Morgan Dilks Sensei visits Aso-shi, Kumamoto, Japan.

This week my good friend Morgan Dilks Sensei and his family came to visit, and practice karate-do, here in Aso-shi (after training with his teacher, Fukamizu Kennichi Shihan in Takanabe, Miyazaki). Morgan is currently living in Singapore, for his work, but will be moving back to Palmerston North (New Zealand) later this year.

The conclusion of movement 44 in Unsu kata. 

We had an absolutely wonderful time catching up and had an excellent three hours of advanced karate-do practice on Sunday morning. Morgan taught the first part of the session focusing on turns; namely, 270 degrees (from zenkutsu-dachi into zenkutsu-dachi (shomen/zenmi and hanmi), kokutsu-dachi and kiba-dachi. He also went through oi-zuki/jun-zuki and chudan shuto-uke (zenshin)—primarily focusing on timing. Excellent practice and a great sign of things to come: especially for karateka back in `Palmy’. I then took over and went through the full oyo-jutsu (applications) of Gojushiho-Sho kata, then covered Unsu in depth, again also, with its respective oyo. We wrapped up with individual renditions of Unsu working on timing for effective technique/practical application.

Here are some of the previous links, on this site, with Morgan Sensei:

2012 Palmerston North Seminar: http://andrebertel.blogspot.jp/2012/12/seminar-report-palmerston-north-2012.html

 2010 Palmerston North Seminar: http://andrebertel.blogspot.jp/2010/12/palmerston-north-seminars-part-i.html 

Another post on the 2010 seminar: http://andrebertel.blogspot.jp/2010/12/palmerston-north-seminars-part-ii.html

After training...Morgan Sensei outside Aso-shi Budojo, Kumamoto, Japan.

 

2008 - Morgan Sensei visits Nakatsu-shi, Oita: http://andrebertel.blogspot.jp/2008/11/palmerston-north-karate-instructor.html

Via Morgan Sensei, I trained with his instructor -- Fukamizu Shihan -- in 2010: http://andrebertel.blogspot.jp/2010/02/karate-practice-in-miyazaki.html

Away from karate-do, and as always, Mizuho and I had a really fantastic time hanging out with Morgan, Yuko and the girls. The only question is “where in the world will we catch up next time?” I'd like to wrap up by saying that I am deeply honoured to be a friend of Morgan, Yuko and their children. Thank you all for coming to visit us in Aso-shi. Osu, André.

Morgan Sensei will `fly back' to Palmerston North later this year.

 © André Bertel. Aso-shi, Kumamoto. Japan (2014).

Latest training regime marks the seventh anniversary of this site

Here is my latest karate-do self-practice routine, which I have been following since early last week. I guess it is not particularly outstanding in any way, just merely about `getting stuck in’ and attempting to capitalise on self-analysis. Bolstering this, of course, is the phenomenal tuition of Nakamura Masamitsu Shihan, whose technical advice is absolutely invaluable. Before I outline my latest self-training regime, it is probably also worth mentioning that today marks the seventh anniversary of this blog! Osu, André.

KIHON: This month, in my kihon training (besides seiken choku-zuki, gyaku-zuki, mae-geri, and shuto yokomawashi uchi) I am focusing on ido-kihon; namely the JKA (Japan Karate Association) syllabus techniques. Normally, I tend to be more diverse and simplistic in my self-practice of kihon; nonetheless, I periodically still go through the `examination kihon’. That being said, I do not believe in merely doing laps up and down the dojo. Every practice, I focus on a core theme i.e. – kokyu (breathing), a specific aspect of my unsoku (leg movements/footwork) and so on. Anyway, here is my `flexible’ base plan…

 

Ido kihon: (1) Either `Chudan jun-zuki’, `Sanbon ren-zuki or ‘Kizami-zuki kara sanbon ren-zuki’; (2) Either ‘Jodan age-uke kara chudan soto-uke kara chudan gyaku-zuki’ or `Ippo sagatte Jodan age-uke kara mawashi-geri, yoko-uraken soshite chudan jun-zuki; (3) `Chudan soto-uke kara yori-ashi yoko enpi (kiba-dachi), yoko uraken soshite chudan gyaku-zuki’; (4) Chudan uchi-uke (kokutsu-dachi) kara kizamiz-zuki soshite chudan gyaku-zuki; (5) Ippo sagatte gedan barai kara chudan jun-zuki soshite chudan jun-zuki; (6) Either ‘Chudan shuto-uke (kokutsu-dachi) kara nukite’ or ‘Chudan shuto-uke (kokutsu-dachi) kara kizami mae-geri soshite nukite; (7) Either ‘Mae-geri kara chudan jun-zuki’, ‘Ren-geri’ or Mae-geri kara yoko-kekomi soshite chudan gyaku-zuki; (8) `Yoko-keage ashi o kaete yoko-kekomi (kiba-dachi); and (9) Either Mawashi-geri kara gyaku-zuki’ or mae-geri kara yoko-kekomi, mawashi-geri soshite chudan gyaku-zuki’.

