Shotokan karate subtleties

I’ve made many discoveries in recent weeks, which have forced me to change my self-practice routine. I stumbled across several ‘invisible weaknesses’, which I felt extremely compelled to address immediately. Such subtleties are deeply humbling, and are what make Shotokan karate such a wonderful art. To still be a beginner is not a statement of humility, but rather one of neccessity, to stimulate serious ongoing training. This point can never be overemphasized.

Several things have come to my attention via corrections in the dojo, and my self-practice. Rather than delve into my ‘technical issues’ on here, I’ll avoid boring you to tears, and give you my overall training routine. Whether facing the winter here in the North or enjoying the summer of the Southern Hemisphere, I wish you all the very best in your karate practice. Regardless of where you are, the weather is no excuse not to train! I say this boldly as I type sitting in a warm kotatsu. - André

KIHON

1. Yoko-keage in isolation and yoko keage with simultaneous uraken yokomawashi uchi: (a) From kosa aiyumibashi in kiba dachi [ido-kihon style]. (b) From zenkutsu dachi [syllabus style]. (c) Specific yoko keage/uraken yokomawashi uchi from Heian-nidan kata. (c) Specific two yoko keage with uraken yokomawashi uchi from Heian-yondan kata. (d) Specific four yoko keage/uraken yokomawashi uchi from Kanku-Dai kata. (e) Specific four yokokeage/uraken yokomawashi uchi from Gankaku kata. (f) Specific yoko keage with haito uchimawashi uchi from Bassai-Sho kata. (g) Specific two yoko keage with uraken yokomawashi uchi from Kanku-Sho kata. (h) Specific two yoko keage/uraken yokomawashi uchi from Sochin kata.

(2) Gyaku-zuki: Stationary zenkutsu-dachi – ‘grass roots style’ with concentration on refined use of energy (Asai style through and through).

General practice: (3) Mae geri in isolation; (4) Oi-zuki in isolation. And (5) Chudan shuto-uke in isolation. [With all three of these techniques I am reassessing my ‘chambering’ and further ‘personalising’ them. I'm also training pelvic hip alignment at a higher level to intensify power on varying angles to my opponent].

KATA

For fundamental training, Junro-shodan is my focus. The genius of Tetsuhiko Asai Sensei is so evident in this masterpiece. My advanced training includes Tekki-nidan, Empi, Unsu and Sochin. I've been using Sochin to spice up my routine and to fore mostly address points in my kihon. The depth of Unsu and Sochin, at a high level, is like Freud's Iceberg , so my kata training at present is extremely technical (actually too technical). Such practice cannot be continued for too long by anyone (if they are serious about their development) as it becomes information overload. For the time being, I'll enjoy this for what it is. But I will soon strip back my kata.

KUMITE
Not much to say except Kihon-ippon kumite [syllabus style]: Jodan oi-zuki, chudan oi-zuki, chudan mae-geri, chudan yoko-kekomi and jodan mawashi-geri. Focus primarily is on fundamental position in defence prior to counterattack. My attention is on the following points. I won't use any technical terms here: (1) Front foot; (2) Back foot; (3) Front knee and thy; (4) Back knee and thy; (5) Pelvis, hips and backside; (6) Abdomen; (7) Back and chest; (8) Neck/head; (9) Eye focus; (10) Reception shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand; (11) Withdrawal hand shoulder, elbow, wrist and fist; and (12) Breathing.

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I'll wrap up this post by saying that Shotokan karate is all about subtlety, that is, depth of knowledge. The subtle skills of the art are what establish each karateka’s technical level and ability to apply it. What’s more, understanding these skills is not enough… The body must be trained via tens of thousands, if not, hundreds of thousands of ‘correct repetitions’. Why? Because we must always remember that Shotokan is a narrow river (please my article on this topic here: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/03/shotokan-karate-do-narrow-river.htmllogspot.com/2008/03/shotokan-karate-do-narrow-river.html). Quality (effective) not quantity karate, is the key, and this is determined by mastering the subtleties.

