Gyaku zuki

I'm sorry if this post bores most of you to tears, however I thought I'd answer a question in regards to "the 'standard training' of stationary gyaku-zuki" here in Nippon. Obviously I haven't trained everywhere, however, throughout my teens, 20's, and now 30's studying karate in Japan, I've found the following to be typical.
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The basic routine

Please note that the repetitions I've listed below are 'pretty standard', however, it is not uncommon to do many more punches, literally hundreds. Also, tate shuto is often replaced by jodan kizami zuki. To keep things comprehensive, I have not added the many variations, such as tai no shinshuku from jiyu-dachi or Asai Sensei's many stationary routines (involving various pivots, turns, jumps) etc.

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1. Migi chudan gyaku zuki followed by hidari tate shuto no kamae to a count of ten (a total of five chudan gyaku zuki). This is the warm up set, so everything is done slowly.

2. Same as previous, but with snap on the punches. Still slowly assume each tate shuto no kamae but in your own time (for a total of ten punches). Kiai on the final gyaku zuki.

3. Next, snap the gyaku zuki and tateshuto in one count (for a total of ten punches). Kiai on the final gyaku zuki.

4. Same as previous but kiai on every chudan gyaku zuki (for a total of ten punches).

Including the warm up, by now you will have executed 35 migi chudan gyaku zuki. For sets 5-8 repeat on the opposite side (with hidari gyaku zuki).

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Boring?

If this kihon training seems boring, your not doing it correctly! Anything technically incorrect, even slightly off, means that no matter how hard you train, you will be grooving bad technique. And obviously, the more you do such techniques, the harder it will be to change... This is why having an excellent instructor is crucial! If you've been taught properly, you'll literally have no time to get bored, especially when under the supervision of your sensei, but also when you are practicing in isolation. "Self-monitoring is consuming job, if being OK is desired, let alone attaining excellence."

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I hope that answers the question fully! If you follow this by training mae geri (practiced in the same manner), you'll be doing the 'typical start' of a Shotokan class here in Japan.

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© André Bertel, Japan (2009).

Adapt according to your needs

Here's my current training schedule. Last week I noticed 'technical stagnation' (which naturally happens every so often), so I adopted a different routine. Already I'm back on track. Here's a very simple tip. "If your stagnated, change ASAP!"
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Kihon: (1) Sanbon zuki or okiku tobi konde sanbon zuki; (2) Jodan age uke kara mae geri soshite chudan gyaku zuki; (3) Chudan soto uke kara yori ashi yoko empi uchi (kiba dachi), uraken yokomawashi uchi soshite chudan gyaku zuki; (4) Chudan shuto uke kara (kokutsu dachi) mae ashi mae geri soshite nukite; (5) Gedan barai kara chudan uchi uke (neko ashi dachi), jodan ura zuki soshite yori ashi chudan gyaku zuki; (6) Chudan mae geri kara jodan mawashi geri soshite chudan gyaku zuki; (7) Ushiro geri kara chudan gyaku zuki; (8) Kaiten shinagara uraken uchi kara chudan gyaku zuki; (9) Yoko keage kara yoko kekomi; (10) Jodan soto uke kara yoko yori ashi gedan barai, chudan mae ashi mae geri soshite chudan gyaku zuki. * Strength work: Tobi-waza.
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Kata: (a) Unsu; (b) Empi; (c) Free-choice (presently from Heian-Shodan, Jion, Gojushiho-Dai, Junro, Kibaken and Joko).
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Jiyu kumite: 100% emphasis on kogeki no renzokuwaza (continuous attacking techniques) as opposed to defensive tactics. No hangeki... Just attack!

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I wish you the very best in your karate-do training. Train hard and remember to adapt according to your present needs!

© André Bertel, Japan (2009).

