This site is based on my daily practice of Shōtōkan Karate-Dō here in Ōita City, Japan. More than anything else, unlike the majority of other karate websites, this page is primarily dedicated to Budō Karate training itself; that is, Karate-Dō as a vehicle for holistic development.
I will soon be flown to South Africa to teach Shotokan Karatedo technical seminars.
If you wish to attend please contact the seminar organiser, Gary Grapentin Sensei, by emailing him at: garyg@geenet.co.za.
I am very much looking forward to teaching karate, training and meeting Shotokan karateka in South Africa. To those who are participating, see you soon!
Kakiwake-uke
is a technique found right across karate-do, from Heian to Unsu, kihon to
yakusoku-kumite, and oyo-kumite/self-defence.
Tounge
twister and lost in translation: I find that Westerners seem
to have a real problem pronouncing this technique correctly so I thought I’d
offer how to pronounce it correctly here: Quite simply “KA-KEY-WA-KAY – EW-KAY”’.
The noun `kakiwake’ derives from the verb `kakiwakeru’ which roughly means to
`divide apart’. While the `noun’ uke means ‘reception’ (which comes from the
verb `ukeru’). Of course, in English we refer to it as the `wedge block’, which
is a functional term, but perhaps a tad misleading when it comes to its
application.
Before
I go on, like most techniques kakiwake-uke is executed at chudan (middle level),
jodan (upper level) and gedan (lower level) and with different `karada no buki’
(weapons of the body); moreover, in different directions: but primarily frontward
i.e. – movement 14 & 18 of Heian-Yondan; and sokumen-uke `to the sides’: most
commonly gedan kakiwake-uke (AKA - kakiwake gedan-barai). Needless to say,
gedan-kakiwake no kamae is the basic posture for practicing keriwaza (kicking
techniques).
Oyo
(Application): Tetsuhiko Asai Sensei taught that
kakiwake-uke must be applied in a `flinch-reaction’-like manner. That is, the
first part of the action (the squeezing or compression) immediately deals with
the assailants hold from the outside going inward. His rationale was that: (i) we should never put both arms inside
of an opponent’s arms because it leaves us completely vulnerable to attack (from
either hand and/or others if dealing with multiple attackers); (ii) generating power by spreading the
opponents arms from the inside outward is weak (whereas huge power can be
applied from the outside and/or downwards); and (iii) from this action, the opening/spreading of the arms can be
used as strikes or ude-gatame (arm locks) as the first action conveniently sets
this up.
The
tachikata (stance) and unsoku (leg movements/footwork) also change how the
various forms of kakiwake-uke can be applied; however, all karate must be primarily
instinctive as opposed to being trained as variations. Effectiveness cannot
come from knowing many different techniques, but rather doing “the right waza—at
the right time—in the right way”; thus, whether talking about kakiwake-uke or
any technique, the key point is that one can “instinctively and optimally react” through
extensive and well-guided training.
I
get so many emails asking about karate dogi (uniforms) and obi (belts); in
particular, wanting to know what are the best brands and how to get “a perfect
fit”. In this post, I will answer this once and for all with the best advice you will find on the net.
1.0THE BEST KARTEDO-GI:
If you have been reading my site for a few years or gone through it, you will
find one brand that keeps appearing: HIROTA. Moreover, that my personal
favourite karate uniform is the `Kata
Pinack’. I believe this is the best karatedo-gi in the world at present. Click here: http://www.kuroobiya.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4_7&products_id=99
1.3
TO ENSURE YOU GET THE PERFECT FIT: Use “the experts”!
KUROBIYAisthe best and Hamid
Abbassalty will guarantee that you get what you want! This is because, besides
knowing more about karatedo-gi and obi than any other person on the planet, he
is a guru of listening to his customers, and getting them the best. Furthermore,
his prices are excellent and service is highly efficient. I personally wouldn’t
dream of not going through Hamid (as risk taking is foolish when it comes to
purchasing your uniforms and belts). You can go to the the Kuroobiya website by
clicking here:http://www.kuroobiya.com/shop
For
now on, for those who send me emails about karatedo-gi and obi I will not answer extensively
but rather send a link to this article. In conclusion, and to recapitulate, my
recommendation is the `Pinack Kata’ and to order through the experts ‘Kuroobiya’;
overall, this is because irrespective of the quality (of dogi and obi you buy),
it will not be satisfactory if the fit isn’t “perfect for you”. Kindest regards
and all the best, André.