© André Bertel, Japan 2009

Blog Reviewed on TSW

I failed to mention that this blog was reviewed on TSW (The Shotokan Way) at the end of last year. I didn't know it was being reviewed, so it was a pleasant surprise.

Here is the link: http://www.theshotokanway.com/andrebertelblog.html

© André Bertel, Japan 2009

Nakatsu City

Mizuho and I recently ventured into Nakatsu’s tera machi (temple town). We went at the ideal time (an unusually cold and grey skied day) to avoid large groups of tourists. The two highlights of this relaxing wintery stroll were visiting the former residence of Fukuzawa Yukichi, and going to Goganji, a relatively famous temple here in Oita Prefecture. I thought I'd post something about these two historical places in Nakatsu City.

Goganji
This exquisite building is also known as Akakabe dera (which literally translates as 'the red wall temple’). Many years ago, when the Daimyo, Kuroda Yoshitaka had several influential people murdered. The vassals at Goganji were also assassinated and their blood splattered on the temple walls. After several unsuccessful attempts to paint over the blood stains, it was decided to paint the walls red.

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The former residence of Fukuzawa Yukichi

The largest note/bill in Japan is ichiman (10,000 yen) and the man featured on it is Yukichi Fukuzawa. Fukuzawa resided in Nakatsu City during his teens, and his home has been well maintained as a national treasure. His influence on the modernization of Japan is nothing less than colossal. For some general information about Fukuzawa Yukichi click here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fukuzawa_Yukichi One point of interest, for Shotokan karateka, is that Fukuzawa founded Keio Gijuku (which later became Keio University), one of the ‘Big Three’ educational institutions in Japan. Needless to say, Keio University was an important venue for Gichin Funakoshi’s promotion of karate-do. And therefore, the Keio University Karate Club was a pillar in establishment of Shotokan-ryu.

I thoroughly recommend anyone visiting Kyushu to go to Nakatsu City, and explore its historical tera machi. As cold as we appear in these pictures, we still had a fantastic time.

© André Bertel, Japan 2009

Kangeiko 2009

I’m presently doing my annual Kangeiko (Special Winter Training) which will be completed tomorrow. You can click here to check out my 2008 post: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/01/kangeiko-2008.html. For those of you who don’t know, Kangeiko is typically a week of intensive karate training, where we have to endure the coldness, whilst pushing ourselves to the limit. Traditionally this practice is done outside, in the early morning facing the elements.

My best wishes to everyone else who is partaking in Kangeiko this year, especially those here in Japan.

OSU

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© André Bertel, Japan 2009

New Years Resolution

On January 1st (this day last year), I stated “My karate has no past, no nothing. I BEGIN KARATE FROM TODAY. My New Year’s resolution is to keep on this straight and narrow path.” (http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/01/new-years-day-2008.html)

My 2009 New Year’s resolution remains exactly the same, because 2008 was literally my most technically productive year ever. My focus is simple, to keep concentrating on ‘physical karate training’, which is the kokoro (heart) of this blog.

The only other concern I have, is practicing karate primarily as a traditional martial art, as opposed to a performance sport. Whilst there is nothing wrong with karate tournaments, the way the major events are being conducted now is in no way related to the ‘martial art of karate’. It is therefore my hope that this blog might be a source of information, for those seeking bujutsu karate, as opposed to the watered down version of the art. This is the essence of Asai Sensei's karate, and has steered me in the direction I'm now travelleing. Others who also follow this karate 'way' have my deepest respect.

“My karate is bujutsu. Only bujutsu karate is real karate.” – Asai Tetsuhiko.

All the best for your training in 2008.

Osu!

