properly characterize the term as understood by Japanese people. Needless to
say, most English speaking people instinctively perceive ‘basic’ as being
‘easy’ or for ‘beginners’, which is, of course, misleading.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>d.</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lastly,
always remember that correct form—which encompasses the above four points—is
the aim of Kihon Ippon Kumite (also <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">五本組手</span>/Gohon
Kumite) as opposed to ‘fighting’. These drills are Kumite, but moreso ‘Kihon
with a partner’, which adds the elements of physical contact, timing and maai.
With these points strongly in mind one can make the most of these fundamental
partner drills.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>To conclude, and to reiterate, “…please remember in Yakusoku
Kumite that the quality of the attack is of higher importance than the defense
and counterattack”. As, without an effective initial attack, the exercise is
completely invalidated; moreover, as I’ve already stated, ‘actually bad for
your karate’. <o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I hope that this article helps karateka to better practice
their kihon ippon kumite and, in doing so, contribute to their overall budo
development. <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">押忍</span>! —AB</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlKN4-6YijLQ8YtlThA6ONE0LQ4PVqAg5_Zbbgbph-M4c4qQnY19ssMfKh85ozaFhrfdUi087zJxPSX-9fSzdlPR6FbNInNVtRW2ZwWr8ZRnoFVq1Q3tyGomoyNStJwvPYXzDTeuvJ3_bbyf4hfYcvktj1sJQyabfGVEQPkweFXgOi1zeNVlNuFoghpY/s1125/IMG_7864.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="878" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlKN4-6YijLQ8YtlThA6ONE0LQ4PVqAg5_Zbbgbph-M4c4qQnY19ssMfKh85ozaFhrfdUi087zJxPSX-9fSzdlPR6FbNInNVtRW2ZwWr8ZRnoFVq1Q3tyGomoyNStJwvPYXzDTeuvJ3_bbyf4hfYcvktj1sJQyabfGVEQPkweFXgOi1zeNVlNuFoghpY/w500-h640/IMG_7864.jpg" width="500" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Countering using deai with jodan mawashi-geri.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">© Andre Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2023).</span></p>Andre Bertelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05823370137569920598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862663109167132990.post-85097846687876950302023-12-13T18:32:00.001+09:002023-12-13T18:32:12.263+09:00 Karate changes for each individual based on their personal objectives, age, health, injuries, and so forth.<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWdnVs6iotDHH-N5jQp4pEXeC_50bYiv8hPYVicfQLO1CRfdfRgNjYu1ahuMoQTUZdKunErbRFHo65dlXRJeYB6BZu5oZPXGcnGXeU-wV_3ZN7ddBLZUEQGVMG1WkCpC2pfgqzaob2TbiLQIJwn6gzjB3Jdi7BN4gNrcj_NUVtuWlUef6_YyVVrDqxRA/s280/Andre%20Bertel%20Tobi%20Mae%20Geri.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="259" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWdnVs6iotDHH-N5jQp4pEXeC_50bYiv8hPYVicfQLO1CRfdfRgNjYu1ahuMoQTUZdKunErbRFHo65dlXRJeYB6BZu5oZPXGcnGXeU-wV_3ZN7ddBLZUEQGVMG1WkCpC2pfgqzaob2TbiLQIJwn6gzjB3Jdi7BN4gNrcj_NUVtuWlUef6_YyVVrDqxRA/w592-h640/Andre%20Bertel%20Tobi%20Mae%20Geri.JPG" width="592" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />Today in my self-training I focused on the Heian kata kihon
followed by ten kata. Most of my practice in the kata portion of my training
went to Enpi (Shorin) and Hangetsu (Shorei).</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-size: large;">Taikyoku
Shodan<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<ol start="2" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-size: large;">Heian
Shodan<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<ol start="3" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tekki
Shodan<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<ol start="4" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tekki
Nidan<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<ol start="5" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tekki
Sandan<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<ol start="6" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-size: large;">Gankaku<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<ol start="7" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hangetsu<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<ol start="8" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-size: large;">Enpi<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
<p class="MsoListParagraph"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<ol start="9" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bassai
Sho<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
<p class="MsoListParagraph"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<ol start="10" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kakuyoku
Nidan<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">My aim in kata training is to move with economy
for optimal effectiveness of waza. This approach is not good for kata competitors,
so I do not advocate that for such trainees (who are seeking competitive
success here in Japan and international tournaments); however, post competition
or ‘non-competitors seeking true karate—its origins as “bujutsu”—this practice
is imperative.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Karate changes for each individual based
on their personal objectives, age, health, injuries, and so forth.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I personally advocate mindfulness in self-training:
that is, self-honesty and reflection. This style of self-analysis has the potential
to really maximize each individual's potential.
