Andre Bertel Blog Links

In the last two months I have received some emails from people wanting to access my older posts. For your convenience I've provided the links here. All articles can just as easily be accessed from the Blog Archive ('big green menu') located on the right side of the screen.

Kindest regards from Japan,

André

2007

POSTS 1-21: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/10/power-in-practis.html

POSTS 22-24: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/10/past-posts-22-42.html

You can back track to see POSTS 42-54 (the remaining articles of 2007) by clicking here: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2007-01-01T00%3A00%3A00%2B09%3A00&updated-max=2008-01-01T00%3A00%3A00%2B09%3A00&max-results=50

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2008

For the 37 articles uploaded thus far in 2008 (POSTS 55-91) simply click on the respective month.

January: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008_01_01_archive.html

February: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008_02_01_archive.html

March: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008_03_01_archive.html

April: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008_04_01_archive.html

May: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008_05_01_archive.html

June: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008_06_01_archive.html

July: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008_07_01_archive.html

August: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008_08_01_archive.html

© André Bertel, Japan 2008

Memorial Training Report

Admittedly, this year, my karate-do practices in memory of Asai Sensei were far less physical than last years. I completed three trainings in total: morning practice (Asai-ryuha/'Bujutsu kata'); midday practice (Shotokan kata); and evening practice (kihon keiko).

Kihon (Evening practice): For kihon I covered several of the drills Sensei consistently worked on in morning practice. I also went through the alternative dan grading syllabus that he advocated (photos kindly taken by my wife when I was training). Overall my focus was on 'tenshin', 'snap', 'muchiken', 'keriwaza', 'ashi-uke' and Asai Sensei's infamous 'three styles' of karate.

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Kata (Midday & morning practice): I covered only a few kata (not all 63 Asai-ryu kata like last year), namely Sensei's three favourite standard Shotokan kata, Tekki Nidan, Empi and Nijushiho; and several of his 'own kata', including Junro, Kibaken and Joko (for basic training); plus Kakuyoku-nidan and Hushu (for advanced training).

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Whilst not being three endurance sessions, I still lost a lot of sweat with the humidity of the Japanese summer. The practice sessions were great because as planned, they allowed me time to really think about what Asai sensei taught me over the years, and also the many enjoyable social times we spent together.

RIP Asai Sensei

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© André Bertel, Japan 2008

ASAI SENSEI MEMORIAL DAY TRAINING

I have little to say in this post, as today is all about intensive training, in remembrance of Tetsuhiko Asai Sensei.

As today marks two years since 'Shusekishihan' passed away, I will lower my zanshin and use the training as a vehicle to reflect on my late teacher.

My best wishes to each and every other person around the world doing a special training today in memory of Sensei. I'll conclude this post with a couple of internet links well worth reading/watching on this day of remembrance.

OSU!
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SOME LINKS FOR ASAI MEMORIAL DAY:

This video was televised at Asai Sensei's funeral (composed by Hoshimi Asai). I was greatly honoured as it included several clips from the New Zealand TV demonstration Asai Sensei asked me to assist him in. Especially check out Sensei's muchiken take down (right before he's shown punching the makiwara). Incredible waza! This style of technique is how I'll always remember Sensei): CLICK HERE: http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=-eKqto-MoRs also an article in June relating to this video footage: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/06/personal-training-from-asai-sensei.html

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Last years Asai Sensei Memorial Training (my last years memorial practice posted on this blog - just one of many around the world): CLICK HERE: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/08/on-this-very-day-august-15th-last-year.html

Video of personal training from Asai Sensei recently uploaded on Youtube: CLICK HERE: http://nz.youtube.com/watch?v=wqTxz0NzbE8

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Asai Sensei's final magazine interview: CLICK HERE: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/07/asai-senseis-final-interview.html

© André Bertel, Japan 2008

Obon

I decided to slightly increase my self-training during our Obon holiday which started on Saturday. This evening on completion of day four, my body is really feeling it! The additional practices really shocked my muscles from day one.