 ·         Repetitions: At present I am doing quite low repetitions compared to normal Each ido-kihon waza I merely perform 10 times slowly, then 10 times with maximum effort. If unsatisfied, I simply do another set (another 10 slow, then with everything I’ve got). In sum, my kihon training at present is all about quality rather than quantity, and really working on `precision coupled with explosiveness’ in a systematic way.

KUMITE: At present, Nakamura Shihan has us going through all of the forms of standard Nihon Karate Kyokai kumite (Gohon kumite, Kihon ippon kumite, Jiyu ippon kumite and Jiyu kumite) but occasionally he gives us a variation; for example, jiyu ippon kumite—then immediately after the counterattack—a quick moment of jiyu kumite. In my self-training, besides reviewing what we are doing in the group practices, I am working a lot on my deai-waza; furthermore, reviewing the oyo (applications) of Gojushiho Dai kata.

 

KATA: Quite simply my kata practice is divided into three sections: shitei, sentei and tokui-gata, as follows…

 (A) Shitei-gata: Heian Shodan, Heian Nidan, Heian Sandan, Heian Yondan, Heian Godan and Tekki Shodan; (B) Sentei-gata: Bassai Dai, Kanku Dai, Enpi and Jion; and (C) Tokui-gata: GOJUSHIHO DAI.

 

·         Repetitions: Unlike kihon I am tending to do kata `until failure’ i.e. – until I can no longer continue. Of course, this depends on my daily condition and the environment each day. To wrap up the kata portion of my training, I always end with a treat i.e. – “blast out a kata not from my regime” (either another jiyu-gata or a `non-syllabus’ kata). For me, this final kata really strips me of all my energy, and ends the session with a bang.

 

OSU,

アンドレ　バーテル

© André Bertel. Aso-shi, Kumamoto-ken. Japan (2014).

 

五十四歩大 (Gojushiho Dai)

As you will know, I am not a person to chop and change (unless I have an important enough reason to do so). Recently, that has been the case, and if necessary I will change again… What I am talking about here is my tokui-gata (specialised formal exercise) which, since returning to Japan last August, has now changed three times! I started off working with Nijushiho (二十四歩), which I used for my JKA (日本空手協会/Japan Karate Association) Godan shinsa; then switched to my old favourite, Unsu (雲手). Finally, following last Friday’s training, I was `technically encouraged’ to trade in Unsu for Gojushiho-Dai (五十四歩大).

So why the change? Well, basically because of the way I see kata in the bigger picture of karate training; that is, what I believe the kata are for. Essentially, I believe that kata are training exercises for technically increasing our martial arts/self-defence prowess. Consequently, the selection of tokui-gata/jiyu-gata should be based on the kata that best achieves this target. Needless to say, this must be supported by: (a) the base/foundation of kihon; (b) the shitei-gata (Heian and Tekki); (c) the sentei-gata (Bassaidai, Kankudai, Enpi and Jion); (d) the various forms of kumite; and (d) impact training (i.e. – makiwara training etc.).  

Some more specifics about my change to Gojushiho Dai… Like Nijushiho, I found that Unsu has many useful elements; nonetheless, it has not pushed me to develop in the way that I’m physically seeking at present (and technically require). Gojushiho Dai, on the other hand, addresses a number of skill sets/combative principles that I’m envisaging to further refine (and literally need to if I wish to maximise my martial arts ability). In particular, I’m looking more closely at a higher level of hand/foot timing for greater effectiveness; refined `wave-like transitions’ of power; and, on the `technical front’, the neck based throws/attacks, which without a doubt “best characterise” both Gojushiho Dai and Gojushiho Sho (coming from the original Useishi / Gojushiho of Okinawa). Again, this returns us to the traditional budo karate adage that “…kihon, kata and kumite are indeed one”. By and large, kihon and kumite-wise, the aforementioned points in my karate need to be further refined and, more pertinently, there are subtle deficits that need to be addressed.

