New training regime

Kihon: My current training routine is concentrating on 12 simple ido-kihon waza (listed below). My repetitions of each technique is four to eight in each direction. I'm averaging between 16 and 32 repetitions paying much attention to moderate hip rotation (not a full 'side on' hanmi), and power from hip propulsion.

Anyway, here's the rundown on my present kihon-geiko.
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(1) Sanbon-zuki; (2) Chudan gyaku-zuki; (3) Jodan age-uke kara chudan gyaku-zuki; (4) Chudan soto-uke kara chudan gyaku-zuki; (5) Chudan uchi-uke kara chudan gyaku-zuki; (6) Gedan-barai kara chudan gyaku-zuki; (7) Chudan shuto-uke (kokutsu-dachi) kara tate shihon-nukite; (8) Mae-geri; (9) Yoko-keage (kiba-dachi); (10) Yoko-kekomi (kiba-dachi); (11) Mawashi-geri; (12) Ushiro-geri.

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Kata: From today I've started to exclusively work on Gojushiho-Dai. I feel pretty very rusty on this kata, which is pretty shameful, considering I spent so much of my life intensively practicing it. On a positive note, a nice 'renewed' challenge!

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Kumite: I'm having a break from the aggressive attacking style of kumite, I was practicing so much of, in November and December 2009. In saying that, according to my training partners, and private students, my hangeki (counterattacks) in jiyu-kumite are more aggressive than my kogeki! So that is a feather in my cap. As much as I love kata, I've always been naturally better at kumite, but of course, kata in karate-do is everything, the soul/tradition of our martial art. Therefore, my goal is always to align my kumite with my kata. As Asai Sensei always said "Step-by-step".

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Best wishes and healthy training from Oita-ken, Japan.

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© André Bertel, Japan (2010).

SEMINARS IN ITALY

On May 1st and 2nd, and May 8th and 9th 2010, I will be teaching open karate-do seminars in Venice, Italy. These are being hosted by Giuseppe Formenton Shihan (7th Dan) and Mauro Mion Shihan (7th Dan), and organized by Silvio Cannizzo Sensei (4th Dan) of the Japan Karate Shotorenmei Italia.
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These technical courses will be completely dedicated to Shuseki-Shihan Tetsuhiko Asai's style with particular focus on Asai-ryu kata. New kata, also Asai Sensei's advanced applications will be introduced for the first time Europe, and these will be covered in depth. Correct use of energy will also be covered, as a basis for the Asai-ryuha kata, and to effectively apply one's techniques (regardless of size, strength, male or female). This is a 'must-attend event' for those who are practicing, or are interested in improving their technique via Asai Karate.

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For more information please click on the following link to the official website of JKS Italy: www.jksitalia.it or more specifically http://www.jksitalia.it/eventi.html. I look forward to seeing, training and socializing with you all in Venice.

© André Bertel, Japan (2010).

Ooyuki

Here are a couple of photos from today of the scenic Mt. Hachimen, which we can admire from our apartment, and the local supermarket just up the road.

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Anyway, the temperature in the dojo was definitely reflective of these pictures. And as you probably know, I really hate the cold! Give me 40 Degrees Celsius any day, I love the sweltering heat and have no defense for the cold. My bones just freeze...

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On a positive note, the snow has been visually spectacular, and also a chance to really train my spirit. To leave a nice and warm apartment to face the cold dojo is definitely good for the one's inner-strength.

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A big OSU from snow covered Japan!

André

© André Bertel, Japan (2010).

SEMINARS IN GERMANY

I'll be teaching seminars in Ahrensburg, Germany on April 17th & 18th of April, 2010. Please click on the poster for more details or follow this link: http://www.kampfkunst-ahrensburg.de/

These seminars are all about

karate, not money or politics, so everyone is welcome. To further emphasize this, the fee for both days is only 30 Euros! Therefore, the only thing I recommend, if you don't want to miss out, is to book a place as early as possible. To do this, please contact the organizers.
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For those of you who make it, I look forward to meeting & training with you. The weekend will introduce new kata & drills not previously taught in Europe.