My Saturday training session, under the tuition of Tachibana Shihan (8th Dan), was harder on my legs than usual as I'd already trained twice, firstly in the morning (kata; precisely following my current 'fixed' routine) and secondly in the early afternoon (kihon, namely the ido-kihon for the cha obi and shodan exams) therefore I will not describe these sessions in detail here. Fortunately I managed to get through the dojo training with my burning thy muscles, feeling much better by the end of practice. I'll briefly give an overview of this lesson here:

Jodan age uke - The Asai way: We initially practiced stationary migi chudan gyaku zuki from tateshuto kamae 30 times, followed by jodan age uke kara chudan gyaku zuki 30 times, then chudan gyaku zuki kara jodan age uke 30 times. We then switched and repeated on the opposite side. Physically the hardest point of this training was the deep zenkutsu dachi we remained in. My quads were on fire. Shihan emphasized exact shomen, hanmi, hiki-te, shisei (posture), power from the tanden/hara, and uchi momo (the inside thys). The main focus in this class was on jodan age uke, the way that Asai Shuseki Shihan taught it. Tachibana Shihan demonstrated this technique focusing on shoulder snap, and natural energy by 'swinging' the block. We applied this by using age uke to attack the opponent and/or destroy their balance from a variety of angles, which Shihan demonstrated several times as he learned directly from Shuseki Shihan. This led onto partner drills up and down the dojo with the attacker firing three jodan punches (jodan oi zuki, jodan gyaku zuki and jodan maete zuki) with the defender blocking with jodan age uke (hanmi), jodan age uke (gyaku hanmi) and jodan age uke (hanmi). This was again repeated against three jodan heiko zuki with the attacker making ryo seiken hiki-te (loading up again for the next double punch) after being blocked by the defender. In all cases, snap, swing and correct positions of the hips, ankles, and posture, were closely monitored.

Kata: Kata covered were Heian-sandan (including one time in reverse), Tekki-shodan, Kibaken-shodan, and Jitte; three or four times each. Fundamental comparisons were made between the positions of the elbows in Shotokan-ryu techniques in 'Best Karate' style (namely Heian-sandan and Jitte, but also Tekki and Kibaken). Tachibana Shihan gave special attention to Jitte by initially taking us through it very slowly. He explained and demonstrated each technique, during which I was given some valuable advice on my bo tsukami uke. The class ended with Kihon Ippon Kumite in grading syllabus fashion (jodan oi zuki, chudan oi zuki, chudan mae geri, chudan yoko kekomi and jodan mawashi geri with free-choice defenses, and counterattacks).

Sunday Training Sessions: The first two practices on Sunday were dedicated to the kihon in my current routine: (http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/07/my-latest-training-routine.html) with special attention given to mawashi geri in isolation, and the final renzokuwaza with jodan soto uke. The training was very tough and revealed some new weaknesses I'm determined to erradicate. The third training session was altered from my current routine to include Jion, Junro-shodan, Kibaken, Kanku Dai, Sochin and Kakuyoku-nidan. Much of the time was committed to Jion and Junro concentrating on the fundamentals which I'm currently honing. A physically and technically demanding practice to say the least.

Monday and Tuesday: Focus has been on kihon keriwaza, and Kakuyoku-nidan in preparation for the memorial practice for Asai Sensei this Friday. Today was special as I did a beach training taking advantage of the 30+ tempratures. Much of my kick training was done balancing on rocks fighting a strong breeze. The warmth and soothing wind made hard training seem easy. Kata practice on the beach was typically challenging for the exact application of level hips, due to a sloped, and 'soft sinking' surface. I often entered the water. To be completely honest, as tired as I was today after the high repetitions, it was more difficult to keep a smile off my face, as the training was so much fun.

I must like pain, as I'm greatly looking forward to tomorrow's practice sessions. But I'm sure I'll be waking up with plenty of lactic acid to reduce my enthusiasm. All the more reason to train! Where ever you are in the world let's train hard together in the spirit of true karate-do.

OSU

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© André Bertel, Japan 2008

Okinawa trip

My wife Mizuho and I just returned from a wonderful holiday in Okinawa where we spent the best part of a week. We stayed at the beautiful Okinawa Harborview Crowne Plaza in Naha and enjoyed a luxurious room and superb hotel service. I say this here not to brag but rather to recommend this excellent hotel to anyone if they are going to Okinawa to do karate. On this trip to Okinawa we only visited one private island opting to stay on the mainland, this allowed us to accomplish more.

By complete coincidence I visited the Gichin Funakoshi Monument, which was literally located right next to the rental car company we were taken to. It was so unusual because the location of the monument was on such a tiny street, and hidden from the majority of passerby’s, except for those cued up at the small traffic light beside it. Regardless, it was nice to finally see a monument for Funakoshi Sensei in Okinawa.

All in all I really enjoy visiting such areas as Shuri, Motobu and Tomari as they are such important locations in the history of karate. Shotokan practitioners should not forget the links we have to the traditional karate of Okinawa. Whilst Shotokan’s technique has advanced via science, we must never forget the origins of our art, especially in regards to functional application. The present-day lack of street effectiveness, I believe, has come from the increased emphasis on ‘playing karate’ (sports karate). This problem is also in Okinawa, however, more dojo in Okinawa have retained and practice the effective applications of the kata.

