Kougemachi Training

Today marks two and half years since we arrived back in Japan, and for me as a karateka, this can only be defined by my daily teaching and training.

My local practice today in Kougemachi, Fukuoka-ken, was nothing out of the ordinary, however I thought I'd cover it here, and offer you some of my thoughts, as I rest my body.

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Kihon: Today kihon was firstly focused on maximum hanmi for ukewaza or blocking/reception techniques (Depicted in the photo above - please note my bad rear foot position, slippery but no excuses). Secondly, (and very closely related to ukewaza and ude-gatame) I worked on hiji-ate, namely tate empi uchi, ushiro empi uchi, mae empi uchi, yoko empi uchi, yokomawashi empi uchi and otoshi empi uchi, but also on the other more obscure Asai-ryuha variations.

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Kumite: Practical application of haito in various forms was the first aspect we addressed. Secondly, was inter-reversible blocks & counters with various forms of kakuto and teisho combined. In both cases, the over riding theme was kyusho-jutsu (best explained in English as pressure point techniques). Finally we worked on the application of the various forms of elbow strikes (this complimented the pin-point precision required for the kyusho techniques). These 'battering ram' strikes were applied against much more general targets such as the temple, jaw, chin, eye socket, solar plexus, and rib cage.

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Kata: Three kata were practiced today, namely Kakuyoku-Nidan, Asai-ha Sochin, and Asai-ha Unsu. The over riding theme was 'large scale' techniques based on a full understanding of junansei (softness/relaxation); The other theme was the avoidance of excessive stance length to enable maximum/optimal expression of the hips. Translated: 'No good for winning tournaments but all good for practical application'.

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© André Bertel, Japan (2009).

Makiwara Training

My doctor cheekily asked “How many times have you broken your knuckles? Either that or you are a karate man!” When I told him I have trained in karate for well over 20 years, many of which I’ve been a full-time instructor, he was surprised that I never told him before (He’s been my doctor since I returned to Japan in March of 2007). He thought from my physique that I was doing “gymnastics or something”.
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He then went on to ask the typical questions (boringly typical here in Japan) if someone finds out that you do karate “Do you play in K1?” and “Do you break bricks with your hands?” Both to which I of course answered “No, I do dentotekina karate-Do”. He then asked “so how did the index and middle finger knuckles of your hand develop like that? (Pictured below)". So I explained to him that it’s probably from my use of the makiwara since youth. I then went on to explain that “to me the makiwara is not a tool for hand conditioning as much as it is for harmoniously using the body, particularly the legs, waist and back, to muster and channel maximum energy into a target”.

Clearly uninterested in my comments he suddenly slapped his hand on my seiken (fore fist), which was still closed, and was shocked “Ouch! Your hand is killing weapon!” Of course I couldn’t help but smile. He then went on to ask “Are you suffering any pain from complications such as arthritis?” And I responded by saying “Thanks to God not yet, and hopefully never!”

The last thing he said to me was “As a karateka do you make your students do such training?” And my answer was “No! I don’t expect anyone to risk their body for karate and educate my students on the dangers of all practice methods, teaching/promoting only what is safe. That is my responsibility as an instructor.” As a Japanese, he was surprised by my response, as here in Japan, people who teach budo/martial arts are often very stubborn, still promoting outdated practices which are very harmful for the body (their justification being ‘tradition’).

My view on the makiwara as a 'conditioning tool' for myself: Obviously conditioned karada no buki (weapons of the body) are less likely to sustain damage when impacting on various parts of the human body. Also sharp and hardened weapons ARE MORE EFFECTIVE. However, with any form of training, there is a price to pay, and a level of risk. Probably the most dangerous practice of all is makiwara training... In saying that, I admit that I value the conditioning aspects of hitting the makiwara 'for myself'.
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Many people question the safety and effectiveness of makiwara training, and rightfully so. As a total believer in the makiwara, I am not afraid to say this, and are also keen to talk openly about the dangers and benefits of this traditional training tool.

My best wishes for your training & good health!

André

© André Bertel, Japan (2009).

