Mushi atsui desu ne...

Following are some pictures from my self-training today. I won't go into detail as I am too busy, but all I can say is that it was "defined" by sweat, blisters and the extreme `mushi atsui' aspect of the Japan summer; nevertheless, since I have been coming to Japan since 1993 for training, also living here in the past, thankfully, I am very accustomed to it.

Anyway, my target besides my own technical development is to help others in karate, and also benefit the young people of Japan - to build their jisshin and waza.

Thanks to everyone from around the world for you messages. I really appreciate it! OSU, André

© André Bertel. Aso-shi, Kumamoto-ken, Japan (2013).

BACK IN JAPAN

We arrived back in Japan on the 4th of August. Since then, besides work/meetings, my own daily karatedo training, and unpacking/re-setting-up in general, I have been too busy to make any posts...

Nevertheless, once settled, in the coming week or so, things will be up and running. Kindest regards and all the very best from Kyushu!

 

Osu, André 

© André Bertel. Kumamoto-ken, Japan (2013).

University Profile

Some of you will know that I recently graduated from the University of Canterbury. In this regard, one of the questions I've often received from karateka around the world has been "What are you studying?"

 

To answer that question, here is a link to a profile, the university did on me, for their website:

http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/profiles/students/andre_bertel.shtml

 

Kindest regards, André

 

© André Bertel. Japan (2013).

Christchurch Seminar 2013: Video & Pics

Lyall Stone Sensei (JKA Christchurch) and Mark Waters Sensei (JKA Auckland) duelling with great "kihaku"

Here are some pictures and a video from my seminar held in Christchurch (New Zealand) on the 27^th and 28^th of July, 2013. Please scroll down to the bottom of the page for the video. The entire course was hosted and sponsored by Lyall Stone Sensei–chief instructor of JKA Christchurch. I really appreciate Lyall Sensei for this, the members of JKA Christchurch and those who travelled to attend this seminar; moreover, I hope it was beneficial for your karate-do. For those who attended, please post some comments on youtube video if you want.

For those interested in learning authentic Shotokan karate in Christchurch, please click on the following URL: http://www.jkachristchurch.blogspot.co.nz/.

Kindest regards to everyone. Osu, André

© André Bertel. Christchurch, New Zealand (2013).

Reece & Anthony: partner training of gyaku-zuki.

Leo Pintos Sensei (Sydney, Australia) and Andrew Makin Sensei (JKA CHCH) demonstrating ashi-uke with tai-sabaki.

Lyall Sensei's mae-geri verses soto ashi-uke.

Taoshiwaza

Kaiten uraken: a tradition developed by Asai Sensei and favourited by Yahara Mikio Sensei.

Rebecca Hann Sensei (Brisbane, Australia) & Jenny Nixey Sensei (Palmerston North, NZ) engage in Kihon ippon kumite.

Lyall Sensei's mae-geri; correct positioning for optimal technique--mastery of the `chushin' and core line of execution.

"Natural" kokutsu-dachi chudan shuto-uke (Bassai-Dai Kata).

Tate empi-uchi (tate hiji ate); relaxed shoulders and big hip action.

Gyaku zuki: checking koshi no kaiten, tai no shinshuku and junansei to achieve a single finishing blow.

Jodan yoko-kekomi: the drive of the supporting leg and natural application of the jiku-ashi.

NEW ZEALAND 2013 SEMINAR VIDEO:

  

Seminar this weekend

André Bertel executes henka mawashi-geri on Lyall Stone Sensei at JKA's Christchurch branch (21 July 2013). 

André Bertel – 2013 New Zealand  Karate Technical Seminar

·         SATURDAY 27^th of JULY: 1pm – 5pm.

·         SUNDAY 28^th of JULY: 9am – 1pm

Venue: CPIT Gym, Christchurch New Zealand (JKA Christchurch Branch).

Hosted by JKA Christchurch - however open to all karateka irrespective of organisation. To book your place email: andrebertelono@gmail.com

  or call (021) 0285-5805.

 

Present training regime

The karatedo—university connection: Karate-wise I am now lifting up my training after completing my degree at the University of Canterbury. Wrapping my degree with top grades—all A+’s—can be attributed to the discipline of karatedo and great lecturers; in particular Dr David Small.