As an instructor, this is my goal, for all trainees. I want to boost the level of karate skill here in Japan and around the world.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">© André Bertel. Oita City,
Japan (2023).</span></div></span>Andre Bertelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05823370137569920598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862663109167132990.post-41562146058408331672023-12-10T21:04:00.002+09:002023-12-10T21:04:08.004+09:00義務 (Gimu)<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Today, due to the beautiful weather here in Oita City, I
decided to do my first self-training of the day, outdoors.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Recently I’ve been reviewing the ‘IKS<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">弐段基本‘</span>
(IKS Nidan Kihon), but today I also worked a lot on <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">肘技</span> (hiji-waza/elbow techniques). Of
course, in Shotokan we primarily refer to these techniques as <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">猿臂技</span> (enpi-waza).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">In addition to kihon I focused on the three Tekki Kata (<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">鉄騎初段、鉄騎二段</span> and <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">鉄騎三段</span>). Heian Shodan (<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">平安初段</span>) and Enpi (<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">燕飛</span>). Needless to say, the
three Tekki are infighting templates; whereas, Heian and Enpi are more focused
on middle distance fighting. I also utilized the training exercise of Junro
Sandan (<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">順路三段</span>)
for the fundamental practice of uchiwaza.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I’m so thankful to all my guides on my karate journey and
owe them to work hard each day; furthermore, to share this knowledge as an
instructor domestically and internationally. These points fuel my extra
practices, outside the dojo, every day.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>In Japanese I have <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">義務</span>
(Gimu), which means DUTY/OBLIGATION.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">押忍</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Andre</span></p></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqeKI1a3QvPtC-b371mgi09JbK9L8okVIdhh9A_HRt2XgBvGJ6GDqZJJHLWbuEc-9NJCLIHQRrAbCzuW6IqTahkwE5yvz3iBQO98hT9LlI-Nf9I4Wr2l1mK9lJex8YIpmGG8Ehsz83uapRZHeO4jHbuNf1G5PV7PjjbzcOFQE5Z-IAkaq28_AHhy44Vo/s817/Andre%20Bertel%20Enpi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="817" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqeKI1a3QvPtC-b371mgi09JbK9L8okVIdhh9A_HRt2XgBvGJ6GDqZJJHLWbuEc-9NJCLIHQRrAbCzuW6IqTahkwE5yvz3iBQO98hT9LlI-Nf9I4Wr2l1mK9lJex8YIpmGG8Ehsz83uapRZHeO4jHbuNf1G5PV7PjjbzcOFQE5Z-IAkaq28_AHhy44Vo/w640-h478/Andre%20Bertel%20Enpi.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB98_v6V_U-lLGL8T5oYVoIZKyIH0NvqVkyMyL8Rt_SDOFN2zCJbHFAkFSVYdrMdzBNV3J2a96Lv_lBlW8ZE7NvRsv45a0AQdstvV26zm4emI450PC6jxpdyxwa9WzXAzwz8vcoeUGADDtnFRbS4epGY1AxzR-r29JAXpvOWHdVyUZhHi2Tu8zxR6uw7g/s1333/Andre%20Bertel%20Junro%20Sandan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1333" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB98_v6V_U-lLGL8T5oYVoIZKyIH0NvqVkyMyL8Rt_SDOFN2zCJbHFAkFSVYdrMdzBNV3J2a96Lv_lBlW8ZE7NvRsv45a0AQdstvV26zm4emI450PC6jxpdyxwa9WzXAzwz8vcoeUGADDtnFRbS4epGY1AxzR-r29JAXpvOWHdVyUZhHi2Tu8zxR6uw7g/w640-h360/Andre%20Bertel%20Junro%20Sandan.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztiDlVRFlBX02sxqJFwBGavwkPWzR5yj3VxQT433TMThLgOl2_8As4F9JS2kllfE9PoIqUhRt9Bge8KgHkRN473pcsOGrRIZxWluvoVRJMTDnOL7aV80-nfVLo1B82NpoeY9WHHfI_nrhwIXnYMSOFAvNIKCesEzLURqvmGWe_NcuBvKt0_1zkSubASw/s1333/Andre%20Bertel%20Tekki%20Nidan%20Kata.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1333" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztiDlVRFlBX02sxqJFwBGavwkPWzR5yj3VxQT433TMThLgOl2_8As4F9JS2kllfE9PoIqUhRt9Bge8KgHkRN473pcsOGrRIZxWluvoVRJMTDnOL7aV80-nfVLo1B82NpoeY9WHHfI_nrhwIXnYMSOFAvNIKCesEzLURqvmGWe_NcuBvKt0_1zkSubASw/w640-h360/Andre%20Bertel%20Tekki%20Nidan%20Kata.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbhQ9tKB8DX_jT1PzxTSBKAmfX514RJID6kCDa4oJDza_au_GzHf2f-TfG72lpddySVd2RQG6ptNM0LMhC4bU965GQyjL3BfdCYlsvcoK3JxOBDb95gr9TO2KHmHSzvpM18sXO5EzJ5yINq_skIXCShSmUhdwG_eFiAhs8p5FtOtWGJBhYQDNkfhcJMA/s817/IMG_7831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="817" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbhQ9tKB8DX_jT1PzxTSBKAmfX514RJID6kCDa4oJDza_au_GzHf2f-TfG72lpddySVd2RQG6ptNM0LMhC4bU965GQyjL3BfdCYlsvcoK3JxOBDb95gr9TO2KHmHSzvpM18sXO5EzJ5yINq_skIXCShSmUhdwG_eFiAhs8p5FtOtWGJBhYQDNkfhcJMA/w640-h538/IMG_7831.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practicing in the office: December 10th, 2023.