Andre Bertel's Karate-Do Video Links

For your convenience here are the links to my all of present videos uploaded on Youtube. Please feel free to watch and rate them. And if you have a spare moment please make a comment! I promise that more videos are on the way thanks to all of the positive feedback I've received. Please note that the commentary presented below (prior to the links) have been cut and pasted from the clips on Youtube. Also worth mentioning is that the order of the videos goes from the latest to the oldest. Please enjoy! All the best, from Nakatsu-shi, Oita, Japan.

OSU!

André Bertel

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Shotei-dai kata performed slowly: Here I am 'walking through' the Asai-ryuha kata 'Shotei-dai' at my dojo here in Oita, Japan. I've uploaded it without speed and power so people can learn the version which my late teacher, Tetsuhiko Asai Sensei taught. It also displays the 'natural energy' he taught me, which is essence of Asai Karate. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwT1kLY0UF8

Asai-ryuha kata – Kaminari Arashi: Kaminari-arashi means thunderous storm, which was my late teacher, Asai Tetsuhiko's nickname. However the technical meaning of the name comes from its emphasis on sharp tewaza weapons, primarily ippon-ken, nakadaka ippon-ken, and the various forms of nukite, including kumade. Also from unpredictability, like thunder. The transformation of this kata or 'sho' (minor) version is known as Raiko. Assisting me in the bunkai/oyo-jutsu sections of these clips is Tony Petronelli Sensei (3rd Dan) of Canterbury, New Zealand. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrlcggQQSvo&feature=channel_page

One-on-one tuition from Asai Sensei (#2): Here is some more footage of Asai Sensei giving me one-on-one tuition, this time from 2003. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMCL3elwhmw&feature=channel_page

Teaching Charles Lee and JKS members in Hawaii: This video footage was taken in early 2003 in Honolulu, Hawaii. After a seminar with Asai Shuseki-Shihan, Charles Lee Sensei (Chief Instructor of JKS Hawaii, & now Technical Director of JKS Americas, requested that I teach him and his students some new Asai-ryuha kata. Firstly I privately taught Charles Lee Sensei; then a small group of black belts at Fujiwara Sensei's dojo; then taught a few sessions to Lee Sensei and his senior JKS Hawaii students (as seen in this footage). The new kata I taught them were Shotei-dai and Rakuyo, and also reviewed the Junro series, which Asai Sensei had just standardized and re-taught on the course. I also corrected their Senka, which they had incorrectly learned off Asai Sensei's video tapes. Asai Sensei later congratulated me, on the telephone, telling me that I was the first instructor to introduce these kata to the United States. But then said in jest "if wrong, big trouble!" In this clip I was mostly walking the JKS Hawaii students and Sensei Lee (pictured next to me on the 'video thumbnail') through Shotei-dai and Rakuyo. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Oijw2xpzTU&feature=channel_page

Asai Sensei’s fundamental open hand blocks: Here Asai Sensei demonstrates the fundamental use of open hands, to deflect linear attacks. The focus was on karada no buki. Namely shuto, tate-shuto and seiryuto, but also teisho and kakuto. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGX6ty6jp-k&feature=channel_page

One-on-one tuition from Asai Sensei (#1): This is my first upload of private tuition with Asai Sensei. I have many hours of footage from one-one-one training under Sensei that I will upload as I recieve more tapes from New Zealand. This video whilst not showing Asai Sensei's prowess, was how he 'coached', so it's like you are a fly on the wall watching the lesson. Direct training with Asai Sensei was, and always will be the biggest highlight of my karate career. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqTxz0NzbE8&feature=channel_page

Mawashi geri kara jodan zuki: Here I use a comprehensive right jodan mawashi geri followed by right jodan punch. The roundhouse kick made the gap for an immediate straight punch to land on my opponents face. When attacking in competition I always thought ahead. Once launching an attack, I'd forget about it, and focus on my opponents potential response. I never bothered much with feints... A combination to me was hitting with each technique, not just the intial, middle or final attack. It goes without saying that 'committed attacks' always draw the opponents defence more than feinting. Although not such an impressive clip, I hope this establishes that "the best way to create gaps is not by feinting, but rather, by firing real attacks every time". If you can do this with your thought on your opponents reaction, you'll create a 'win-win situation' for yourself. Never think 'wazari', only think 'ippon'! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fD5aVZMJ1LE&feature=channel_page