Prior to the commencement of training at 6am I enjoyed practicing Kanku-Dai kata on the beach as the sun rose.
While
most members were away on holiday, nine karateka from the Christchurch Shotokan
Karate Club engaged in a special Hatsugeiko (New Year’s Training) at North New
Brighton Beach. Starting at 6am, and continuing for approximately two hours we
went through kihon (fundamentals), kihon ippon kumite (basic one-step sparring),
Heian Yondan Kata and various calisthenics.
Christchurh's New Brighton Pier and the Port Hills in the distance.
Kihon: The session
began with the traditional long period of mokuso and a beach run. This was immediately
followed by many repetitions of some of the `core kihon-waza’ including: (1) Seiken
choku-zuki in hachinoji-dachi; (2) Mae-geri from heisoku-dachi; (3) Yoko-keage
from heisoku-dachi; (4) Gyaku-zuki from hidari zekutsu-dachi; (5) Kizami-zuki
kara gyaku-zuki from migi zenkutsu-dachi; (6) Mae-geri from hidari and migi zenkutsu-dachi;
(7) Oi-zuki; (8) Sanbon-zuki; (9) Jodan age-uke; (10) Chudan soto-uke; (11)
Chudan uchi-uke; and (12) Gedan-barai.
The most simple Shotokan-Ryu kihon waza were practiced over and over again with everyone taking turns at counting.
Kihon
Ippon Kumite:
Two
techniques were practiced against jodan
oi-zuki: (a) the standard jodan
age-uke followed by gyaku-zuki; and (b)
tate shuto-uke moving diagonally into kokutsu-dachi then countering with yoko
shuto-uchi. Next, three techniques were practiced against chudan oi-zuki: (a) the
typical chudan soto-uke kara gyaku-zuki; (b)
chudan uchi-uke kara jodan kizami-zuki soshite chudan gyaku-zuki; (c) stepping diagonally into
kokutsu-dachi utilising chudan shuto-uke kara maeashi mae-geri soshite nukite (matawa
gyaku-zuki). Lastly, against chudan
mae-geri: (a) gedan juji-uke
followed immediately by a yori-ashi forward with jodan juji-zuki to the throat.
IJKA (International Japan Karate Association) - Asai-ha Shotokan-ryu `Heian Yondan Kata'.
Kata: Heian
Yondan was practiced several times slowly with the command count, at normal
speed with the command count and mugourei (without the count). Technical
emphasis was placed on the use of junansei (softness),
to generate natural energy, and the optimal transfer of power.
The
session concluded with numerous repetitions of oi-zuki into the waves, the
traditional sumo matches, 100 seiken-zuki with maximum speed, followed by
kusshin sokumen jodan mae-geri (squat front snap kicks to the side) and seiken-tate
(fore-fist push ups). Overall, a wonderful Hatsugeiko in Christchurch, New
Zealand
Of
course after 31 years of Karate-Do, practice anyone could write a diverse range of tips on how to train kata, however,
today I decided to focus on “kata training in relation to grade” (with an
accompanying `Japanese style’ rationale, which directly relates to Karate as 'Budo' or 'Bujutsu'). Rather than write on and on, I have
attempted to do this systematically, via five tips. If you follow this approach
your karate will improve immensely. In saying that, this post is not infallible
as it doesn’t take into account people who have held, for example, a "quality" shodan rank for
many years; nevertheless, because there are numerous issues like this, logic shows
that it is impossible to address such a vast array of possibilities in a short
article. Therefore, this post aims to address kata training in relation to one's level, in the most common scenario of `standard progression' through kyu and dan.
