ONE YEAR IN JAPAN TODAY

How many people can come here and train karate pretty much every day for a year? Not to mention come to Japan consistently through their teens, 20’s and 30’s, to learn traditional Shotokan properly? I’m certainly not boasting this experience, but rather trying to express how fortunate I’ve been in my life, and still am.

________________

If there is one thing I can be proud of as a kiwi, it is not accepting the crap which is called Shotokan back in New Zealand, and always coming to the source to learn the art correctly (http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/03/shotokan-karate-do-narrow-river.html).

_________________

I truly cannot believe that a year has already passed since arriving back in Japan... But looking at how far my karate technique has come, it more than confirms that time. My only personal goal is that I continue to develop my skills at the same pace over the next 12 months. This depends on my ability to maintain shoshin wasuru bekarazu (http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/03/shoshin-wasuru-bekarazu.html), which has been another driving force bringing me to Japan for so many years.

_________________

Thanks to my family, friends, students and supporters of this blog from around the world. Domo arigato gozaimasu!

________________
OSU!

© André Bertel, Japan 2008

Shotokan Karate-Do: The narrow river

Shotokan is too narrow of a river to have major technical errors within its kihon. There are no excuses for such mistakes, only incompetent instructors, and the commercialization of Japanese Shotokan karate organizations (at the expense of maintaining the most ‘minimal standards'). When the fundamental 'engines' of Shotokan karate are not included, or seriously flawed, one merely has a thin shell. Sadly this thin shell, in exchange for cash, is now given affiliations and Dan ranks from Japan. Clearly this situation is a result of Japanese karate organizations competing for foreign money.

_______________

A technical example of incorrect tuition/execution of the ‘core basics’:
In an attempt to supposedly 'look impressive' many Shotokan students make their stances too long disabling their hips to work fully (properly), and also at the expense of their rear leg/foot. This is a very quick way to see if the practitioner has been taught properly and/or physically understands even 'green belt level karate'. This is not a technical point which varies (a stylistic variation) between individuals/clubs/organizations... It is either RIGHT OR WRONG! In many cases people having shodan, nidan, sandan, yondan, and even higher black belt grades teach and do these 'essentials' incorrectly!

_______________

Without going into other areas such as weight distribution, posture and so forth, I can sadly say that "too many Shotokan instructors, and those with high dan in the West (certainly back in New Zealand), cannot teach/execute Shotokan to save themselves". Bottom line, they don't know what the hell they are doing and are teaching rubbish. The funniest thing to see is ‘authorized posed photos' in magazines and on the internet of senior instructors with hips/legs not even in a proper shomen position. Or, the incorrect positioning of their feet, knees, thighs etc... How is this possible when Shotokan is such a narrow field of study? Well, that is easy to answer, there are too many people running clubs who don't really understand Shotokan as they never learned the fundamentals correctly... They just want to run a club (be the boss, and 'karate master') in their local community and call themselves the 'chief instructor'. Such clubs in New Zealand would access my tuition (I was flown across the country to teach courses) and completely misquote me in their local newspapers for self-promotion. Everything based on brand labels and image (attaching themselves to real karateka, the name 'Shotokan', and paying organizations), with no technical depth (or desire to learn & perfect real karate/'technical depth') whatsoever.

_______________

Shotokan karate is such narrow and deep river, so without depth, it really has nothing. It reminds me of a saying I’ve heard several times here in Japan; “there is no worse karate than bad Shotokan”. Clearly this is because of Shotokan’s simplicity, and therefore, requirement of extreme technical exactness.

The amount of people advertising ‘Shotokan’ and Japanese organizational brand labels no longer guarantees proper training anymore, let alone ‘quality’ training. This issue has increased massively as in recent years 'anyone' can just pay a Japanese Shotokan organisation, and call themselves 'traditional'. The best way is to visit and watch the chief instructor of a particular dojo teach, and watch the way 'they move'. Better still, ask them to demonstrate some basic techniques and a kata. If they are keen to do this, and blow you away with their skill (and obvious ability to utilize their skills effectively in a real situation; The 'I'd hate to meet you a dark alley' impression), you pretty much know you have the 'real deal'.

____________

Always remember: 'Shotokan Karate-Do is a narrow and DEEP RIVER'. Without its depth, it has nothing.