Tai sabaki: Taking the initiative later or Go no sen is not just countering the opponent. It is pressuring them to attack, then responding with a kime waza. The basic tai sabaki technique I use in this footage won Asai Sensei many matches in the early 1960's, and as a result became a standard technique within the Japan Karate Association. Sensei told me that back in those days this technique was very uncommon as competition matches were more like 'unsophisticated brawls'. Therefore Shotokan people were mostly 'line fighters'. Asai Sensei changed this when he won the 1961 JKA All Japan Championships using a variety of ducking, dodging and rotational techniques. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlZj0M_fqP0&feature=channel_page

Chudan gyaku zuki: Here I cover my opponents lead arm and snatch a decisive point with chudan gyaku zuki. The timing and penetration of the punch resulted in my opponent being floored. Even though he quickly returned to his feet after this blow, he lost his ability to fight as he was seriously winded. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ml4zX6xBFU&feature=channel_page

Jodan mawashi geri kara ashi barai soshite otoshi zuki (2): Here is the same renzokuwaza (combination technique) as posted in the clip titled 'Shotokan Karate Ashi Barai 1', which I uploaded last year. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SWhpQVih4Y&feature=channel_page

Chudan mawashi geri: Because of the distance and poor quality of this video footage this chudan mawashi geri (middle level roundhouse kick) may not look so fast, but I'll let you decide. It is a pretty good example of 'sen no sen' (taking the initiative earlier) utilizing sheer speed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arsJwnrjvv4&feature=channel_page

Ashi barai kara gyaku zuki: Here I used an ashi barai to off-balance my opponent, then a second ashi barai to pull him into a decisive gyaku zuki. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QM_zckLv158&feature=channel_page

Ippon-waza: In this video I am fighting, my friend Philip Wilson, who recently got to the top 16 at the JKS World Championships in Okinawa (eliminated by Takuya Makita, the 2006 JKS All Japan Kumite Champion). Here again in this clip, I feint, then simultaneously slip the attempted punch, and go for an ashi-barai (which is unsuccessful). In the process, Phil snatches my dogi, and I respond with an immediate jodan punch. This technique is clearly a finisher in a real fight, and therefore an 'Ippon'. If I had not 'tensed' to 'put the breaks on', serious damage would have been done. Although not the best example, it certainly demonstrates 'what a real ippon' is. There is no second chance. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcLf7RGQ-MM&feature=channel_page

Jodan mawashi geri kara ashi barai soshite otoshi zuki (1): Sadly this "Ippon" example, is not that good, as I only have limited digital footage of when I was competing. This clip features one of my tokui-renzokuwaza, and may be useful (fun) for shobu-ippon newbies. In this case, you can clearly see, as I move in, I merely slip the opponents punches as they have no potential, due to insufficient fundamental application/skill. The feint mawashi geri brings the COG high, and then the sweep cuts low, utilizing the power of the hips (scissors action coordinating upper body & legs). The important point, in this particular ashi-barai, is slipping around the 'outside' of the opponents punch. This basic angle allows the sweep to take out both legs. As with all techniques it is all about your shikake (set up) and timing. This 'mock' tactic is one I reserved, for fighting kyu grades, or dan karateka with poor basics. I would not recommend 'openly' entering distance, like in this footage (with no kamae) against a opponent, with average to high level skill. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbtN6_su3Kg&feature=channel_page

Assisting Asai Sensei: I was kindly given this short clip. Here I am assisting my late Sensei, Asai Tetsuhiko, at a seminar back in Aotearoa. Also a photo-shoot for the Christchurch Press Newspaper. This was on the third a final day on the open seminars, and I think it really demonstrates Asai Sensei's awesome physical stamina, and use of 'muchiken power', as opposed to muscular strength. I was completely worn out from the seminars, and in particular the vigorous morning trainings, I had to do with Sensei. But because of Sensei's use of natural energy, he was still 'ready to have a go'. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2miuk3FjYl8&feature=channel_page

Asai Sensei’s TVNZ Interview: As a logical follow up, to my first upload of footage, here is the nationally aired interview, courtesy of Television New Zealand. I've pre-loaded this clip for the one year memorial of Sensei's passing. The footage will therefore be made public on August 15th in rememberance. I feel it is a fitting tribute to a wonderful person and world class budoka. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpX05max8Wg&feature=channel_page

Kumite Enbu with Asai Sensei: My teacher, Tetsuhiko Asai's demonstration, with me assisting him for New Zealand TV, in December of 2004. I have loads of footage from various private morning trainings, over the years, that I will upload in the future. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYYQauucQA8&feature=channel_page

© André Bertel, Japan (2009).

