Good Refereeing

I was really pleased to be given the responsibility of Shimpan-Cho (Chief Referee) at last week’s JKS (Japan Karate Shotorenmei) regional kata championships. Whilst the tournament was only for youth competitors, it was still a great honor to have the top job.
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Initially I was a bit rusty, as I have not judged/refereed for nearly two years, however everything was back up-to-speed after ten minutes. The entire time, in between rounds, I received constructive feedback from Tachibana Shihan (8th Dan JKS) who sat behind me as the arbitrator. It was really great to learn some new skills/"tricks" from such a highly experienced JKA/JKS Japan/International referee. Such tips can only lead to greater professionalism as a competition official.
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Another personal highlight for me was the use of Asai Shuseki-Shihan’s kata in the competition. It was great to see the 10th kyu competitors having to use Jo no kata, and the higher grades also needing to pass through a round of Junro (relevant to their kyu or dan rank). For all of the rounds we used the JKA/JKS flag system; that is, with both competitors doing the same 'randomly called kata' simultaneously. The finals for the black belt division were from the sentei kata (Bassai, Kanku, Enpi and Jion).
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I was really pleased that all the spectators, especially the parents of the children, seemed pleased with my refereeing. As a fairly seasoned competitor, coach and Japan qualified referee, I fully understand the value of referees, who are unbiased in karate tournaments. It is really satisfying, when as an official, you sense that the crowd can detect your impartiality. Tournaments must first and fore mostly be for the competitors, and the development of their karate. A referee who maximizes this opportunity, within the rules, truly is a good referee. _________

As an off-beat comment I have to say that it is 'always special' when asked to referee in Japan, and especially so, when entrusted with the position of 'Shimpan-Cho ('Chief Referee'). I'm sure those who regularly train in Japan, and have the honor of being asked to judge at competitions, fully understand my sentiments.

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Overall I had a great time, and are thankful to Tachibana Shihan, and the Japan Karate Shoto-renmei Oita-Prefecture Headquarters for making me the shimpan-cho at this tournament. Regardless of winning or losing, I hope the boy’s and girl’s who competed in this event, view it as merely another benchmark, along their respective karate path's.

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© André Bertel, Japan 2008

Post 100 on Andre Bertel's Karate-Do

This is the 100th post here on André Bertel’s Karate-Do, which I kind of think is a milestone, so I thought I’d try something different. As I receive so many emails from people asking various questions (which I rarely have the time to answer), I thought I’d offer to reply to these publicly, as a post on my blog.
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If you are keen to participate, just send some questions with your name and location attached. If you wish to remain anonymous, please clearly state that. However, I’ll publish what country/city/region you are from. Questions can be on anything ‘karate related’. Technical aspects, training methods, karate here in Japan, you name it! Brain twisters and simple ones... If you have some controversial questions, or wish to critique my karate, fire away. If it's interesting enough, it will go online. I’m open-minded to constructive criticism (one must be, if they want to progress in karate). I'll be the first person to admit that I'm still a beginner and hungry to keep improving. As stated from the onset, this website is all about training! It is about the now and the future.

Obviously if there are too many questions, I’ll select the ones, which I deem the most interesting and useful, for the site. If there are not enough questions I’ll simply can the idea.

To be decisive, the ‘close-off date’ for questions will be one week from tomorrow (Tuesday, October 14th, 2008). Please email your question (or list of questions) to www.andrebertel@hotmail.com

Kindest regards and a big "Arigato gozaimasu" to everyone who has supported my first 100 posts.

OSU, André

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© André Bertel, Japan 2008

Kokutai Karate Championships

Today I accidently bumped into a very tanned looking Yamaguchi Takashi Sensei (JKS Tokyo Sohonbu Dojo) who gave me a friendly “Osu”. He was attending this year’s Kokutai (National Athletics Meeting) currently being held in Oita Prefecture. The Karate Championship has been hosted by Nakatsu City at the purpose built Daihatsu Kyushu Arena.