OSU, André
© André Bertel, Japan 2008

Asai Sensei and Yahara Sensei

Like Asai Sensei, Yahara Sensei’s karate is ‘pure’ bujutsu (martial art), and clearly this is a dying breed in the karate world. It goes without saying, only karate taught and practiced/trained in this way, is REAL KARATE!

Yahara Sensei was Asai Sensei’s right hand man for many years (and even became second in charge/‘Assistant Chief Instructor’ of the Japan Karate Association). Not to mention, both men were born and grew up in Ehime, Shikoku.

Although Yahara Sensei has evolved and developed his own unique karate (as all elite experts do), you can really see the influence of Asai Sensei in his technique, in particular, his spinning and reverse rotational techniques; aggressive ‘leaping attacks’, and techniques from the ground. Both have a style of unpredictability with techniques potentially coming from anywhere. All in all, an extremely aggressive style of karate focused on ‘attack and finish’. I also believe that Yahara Sensei improved upon the hip action that the JKA advocated, and also radically enhanced 'contraction/expansion'.

Based on this 'style', 'bujutsu philosophy' and their extensive 'personal history' (Yahara Sensei by far has the longest history alongside Asai Sensei), there is no denying that Yahara Sensei is a crucial figure in the development of Asai style karate.

The photos on this post (of Asai Sensei and Yahara sensei doing kumite) are from the 1978 publication ‘Jitsugi Karatedo’ (for more info on these books; click here: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/02/asai-senseis-books.html).

OSU, André

© André Bertel, Japan 2008

The 'Pinak Kata' Dogi

I just received my new custom made do-gi and silk kuro-obi.

I was recommended to try Hirota’s very latest karate uniform, the 'Pinak Kata'. I certainly do not regret trying this dogi, as it is the most comfortable I’ve ever worn.

I changed my measurements this time (longer arms and legs) and more space for freer movement. All in all, I never buy dogi for ‘snap’ or special effects, like many kata competitors do. I primarily buy for comfort and how the uniform sits on my body (i.e. – does not distort my stances and techniques). Essentially I want a karate uniform which shows my exact body form, both mistakes and areas of excellence (if there are any). Obviously hiding mistakes and/or good points does not assist in my technical growth, so the 'right' dogi is a must!

Based on my requirements the Pinak Kata easily gets five stars from me.

© André Bertel, Japan 2008

Japan - The Land of the Rising Sun

Welcome to my blog, if it is your first time here. Also a warm welcome to the many frequent visitors.

On March 26th we will have been back in Japan for one year, so we decided to start the month by visiting Matama (Bungo Takada) where it is proclaimed 'has the best view of the sun in Japan'. As everyone knows, Nippon/Nihon/日本 literally translates as 'the origin of the sun' (more commonly referred to as 'the Land of the Rising Sun'). Anyway, I hope you enjoy a few of the sunset photos I took today.

This new month, and particularly on the March 26th, marks another year of intensive karate training in Japan for me. This training has been essential, over the years, for my Shotokan. Namely to maximise my own potential, and to offer the very best (correct) technical tuition to my students. From this, my long-time senior students have particularly benefitted, and now have found their own 'way' in karate. This gives me great satisfaction as a karate teacher. That is, some of my senior students are now actually my 'karate collegues'.

Each day the sun sets, we end another day of our lives and our karate training. And at sun rise, we have the opportunity to begin again (with a 'Beginners Mind' or 'Shoshin'), aiming to further refine our waza. If serious about karate-do, we must maximise this opportunity or 'chance', while we still have it.

Yours in Karate-Do, OSU!
André Bertel

© André Bertel, Japan 2008

Nito oumono wa itto omo ezu

二

兎

追

う

者

は

一

兎

を

も

得

ず

"If you run after two hares, you will catch neither".

___________________

THE SENTEI KATA

Presently I'm paying close attention to the Sentei kata (assigned forms) and their respective applications. And as always, what a collossal task this is! My technical focus has been once again to maintain 'standard' kihon technique (outward form), whilst utilizing Asai Sensei's principles in my movement (use of power/internal form - 'the edge'). Of course on top of this, there is also 'Andre style Shotokan', or my indivdual flavour, as Sensei always encouraged.

__________

How many hares am I chasing?

In addition to the four sentei kata (Bassai-dai, Kanku-dai, Enpi and Jion), I'm also working on Tekki-shodan. You may be saying to yourself now "hey, that's five hares", however, I am merely doing one kata per day, then blasting them all out on Sunday. So really speaking, I'm trying to catch one rabbit each day... With Sunday being the day I try to catch all five at once! [An assessment, and/or 'review' of the weeks study, if you like.]