Shotei Dai Kata (Performed Slowly)

I've uploaded a slow performance of the Asai-ryuha kata 'Shotei-dai'
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Even though I'm performing Shotei-dai slowly, please note my use of 'natural energy'/junansei, which is the essence of Asai-karate. This karate-way literally allows one to continue Shotokan training throughout their life whilst continuing to increase impact power (without unnaturally moving, and inevitably damaging the joints).

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Here is the link to the kata on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwT1kLY0UF8

© André Bertel, Japan (2009).

Updated training regime based on junansei

My current training regime covers a wide variety of kata to re-address my junansei (softness). As I have written before, this is a constant in my karate-do keiko. This is probably because of Asai Sensei's constant ad vocation of junansei, something which I still can learn from (and always will), due to his 'near super-human level' of technical depth; in his own words, "my skill is primarily due to my 'bujutsu specific' softness."

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Kihon for junansei - Superior use of power: In addition to the wide array of kata in my current practice I'm giving particular attention to chanelling energy via gyaku zuki, gedan-barai, mae geri, yoko keage, mawashi geri and yoko kekomi. I could have chosen other techniques, however, these are very 'standard' and also provide an enjoyable fulcrum to fully exercise snap (naturally, all kihonwaza do, but I selected these for my regime due to their fundamental obviousness, and sheer preference, via my personal needs at present).

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Kumite: My kumite is all about putting the energy-use of my kihon and kata into practice.

Thus far I'm challenged to the maximum, but with continued practice I aim to break through another level of karate strata. There is certainly no room for arrogance in karate if one is honest with themselves... It literally is a never ending challenge!

OSU!

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© André Bertel, Japan (2009).

Kaminari-arashi kata on Youtube

I've uploaded some clips of Kaminari-arashi from a DVD created around four or five years ago with the assistance of Tony Petronelli Sensei (3rd Dan). It was a part of my seemingly 'never ending' 6th Dan report required by Asai Sensei.

In the DVD I performed the kata both slowly and with regular speed from the front, rear, and side, along with the basic/surface level oyo/bunkai-jutsu.

Here is a link to the clips... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrlcggQQSvo If you are keen for me to upload more videos please give the video a rating and make a comment! Of course positive and negative comments are all most welcome. However, keep in my my kata is not for competition/'looking nice', but rather for 'martial arts training'. Beautiful kata to me comprises of effective fighting/self-defence techniques. This follows the way of my late sensei, Asai Tetsuhiko.

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My other videos are available here: http://www.youtube.com/user/andrebertel

Kindest regards & best wishes from Japan,

André

© André Bertel, Japan (2009).

Karate Champion?

I won a lot of karate tournaments when I was younger, and I lost in some as well. I have had days when I've entered and won every bout by ippon, without conceding any points whatsoever. Likewise I have entered and been completely wiped out. Am I a karate champion? Well, to be honest, I‘m still really not sure what a karate champion actually is… But I know what being a 'champion' is, even via some experiences in competition...

Some challenging bouts I had…

Entering injured: In 1999 I entered a competition in Christchurch representing Canterbury to fight the New Zealand All-Universities Team. I was coaxed into entering with two freshly broken ribs (I was not supposed to be doing any sports for a while). I was also pushed to do kata… My Unsu was terrible, and needless to say in kumite, I was completely trashed! 6-0 under the previous WKF-style Sanbon Shobu rules. However, credit to my rather large opponent who capitalized on my injuries.