Even though I admit not being into competitions, I thought I drop in to watch the senior kata divisions, and a couple of rounds of the kumite. During the shitei rounds it was pleasing to see one excellent Jion, two faultless Kanku-dai, and one amazing Empi. In the free kata rounds I saw three tremendous Unsu, and one near perfect Gojushiho-sho. I won’t comment on the Goju-ryu and Shito-ryu kata I saw, as I’m far from qualified to do so (I'm still trying to sort out my Shotokan...). But I will say that ‘they looked impressive to me’ and took out the titles. Furukawa (Goju-ryu) won the men’s kata with his Suparinpei; and that Shito-ryu girl (featured on Kagawa Sensei’s second book/dvd) who I always forget the name of, won the women’s kata with her Chatanyara-kushanku.

Sports kumite: Breaking the Trinity
The JKF / WKF style kumite, without being disrespectful, really isn’t my thing. I appreciate the athleticism and hard training of all serious karate competitors. However, I cannot relate 'game kumite' to the fundamentals and kata. As a result, this type of kumite clearly breaks the trinity of karate. The outcome is that it's not based on finishing the opponent with a single blow (ichigeki-hisho), which to me, is the heart of authentic karate technique, whether it's kihon, kata or kumite.

Needless to say, this type of 'fighting' doesn’t capture my interest. Therefore, I naturally did not stay to watch the kumite finals. Just as a quick note: I'm very sorry if you are an avid sports kumite fan, my intention is certainly not to make anyones blood boil (if annoyed please look at the Oita Kokutai's mascot 'Mejiron' to calm down). My reason for making this commentary is to merely express how I was taught, and how I practice Karate-Do. Perhaps this is worth an article in the future...

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To conclude I'd like to say that the overall standard of the kokutai was extremely high, as expected of a national tournament here in Japan. The kata was particularly inspirational and really demonstrated that Japan still produces the very best kata performers in the world. I'm sure that if many Western karateka saw the level of kata today, they'd be too embarassed to don their karate do-gi ever again!

Time for me to rush to the dojo… Take care and all the best!

Osu, André

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© André Bertel, Japan 2008

Latest Training Routine

Please excuse my lack of posts recently. I only managed to make three last month as I was being a 'slow writer' (I always endeavor to churn out four articles/posts per month). My average time writing each post is between five minutes and quarter of an hour. Once I get past 15 minutes, I cannot justify the time. Anyway… Several of my former students have emailed me, requesting I post my latest self-training routine. So here you are! I wish you all the very best in your training. – Osu! André.
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Kihon

This month I have returned to the theme of ‘simple is best’. That is, I’m working on the ‘core fundamentals’ of Shotokan-Ryu. In particular I’m focusing on koshi no kaiten with the five basic blocks (jodan age-uke, chudan soto-uke, chudan uchi-uke, gedan-barai and chudan shuto-uke) followed by the respective reverse hand counters. Emphasis is on a tight hanmi followed by a sharp rotation/forward thrust into an exact shomen. As simple as this seems, I am challenging myself to increase the sharpness of my torso action, whilst maintaining smoothness/precision. I’m also putting much effort into oi zuki and oi-geri (mae-geri, yoko-keage, mawashi-geri and yoko-kekomi). My concentration is on the drive of the rear/supporting leg. How simple can you get? Well at least for me, this training is simple, but far from easy... Lastly I’m practicing gyaku-zuki from a ‘compressed to the extreme’ jiyu-dachi concentrating on maximum tai no shinshuku and koshi no kaiten. Emphasis is once again on an extreme contraction of the stance (maintaining perfect pelvic alignment) and sharp spring/rotation/thrust into zenkutsu-dachi. Techniques include gyaku zuki with seiken, teisho, shihon nukite and yokomawashi empi uchi.

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Kata

At present the kata I’m training include a random Tekki (Tekki-Shodan, Tekki-Nidan or Tekki-Sandan), Empi, Jion, Unsu and Gojushiho-Dai. In addition to these, last month at dojo training, Tachibana Shihan (8th Dan) microscopically dissected my Gankaku making nine alterations. So, I’ve also been allocating some time to this kata to reinforce what he taught me. Gankaku is not a kata I’m overly fond of, however the alterations Tachibana Shihan taught me were all very practical. He demonstrated why these corrections would help my Gankaku with some lethal bunkai/oyo-jutsu. This was probably the best tuition I’ve ever received on this kata. I really have to say here that I'm very grateful for Tachibana Shihan’s weekly tuition! What’s more, Tachibana Shihan was also a student of Asai Shuseki-Shihan.