André Bertel

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© André Bertel, Japan 2009

Final Group Training for 2008

I thought I’d provide an overview of the final group lesson of 2008. For those of you who haven’t lived and trained here in Japan, hopefully it will provide some interesting reading, and perhaps some ideas, for your own karate practice.
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Kizami-zuki kara gyaku-zuki soshite... After warming up and the standard repetitions of stationary chudan gyaku-zuki, and kizami-zuki kara gyaku-zuki, Tachibana Shihan had us once again fire out kizami-zuki kara gyaku-zuki. However, this time, we continued on with a 180 degree turning gyaku-zuki. From this position, keeping the rear foot fixed, we had to stretch our stances for a very long kizami-zuki. To recover, contract the lead leg back into a ‘normal zenkutsu-dachi shomen’ simultaneously punching gyaku-zuki. From this position, the drill simply restarted.

Jiyu-kumite specific variation: After a brief ‘rehydration period’ we once again executed the drill, but this time from jiyu-kumite no kamae. The other major difference was to train the support/driving-leg in a ‘gymnastically superior’ fashion. This was to ensure maximum power is generated from the back leg and that the body weight is fully committed. Essentially this was achieved by taking three big ‘support leg hops’ for distance (whilst deeply compressing the springing leg) then exploding forward with a large scale gyaku-zuki.

Sen no sen (taking the initiative earlier): After ample practice we moved onto partner applications utilising the three hops as a means to train attacks with tobi-konde gyaku-zuki. Focus was twofold: Firstly, the connection between the support leg and the fist going ‘through the opponent’. And secondly, attacking from a very long distance. Initially we practiced moving directly in ‘on the line’, and later, going past the opponent whilst hitting. When ‘going past’ we were required to get our lead leg alongside the opponent’s rear leg. In both cases, this was supplemented by Asai-ryuha fundamental methods of ‘jamming’ and ‘freezing’ opponents with tate-shuto, seiryuto, and/or kake uke. Variations included: (a) Opening and unbalancing with kake uke namely to the inside and outside of the elbow joint; (b & c) Controlling the opponent by freezing/jamming either the front or rear shoulder joints with tate-shuto and seiryuto.

Go no sen (taking the initiative later): Shihan then demonstrated the above three karada no buki to neutralize incoming attacks with kizami-zuki and gyaku-zuki. He also briefly reviewed the basic ‘leg blocks’ to freeze the opponent’s stance, and also deflect/jam kicks (focusing on the hip, knee and ankle joints). The leg blocks Tachibana Shihan brilliantly demonstrated included uchi and soto ashikubi kake uke, sokuto and sokutei osae uke, amongst others.

Ashi-barai: Next it was on to inside and outside leg sweeps by following the same principles vigorously practiced in the previous drill. We initiated our attack with the same gyaku-zuki. From here we made three rearward ‘support leg hops’ coordinated with mae ashi-barai to sweep the opponent. Once again, like the initial gyaku-zuki, the key was not focusing the ‘action limb’, but rather, the commitment of full-body weight, via the support leg. The hops truly tested if you were doing this correctly, and as stated before, were gymnastically excellent for the training the supporting leg. In the case of the first ‘hop’ not downing your partner, Tachibana Shihan told us to hop again, and again, until the opponent is floored.

Kiba dachi de ashi barai: We practiced the classic inside and outside leg sweeps with kiba-dachi. This built up to ducking under a kizami-zuki then downing the opponent. In addition to ducking and entering, we also practiced rapidly switching the legs then pivoting in for the sweep. Kaiten-shinagara was not covered today.

Kata and kihon oyo kumite: To complete the lesson we executed Junro-shodan three times, Junro-nidan three times and Junro-sandan two times. After completing each of them we did the corresponding kihon oyo kumite. Tachibana Shihan emphasised that “The Junro kata were developed by Asai Shuseki-Shihan specifically for kumite”. So in addition to going through the standard applications, and some variations, each person had to demonstrate their own interpretation for different sequences within the kata. Overall a great way to end an excellent karate training session... Really speaking, more of a 'lesson' than merely a 'work out'.
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To conclude I’d like to say that I deeply appreciate the excellent tuition I’ve received this year from Tachibana Shihan (JKS 8th Dan). Domo arigato gozaimasu Shihan. Likewise, I’d like to thank the members of the Japan Karate Shotorenmei Oita Sohonbu for their camaraderie. I look forward to returning to group training with you all on January 10th.