__________

So what has been the result of my training? Well, as always it has been yet another really humbling experience. I KNOW NOTHING... I'm really just a beginner in karate, and need to keep seeking higher level technique. In saying that, this certainly spurs me on! The glitches I've found have given me my targets for 'at least' the next five days of practice (I have Tuesday off so that takes me back to Sunday).

Some personal advice: Whatever you are doing in karate, try not to divide your attention in training sessions. Catch one hare at a time! Chasing two never works, and even if it does, it results in mediocracy. This may take some self-discipline, but will reap great rewards (if your training reinforces exact JKA style kihon).

"... if you can't do a great Bassai, Kanku, Enpi and Jion, throw your black belt in the rubbish". - Asai Tetsuhiko (when Technical Director at the Japan Karate Association).

© André Bertel, Japan 2008

ASAI SENSEI'S BOOKS

As a direct student of Tetsuhiko Asai I have been asked many times about the karate textbooks he produced in the late 1970's. These books are quite rare in the West, dare I say 'collectors items'? Of course to me, this has no relevance, as I see these publications as very important landmarks, in my late mentors karate development. They are therefore technically important to me, as they show the evolution of Asai Sensei's karate.

The books titled Jitsugi Karatedo were published in 1978, when Asai Sensei was still a 7th Dan, with the unified JKA (Japan Karate Association). They were definitely Sensei’s biggest written contribution ‘mass released’ for Japanese JKA Shotokan practitioners and karate world in general. Originally meaning to be a series of five books, only two were published.

These two books are very useful in helping one to understand the bridge between JKA and Asai-karate and actually reveal kenkyu/happyo (research presentation) required by the JKA at that time. It is said that these books were also a counterattack against the split of Kanazawa Sensei, who just formed SKI (Shotokan Karate International). In the 1970’s Asai Sensei and Mr. Kanazawa were viewed as the two most revered ‘senior’ JKA exponents, so it was rumoured that ‘Jitsugi Karate-Do’ was a means to upstage Mr. Kanazawa’s publications. I never asked Asai Sensei if this rumour was true, however, I doubt it was, as only Masatomo Takagi, who at the time was merely the JKA's Fuku-Rijicho (Vice Chairman) wrote the foreword. It is also worth adding that Asai Sensei and Mr. Kanazawa were friends.

THE CONTENTS OF ‘JITSUGI KARATE-DO’ (Volumes one and two):
Rather than fully explaining the content of both publications, I’ll firstly give a general overview of their contents, then give commentary on their more important points. These special points were explained to me by Asai Sensei, and also come from my ongoing training/research.

VOLUME ONE: Kihon kata

Jo (Prologue)
Mokuji (Contents)

Issho (Chapter One): Tenshin (Body rotation)
1. About Tenshin.
2. Kiso renshu ichi – koshi no kiri (the sharp action of the hips; literally 'cutting hip').
3. Kiso renshu ni – koshi no kaiten (hip rotation).
4. Kiso renshu san – koshi no kisen (the 'movement line' of hips).
5. Kiso renshu yon – kata; shiho ten (four directional rotation).

Nisho (Chapter Two): Kata
1. Kata
Kokoro gamae (heart/mind set).
Shintoku jiko (points to keep in mind).
Shinsa ni okeru shitei kata (compulsory kata for examination).
2. Heian-shodan
3. Unsoku zu (footwork map)
4. Heian-nidan
5. Unsoku zu
6. Heian-sandan
7. Unsoku zu
8. Heian-yondan
9. Unsoku zu
10. Heian-godan
11. Unsoku zu
12. Tekki-shodan
13. Unsoku zu

Enbusha shokai (Introduction of demonstration assistants)
Mikio Yahara (5th Dan) - NOW CHIEF INSTRUCTOR OF THE KWF: www.kwf.jp
Tetsuo Furumoto (3rd Dan)

VOLUME TWO: Sentei Kata

Jo (Prologue)
Mokuji (Contents)
Kata
Tekki-nidan
Tekki-sandan
Bassai
Jion
Kanku

Enbusha shokai (Introduction of demonstration assistants)
Osamu Shimizu (3rd Dan)
Yukio Okamura (2nd Dan) ~ ISS

SPECIAL POINTS OF JITSUGI KARATE-DO

(a) The only 'kihon' in the book is Asai Sensei's 8th Dan Kenkyu/Happyo (Research/Presentation) subject, which was 'Tenshin'. Sensei classified this, not as kihon, but 'KISO'. Kiso implies a base to sustain something, and it actually has a much deeper meaning than kihon in Japanese. The first four of Asai Sensei's Tenshin drills are included, the last of which is the infamous shihoten (the base of many Asai-ryuha bujutsu kata).