FIVE TIPS
FOR KATA TRAINING
(1)Don’t rush ahead to learn lots of
kata. From the beginning of your training simply stick to Heian kata practice,
and preferably put your energy into the kata for your next kyu exam. The
Shotokan syllabus is in place for a reason! If you are a brown belt simply
focus on the six kihon-gata and just one of the sentei-gata. Really aim to
master these! Also seriously practice one of the Junro kata (naturally, Junro
Shodan is recommended). (2)After acquiring the rank of Shodan
(first degree black belt) continue to intensely practice the six fundamental kata;
however, now also work hard to master
all four sentei-gata (Bassai Dai, Kanku Dai, Empi and Jion). Furthermore,
select one of the five Junro kata (Shodan – Godan) and aim to perfect it. You
may choose to just focus on the Junro kata you worked on previously or you
might decide to “specialise” in another.
(3)The sixteen jiyu-gata are also
available for practice after attaining one’s Shodan, however I recommend
focusing on the aforementioned ten mandatory kata, and the Junro you like the
most. If you decide to practice a jiyu-gata focus on one (and only do this once
you are very confident with the “Big Four”). In this case, choose a jiyu-gata
that really suits you in kumite. If you have great keriwaza you might choose
Gankaku or Kanku Sho, or if you are well built and strong, perhaps Jiin, Jitte
or Sochin. Nevertheless, it is well worth mentioning that it is highly
respectable for a person taking the Nidan test to select a sentei-gata, and
ironically, the best karateka tend to. Again, quality is what counts.
(4)There is nothing worse than seeing kyu
graded karate students doing Unsu, Sochin, Gojushiho Sho or some other advanced
kata. Yes, perhaps they can athletically emulate the movements, but the
technical maturity needed to execute these kata is impossible for karateka
without extensive training (usually holding Nidan at “the very earliest”). Using
the example of competition in the traditional sense a great Bassai Dai will
always beat a “so-so” Chinte. Likewise, a great Bassai Dai will pass the Nidan
examination but the mediocre Chinte may not. In the case of kyu examination
anything above the syllabus prerequisites will be failed. For example and likewise, if a
person taking a traditional Shodan test, performs Nijushiho, they will fail the
kata section of their exam. Overall, I think you get the idea…
(5)Until passing Shodan the point with
kata mastery is demonstrating strong and precise kihon. After Shodan this
continues but the karateka must also know and be able to demonstrate the
oyo-jutsu (practical applications) of their tokui-gata (favourite/specialised
kata). This requires: (1) continuous training the kata as solo forms; (2) practice of the
techniques/themes/principles in yakusoku-kumite; (3) self-defence practice—with
partner compliancy—utilising oyo-kumite; and finally (4) oyo-kumite with
partner non-compliancy (literally as a form of “street style” jiyu-kumite).
None of this can be achieved with optimum form (for optimum effect in
self-defence) without a very strong technical foundation in the shitei-gata
(mandatory/compulsory kata). I.e. - knowing all of the `bunkai' is not going to help without having the physical prowess to apply it! And this is all too common in the West with numerous people producing DVDs and books on `kata applications', yet being unable to execute razor sharp fundamentals and kata... Really speaking, this is a lame form of jujutsu or judo in order to overshadow poor karate skills.
In conclusion, I
sincerely hope this article was helpful for you whether you are a beginner in Shotokan,
hold a kyu or dan rank, and/or instruct. It is critical for karateka to not
rush ahead in kata (and make their karate superficial), but rather study kata
deeply in accordance with their respective level.
Lastly, I'd personally like to wish you a very happy & healthy 2013. OSU!
2012 has been a very busy year for me internationally and within New Zealand. Here are the video links to the Karate-Do Seminars I have taught this year (excluding the Christchurch Seminar). 2012 included two long trips to Europe (Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom), one to the other side of Australia, and one to the North Island of New Zealand. To all of my hosts and those who attended my classes - thank you very much! I appreciate the immense amount of positive feedback I've received. A special thanks to my loving wife, family, and students here in New Zealand, and around the world. Please enjoy these 2012 videos and please feel free to make some comments! 2013 will be a very big year for me karate-wise: first South Africa, New Zealand, then Japan. Osu, Andre.