Keizoku wa chikara nari

Keizoku wa chikara nari is a Japanese proverb meaning "Continuance is strength". Often when I see physically talented people, I think to myself... "If this person did karate, or if they simply practiced more seriously, I can't imagine how technically excellent they'd be!"
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Regardless of one's potential, it is wasted unless it is constructively put to use... Therefore, if people don't start, or they don't continue training/practicing, their potential will mean very little, if anything. From my experience as an instructor, many high potential students learn very fast, but quickly loose interest, or simply rely on their natural ability. Whereas, the slow progressing students, who are not naturals, often 'really look into their techniques'. My advice to all practicing karateka is to not get concerned with those around you. Don't make comparisons between yourself and your karate colleagues, but rather focus on seeking 'perfect technique'. Study karate at your own pace, take your time, and make the most of yourself by being self-analytic. Whether naturally gifted or not, with continuance, you will keep improving! Over the years, many people will drop off the karate radar, but if you have "Keizoku wa chikara nari" in your heart, you will persevere. This perseverance is the inner strength gained from continuance, something that natural ability alone cannot give you. This is why, so very often, the average students end up technically surpassing those who are naturally gifted.

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Regardless of being a natural or not, the biggest point in karate training (besides accessing good tuition), is continuance. Why? Because 'continuance' requires real mental strength, and this power will result in ongoing physical improvement.

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© André Bertel, Japan (2009).

Kagoshima

Mizuho and I recently visited Kagoshima on the way to meet up with my cousin Julian, who lives at the very bottom of Miyazaki Prefecture. It was definitely the 'longest drive' I've ever made in Japan. Needless to say, it was worth every minute to catch up with him.
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Sighting seeing:
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Besides looking around in beautiful Kagoshima-shi, one of the standout points was visiting the Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots. Chiran was main kamikaze base in Japan during the Second World War.

Another highlight was seeing Sakurajima, Japan's most active composite volcano (stratovolcano). We also enjoyed visiting many gorgeous beaches driving up Miyazaki on the way home, after having a great time with Julian in Kushima.
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All the very best from Oita, Japan. - André

© André Bertel, Japan (2009).

Karate-Do Kata: Depth & Substance

My teachers instructor, Nakayama Masatoshi Sensei lavishly described Unsu kata in the following way (in ‘Best Karate Volume 10’). “In Unsu there are constant transformations, signified by the name meaning “Cloud Hands.” All parts of the body are used as weapons, with feints and provocations leading to unique combination techniques and multi directional kicks.”

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This and last weeks training has largely been dedicated to Unsu kata, and primarily the rendition of Unsu that Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei taught , which differs significantly from the version now seen in competitions. Like the other standard Shotokan karate-do kata, Asai Sensei had a different take on it. However, I think this is typical amongst the masters of karate-do, based on their application preferences, and unique physical attributes. With little analysis it is easy to establish, that even though ‘standard' technical form must be adhered to, we must still develop our ‘own karate’. Little do some people know, as many kata as Asai Sensei introduced and engineered, he was actually 'kumite focused'. To him, the kata he passed on were for this purpose, martial arts-fighting technique.
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It is therefore not hard to understand why Asai Sensei didn’t like posing in kata, such as the overly long pauses now commonly seen. Nor did he like ‘technique changes’ in the 26 kata as established by the JKA (Japan Karate Association). He believed that by working inside of the highly refined Kyokai framework, that one would gain the most benefits. For example, such things as doing thrust kicks instead of snap kicks in Gankaku, jumping high after the mikazuki geri in Kanku Sho, over exaggerated breathing and robotic movements infuriated him. He would say such things as “People must work with the kata, not change it to work in with themselves or come across as being athletic”. He wasn’t saying, “don’t make the kata your own” but rather “use the kata as a tool to improve yourself... Don't change the exterior, change the interior!"

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Whilst I’ve practiced Unsu for many years, I certainly do not claim to be good at it, nor any other kata in the ‘performance sense’. My goal is, and has always been, to continue seeking to improve my skills, via kata and all the other forms of training, keeping foremost in mind that kihon is kata, and kata is kumite. Asai Sensei's perspective was if each technique in kata, is kumite focused, it may not win competitions, but who cares? Its depth and substance will far exceed the most intricate/flashy ‘performances’. Therefore, "if kata is kumite, it is truly beautiful”, and will be appreciated by those who understand true karate.

© André Bertel, Japan (2009).

Koketsu ni irazunba koji wo ezu

On the 27th I did my self-practice at the beautiful Usa Jingu. Rather than write about it, here are some photographs. As the old Chinese saying goes "A picture speaks one thousand words".

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Best wishes and best training from Kyushu, Japan.
Osu!
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© André Bertel, Japan (2009).

