A Brief Summary of 2016 and Video Links

So, 2016, is quickly coming to an end. Here is a brief and very broad summary of my karate activities this year. I will conclude with direct links to relevant video footage.

Including here, within Japan, in 2016 I have taught karate seminars in six countries in both Europe (Germany, England and Italy) and Oceania (New Zealand and Australia). However, the training and teaching in Japan has still, as always, been the most hectic part of my Karate-Do schedule. That, due to my prioritisation of training (over all other aspects in karate), meant that I could not post articles so regularly. However, the articles will continue to be produced, and uploaded intermittently each month, as my time permits.

In addition to my regular daily karate activities, in 2016, I also attended several wonderful seminars conducted by Hashiguchi Yuji Sensei (7th Dan), Naka Tatsuya Sensei (7th Dan) and Ueki Masaaki Sensei (9th Dan); taken qualifications exams for instructor, examiner and judge; and accepted several non-Japanese renshusei (trainees).

In sum, on the Karate front, it has been a wonderful year. I wish everyone the very best in their conclusion to 2016 and a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2017.

© André Bertel. Oita, Japan (2016).

2016 VIDEOS FROM MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL
For older videos, please visit my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/andrebertel

Oliver Schomburg (GERMANY)

2016 Andre Bertel Interview in Germany: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnnIFi-amcc

Scotty Denholm (AUSTRALIA)

2016 Australia (Part One): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKIoc97GNCs

2016 Australia (Part Two): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1TFeLgMm3U

Silvio Cannizzo (ITALY)

2016 Italy (Part One): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMdJqWWA-hg

2016 Italy (Part Two): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcAewswZBc0

André Bertel 2016 AUSTRALIA SEMINAR

On December third and forth, I conducted seminar on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Australia. It was my forth time to teach Karate-Do in Australia (and my first time in this region). Accordingly, I'd like to begin by especially thanking the organisers, Noel Moralde Sensei and Heidi Moralde;  and their dojo, JKA Sunshine Coast: www.jkasunshinecoast.com.au.

Rather than write a lot—featured above is a video from the weekend—kindly filmed by Robbie George from South Australia. Also, below are links to two other great videos by Scotty Denholm. Greetings and thanks for that Scott!! 

• Scott's video 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKIoc97GNCs
• Scott's video 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1TFeLgMm3U

Overall, it was great to catch up with Noel Sensei and Heidi, and also Bryan Dukas Sensei and his family; furthermore, to form many new friendships through Karate-Do. Lastly, thanks for all of the very positive post-seminar feedback!!! A big festive greetings to you all from wintery Japan.

© André Bertel. Oita, Japan (2016).

NEW ZEALAND SEMINAR 2016

Below is a short video from my recent seminars in Christchurch, New Zealand, which were held over the weekend of November 26th and 27th. Before I go on, I’d especially like to thank my friend and senior, Renzie Hanham Hanshi (8th Dan), for again offering his awesome dojo for the event; furthermore, for some very enjoyable catch ups!

Renzie Hanham Hanshi (8th Dan Seido Karate)

I’d also like to express my gratitude to the members of the Christchurch Seido Shibu; all of the Shotokan karateka—from different groups—whom attended; and lastly, those who travelled from outside of Christchurch.

All the very best from Oita, Japan.

Osu, André

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2016).

Naka Tatsuya Sensei Seminars: Oita 2016

Over the weekend Tatsuya Naka Sensei taught in Oita. The lessons were, as always, absolutely brilliant. A big thanks to Naka Sensei, JKA Hiji-Machi (Watanabe Hirohide Sensei and Watanabe Kaori Sensei - who hosted the seminars again this year) and Mori Hiroyuki Sensei (JKA Oita Chief Instructor).

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2016).

Andre Bertel - ITALY 2016: Video Three

Here is the third video from my 2016 seminars in Italy. This video, kindly made by Silvio Cannizzo, depicts the second day of training. On that note, here is my 'YouTube Channel' updated: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9sLgH7TVz9zkLQ8okjxT4Q

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan 2016.

Yakusoku Kumite is Essential Training

Many people question the importance of Yakusoku-Kumite, which can probably be—best described in English—as PREARRANGED SPARRING.

In actuality, I know a simple fact… These days people need to do more Gohon-kumite, Kihon ippon-kumite and Jiyu ippon-kumite than ever before. Why? Because the heavy influence of tournament karate has resulted in a lack of kime in sports kumite events. Actually, yakusoku kumite in addition to bridging kihon and kata to jiyu-kumite, bolsters kime in jiyu kumite.

Am I against karate tournaments? NOT AT ALL. I won many New Zealand National titles over the years, and a JKA prefectural title (in men’s individual kata) here in Japan—apparently the first non-Japanese to ever do so: even though competition karate has never been my focus.

My perspective, and many of my colleagues and seniors here in Japan, is that tournament kumite must technically represent traditional budo karate, which technically, in essence is all about ichigekki-hissatsu (to finish with a single blow).

In sum, yakusoku-kumite, when practiced correctly, is utterly essential for those seeking the true way Karate-Do. There is nothing wrong with competition, however, first and fore-mostly, karate is BUDO; therefore, the acquisiton of a sound mind/heart and effective martial arts techniques is of the greatest importance.

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan.

Andre Bertel - ITALY 2016: Video Two

Featured below is the latest video of my Seminars in Italy earlier this year. This video, kindly made by Silvio Cannizzo, depicts the first day of training. On that note, here is my 'YouTube Channel' updated: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9sLgH7TVz9zkLQ8okjxT4Q 

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan 2016.

Stills from self-training today:

One of my favourite sayings in Karate-Do, and Budo (martial arts) in general, is that `one must talk with their technique`; that is, with their skill. Skill in Karate is not only movement, but being able to apply movements in Jiyu Kumite and, indeed, in self-defence. This requires daily practice with the constant aim of ichigekki-hissatsu: to finish with one blow. This physically summarizes  BUDO KARATE. For those who made the request, from around the world, here is my YouTube Channel updated: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9sLgH7TVz9zkLQ8okjxT4Q 

What`s your favourite video? Irrespective, we have new videos coming soon!!! Osu, Andre Bertel.

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan 2016.

A look back to South Africa 2013

I was asked today to post the videos from my seminars in South Africa in 2013. Which video is your favourite and why? Irrepective, thank you for the request. Soon I will teach, back in my home country, New Zealand, and then Australia. The authentic traditional Shotokan people will be there, but the political `bought grade and qualifications people` wont show, as they never do'.

If necessary, we will collectively, and democratically, create a new direction. I hope that everyone works together for the best of karateka around the world.

André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2016).

New `old video` from 2011

This video was just sent to me today. It was a small private training in my hometown, Christchurch, New Zealand back in 2011. Soon I will back down under giving seminars in Christchurch and in Australia. For those attending, see you there!! I am really looking forward to sharing some new knowledge in Oceania, which will give instructors a real edge. As a teaser, I`ve also pasted some other video links below. Which one is your favourite? Soon I`ll also post some new Karate-Do training videos from my dojo here in Japan; furthermore, you can look forward to the videos from my Seminars in Italy in August (2016), which will also be coming, in the near future, straight from Venice. I hope all of this footage will help you in your training. Best wishes from Japan.

Osu, André.

André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2016).