GERMANY SEMINAR: FEBRUARY 2012 (PART ONE)
GERMANY SEMINAR: FEBRUARY 2012 (PART TWO)
GERMANYSEMINAR: FEBRUARY 2012 (PART THREE)
GERMANY SEMINAR: FEBRUARY 2012 (PART FOUR)
ITALY SEMINAR: FEBRUARY 2012
WESTERN AUSTRALIA SEMINAR (Part I): JUNE 2012
WESTERN AUSTRALIA SEMINAR (Part II): JUNE 2012
IJKA ENGLAND SEMINAR (Part I): NOVEMBER 2012
IJKA ENGLAND SEMINAR (Part II): NOVEMBER 2012
PALMERSTON NORTH, NEW ZEALAND SEMINAR: DECEMBER 2012
SPECIAL FEATURE: 2012 INTERVIEW IN AHRENSBERG, GERMANY (BY OLIVER SCHOMBURG)
I hope this post finds you well as 2012 rapidly comes to a conclusion. It has been a very busy year on all fronts for me: with my Asai-ha Shotokan-ryu Karate seminars in Palmerston North (in the North Island of New Zealand), here in Christchurch (the South Island of New Zealand), Freemantle and Margaret River in Western Australia, Italy, Germany and in England. Not to mention hosting Keigo Abe Shihan (9th Dan) here in the Garden City. Furthermore, an intense year of daily self-training, instructors classes and practice at the Christchurch Shotokan Karate Club (click here: www.christchurchshotokan.blogspot.com) - the Mecca of Shotokan Karate-Do in Canterbury. I have also been very busy with my study at the University of Canterbury, which has again resulted in high grades that undeniably reflect the self-discipline and hardship of daily Karate-Do training. What a year 2012 has been! On that note, here is my latest training schedule which I will follow for at least the next two weeks. Kindest regards to you all over the holiday season. Keep up the training! Osu, Andre.
(A) KIHON
SONOBA-KIHON
(1) Hidari jodan kizami-zuki kara migi chudan gyaku-zuki; (2)
Migi jodan kizami-zuki kara hidari chudan gyaku-zuki; (3) Mae-geri
(heisoku-dachi); (4) Yoko-keage (Heisoku-dachi); & (5) Choku-zuki (Heiko-dachi)
– first practice in the basic manner then snapping fully out and back from
hiki-te.
* Repetitions at full-pace after warm-up (10 times in slow
motion): Tewaza - 60x each side; Keriwaza 30 times each leg.
IDO-KIHON
(1) Oi-zuki; (2) Gyaku-zuki; (3) Sanbon-zuki; (4) Kizami-zuki
kara sanbon-zuki; (5) Mae-geri; (6) Mawashi-geri; (7) Ushiro-geri; (8) Yoko-keage
(kiba-dachi); (9) Yoko-kekomi (kiba-dachi); (10) Yoko-kekomi (zenkutsu-dachi); (11)
Jodan age-uke kara chudan gyaku-zuki; (12) Chudan soto-uke kara chudan
gyaku-zuki; (13) Chudan uchi-uke kara chudan gyaku-zuki; (14) Chudan uchi-uke
kara gyaku-zuki; & (15) Chudan shuto-uke (kokutsu-dachi) kara nukite.
* Repetitions: Ten times for each technique (slowly) then
10-30 times with maximum speed.
(B) KATA
Monday: Heian-Shodan & Jion + one jiyu-gata. Tuesday: Heian-Nidan & Kanku-Dai+ one jiyu-gata. Wednesday: Heian-Sandan & Empi + one jiyu-gata. Thursday: Heian-Yondan & Tekki-Shodan + one jiyu-gata. Friday: Heian-Godan & Bassai-Dai + one jiyu-gata. Saturday & Sunday: Jiyu-gata
* Repetitions: Monday to Friday three different kata are
practiced every day (four times each - facing North, South, East & West).