Technical Maturity

Yesterdays training was focused on the following techniques practiced in the stationary fashion: (1) kizami-zuki; (2) gyaku-zuki; (3) oi-zuki; (4) mae-geri; and (5) mae ashi mae-geri. Stances employed were heiko-dachi, zenkutsu-dachi, han zenkutsu-dachi and neko-ashi dachi.
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Stance length and stance recovery: The technical points being worked on were exact stance length (without obstructing proper hip action in punching techniques). The focus here was a balance between horizontal and vertical alignment as opposed to the vanity or 'physical exercise purposes' of making a 'long stance'. And in the case of the kicks, the fundamental point of 'rapid return to the stance' was highlighted. Just to clarify, this was not focused so much on the hiki-ashi, as it was focused on quick stance recovery... Yes, all very basic stuff, but physically very challenging.

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Superfluous action: The other aspect worked on, which I've always found terribly hard during intense stationary practice, is the complete removal of additional/superfluous movement. This is tough when you are blasting out say 'jodan kizami-zuki kara chudan gyaku-zuki' and are getting very tired. However, this is a telltale that unnecessary power is being used, or unnecessary muscles... Visualisation of the spine was used to correct this with all of the above mentioned techniques.

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Kata: No full kata were practiced however a few sequences from various kata were used to apply the above points drilled in the kihon-geiko. Firstly, the opening of Unsu up until the final gyaku-zuki before going to the ground for mawashi-geri. Secondly, and also from Unsu, the two haito-uchi combinations concluding with migi gyaku-zuki. Thirdly, the opening movement of Jion in isolation (pictured above). And forthly, the final shuto uke in Sochin through to the mikazuki-geri and muso gamae.

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I feel that the theme, which overshadowed yesterday's practice was 'technical maturity', which is largely based on 'moderation'. Practicing in zenkutsu dachi, and not obstructing hip action, via excessive stance length, is just one small example of ' technical moderation' (which is the cornerstone of technical maturity in karate).

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© André Bertel, Japan (2009).

Jugatsu no keiko

Some reflections on my karate-do… Recently my Shotokan karate practice has been further simplified, yet again… This is undoubtedly due to my lacking of skill, in so many aspects of karate-do. Day in and day out I convince myself that “my thinking is a result of my ability to see deep into techniques” {perhaps not true, but it works...}. In actuality this ‘way’ has been my key to motivation throughout my karate career. I’m highly motivated because I’m never fully satisfied by my waza, there’s always bundles of physically 'seemingly unsolvable jigsaws', which I'm determined to solve (I believe I can, otherwise how could I go on?). Seriously, for me karate is a constant uphill battle... As a healthy balance, I try to recognize when I do something well, that is, when I do something technically superior, to my ‘previously perceived bests’. Such times are my biggest rewards, along with the daily pleasure of keeping in shape, and the satisfaction of completing hard workout with sweat oozing, perhaps some blisters popped, and plenty of knocks. Of course the other rewarding aspect is the mental benefits of karate training, which are too numerous to list here!

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Anyway, here is my latest training schedule… All the best from Japan! – OSU.
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Kihonwaza (Fundamental Techniques): The current numbers of repetitions are highly variable depending on my daily target/emphasis. (1) Chudan oi-zuki; (2) Chudan gyaku-zuki; (3) Chudan mae-geri; (4) Chudan yoko-keage; (5) Chudan yoko-kekomi; (6) Chudan mawashi-geri; (7) Chudan ushiro-geri; (8) Gedan-barai kara chudan gyaku-zuki; (9) Jodan age-uke kara chudan gyaku-zuki; (10) Chudan soto-uke kara chudan gyaku-zuki; (11) Chudan uchi-uke kara chudan gyaku-zuki; (12) Chudan shuto-uke kara tateshihon nukite gyaku zuki.

Kumite: Presently I’m doing lots of uchikomi Japanese style. Lunging down the line with nagashi-uke kara gyaku-zuki soshite gyaku-zuki and the like. High repetitions of explosive attacks emphasizing ‘reaching with the torso’ (colliding) as opposed to reaching with the limbs. This of course is largely concerned with transport of the torso via various forms of footwork. The beauty of this training is moving from your center, something which really connects one’s kihon, kata and kumite. Finding this, and keeping the limbs in a state of relaxation, further trains a key point which Asai Sensei stressed.