Background: A little about Gojushiho-dai… With a command count of 67, Gojushiho Dai is the longest kata in standard Shotokan Ryu Karate-Do: as established by the Kyokai. Whilst Gojushiho Sho more closely resembles the original Okinawan form, and is more commonly seen in exams and tournaments, Gojushiho Dai is widely regarded as being more technically challenging. It is rumoured that Funakoshi Gichin’s Sensei’s son, Funakoshi Yoshitaka (Gigo) Sensei “…developed both the Dai and Sho versions we have today—from Shito-Ryu’s Gojushiho” (via Mabuni Kenwa Sensei); however, there is also a belief that “the Dai rendition came from our late Chief Instructor, Nakayama Masatoshi Sensei”. An interesting and fun piece of trivia, which is often told to Shotokan karateka when learning this kata, is that the gedan ippon nukite in Gojushiho Dai is “…imitating a woodpecker on a tree trunk looking for worms”. Garden insects aside, Gojushiho Dai is indeed a masterpiece, like a long story, that has many technically sophisticated gems within it; nevertheless, it tends to be more appreciated by high level karate-do experts: as opposed to `most anyone else’. 

Conclusion: It may sound unusual but I’d like to wrap up by saying that “my switch to Gojushiho Dai is something that training itself has directed me to do”. Several subtle points in this kata have `called out to me’—via my kihon and kumite practice (namely, technical deficits that need my immediate attention—if I’m to really progress from now). It goes without saying that `self-honesty’ is an essential skill in all endeavours: perhaps best reflected by ‘the meaning of 54’ in the name `Gojushiho’? Taken as a whole, this elucidates a critical point in traditional budo karate… “The Art does not dictate the martial art; rather, it is the Martial Art that shapes the art”. Indeed, this point is worthy of deep introspect amongst all contemporary Karate-Do practitioners.  Kindest regards and all the very best from Kumamoto, Japan. Osu, André.

© André Bertel.  Aso-shi, Kumamoto-ken. Japan (2014).

Practice is Karate-Do

In the case of all physical disciplines, of course including karate-do, the basis for development—physically, technically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually—derives from actual practice.

Unambiguously, theory and ‘thinking about karate’, whilst important, is counterproductive when it “takes precedence over actual training”. In all cases, thinking is secondary to training/practice. To restate what I said in my opening sentence: “all of the non-physical benefits of karate-do practice, and budo training in general, come from doing the hard yards in the dojo”.

 

This is an area where Japanese karateka, generally speaking, are far superior to their Western counterparts. Fundamentally, they train and just get on with it. Contrastingly, Westerners tend to over-theorize, come up with many creative answers (especially in the case of kata applications) and, in many cases, even significantly change techniques, kata, drills etcetera.

 

Like it or not, this to me is the loss of the traditional Japanese budo karate, which keeps things very simple and `effective in the real world’… It is this very `simplicity’ that causes things to become far more difficult. What I mean is that “simple things require much more depth; and therefore, much-much more practice”. From this perspective it is easy to see why the `creative theoretical path’ is a much easier one.

By the way, the photos from this post are from my practice of Gojushiho Dai kata today. This follows some high level advice from Nakamura Masamitsu Shihan, not pertaining to this kata; nevertheless, resulting in my training of it (here, broken down into kihon and also at formal dojo keiko).  Such advice only comes when we put ourselves on the line physically… Sweat, blisters, calluses and bruising are prerequisites. Subsequently, we grow to understand ourselves better, our strengths, limitations and kokoro.  

 

Just some food for thought, Osu.

© André Bertel. Aso-shi, Kumamoto-ken. Japan (2014).

Unsu Kata: A generic outline

As you may well know from earlier posts, I recently switched back to Unsu (雲手) as my tokui-gata. This occurred for a variety of reasons, but the most predominant of these were: (a) advice from Nakamura Masamitsu Shihan; and (b) directly pertaining to the first point... that “…the techniques/applications of Unsu really suit my small frame: in a self-defence context”. Hence, today I thought I’d provide a broad outline of each technique in Unsu kata.

Whilst this, by no means, completely describes each of the movements featured in Unsu, it does clearly establish `what is completed in each count’ (and how each action in the kata is 'formally labelled' in Japanese, including the tachikata or stances).