It is my belief that Shotokan karateka, do not need to change style, but rather understand the ‘pre-competition karate’ of Okinawa. Understanding the karate of Okinawa can help us more effectively dissect our kata for practical application (bunkai-jutsu/oyo-jutsu). Doing this means that Shotokan practitioners can have the best of both worlds.

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© André Bertel, Japan 2008

My latest training routine

Ido kihon: This month I have returned to ido-kihon practice with the following fundamental combinations: (1) Okiku tobi konde sanbon zuki; (2) Jodan age uke kara chudan mae geri soshite chudan gyaku zuki; (3) Chudan soto uke kara yori ashi yoko empi uchi, uraken yokomawashi uchi soshite chudan gyaku zuki; (4) Chudan shuto uke kara mae ashi mae geri soshite nukite; (5) Gedan barai kara chudan uchi uke (neko ashi dachi), ura uchi soshite yori ashi chudan gyaku zuki; (6) Yori ashi chudan gyaku zuki kara gedan barai, yori ashi chudan gyaku zuki soshite gedan barai; (7) Mae geri kara mawashi geri; (8) Mawashi geri kara chudan gyaku zuki; (9) Ushiro geri kara chudan gyaku zuki; (10) Kaiten shinagara uraken uchi kara chudan gyaku zuki; (11) Yoko keage ashi o kaete yoko kekomi; (12) Yoko keage kara yoko kekomi; (13) Jodan shuto sotomawashi uchi kara kaiten shinagara jodan empi uchi soshite mawari nagara sagatte jodan shuto uchimawashi uchi; and (14) Jodan soto uke kara yoko yori ashi gedan barai, mae ashi mae geri soshite chudan gyaku zuki zuki. For stationary training I'm simply practising jodan kizami zuki zuki followed by chudan gyaku zuki (jodan kizami zuki in zenkutsu dachi hanmi and chudan gyaku zuki dropping into tate hiza dachi). Naturally I'm equally practising this on both left and right sides.

Kata: Presently I'm especially focused on the following three kata: (1) Empi; (2) Unsu; and (3) Kakuyoku-nidan. However, in addition to these, I'm also ‘lightly covering’ the five Heian, Tekki-shodan (paired up with Kibaken-shodan), and the five Junro for fundmental practice.

Kaeshi ippon kumite: I've been neglecting kaeshi ippon kumite for quite a while, therefore my current kumite training regime is 100% dedicated to this form of practice. The key points that I'm polishing include full and fluid use of koshi no kaiten precisely coordinated with tai no shinshuku. My aim is ensure both attacks and the defence are decisively effective, with special attention being given to the first attack, and the full hip torque (and compression) for the final attack. Essentially hit to finish, cover/block/deflect any potential counter, then hit again with a second finishing blow. Summed up in three words... Kihon, kihon, kihon! And no, I haven't got a 'Arkwright stutter'.

Summary of my practice thus far in July: Technically this month has been very challenging revealing more rough surfaces which need to be sanded down. Returning to extensive ido-kihon training has really forced me to 'once again' fully dissect each technique in the various renzokuwaza (with precise co-ordination of the respective unsoku). On the kata front, the inclusion of Kakuyoku-nidan this month has really been special for me. Asai Sensei made me enthusiastic about all three Kakuyoku, and in-particular this one. I'm practising Kakuyoku-nidan in preparation for the Second Anniversary of Asai Sensei's Passing. In addition to my technical training I've been ending roughly half of my daily self-practices with strength work; namely a few hundred front and side deep squats (this is in addition to the one hundred kneeling squats in my kihon-keiko with gyaku zuki), and large numbers of seiken pushups. This has taken its toll on my recovery times, however, I'm hopeful this will improve in the coming weeks. On the days prior to attending group practice at the local dojo, I'm avoiding this supplementary training to avoid being over-fatigued.

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A big "Osu" to you all from hot and humid Kyushu!

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© André Bertel, Japan 2008

Christa visits Japan

Christa Lehmann (shodan) of Switzerland visited us over the weekend, leaving Kyushu on Tuesday morning. Christa trained at my dojo back in Christchurch, whilst studying English in New Zealand. She even travelled up to Palmerston North for the 2006 National Championships as a part of the Canterbury team (my students went by mini van, which ended up being an unforgetable/hilarious road trip). It was wonderful for Mizuho and I to see Christa here in Japan. Christa also had me give her two private karate lessons. Thanks Christa for coming down to Kyushu to visit us and train! Best of luck for your upcoming university examinations.