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><o:p style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><o:p> </o:p>© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2023). </b></div></o:p>Andre Bertelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05823370137569920598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862663109167132990.post-67225260916068209712023-12-01T18:08:00.005+09:002023-12-01T18:21:04.174+09:00太極 (Taikyoku)<p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOh8uPn3iCX8-1eutJDyc3eXCXAl0-2yTsuhJlmkCacE2TGDu_EPWQbUKr3TDshTHttUQ9sPPuTHYHwrfBWY19GnSxeqG1oI0qbIzuUsJY4HXUpwwqex_tP8lasFodChkKHQV3CWOGz1Qiq4N0y89X-dBR7R8ulQAvSmgNyVrtaWWDPREffAivINXT9QU/s640/Andre%20Bertel%20Self%20Training%5B2%5D.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="502" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOh8uPn3iCX8-1eutJDyc3eXCXAl0-2yTsuhJlmkCacE2TGDu_EPWQbUKr3TDshTHttUQ9sPPuTHYHwrfBWY19GnSxeqG1oI0qbIzuUsJY4HXUpwwqex_tP8lasFodChkKHQV3CWOGz1Qiq4N0y89X-dBR7R8ulQAvSmgNyVrtaWWDPREffAivINXT9QU/w502-h640/Andre%20Bertel%20Self%20Training%5B2%5D.JPG" width="502" /></a></b></div><b><br /> </b><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The three </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">太極</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
(Taikyoku) kata—Shodan, Nidan and Sandan—were an integral part of Funakoshi
Gichin Sensei’s karatedo. The name means ‘Grand Ultimate’ and is read in
Chinese as ‘Tai Chi’.</span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Master Funakoshi stated: “due to their simplicity Taikyoku
can easily be learned by beginners; however, as the name implies, these kata
are of the most profound character and, upon mastery of karate, the expert will
return to them as the ultimate training form” (‘Karatedo Kyohan').<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Ironically, within the larger mainstream Shotokan
organizations, while Taikyoku Shodan is sometimes practiced, however, more than not, it isn't. Furthermore, the second
and third Taikyoku are rarely trained. In most groups <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">平安初段</span> (Heian Shodan) is the first kata
one learns. The logic behind this is that it encompasses Taikyoku, which is logical but by no means totally right. But I'll get to that later via some points. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Some groups claim there are higher versions of Taikyoku;
nevertheless, these were not from Master Funakoshi or his son. There is also a
kicking drill based on Taikyoku, which is taught by a significant number of JKA
(<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">日本空手協会</span> / Japan Karate
Association) instructors. We do not do this as we have <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">乱雪</span> (Ransetsu, also known as ‘Rantai’), <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">脚戦</span> (Kyakusen), and other
‘leg focused kata’.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Following Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei’s teachings I usually focus
on Heian Shodan as the initial kata, but we also have <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">序の型</span> (Jo no kata) which a simple
preparatory form. This is a ‘training form’ for the fundamentals as opposed to
being an 'official kata'. Again, for us, Heian Shodan is still the start. Others are compliments to bolster kihon.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Insofar as Taikyoku Shodan is concerned I often find it to
be excellent for moderation of my form, zenkutsu-dachi, shomen and hanmi,
gedan-barai and chudan oi-zuki (jun-zuki). Also. All the various turns that
occur with gedan-barai. Note, the defenses always coincide with a body shift
and the attacks apply the entire mass via fumidashi. Often concentration on the
relationship between kakato and tsumasaki when moving, shisei, zanshin, and
other points can be really isolated/concentrated on with Taikyoku training. Of
course, you can do this with other kata, but the simplicity allows one to home in on specific details and find, and refine, depth of skill. Zenkutsu-dachi is particularly important as the fundamental and its transformation to Fudo-dachi for the advanced. In sum, the forward projection of energy/power.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">On personal and nostalgic note, Taikyoku Shodan was the
first kata I ever learned when I was a young boy. I remember finding the turns
difficult (to learn) until I learned ‘the trick’; that is, “…you always turn towards the
center of the I”. From that point I learned the importance of the enbusen. Looking back, I guess that's kind of cute!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">For me, when I was a little boy, it was great to especially not have
to deal with kokutsu-dachi and shuto chudan-uke when learning my first kata.