Entering after food poisoning: In the last tournament which I fought in, the 2005 KANZ (Karate Association of New Zealand) National Championships in Palmerston North, I got food poisoning two nights prior to the event and lost several kilograms as a result of severe vomiting and diarrhea (thanks to a Wellington pie shop...). Regardless, I decided to enter, and ending up winning the event. My tactic, due to my lack of strength was simply to attack immediately, no waiting around, no special tactics – just go in! I was white as a ghost and super thin, so my theory is that I freaked my opponents out...
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As I’ve said before, there is nothing wrong with karate competitions. However, we should avoid getting carried away by competition success, or failure for that matter. Success is not as much about winning or losing, but rather about one’s spirit and attitude. In both of the above situations, I won! Because I dug in against the odds… Serious injury and sickness. One example resulted in failure, the other in success. To me, both were successes! In many cases, I have won competition titles convincingly and achieved nothing in the long-term sense.
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To be frank, due to the subjectivity of karate competitions, I don't really believe in karate champion's, but I do believe in the 'spirit of a champion'. A real champion never gives up, especially when the odds are against them, win or lose. I wish I could provide more examples of challenging bouts, however, most of the time I was in perfect health. Looking back now, the above two situations mean more to me than all of those 'good days' I had. My advice to all of you, who still compete in tournaments, is quite simply "Go for it!" Enjoy and be free from the concerns of winning and losing. Neither matters, only your perception and spirit.

OSU!

© André Bertel, Japan (2009).

Masao Kagawa Sensei Interview

Masao Kagawa Sensei was born in Osaka in 1955. He graduated from from Teikyo University and went on to become a Japan Karate Association instructor. Besides being one of the very best technicians to have been produced by the JKA, he is also a world class teacher. Here is a 'highly abbreviated' background of this awesome Shotokan karateka…
Rank:
7th Dan JKF (Japan Karate Federation) and 8th Dan JKS (Japan Karate Shotorenmei).

A small sample of Kagawa Sensei’s competitive record (otherwise I’d be writing all day):

• The 5th Kanto Students Karate-do tournament – Winner of the Male Individual Kumite.
• The 1st World Cup Karate-Do Championship – Winner of the Male Team Kata.
• The 3rd Shoto World Cup – Winner of the Individual Men’s Kumite.
• The 28th All Japan Championships – Winner of both the Male Individual Kata & Kumite.
  
  Current coaching and karate-do administrative positions:
• Coach of Teikyo University Karate Club (Japan’s top university dojo).
• Coach of the JKF All-Japan National Team.
• NPO Japan Karate Shoto-Federation Technical Director.
• Commissioner of the All-Japan and Kanto Students Karate-do Federation.
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To read Kagawa Sensei’s latest interview (featured on 'The Shotokan Way') click here: http://www.theshotokanway.com/aninterviewwithmasaokagawa.html

© André Bertel, Japan (2009).

Tetsuhiko Asai Shihan Memorial Report

We returned home to Japan in time for the memorial practice for my late teacher Shuseki Shihan Tetsuhiko Asai. To be honest I felt compelled to be in Nippon for this.

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This year I only concentrated on a handful of advanced Asai-ryuha kata, namely Roshu (Nami no te), Kashu (Hi no te), Seiryu, Hakkaishu and Kakuyoku. Unlike previous memorial trainings, this practice was extremely light with focus on Sensei's silky smooth movement and total junansei/softness. Asai Sensei labelled this 'way of karate' as "mature" and "high class".

Overall this years memorial practice was very relaxing, positive, and technically reflective of my late teachers constant stressing of softness, snap and natural energy.

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This is the way Sensei wanted his kata and techniques to be performed/applied, and this will be lost, if us, his students, don't continue to refine and promote these qualities. I will never forget Sensei, and will continue to follow his karate-do to the best of my limited ability.

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R.I.P. Asai Sensei

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© André Bertel, Japan (2009).

In Memory of Asai Sensei

June 7th 1935 - August 15th 2006

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In memory of my late teacher ASAI TETSUHIKO (10th Dan).
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Today marks three years since Shuseki Shihan Tetsuhiko Asai passed away. And today, like many others around the world, I will do a special memorial training, in remembrance of Sensei.

Here are the links to the last two years of memorial practices: 2007 (http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/08/on-this-very-day-august-15th-last-year.html) and 2008 (http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/08/asai-sensei-memorial-day-training.html).

The Asai Karate Kata - Keeping the Legacy of Asai Tetsuhiko Alive: As many of my regular readers will know, I just wrote an article for this year’s memorial, which is featured in the August edition of The Shotokan Way. If you haven’t read it already and wish to do so, click here: http://www.theshotokanway.com/theasaikaratekata.html

For those of you who will today practice in memory of Asai Sensei, I offer you my best wishes from Kyushu, Japan. Let's keep Asai Sensei's memory and karate alive for the future generations of karateka.

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© André Bertel, Japan (2009).