Free from academia: Now, finally free from study, here is my current training regime, which I failed to upload since I started it a while back (due to my academic workload). Karate continued during this busy time, but my posts lessoned and admittedly thinned out. Needless to say, the grades were worth it and, as always, since I started this webpage, training always takes priority over blogging. I sincerely hope this post finds you happy and healthy. Osu, André

PS – For those of you who haven’t booked my seminar is on the 27^th and 28^th of July. It is an open course. Here is the link: http://andrebertel.blogspot.co.nz/2013/06/christchurch-new-zealand-seminar-2013.html To book please email me at: andrebertelono@gmail.com

 

CURRENT TRAINING REGIME

Kihon –
1. Jodan kizami-zuki kara sanbon-zuki (zenkutsu-dachi); 2. Ippo sagatte jodan age-uke kara mawashi-geri, yoko uraken-uchi soshite chudan oi-zuki (zenkutsu-dachi); 3. Gedan juji-uke (zenkutsu-dachi); 4. Chudan morote-uke (zenkutsu-dachi); 5. Chudan morote-uke (kokutsu-dachi); 6. Gedan-barai doji ni sokumen jodan uchi-uke (kokutsu-dachi); 7. Chudan shuto-uke (kokutsu-dachi) kara nukite (zenkutsu-dachi); 8. Chudan uchi-uke (kokutsu-dachi) kara kizami-zuki soshite gyaku-zuki (zenkutsu-dachi); 9. Yoko-keage doji ni yoko uraken–uchi soshite empi-uchi (zenkutsu-dachi); 10. Sonoba ren-geri: mae-geri kara yoko-kekomi soshite ushiro-geri.

Kata –

Revision of the five Heian kata and Tekki-shodan; also two jiyu-gata.

Kumite –

Revision of jiyu-ippon kumite and continued practice of uchikomi.

* Reps of kihon, kata and kumite depend on my emphasis each day within this schedule.

© André Bertel. Christchurch, New Zealand (2013).

Sixth Anniversary of this site

June 20th marked the sixth anniversary since I started this blog.

 

The blog has outlined my daily efforts to one day have good karate, a goal that I hope to get closer to each day. Irrespective of achieving this aim, I will continue trying my best; moreover, developing as a human being. I think "this is Karate-Do".

 

I wish everyone the very best in their training, good health and happiness. Osu, André

 

PS - By the way, do check out the Japan Karate Association of Christchurch webpage for the recent training under JKANZ Chief Instructor Zel Sensei. It was wonderful to have Zel Sensei here for the development of JKA Shotokan in Christchurch and the South Island: http://www.jkachristchurch.blogspot.co.nz/2013/07/zel-unkovich-sensei-class-at.html

 

  © André Bertel. Christchurch, New Zealand (2013).

Training in Melbourne, Australia

Mizuho and I just spent a few days in Melbourne. During the time I went for training under Keith Geyer Sensei (7th Dan). I was extremely honoured that Keith Sensei had me take the class.

Mizuho and I would like to thank Keith Sensei and everyone at the dojo for their kindness, and awesome hospitality! A wonderful club of high technical standards and lovely people. We hope to see you all in Nippon. For those in, or visiting Melbourne, here is a link to the Keith Geyer School of Karate official website: http://www.keithgeyerkarate.com/.

 

Osu, André

© André Bertel. Christchurch, New Zealand (2013).

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND SEMINAR 2013

 

SEMINAR SCHEDULE:

- Seminars one and two will be held on Saturday: 1pm & 3pm.

 

- Dinner for attendees will be held on Saturday night (TBC).

 

- Seminars three and four with be held on Sunday: 9am &11am (concluding at 1pm).

 

* All attendees should bring a means to take notes.

 

© André Bertel. Christchurch, New Zealand 2013.

Facebook Page Reactivated

I've just reactivated my Facebook account. 

Without trying to hurt anyone's feelings I have found that there are actually two Facebook pages claiming to be me. While this person or people has/have not made any public comments on my behalf, I was a little disturbed that they have used my photos etcetera without contacting me personally.

 

The new Facebook page is will be my official page.
https://www.facebook.com/people/Andre-Bertel/1192041462

Osu,

André Bertel