And, in particular, to really focus on zenkutsu-dachi shomen and hanmi in
relation to tenshin and fumidashi. That really helped my kumite abilty.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Referring about what I said about ‘Tai Chi’… Tai Chi is
called <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">太極拳</span>
(Taikyoku-Ken) in Japanese. Some say this is the origin of the flow in the
movements of the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">松濤会</span> (Shotokai). Interestingly, the
Shotokai remain the intensive practitioners of these three forms. One thing is for sure... Indeed, Shotokan and Shotokai are very different forms of karate.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;">Some of you may remember my 2007 post: 'Half-way between the JKA and the Shoto-kai', regarding Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei's Karate: </span></o:p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2020/01/half-way-between-jka-and-shoto-kai.html" style="font-weight: bold;">André Bertel's Karate-Do: Half-way between the JKA and the Shoto-kai (andrebertel.blogspot.com)</a>. That's the link if you'd like to read more.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Consider also questioning “What did Funakoshi Sensei
mean?”—in the quote above—when he said: Taikyoku is “...the <i>ultimate </i>training
form”? Why did he say that? My assumption is that he meant what he said in other
publications, which can be summarized: “the most simple actions are the most
important”. Nonetheless, this is only an assumption. Perhaps the movement of
Tai Chi, hence the name of the kata, is the underlying reason. I have researched
this a lot over the years as I believe it has some substance. However, that is
not to say one must deviate away from classical Shotokan but, rather, utilize
internal energy/biomechanics/natural energy to bypass one’s maximum muscular
capacity. Perhaps, the simplicity of Taikyoku allows advanced practitioners to
focus on this point in near total isolation? I certainly do not claim to have
concrete answers in these regards, but constantly practice in the dojo to
physically investigate such aspects. Consequently, internal self-understanding
and external speed, power and precision can be improved; moreover,
receptiveness/ mindfulness.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">In this sense, perhaps Taikyoku is best for Shihan-level karateka, again, reflecting Master Funakoshi's sentiments? Regardless, this is an interesting thought. For me, on my karate journey, "any thoughts that motivate training and physical investigation/evaluation" are valuable. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Irrespective of whether one practices it or not, Taikyoku
(especially Shodan, sometimes referred to as <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">基本型</span>
/ Kihon-gata) holds an important place in Funakoshi Sensei’s legacy and his
style: which came to be known as Shotokan-Ryu.</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p><span> </span></o:p><span>© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2023).</span><span> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></p>Andre Bertelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05823370137569920598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862663109167132990.post-14930994346560457652023-11-17T19:28:00.005+09:002023-11-17T21:05:39.867+09:00Zawan-Dachi 座湾立ち<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span> Zawan-Dachi <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">座湾立ち </span>(Description: ‘Wide-Seated Crossed Leg Stance’. Literally,