OSU, André
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© André Bertel, Japan 2008

Loving karate

I’m really looking forward to the final group training of the year, being held at the dojo this Saturday. At last week’s group training we literally did both Bassai-dai then Kanku-dai ten times, in addition to jiyu (free-choice) kata to warm up the body. The hardest part of the session was surviving all of the Bassai and Kanku, after doing some really intensive kihon. Come on, you've gotta love it!!! I’ll give you a brief description (just below) of this practice, as I found it to be ‘particularly tough’, but typical of 'karate here in Japan'. I’m writing this in high anticipation for this weeks 'big' class, which really comes back to the title of this post 'loving karate'. Not teaching, thinking about, typing about, or anything else, but simply loving the sweat, and often blood loss, in hard karate-keiko.
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Junbi-undo (Preparatory exercises): The jiyu-kata training we did was literally straight after the junbi undo, so it was the easiest part of the session. I focused on Junro and Unsu. Actually Tachibana Shihan had not arrived at the dojo yet, so the senior present, Sumi san, told everyone to do jiyu-kata. About 15 minutes later, Shihan arrived, and immediately spotted that some of the younger black belts hadn’t reached a good sweat. He was infuriated, so after ‘roughing them up’, the training session really began!

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Kihon-keiko: The kihon we did was as follows: (1) Stationary chudan gyaku-zuki from tate-shuto kamae (I think 30 with each hand, if not, more); (2) Stationary jodan kizami zuki typically followed by chudan gyaku zuki as a renzokuwaza (100 times on both sides); (3) Stationary mae geri to the front followed by yoko kekomi to the side returning back to zenkutsu dachi shomen, without dropping the kicking foot (100 times each side). Then finally ‘the nails in the coffin’… (4) Stationary gyaku zuki, followed by yoko kekomi to the front, then jodan kizami zuki (50 times each side)... Hips, hips and more hips!

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Kata-keiko: After a ‘blink of an eye’ break, it was on to the kata portion of the class… Bassai-dai and Kanku-dai were the order of the day. Whether 16 or 60, everyone was already shattered at this point, so to execute 10 Bassai and 10 Kanku was particularly strenuous. We were lucky to get a couple of breaks (gasps of beautiful oxygen and muscle recovery in slack musubi dachi) during Kanku-dai when Tachibana Shihan demonstrated 'Asai Shuseki-Shihan like' applications for ura zuki/hiza geri followed by going to the ground. And the last section of the kata from tateshihon nukite/te osae uke onwards. This was the only kumite featured in this class.

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More kihon and the completion of keiko: To cover yoko keage, which was not included in the kihon practiced earlier, we also went through Heian-nidan and Heian-yondan. This training was related back to the various yoko keage found in Kanku-dai. To wind down the 2.5 hour practice we executed yoko keage, simultaneously with uraken yokomwashi uchi, about 30 to 50 times (consecutively on both sides). This was concluded by some well-needed partner stretches and ‘heavenly time’ in mokuso.
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Thanks to my teacher, Tetsuhiko Asai, 30 years down the track, I progressively love karate more and more, no matter how hard training is . Why? Because I train with the heart of a mukyu (total beginner), just as Sensei did throughout his life . Honestly following this 'karate way', has meant that my ego cannot restrict my submission to vigorous practice, and the harsh scrutiny required for ongoing development. For more information on my my 'practice philosophy' please read my March 16th article on shoshin wasuru bekaraku: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/03/shoshin-wasuru-bekarazu.htmlebertel.blogspot.com/2008/03/shoshin-wasuru-bekarazu.html This is the biggest key of self-motivation and an ongoing/evolving passion for the art. Simply keep loving your 'karate training', and forget the rest!

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OSU

© André Bertel, Japan 2008

Asai Sensei's final international interview republished

As most of you will probably know, I conducted Tetsuhiko Asai Sensei’s final international interview, which appeared in Shotokan Karate Magazine, just a few months prior to his passing. The interview itself was conducted in Ohope, the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. It has just been republished on ‘The Shotokan Way’ online resource (www.theshotokanway.com).