(b) Kata: What is included in the kata section is perhaps fascinating for many JKA Shotokan people. It is stated in the book that for the Shodan-shinsa (1st degree test), the examinee must demonstrate Heian-yondan, Heian-godan and/or Tekki-shodan (Asai Sensei emphasized 'and' to me). Asai Sensei also expected examinees to do a Sentei kata. Now this is very interesting... At the time the Sentei kata were Bassai (dai), Jion, Kanku (dai), and both Tekki-nidan and Tekki-sandan! No Empi... As I got my shodan in the mid 80's I'm unsure if the above points were standard JKA requirements prior to the registration of my first black belt. When asking Asai Sensei this question, he said "it was standard JKA practice." However, I got the feeling he was meaning 'what he expected' as he 'was' JKA! Back to the sentei kata themselves, it goes without saying that Asai Sensei highly regarded the Tekki series, and expected shodan's and above to be proficient at all three.

(c) The number of kata: Sensei stated in Jitsugi Karate-Do that there are only around 50 kata in existence, and that they were developed by very senior experts. This statement confirms that Asai Sensei had not yet formally developed his 'own' kata, and also verifies that 'the majority' of his (approximately) 150 kata were his own creations. Going by various conversations, it seems the majority of these 'new kata' were developed in the last 15 years of his life, when he himself was a 'very senior expert'. Sensei did Shotokanize some Okinawan kata such as Matsumura rohai, Heiku and others, but the majority of Asai Sensei's kata were a result of his genius. The information in Jitsugi Karate-Do puts this issue to rest.

(d) The bunkai featured in the books: The kata analysis/applications featured in Jitsugi Karate-Do, for the most part, is not much more practical than what is featured in the 'Best Karate' series of books. However, I can honestly say, from one-on-one tuition with Asai Sensei, that he NEVER trained/taught such impractical kata applications. So for me, this is a huge defence for what Nakayama Sensei had in his books and videos. Clearly, these 'applications' were merely to 'better teach the kata', and introduce 'basic set sparring' with the kata, for beginners. Naturally this must lead on to street practical techniques and fighting principles, and Asai Sensei most certainly focused on these. His karate was certainly not about winning tournaments, and not for the feint hearted insofar as inflicting serious damage is concerned. One should never forget Asai Sensei's orthodox fist formation, which was not seiken, but rather nakadaka-ippon ken.

(e) The main assistant in the books was Mikio Yahara Sensei. I will not say much more here, but Yahara Sensei's technical approach, bujutsu mentality, and sheer longterm direct connection to Asai Sensei, makes him a very important figure in the development of Asai-style karate. And his closeness to Asai Sensei goes beyond these books and similar fighting style. It goes right to the point of Asai Sensei making him his second in charge (Asai JKA). Asking Asai Sensei why Yahara Sensei left him, he said to me "Because Yahara-kun cannot accept the karate of JKF, and the majority of my younger students love sports karate". He then recommended I study under the direction of Yahara Sensei, if I wanted to learn his way! Jitsugi Karate-Do undeniably shows that Yahara Sensei was Asai Sensei's number one (during Asai Sensei's prime)! Note in volume two, a member of Yahara Sensei's ISS (International Security Service) is used as a demonstration assistant (as Yahara sensei himself was unavailable due to 'business').

(f) The final point of interest I'd like to mention here is the foreword by Mr. Takagi which roughly states "Asai is a good boy (note he was only 43 when the books were published) and was JKA born and bred." Those who follow Asai Sensei's karate should never forget that he was a product of the Japan Karate Association, and also an exponent that they used to advertise themselves! The rest is all history!

To conclude, I'd like to say that within my karate book collection, my most prized possession is volume one of this series, as I have the original hardcover copy with the box. What's more it was personally stamped by Sensei, ‘inkan’ Japanese style (see the scan above). It goes without saying, the second volume is my second most important karate book. In all honesty, if you are studying Asai Sensei’s karate, both of these rare books are a ‘must have’. OSU! Andre.

_______________________

© André Bertel, Japan 2008

Snow way!