Kata: My kata training as of late has been primarily focused on Hangetsu (Half moon), Empi (Flying swallow), Unsu (Cloud Hands), Kakuyoku-Nidan (Crane’s Wings Second Level) and Tekki-Shodan (Iron Horse First Level). In saying that, I’ve been still practicing a wide range of kata, but only during the warm down portions of my self-training sessions.
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© André Bertel, Japan (2009).

Kougemachi Training

Today marks two and half years since we arrived back in Japan, and for me as a karateka, this can only be defined by my daily teaching and training.

My local practice today in Kougemachi, Fukuoka-ken, was nothing out of the ordinary, however I thought I'd cover it here, and offer you some of my thoughts, as I rest my body.

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Kihon: Today kihon was firstly focused on maximum hanmi for ukewaza or blocking/reception techniques (Depicted in the photo above - please note my bad rear foot position, slippery but no excuses). Secondly, (and very closely related to ukewaza and ude-gatame) I worked on hiji-ate, namely tate empi uchi, ushiro empi uchi, mae empi uchi, yoko empi uchi, yokomawashi empi uchi and otoshi empi uchi, but also on the other more obscure Asai-ryuha variations.

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Kumite: Practical application of haito in various forms was the first aspect we addressed. Secondly, was inter-reversible blocks & counters with various forms of kakuto and teisho combined. In both cases, the over riding theme was kyusho-jutsu (best explained in English as pressure point techniques). Finally we worked on the application of the various forms of elbow strikes (this complimented the pin-point precision required for the kyusho techniques). These 'battering ram' strikes were applied against much more general targets such as the temple, jaw, chin, eye socket, solar plexus, and rib cage.

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Kata: Three kata were practiced today, namely Kakuyoku-Nidan, Asai-ha Sochin, and Asai-ha Unsu. The over riding theme was 'large scale' techniques based on a full understanding of junansei (softness/relaxation); The other theme was the avoidance of excessive stance length to enable maximum/optimal expression of the hips. Translated: 'No good for winning tournaments but all good for practical application'.

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© André Bertel, Japan (2009).

Makiwara Training

My doctor cheekily asked “How many times have you broken your knuckles? Either that or you are a karate man!” When I told him I have trained in karate for well over 20 years, many of which I’ve been a full-time instructor, he was surprised that I never told him before (He’s been my doctor since I returned to Japan in March of 2007). He thought from my physique that I was doing “gymnastics or something”.
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He then went on to ask the typical questions (boringly typical here in Japan) if someone finds out that you do karate “Do you play in K1?” and “Do you break bricks with your hands?” Both to which I of course answered “No, I do dentotekina karate-Do”. He then asked “so how did the index and middle finger knuckles of your hand develop like that? (Pictured below)". So I explained to him that it’s probably from my use of the makiwara since youth. I then went on to explain that “to me the makiwara is not a tool for hand conditioning as much as it is for harmoniously using the body, particularly the legs, waist and back, to muster and channel maximum energy into a target”.

Clearly uninterested in my comments he suddenly slapped his hand on my seiken (fore fist), which was still closed, and was shocked “Ouch! Your hand is killing weapon!” Of course I couldn’t help but smile. He then went on to ask “Are you suffering any pain from complications such as arthritis?” And I responded by saying “Thanks to God not yet, and hopefully never!”

The last thing he said to me was “As a karateka do you make your students do such training?” And my answer was “No! I don’t expect anyone to risk their body for karate and educate my students on the dangers of all practice methods, teaching/promoting only what is safe. That is my responsibility as an instructor.” As a Japanese, he was surprised by my response, as here in Japan, people who teach budo/martial arts are often very stubborn, still promoting outdated practices which are very harmful for the body (their justification being ‘tradition’).

My view on the makiwara as a 'conditioning tool' for myself: Obviously conditioned karada no buki (weapons of the body) are less likely to sustain damage when impacting on various parts of the human body. Also sharp and hardened weapons ARE MORE EFFECTIVE. However, with any form of training, there is a price to pay, and a level of risk. Probably the most dangerous practice of all is makiwara training... In saying that, I admit that I value the conditioning aspects of hitting the makiwara 'for myself'.
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Many people question the safety and effectiveness of makiwara training, and rightfully so. As a total believer in the makiwara, I am not afraid to say this, and are also keen to talk openly about the dangers and benefits of this traditional training tool.

My best wishes for your training & good health!

André

© André Bertel, Japan (2009).