All the very best from somewhere over the North Pacific, André.

A GENERIC OUTLINE OF UNSU KATA

REI: (Musubi dachi).

YOI: Ryoken taisoku namaeshita (Heisoku-dachi).

1.      Ryoteisho agomae kara ryoseiryuto ryokatayoko (Heisoku dachi).

2.      Ryokeito chudan haneageuke (Migi ashi mae neko ashi dachi).

3.      Migi gedan ippon nukite (Migi ashi mae neko ashi dachi).

4.      Hidari ashi mae neko ashi dachi.

5.      Hidari gedan ippon nukite (Hidari ashi mae neko ashi dachi).

6.      Migi ashi mae neko ashi dachi.

7.      Migi gedan ippon nukite (Migi ashi mae neko ashi dachi).

8.      Hidari tateshuto chudan uke (Hidari ashi mae fudo dachi).

9.      Migi chudan gyaku zuki (Hidari zenkutsu-dachi).

10.  Migi tateshuto chudan uke (Migi ashi mae fudo dachi).

11.  Hidari chudan gyaku zuki (Migi zenkutsu dachi).

12.  Hidari tateshuto chudan uke (Hidari ashi mae fudo dachi).

13.  Migi chudan gyaku zuki (Hidari zenkutsu-dachi).

14.  Migi tateshuto chudan uke (Migi ashi mae fudo dachi).

15.  Hidari chudan gyaku zuki (Migi zenkutsu dachi).

16.  Hidari chudan mawashi geri (Migi naname mae fuse).

17.  Migi chudan mawashi geri (Hidari naname mae fuse).

18.  Ryoseiryuto ryokata yoko (Kiba dachi).

19.  Hidari keito chudan kakeuke doji ni migi teisho koho gedanuke (Hidari zenkutsu dachi).

20.  Migi keito chudan kakeuke doji ni hidari teisho koho gedanuke (Migi zenkutsu dachi).

21.  Hidari haito jodan sotomawashi uchi (Migi zenkutsu dachi).

22.  Hidari jodan mae keage (Migi ashi dachi).

23.  Migi jodan soto uke (Migi ashi dachi).

24.  Saken chudan zuki (Migi zenkutsu dachi).

25.  Migi haito jodan sotomawashi uchi (Hidari zenkutsu dachi).

26.  Migi jodan mae keage (Hidari ashi dachi).

27.  Hidari jodan soto uke (Hidari ashi dachi).

28.  Uken chudan zuki (Hidari zenkutsu dachi).

29.  Ryoken taisoku namaeshita kamae (Heisoku-dachi).

30.  Migite jodan kensei doji ni hidarite gedan kamae.

31.  Uken gedan zuki (Migi zenkutsu dachi).

32.  Saken gedan ukezuki (Hidari zenkutsu dachi).

33.  Uken gedan ukezuki (Migi zenkutsu dachi).

34.  Hidari tateshuto chudan uke (Hidari ashi mae fudo dachi).

35.  Migi teisho hidari teisho uchi (Hidari zenkutsu dachi).

36.  Migi kakato gedan kekomi (Hidari ashi dachi). – KIAI

37.  Saken chudan zuki.

38.  Uken chudan zuki (Migi zenkutsu dachi).

39.  Migi sokumen migi gedan barai (Kiba dachi).

40.  Hidari haito hidari sokumen jodan yoko uke (Kiba dachi).

41.  Hidari shuto sokumen gedan barai (Kiba dachi)

42.  Migi haito hidari sokumen jodan yoko uke (Kiba dachi).

43.  Saken migi sokumen chudanzuki (Kiba dachi).

44.  Hidari tateshuto chudan uke (Hidari ashi mae fudo dachi) kara migi chudan mikazuki geri sasho ate (Hidari ashi dachi) soshite hidari kakato ushiro kekomi (Migi ashi zenkutsu—udetate).

45.  Hidari tekubi makiotoshi doji ni migi teisho migikatamae kara hidari teisho gedanzuki doji ni migi teisho jodanzuki (Hidari ashi mae ashi mae sanchin dachi).

46.  Migi tekubi makiotoshi doji ni hidari teisho hidarikatamae kara migi teisho gedanzuki doji ni hidari teisho jodanzuki (Migi ashi mae ashi mae sanchin dachi).