The first practice is in slow motion and the other three are with full-speed.
Light stretching is performed between each kata allowing for `fresh performances’.
Saturday & Sunday are jiyu-gata: One or more kata are
practiced depending on my focus or feelingthat day; nevertheless, I follow a similar
pattern of repetitions to my weekday self-practices.
(D) KUMITE
(1) Uchikomi practice: Kogeki-waza building up to
renzokuwaza (particular focus on tsukiwaza); (2) Uchikomi practice:
Hangeki-waza; (3) Jiyu-kumite; & (4) Impact training utilising focus mitts.
* Repetitions:(1 &2) For all uchikomi-waza practice at
least 10 repetitions with full speed from both the left and right jiyu-dachi. (3)
Rounds of jiyu-kumite are variable but the emphasis is on relaxation and
extreme explosiveness once maai is gained. And (4), this impact training is focused
on maximum explosiveness with the aim to develop penetration power; therefore, only
ten repetitions at maximum speed and power are performed on both the left and
right sides for five linear punches: namely, jodan gyaku-zuki, chudan
gyaku-zuki, jodan oi-zuki, chudan oi-zuki, and jodan kizami-zuki. This is
quality training of 100 punches in total; overall, your strongest punch 100 times.
Exercise for applying the body weight and drive of the support leg in keriwaza.
Here’s another report on my seminars in the United Kingdom: this time by the course organiser, Michael Barr Sensei (IJKA 4th Dan).
Michael not only organised the England course and trained throughout it, but he also completed a number of private lessons, and did one-on-one Asai style Shotokan training with me (on a daily basis). Click here to read the article on the IJKA Blackpool and Wyre website/blog: http://wyrekarateijka.blogspot.co.nz/2012/12/sensei-andre-bertels-england-seminar.html
Again, a big thanks to Michael and Nathalie for taking such great care of Mizuho and me whilst in the UK. Also, a special thanks to their family, especially Nathalie’s daughter and her partner Benji, who kindly hosted us at their home in London.
Here is a video and some photos from my karate seminar in Palmerston North (the 9th – 11th of December). It was hosted by Morgan Dilks Sensei (5th Dan USKU). This was my final seminar for 2012, which has included courses here in Christchurch, New Zealand; Ahrensburg and Hamburg, Germany; Mira (Venetia), Italy; Fremantle and Margaret River, Western Australia; Poulton (Blackpool and Wyre), England; and this seminar in the North Island of New Zealand.
PALMERSTON NORTH KARATE-DO SEMINAR REPORT (December 8th - 10th, 2012):
This year’s classes in Palmerston North were focused on correct maai (distancing) and three cardinal points of Asai-ha Shotokan-ryu technical form, which I always emphasise: (1) Koshi no kaiten (the rotation of the hips/waist); (2) Tai no shinhuku (the compression and expansion of the body); and (3) Junansei (softness/relaxation) to move with optimum economy.
This was applied to standard Shotokan karate kihon, then to the kihon-gata—Heian Shodan; and sentei-gata—Empi.
Standard Shotokan Kumite taught to develop self-protection skills: Kihon Gohon Kumite (Fundamental Five Step Sparring) and Kihon Ippon Kumite (Fundamental One Step Sparring) were also practiced, especially focusing on proper maai, to have the potential to finish an adversary with a single blow; however, the majority of the time was dedicated to Jiyu Ippon Kumite (Freestyle One Step Step Sparring) and Tai no shinshuku. Overall, this lead to uchikomi and Jiyu-Kumite (Free Sparring) training, which perfectly linked the `Three K’s’: Kihon, Kata and Kumite.
ADVANCED PRIVATE LESSONS:
In addition to the two days of group training, Morgan Sensei also had private lessons with me, where we covered three Asai-ha Shotokan-ryu koten-gata: namely, Kakuyoku-Shodan, Kakuyoku-Nidan and Kakuyoku-Sandan. We also went over several of the standard Shotokan-ryu kata, including Wankan and Chinte, followed by the Oyo (Practical Applications) that Shuseki-Shihan Tetsuhiko Asai’s taught.