Waking up we found the car and tanbo behind us covered in snow... I know this is nothing compared to many people who visit this website, but please remember we live in Kyushu, located in Southern Japan.

I took this photo of my wife Mizuho from our apartment window. You can't see the mountain range in the background!

I've had a nasty cold for the last few days and have resorted to light kata to speed up my recovery. It is hard not to push myself, however I admittedly feel much stronger already. Perhaps the sudden cold spell has aided this also? The morning this photo was taken I didn't venture outside for my early morning practice (too cold & unwell). I stayed indoors and went through Bassai-dai, and Bassai-sho several times, playing with some variations, recently taught to me by some senior buddies in the JKA.

I feel like I'm back to square one with these kata (hence I asked to see my friends renditions), and haven't practised dai and sho kata together for 'many years'. If we train seriously, karate regularly tells us "we know nothing and that we must train more". Clearly if that is not the case, it is time to move on and use our precious time for other things.

© André Bertel, Japan 2008

Link to last years articles

I've had some emails asking for the '07 posts on this site (there were 56 in total last year). Here is the link to the majority of these: 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

If you are searching for last years posts, you can simply click '2007' on the menu (located on the right side of the page).

Currently I have several new technical articles in the works, so I'm looking forward to releasing at least one of these in February. With my teaching and intensive karate training schedule (6 days a week), it is often impossible for me to find enough time to write something, even semi-coherently! Presently I'm doing a second training on Wednesdays, which has been really tough on my schedule, however, as my 'training' is the driving force behind this website, it is my naturally my priority.

Yours in karate-do!

OSU, Andre Bertel

© André Bertel, Japan 2008

Christchurch Karate Club - New Zealand

Karate is a martial art characterized by the aim to achieve the ‘single finishing blow’, anything less cannot be considered as true karate. Sadly, over 90% of what is now referred to as karate, does not have ikken-hissatsu (the single finishing blow), as the nucleus of all technical training. Such styles, clubs, and individuals, whether claiming links to ‘traditional systems’ (by name and/or affiliation) literally have nothing, except the money to buy brand labels and certificates...
My home country, New Zealand, is particularly bad in this regard. Most people merely ‘play karate’ and 'buy their way into Japanese organisations'. Can this 'way' be taken seriously? Of course not, because it is literally not karate technically and in spirit. Some people are serious about the 'sport' of karate, however this way is inferior as well, as real karate is not a sport. Competition, if made the top priority is a dead end.

I just received news of Lyall Stone Sensei’s dojo beginning weeknight classes, (open to anyone) in my home city, Christchurch. This is wonderful news for people there, as there is no one else teaching Shotokan karate correctly in the Canterbury region (teaching/training for 'ikken-hissatsu). Lyall Sensei (4th Dan) is the chief instructor of Shotokan Karate New Zealand. He was also the original Technical Director of JKS (Japan Karate Shotorenmei) in New Zealand. So the club is actually the original JKS New Zealand headquarters. Prior to the establishment of the JKS by Asai Sensei he was a member of the Asai faction of the JKA (under Asai Sensei and Yahara Sensei). Therefore, away from his current position, he is also the most qualified person in New Zealand to teach Asai style karate. The people who are now controlling JKS were unheard of until the end of 2003 and 2004 respectively. Lyall Sensei was with Asai Sensei's JKA and the JKS from the very beginning. What's more, unlike these karate politicians, Lyall Sensei is a hard training karate man.
I'm really excited that people in Christchurch and the South Island of New Zealand can once again access true karate. The feeling in the dojo will no doubt be intense, like training here in Japan, giving karate its true power and beauty. This 'do or die feeling' coupled with the correct use of the body (the perfect co-ordination of koshi no kaiten and tai no shinshuku) is very special, as most people now seek a watered down version of the art. It comes back to the old saying "doing the moves, some applications, and twisting the hips is not enough". These things must be coupled with constant seriousnous (do or die mentality), and 'extreme' body torque harnessing strength, to release ones maximum power.

Congratulations Lyall Sensei and to all the members in Christchurch who are doing their part to keep authentic karate alive. The club is no doubt a great asset for the city and New Zealand (not another Shotokan 'baby sitting club' coupled by a few adults, in their white pyjamas, thinking they are 'karateka'). With permission from Lyall Sensei, when I visit New Zealand, I promise to give a seminar for the members of the club

OSU! Andre Bertel

© André Bertel, Japan 2008