47.  Hidari jodan age uke (Hidari ashi mae fudo dachi).

48.  Migi chudan gyaku zuki (Hidari zenkutsu dachi). – KIAI

NAORE: Ryoken taisoku namaeshita (Heisoku-dachi).

REI: (Musubi dachi).

 © André Bertel. Aso-shi, Kumamoto. Japan (2014).

Special Class in San Francisco California: JKA NORCAL

On Wednesday, May 21^st, I taught a class exclusively for the members of JKA Northern California (http://www.jkanorcal.org/) in San Francisco. The class eventuated through the correspondence of Khim Torres Sensei (JKA 5^th Dan), who is the current JKA-AF (Japan Karate Association American Federation/日本空手協会アメリカ連盟) silver medallist in both kata and kumite. Firstly I will begin by giving a profile of Khim Sensei; secondly, I’ll provide details about JKA Norcal for perspective members; and thirdly, outline my class, and wrap up with some conclusive remarks. Before I begin, I’d like to offer special thanks to JKA Norcal club administrator, Christina Foo Sensei (JKA 5^th Dan), for her assistance.

Khim Torres Sensei (JKA 5th Dan)

Instructor Profile: “Khim Torres Sensei (Godan) is leading the effort to promote and inspire Shotokan karate in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is chief instructor of JKA Northern California (JKA NorCal) – a non-profit dojo, part of JKA American Federation (JKA/AF) under the guidance of Takayuki Mikami Sensei. Khim is a JKA qualified instructor (B), judge (B) and examiner (C). He comes from a 3-generation karate family – trained at the tender age of four with his father Ruperto Torres Sensei (JKA Philippines, Luzon Director) and now instructs his sons Rosh and Yuki. Khim has a degree in Psychology and worked as a Health, Music and Physical Education teacher before migrating to the US in 2002 as a full-time karate instructor. In 2009, Khim with a few fellow karate-kas started the non-profit dojo operating out of Prime Time Athletic Club in Burlingame, California. JKA NorCal began by providing instruction for the health club’s kids/beginner adult karate program. JKA NorCal augments the program with additional advanced classes that provide a curriculum to train 6 days a week for JKA members. JKA NorCal is active competing and training in local and international karate events. An accomplished and experienced competitor himself, Khim has been on the Philippines team and now is a core member of the US National team since 2006. He will be competing at the upcoming 2014 Funakoshi Gichin World Championships in Tokyo…”
 

 My class at JKA Northern California…

While I won’t go into specific details, essentially I taught the core principles needed to maximise human power via kihon, partner drills, and exercises; in particular the four foundational `technical themes’ of budo karate: (1) chushin and shisei (the centreline and posture); (2) koshi no kaiten (the rotation of the hips—“horizontal power”); (3) tai no shinshuku (the contraction and expansion of the body—“vertical power”); (4) Junansei (softness—for “snap”); and (5) the coordination of all of these for maximum effect. While it was a session based on strengthening`the foundations of Shotokan-ryu karatedo’, I really hope that all of the attendees still gained something from it. Overall, my aim—rather than doing ‘something elaborate`—was to impart introductory points (and taiso/exercises), which result in the long-term technical development (and of course, `base strength’/`explosiveness’).

 

I only wish I had more time to work on some more interesting things and that I wasn’t so unwell, coughing and trying to get my breath… The inherent dangers of air travel! Nonetheless, who knows what the future holds? Whether in Japan, the United States or elsewhere, I look forward to meeting Khim Sensei, Christina Sensei and my new friends at the JKA Northern California again.

 

Looking for a karate club in the San Francisco Bay Area? For anyone wishing to begin or practice karate in the San Francisco Bay Area, I highly recommend that they go to JKA Northern California. Besides accessing Khim Sensei’s training, and having a great bunch of people to train with, the club is fully affiliated to the Japan Karate Association. For all contact details and information, please go to their website: http://www.jkanorcal.org/

Card from the JKA Northern California Dojo.

I’d like to wrap up by reiterating that the chief instructor of JKA Northern California, Khim Torres Sensei, is not only a world class karate technician, but an excellent karate teacher, and wonderful person. On the whole, I was very happy to see that authentic traditional Japanese karate-do—through Khim Sensei’s dojo—will have a bright future in San Francisco Bay area. Osu, André.
 

© André Bertel. Aso-shi, Kumamoto. Japan (2014).