"A few weeks ago we introduced an archive interview with T. Asai from a few years ago that had been conducted by the excellent Andre Bertel – Who kindly has allowed us to use another of his interviews with this legendary Master! Here in this Interview with T. Asai, Andre Bertel yet again poses questions to try and get to the source of this man’s unique approach to karate. I would like to say a huge thank you to Andre for being kind enough to allow us to use this superb interview!" – Shaun Banfield.

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Here is the direct link to the interview: http://www.theshotokanway.com/asaisenseiarchiveinterview2.html

© André Bertel, Japan 2008

Teaching Seminars in Hawaii

This 'new' video footage I've just uploaded tonight on Youtube was actually taken in early 2003 (in Honolulu, Hawaii). Asai Sensei had invited me to go to Hawaii for his seminars there, and used me as his demonstration assistant for most of the time.

Slightly off-topic, I introduced my student Matthew Brew, to Asai Sensei and Mrs. Asai at this seminar. Matt later became a student of Mrs. Asai in Tokyo, learning her Kiho-cise. Matt, if you read this, I've misplaced your contact details. Please fire me an email! andre.mizuho@hotmail.co.jp

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After the seminars with Asai Shuseki-Shihan, Charles Lee Sensei (Chief Instructor of JKS Hawaii & 'Technical Director' of Japan Karate Shotorenmei USA: http://www.jks-americas.com/) requested that I teach him and his students some new Asai-ryuha kata. Firstly I privately taught Charles Lee several times; then a small group of black belts at Edward Fujiwara Sensei's dojo; then finally taught a few sessions to Lee Sensei and his senior JKS Hawaii students (as seen in this footage) at both the JCC dojo, and the Waiau dojo.

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The new kata I taught them were Shotei-dai and Rakuyo (Asai Sensei recommended that I teach them these two kata , prior to his departure. He also ordered me to call him, immediately upon my return to New Zealand, to report how things went). Additionally, I corrected their Senka, which Lee Sensei and his black belts had learned incorrectly, from Asai Sensei's video tapes.

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A pat on the back or a set-up for a joke? Asai Sensei later congratulated me, when I telephoned him from New Zealand, telling me that I was the first instructor to introduce these kata ('Rakuyo and Shotei-dai') to the United States. But then said, "if wrong, Andre-kun, big trouble!" I now know he was joking, but in saying that at the time I didn't! Asai Sensei was very different to me in private training and in Japan (than when he taught open seminars, especially when he was outside of Japan). When he smiled and laughed (when teaching or examining students), it actually wasn't a good sign. Asai Sensei in private trainings, had no smiles, and was always very-very serious. I will discuss Japanese 'tate-mae' in a future article.

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So what's in the footage? Well, really speaking, nothing spectacular, as I'm mostly 'walking' the JKS Hawaii black belt members, and Sensei Lee (pictured next to me on the Youtube 'video thumbnail'), 'through the motions' of Shotei-dai and Rakuyo. In saying that, the footage is special to me because I was teaching karate in Hawaii, and it was interesting to see the technical standards of the black belts there.

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Click on the link if you wish to view the video: http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=5Oijw2xpzTU

© André Bertel, Japan 2008

New video of Asai Sensei on Youtube

I've just uploaded a clip on Youtube of Asai Sensei, slapping yours truly around with various open hand techniques. The emphasis in this clip is namely karada no buki (the weapons of the body): Karada no buki demonstrated include fundamental techniques with 'Shuto' (the sword hand); 'Tate-shuto' (the vertical sword hand); 'Seiryuto' (the ox jaw hand); 'Teisho' (the palm heel); 'Koko' (the tiger mouth); and 'Kakuto' (the bent wrist).

You can click here to check it out: http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=zGX6ty6jp-k

A big Oyasumi nasai from Kyushu, Japan.

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© André Bertel, Japan 2008