It is worth mentioning here that Morgan has developed a tremendous oi-zuki with immense power and snap. It was great to see, but certainly wouldn't be great to be hit by it! A fantastic budo karate-waza: pure bujutsu!
Again, Mizuho and I would like to thank Morgan, Yuko, Yuri and Mia for taking good care of us, and all the members (and families) of the Palmerston North USKU Shotokan Karate Club. By the way, please feel free to comment on the video, especially if you attended the course. Osu, André
Here are some more videos from my November 2012 seminars in England.
Michael Barr Sensei (IJKA 4th Dan) kindly produced these. Here is a link to the IJKA Blackpool and Wyre webpage with a small article on them. A special thanks again to Michael and Kevin Berry... OSU! Click here to see the article: http://wyrekarateijka.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/andre-bertel-basic-principles-parts-1.htmland below are embedded links to both videos.
André Bertel England Seminar 2012 – FIRST DAY BASIC PRINCIPLES
André Bertel England Seminar 2012– SECOND DAY BASIC PRINCIPLES
The
tachikata (stance) and unsoku (leg movements/footwork) also change how the
various forms of kakiwake-uke can be applied; however, all karate must be primarily
instinctive as opposed to being trained as variations. Effectiveness cannot
come from knowing many different techniques, but rather doing “the right waza—at
the right time—in the right way”; thus, whether talking about kakiwake-uke or
any technique, the key point is that one can “instinctively and optimally react” through
extensive and well-guided training. 
Kata: Heian
Yondan was practiced several times slowly with the command count, at normal
speed with the command count and mugourei (without the count). Technical
emphasis was placed on the use of junansei (softness),
to generate natural energy, and the optimal transfer of power.
I hope this post finds you well as 2012 rapidly comes to a conclusion. It has been a very busy year on all fronts for me: with my Asai-ha Shotokan-ryu Karate seminars in Palmerston North (in the North Island of New Zealand), here in Christchurch (the South Island of New Zealand), Freemantle and Margaret River in Western Australia, Italy, Germany and in England. Not to mention hosting Keigo Abe Shihan (9th Dan) here in the Garden City. Furthermore, an intense year of daily self-training, instructors classes and practice at the Christchurch Shotokan Karate Club (click here: www.christchurchshotokan.blogspot.com) - the Mecca of Shotokan Karate-Do in Canterbury. I have also been very busy with my study at the University of Canterbury, which has again resulted in high grades that undeniably reflect the self-discipline and hardship of daily Karate-Do training. What a year 2012 has been! On that note, here is my latest training schedule which I will follow for at least the next two weeks. Kindest regards to you all over the holiday season. Keep up the training! Osu, Andre. 
Here is a video and some photos from my karate seminar in Palmerston North (the 9th – 11th of December). It was hosted by Morgan Dilks Sensei (5th Dan USKU). This was my final seminar for 2012, which has included courses here in Christchurch, New Zealand; Ahrensburg and Hamburg, Germany; Mira (Venetia), Italy; Fremantle and Margaret River, Western Australia; Poulton (Blackpool and Wyre), England; and this seminar in the North Island of New Zealand.
Standard Shotokan Kumite taught to develop self-protection skills: Kihon Gohon Kumite (Fundamental Five Step Sparring) and Kihon Ippon Kumite (Fundamental One Step Sparring) were also practiced, especially focusing on proper maai, to have the potential to finish an adversary with a single blow; however, the majority of the time was dedicated to Jiyu Ippon Kumite (Freestyle One Step Step Sparring) and Tai no shinshuku. Overall, this lead to uchikomi and Jiyu-Kumite (Free Sparring) training, which perfectly linked the `Three K’s’: Kihon, Kata and Kumite.
ADVANCED PRIVATE LESSONS:
Again, Mizuho and I would like to thank Morgan, Yuko, Yuri and Mia for taking good care of us, and all the members (and families) of the Palmerston North USKU Shotokan Karate Club. By the way, please feel free to comment on the video, especially if you attended the course. Osu, André