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Jiyu ippon kumite

I'm seeking maximum use of tai no shinshuku and koshi no kaiten in each of my counters. Essentially extreme contraction of the stance for defense, then explosive expansion/stretch for offence. The entire body, mind and spirit decisively committed in one moment of time... For the attacking techniques I'm concentrating on correct ma'ai for optimal target penetration to potentially finish my opponent.

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I'd like to add some comments to wrap up this post about kumite and karate training in general. This is something I’ve really wanted to say for a while... Too many people practice karate knowing that if they got into a violent altercation, against a really strong attacker, that their karate would probably not work (as trained in their respective dojo). Clearly, if one has such doubts their dojo is not ‘physically focused’ on real karate (ichigeki hisho - the single finishing blow) when they practice. It goes without saying, such dojo are spreading fake karate. Karate without aiming to achieve ichigeki-hisho, at all times, will literally make you less capable of handling yourself in real fight. If you are playing karate, you are ‘playing’. If you are doing karate seriously as a martial art, you are doing ‘karate’. In either case, the physical training itself is what establishes what you are actually doing. And proper physical training can only be achieved in a high stress (dangerous) environment. If you don't block properly, your face will most certainly be covered in blood, perhaps a trip to the hospital or dentist. I'm not saying I like this to happen, but without this factor, one cannot improve self-protection skills. The reality is that so many karate clubs are nothing more than 'play grounds' labeled as ‘karate dojo’.

Perhaps my mentality is now viewed as extreme, but in reality, my self-practice simply illustrates how soft so many karateka, dojo and organisations have become (playing ‘karate’). I'm not special or talented, I am simply doing, what up until the mid to late 1980's, was considered as 'orthodox karate'. My current training routine continues to follow this karate way, that is, karate as an effective martial art.

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© André Bertel, Japan 2008

Hirota 163 Dogi

Tomorrow marks one and a half years since we moved back to Japan. And what a great year and a half it has been! To celebrate, Mizuho suggested I buy a new do-gi (karate uniform), and of course I didn’t resist this idea... So we travelled to the Hirota shop in central Fukuoka to get my measurements perfect, and enjoy Hakata. As winter is coming, and many people have asked me to review the ‘Ichi roku san’ (The Hirota #163), I decided to purchase one.

Ironically I gave my last 163 to one of my students in New Zealand who is now in the Singapore Army, and since then, I have not worn one, so I was unable to directly compare the ‘Pinak kata’ with with ‘Ichi roku san’. Finally, with both a Pinak kata, and a 163 on hand, I can provide a comprehensive review, by supplementing my March post (here’s a quick link to that article: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/03/pinak-kata-dogi.html).

‘Ichi roku san’ – The Hirota 163 Do-gi
I’d like to begin by stating some obvious facts about the Ichi roku san. Firstly, it is Hirota’s premier ‘custom made’ heavyweight karate uniform. In comparison to the Pinak Kata it is much harder to maintain (harder to wash and takes much longer to dry; looks like someone is still wearing it, whilst on the washing line. – Bonus: if you are a farmer it doubles as a ‘scarecrow’). Secondly, when ordering, you must take into account the large amount of shrinkage that all heavyweight do-gi suffer. Naturally I’m stating the obvious here, however, I know of several people who have ended up having dogi, which look like something out of Peewee Herman’s closet. Thirdly, the Ichi roku san will never ‘feel’ as free as the Pinak Kata, even if it is perfectly sized. So if comfort is what you want, the Pinak Kata wins hands down. Fourthly, if you make an error with your measurements, heavyweight dogi’s will distort your form, and usually for the worst. Fifthly, in all cases, if you are not in Japan, or can’t get over here before ordering, consider contacting someone who is a karate dogi professional to help you. My suggestion is Hamid Abassalty (http://kuroobiya.com/shop/). Hamid offers an excellent service, and is obviously getting uniforms and belts for much cheaper for his company; therefore, by using his service you won’t lose any money, and ensure that you get what you want!