© André Bertel, Japan (2010).

HATSUGEIKO 2010

I’d like to take this chance to wish all of the visitors, here to my webpage, a very happy, healthy and productive New Year.
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Today, Hatsugeiko (first training) was conducted to see in 2010. As usual it was by no means a technical session with corrections being made. Rather, and typical here in Japan, it was all about high repetitions of stationary and ido-kihon. Such training is considered by the Japanese as serious means to develop a ‘spirit of perseverance’. Regardless, it is a wonderful way to start the year of the tiger, to clear the mind, and to focus on new targets.
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All the best, Osu!
André

© André Bertel, Japan (2010).

Final practice for 2009

Today was my final karate keiko for 2009. The single session comprised of lot’s of ido-kihon up and down the dojo, the practice of several kata (both Shotokan-ryu and Asai-ryu), and 15 minute run in the light snow. From now it is time to rest... And tonight, enjoy delicious Japanese food, sake and quality

time with family.
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Regardless of where you are in the world, I wish you a very happy and healthy 2010. My best wishes from Oita, Japan.
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© André Bertel, Japan (2009).

NANAKOROBI YAOKI (Day 4)

Today was 'officially' the fourth and final day of kangeiko but not the final training of the year, which will be held on the 31st. I'll also be self-practicing at the dojo tomorrow, as I seriously need to review the last four days of training, as well as work on my own karate (personal targets). The kihon and kumite themes of today were based on the koten kata Kakuyoku shodan, nidan and sandan (also Roshu kata, but I won’t address this here).
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The meaning of Kakuyoku: As I’m sure you are aware, the name Kakuyoku means 'Cranes Wings' referring to the numerous wing-like trapping and hooking defenses, found in all three kata. However, less commonly known is the origin of this name. Asai Sensei explained that ‘The Kakuyoku’ was actually a Samurai battlefield strategy. The tactic effectively aimed to envelope one's opponent(s) then finish them. This makes complete sense technically, when doing oyo-kumite (the kumite applications) with these kata, in particular, when employing shuto kake uke, tekubi-kake uke and tsukami-uke. Hooking, grasping, and/or trapping, then impacting.
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This was an great final training for the December 2009 kangeiko. Whilst (thankfully) being less physical than the previous three days, I found it to be technically more challenging. All the best from Oita, Japan.

© André Bertel, Japan (2009).

NANAKOROBI YAOKI (Day 3)

Today's kangeiko was completely dedicated to the five Junro kata, which I only just recently published an article on: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2009/12/whilst-im-still-young-when-i-was-even.html. Anyway, here's a quick report on today's practice.
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Stripping the kata back into kihon: We began with the individual techniques and sections of the kata by thoroughly breaking them down into kihon. The points, which were strongly emphasised included: (a) Correct energy output for precise control of balance; (b) 'Moving from the tanden' and correct use of the hips depending on the technique/body shift. And (c) Snapping techniques, as opposed to forcing them. Nothing special in text, but awesome stuff in the dojo!

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Junro kata kumite no bunkai: The applications of all five kata were then trained as kumite. I must say that I love going through the bunkai/oyo-jutsu of the Junro series, and today was certainly no exception. So many valuable things to work on... Forever a student.

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Kata: To conclude this excellent third day of kangeiko, Junro-shodan, nidan, sandan, yondan and godan were all practiced many times over. Sorry, but I literally lost count. Time to rest!

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Needless to say, the two photos featured in this article fittingly feature my late teacher, Tetsuhiko Asai Sensei counting, as I demonstrated the five Junro. The many 'problem solving' kata, which Sensei left us, truly are a permanent testament of his phenomenal ingenuity.

OSU!

© André Bertel, Japan (2009).

NANAKOROBI YAOKI (Day 2)

'Nanakorobi yaoki' literally translates as "stumbling seven times but recovering eight". A necessity in our lives, on all frontiers, including karate-do.