in Nihongo: ‘Seated Bay Stance).</span></b><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBq_iDkMJPCPx8Noo_-vjH6GX80AnC84TCtC5vgK62BJq63tvlE4Bbqqx8Wb-E6vJ-psru13luibMhz1dr0FH25gHlzNl6O0Vlgn05nu_mx4552Ok4XGNlpKSv0hGGUwXsXQuMY4kzOinPR5peqOa2SGs4OAb1chDyEdQbt2CT2hRcm7tBh61F6vjS6O4/s640/IMG_7665.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBq_iDkMJPCPx8Noo_-vjH6GX80AnC84TCtC5vgK62BJq63tvlE4Bbqqx8Wb-E6vJ-psru13luibMhz1dr0FH25gHlzNl6O0Vlgn05nu_mx4552Ok4XGNlpKSv0hGGUwXsXQuMY4kzOinPR5peqOa2SGs4OAb1chDyEdQbt2CT2hRcm7tBh61F6vjS6O4/w640-h480/IMG_7665.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Zawan-dachi is essentially a wide Kosa-dachi which allows
for maximum KOSHI NO KAITEN.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">This tachikata is found in several Ryuha/Kaiha but is no
longer commonly practiced in mainstream Shotokan (outside of the students of
Asai Sensei, and offshoots from his influence within the old ‘pre-split’ JKA). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>As alluded to above, it is primarily used for TENSHIN
WAZA—rotational/spinning techniques; in particular, kaiten-uraken, kaiten-enpi,
kaiten-shuto, haito, and various keriwaza. In IKS we also practice it with tsuki
and with partner resistance. Rather than for practical application this
challenges and develops core stability/balance and internal awareness of these
aspects: especially when engaging in rapid movements. Consequently, this
improves explosiveness in the </span><span>standard Shotokan-ryu waza.</span><span> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQVck6urILdVhn8bvBCm-BHoWwmDJsoLjN337xT6ifgTL7_NBmnvfl8Mq4h5F6h1zwb-MCBidWz79cUgZk4Dkhc7Z4By0Ae7hOJcLX7iGpu5xBFt7F89JsE6tnYunG97bUcSUY4rJgkALfIzMrIDj75xxhKBOTzuAjJSHc42ob9yB1-oLDk5LYNPdnQg/s556/IMG_7663.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="552" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQVck6urILdVhn8bvBCm-BHoWwmDJsoLjN337xT6ifgTL7_NBmnvfl8Mq4h5F6h1zwb-MCBidWz79cUgZk4Dkhc7Z4By0Ae7hOJcLX7iGpu5xBFt7F89JsE6tnYunG97bUcSUY4rJgkALfIzMrIDj75xxhKBOTzuAjJSHc42ob9yB1-oLDk5LYNPdnQg/w636-h640/IMG_7663.JPG" width="636" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">左足前座湾立ち</span>
(Hidari ashi mae zawan-dachi) with <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">左回転裏拳</span>
(Hidari kaiten-uraken).<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">A major advantage of spinning in this stance (as opposed to
zenkutsu-dachi, kiba-dachi, etcetera) is that it done immediately (on the spot
by simply compressing). Compare this to movement nine of Heian Sandan etc...</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">In practice, these spinning techniques are made to frontal
targets, which is very powerful but requires significant fine motor skills. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>While this is certainly applicable, the main application of
Zawan-dachi—in actual self-defense—is against attackers at one’s side or rear.
This requires minimal fine motor skills (and capitalizes on the the more
difficult frontal attacks practiced in the dojo).</b></span><b style="font-size: x-large;"> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">押忍</span>, André</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCj0-Qv2_QRpJmmQEPPOpgqKEXIM6pyXv01NZ1-XX_QCwiQA91bdIK5aOMtTwie-Icge_l4iSoJZyjN7D9QvZu-kGptiiFDKTG3fME8Y_TlP5e05MjtN14C47x894AqnB9cCtBUnPp1h5g1UI9S6C4pr8J4oCtK0-TQdgXDgLCWIkZWlBU23P6k8ZpcbU/s230/IMG_7664.JPG" style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="219" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCj0-Qv2_QRpJmmQEPPOpgqKEXIM6pyXv01NZ1-XX_QCwiQA91bdIK5aOMtTwie-Icge_l4iSoJZyjN7D9QvZu-kGptiiFDKTG3fME8Y_TlP5e05MjtN14C47x894AqnB9cCtBUnPp1h5g1UI9S6C4pr8J4oCtK0-TQdgXDgLCWIkZWlBU23P6k8ZpcbU/w609-h640/IMG_7664.JPG" width="609" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">右足前座湾立ち</span>
(Migi ashi mae zawan-dachi) with <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">右回転猿臂</span>
(Migi kaiten-enpi).<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-size: xx-large;">© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (November, 2023).</span></p>Andre Bertelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05823370137569920598noreply@blogger.com0