I’d like to conclude by mentioning the positive points about the Ichi roku san, besides the ‘free scarecrow on the washing line’ feature. For those of you who are kata competitors, probably the 163 is the best Hirota dogi for you as it is more ‘snappy’. For me that is a turn off, but I’m sure that it does sway the judges in sports karate competitions, if that’s what you’re into. Also, in my opinion, in colder climates, and colder seasons, it is much better to wear a heavier karate suit, and you can’t go past the 163 as a heavyweight. As surprising as it may sound, it does make a difference in cold weather keeping your bones just that little bit warmer! Another advantage over the Pinak kata is that when you are drenched in sweat, the 163 still sits beautifully, whereas the Pinak kata becomes pretty much ‘see-through’ and hangs like you just went for a swim in it. Lastly, in kumite, especially if you train with heavy contact, the heavyweight dogi helps to absorb blows. Likewise, they are better if you practice a lot of kata applications (with grappling) and don't want your dogi shredded.

All in all, unless proven otherwise to me, I believe that the Hirota ‘Pinak Kata’ and Hirota ‘Ichi roku san’ (163) are the two best 'delux karate uniforms' in the world. The difference is merely preference, and the ability to ensure, that what you order, is exactly what you want! As a very demanding customer (perfectionist) who knows the complexities of ordering the ideal do-gi, I hope this review has been of some help for you.

OSU, André

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© André Bertel, Japan 2008

Paul Kallender's Blog - A must read!

Paul Kallender-Umezu recently launched a blog about his training and experiences at the KWF Sohonbu dojo. It goes without saying that this blog is and will continue to be fantastic, as it is ‘training focused’ and written by an experienced journalist. Paul's intelligence, great sense of humour and hard training can only result in great articles! When I saw Paul for the first time he was training hard out standing in a pool of sweat. After having a chat with him in the changing room I clearly remember thinking “what a cool guy!” Since that time we have kept in touch and I’ve always enjoyed corresponding with him.

Paul kindly put a link to my blog, which again I really appreciate. I don’t have a links bar, however, I'd like to highly recommend Paul’s blog here. If you are interested in authentic karate his blog is a ‘must-read’!

What makes it a 'must read' is that it is highly unique... You can get a taste of a karateka's journey at 'the source'. I'm positive that his blog will really encourage more people to join the Karatenomichi World Federation, as it will give them a taste of real karate. Click here to check it out! http://yaharakarate.blogspot.com/ Better still, bookmark it as a favourite!

OSU
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© André Bertel, Japan 2008

True Kata

I recently read a superb article on kata by Shaun Banfield (Co-Creator, writer and designer of 'The Shotokan Way' website). The article for me is literally the best I've read (on the subject of kata) in the last few years. His points really summed up my approach to kata far better than I ever could, and in my opinion, summarized what 'true kata' is ('martial art kata'). The statements that Shaun makes in his article technically oppose the present-day competition kata, which has literally become a lame form of gymnastics. To me, his article defines the difference between the Sochin of Osaka Yoshiharu Sensei, and the Unsu of Yahara Mikio Sensei, and the kata performed by the majority of current ‘champions’. Essentially karate kata as a martial art - functional form, verses karate kata as a performance – nothing more than an athletic display.

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Ironically, kata performed as a martial art really turns heads (amongst the general public who appreciate fighting arts) as it displays fighting, a perfect connection to kihon and kumite. Whereas the 'sports karate kata', whilst perhaps appearing more 'tidy'/'accurate', typically lacks ferocity and effective fighting technique. Arms and legs flapping around fast without harnessing the power of the entire body, pauses long enough for a commercial break (yawn), and no aim to achieve a finishing blow with each action.

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Shaun's approach to his kata is a great example for everyone. Especially those who are seeking to make their kata training an effective part of their overall training regime.

Follow this link to check out this excellent article: http://www.theshotokanway.com/katastrivingtoliveinthemoment.html

OSU!

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© André Bertel, Japan 2008

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