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Kangeiko is not easy, especially getting up so early, in the cold, and initially freezing in your dogi. But after the junbi undo (preparatory exercises/warm up) including the traditional run, you feel exhilarated. Then from the hard practice, your body starts to tire and shut down, then you push through it. After training, regardless of how you did, or you felt you did, it is very satisfying. Here's a quick summary of today's session, even though it was pretty much the same as yesterday. Roll on tomorrow! - Osu.

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Kihon: This was nearly identical as day one, but with less corrections made, and more focus on strong spirited continuance. The typical 'unstated command' via Japanese telepathy... Don't think, just do, and you will eventually 'understand'.

Kata: Once again Meikyo-nidan and Kibaken-shodan were practiced over, and over again. But we also went one time through the five Heian kata (Asai Sensei style), Joko-nisei, Seiryu and Hachimon.

Kumite: Same as yesterday, but subtlety 'breaking the line' before blitzing the opponent with your flurry of attacks. As with the kihon and kata, if you want more details, please refer to the previous day's post: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2009/12/nanakorobi-yaoki-day-1.html

© André Bertel, Japan (2009).

NANAKOROBI YAOKI (Day 1)

December Kangeiko (special cold/winter training) started in the early hours of this morning... And the big question is "where has 2009 gone?" Who in Japan pushes the 'fast forward button'? And why does Japan time , even in the countryside, not slow down? The exception to this rule is when one is suffering in the dojo, trying to keep going. "Common time, speed up!" Suddenly somebody pushes the 'pause button'! To me, this really highlights, that karate-do is such a great way, to learn to live each moment fully. Still, I have to admit that it seems like January Kangeiko was just yesterday, so I have very long way to go: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2009/01/kangeiko-2009.html. The theme of this years kangeiko is 'exact technique for effective application', that is not wasting time, and energy, unnecessarily polishing techniques for mere aesthetics.
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Rather than make too much commentary, I'll give a brief overview of this mornings session, with the exception of the traditional outdoor run, which was funny, and not worth mentioning! Hahaha.

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A. KIHON: No technique 'lists' here, but rather the points closely examined, via all of the standard 'core' kihon (that is, the typical Shotokan grading syllabus ido-kihon): (1) Kime poise/completion/readiness, "no end and no beginning", as taught by Asai Tetsuhiko Shuseki Shihan. Technically very deep stuff! (2) Light and quiet ashi-hakobi/unsoku (footwork/leg movements/transitions). Essentially trying to avoid sounding like an elephant, as most karateka do. A review of a common theme, extensively taught by Asai Sensei, at J.K.A camps in 1990's. (3) Timing and distance of yori-ashi. Not trying to 'look smooth' but rather to 'be smooth' in transferring maximum power to the respective target. It was stressed that due to competition karate, very few karateka do this correctly, as the priority is given to aesthetics. This once again strongly brought to mind the main theme of this kangeiko.

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B. KATA: I lost count of the repetitions we did of Kibaken and Meikyo-Nidan. The application of the broad training theme, and points covered in the kihon (and corrections regularly made) resulted in making this part of the session the most educational.

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C. KUMITE: Oi komi! 100% purely biltz attacking techniques, aggressive and linear. This is traditional Japan style jiyu-kumite through and through. Kizami zuki kara gyaku zuki; Gyaku zuki kara gyaku zuki; Mae geri kara oi zuki; Kizami zuki kara gyaku zuki soshite mae ashi jodan mawashi geri... You name it, it was done!

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Dare I say, I'm really looking forward to day two of kangeiko! Two of the photos posted here, were outside of the beautiful Nakatsu-jo, our local castle, just after today's training ended. The other was from my embu (demonstration) of Meikyo-nidan at the completion of the practice. If I have the time, and energy, I'll try to complete small reports, covering each day, of this kangeiko. But as in this post, there will probably be a delay. So please excuse my punctuality! All the best to you from Oita-ken, Kyushu, Japan.

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Osu!

© André Bertel, Japan (2009).