OSU!
André Bertel

© André Bertel, Japan 2008

Personal tuition from Asai Sensei

Here is some video footage of Asai Sensei giving me personal training. Receiving such direct tuition allowed me to expand my physical knowledge and understanding greatly. The most obvious outcome of this training was the extensive amounts of kata I was taught (or corrected on, if not initially learned from Sensei himself). However, more important than all of the kata was how Asai Sensei taught me to use my body for maximum effect, and also to disregard 'trends'. That is, to simply do my own karate adhering to the 'key elements' that he propagated. This biggest honor for me was that Asai Sensei made me his pupil, and always asked me to train with him. These private lessons, unlike group seminars, really took me into Asai Sensei's karate world and still inspire me now. What's more, Sensei never charged me and publicly promoted me as his deshi. It is for these reasons that every day I train, I think of my teacher Asai Tetsuhiko, and will continue to practice, and teach the karate that he passed on to me.

VIDEO FOOTAGE

There is no showing off in this footage. It is like you are a fly on the wall watching Asai Sensei giving me personal training. This is how Asai Sensei taught me followed by kumite applications, and usually preceded by some of his unique kihon drills. It is also how he trained during morning practice (with the exception that one just 'tried' to follow along behind him). It may also be of interest to you that he rarely wore his dogi when giving private tuition, and never wore his dogi in his own self-training.

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Please click on the stills above to enlarge them and/or follow this link to watch the video footage on youtube: http://nz.youtube.com/watch?v=wqTxz0NzbE8

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I hope that everyone enjoys this footage. Direct training from Sensei was, and always be, the highlight of my karate career. Naturally it is also the source of a large portion of the information found on this blog. It goes without saying that I was very blessed to be accepted as a direct student of Tetsuhiko Asai! As time goes by I'll upload more of my one-on-one lessons under Asai Sensei.

I wish you the very best on your karate journey.

OSU!

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© André Bertel, Japan 2008

Blog Back Online...

My blog has been offline for a week as a result of maintenance and some alterations of past posts. This took longer than expected, as last week, some rather extreme changes in my karate career occurred; I will not fully elaborate here, except to say that ‘past doors have been re-opened’. In the spirit of my training, which is identical to (the source of) this blog, these doors equate to MORE TRAINING! And let’s face it, that’s all that matters!

“QUIETLY SUFFER IN TRAINING WITH DILIGENCE, HUMBLY WIPING THE BLOOD FROM YOUR BROW, AND ALL WILL BE WELL”.

As a result of these changes I decided to increase my fitness work, to help me to handle the additional workload. Needless to say, my body has been exhausted (my daily routine is physically hard and "time consuming" enough for me already), hence further delaying my blog being made public again. This is where I’d like to apologize, especially to the 350+ people who emailed me requesting access to the site (I'm sorry that I have no time, desire and/or energy to email everyone, nor create mass mails). I am especially sorry to my supporters within the Non-Profit-Organization Japan Karate Shoto-renmei and IJKA, but also my readers from other Shotokan organizations, karate styles and martial arts.

My blog is for everyone who loves Karate-Do, and particularly those interested in practising Asai-ryuha and the 'JKA style' of Shotokan. WELCOME BACK AND "GOMMEN NA SAI" for the delay!

OSU!

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© André Bertel, Japan 2008

Personal Training from Asai Sensei

Here are some pictures of one-on-one practice with my late Sensei, Tetsuhiko Asai. I hope you enjoy them! I have many more photos and videos to come of private training.

As I've said before, being a personal student of Asai Sensei meant far more to me than attaining dan ranks, qualifications, and competition wins. In saying that, it also fired up much jealousy in New Zealand, causing me lots of trouble!

The amount of jealousy in the karate world is unbelievable (especially amongst those who have poor and ineffective technique), and is the source of all karate politicians. Such envy leads to ‘rumour spreading’ to destroy those who are perceived as unstoppable on the dojo floor. No one ever makes trouble with those who have inferior karate technique! My advice to everyone is simple: "Don’t spread rumours, just train!"

Asai Sensei saw my love of karate, and naivety in regards to politics, so he took me on as a ‘personal deshi’. This led to extensive private lessons. Why? Well as mentioned before, I was, and have always been ‘karate focused’; secondly, I tried as hard as I could to assimilate everything that he taught me. As a result Sensei invested much time and effort into my technique. As a Westerner this was great honour, especially being his only personal student from New Zealand. I'll continue to share these experiences here with you on my blog.

OSU, André Bertel

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© André Bertel, Japan 2008