Renshusei from Florence, Italy

'Bunkai' for movement one of RAKUYO kata.

 

OVERVIEW: 

The directly linked YOUTUBE video is primarily a personal reminder for Alessio for some of the Budo Karate points in both KIHON and KUMITE, and KATA covered while he was here in Oita.

SUMMARY: Alessio Bombardieri—from Florence, Italy—came to Oita as a Renshusei: between October 6th and 14th, 2025.

Critical details of Budo Karate Kihon in form, impact training, bunkai (analysis) and oyo (application) were covered.

The different forms of kumite were also also practiced with jissen-kumite constantly in mind. I placed particular emphasis on Alessio’s maai and zanshin after countering. A few basic examples are provided in the video.

Over the course of several days numerous kata were covered. These included Jiin, Jitte, Nijushiho and Tekki Sandan.

Furthermore, Kata from my late teacher, Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei: 気法拳 (Kihoken), 順路 (Junro), 常行 (Joko), 鶴翼三段  (Kakuyoku Sandan), (Nijuhappo) and 落葉 (Rakuyo), amongst others.

Again, the focus was on Budo Karate Kihon and the underpinning principles for effective application in self-defense.

The openings of a few of the more advanced kata were analyzed; namely, 掌手小 (Shote Sho), 舞鶴大 (Maizuru Dai) and雷光 (Raiko). Again, these can be seen at the end of this video.

CONCLUSION: I’d like to wish Alessio the very best for his remaining time here in Japan, and also to congratulate him on passing his Sandan. It was great to have him here in the dojo and, away from his time as a Renshusei, we also had some fun times! 

RENSHUSEI BOOKING: 

For those wishing to Book/Secure dates and times as RENSHUSEI, you can do so by contacting me directly at: andrebertelono@gmail.com

We apologize but we do not—under any circumstances—support visa applications to Japan. This is the sole responsibility of the applicant(s).

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2025).

Renshusei from Brisbane, Australia: David Lovatt and family

 David Lovatt, his wife Domna, and three children came to Oita. They are from Brisbane, Australia.

They accompanied David each day for his time as a Renshusei and his Yondan Examination, which he successfully passed.

Domna, and two of their children, also trained over the three days. In addition to standard traditional Shotokan karate, I introduced them to the Koten-gata via 鶴翼初段 (Kakuyoku Shodan).

Kihon especially focused on the Budo/Bujutsu methods of Choku-zuki, Gyaku-zuki, Oi-zuki (Jun-zuki), Zenkutsu-dachi and Fumidachi (in optimal harmony with different waza), and the five core ukewaza.

Correct MAAI, for maximum effect in actual self-defense, in the various forms of Kumite was also emphasized.

Overall, it was great to have the Lovatt family here in the dojo. I’d like to wish them all the best, good health, and continued advancement in their Karate-Do. 

押忍!

André Bertel

Special Seminar: KAPITI COAST, NEW ZEALAND 2025

Here is a direct link to the Technical Seminar in New Zealand next year, which will be a VERY SPECIAL GASSUKU!

 KKA Martial Arts - Andre Bertel 2026

Hosted by Allan Youl Sensei (4th Dan), and his group the KKA KARATE ACADEMY, it will mark exactly 30 years since I opened my first official dojo in New Zealand.

Needless to say, it was also the introduction of my teacher, Asai Tetsuhiko Shuseki-Shihan's revolutionary style of Shotokan in the country, which at that time expanded the JKA syllabus.

Indeed, this syllabus is now preserved by the IKS (International Karate Shotokan) both here in Japan, and around the world. And we openly invite all groups who wish to expand their knowledge of Karate as BUDO/BUJUTSU.

The seminar is open to all styles and organizations, so for those who manage to secure places, see you in Kapiti Coast.

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2025).

YouTube Video: Technical Seminar in Königs Wusterhausen (September 27/28, 2025)

Below is a direct YOUTUBE VIDEO LINK providing some 'subtle brief reminders' (for the participants at my first Technical Seminar in Königs Wusterhausen on September 27th and 28th of 2025).

Hosted by Jan Gebhardt Sensei (6th Dan), Iris Gebhart (4th Dan) and the KEIKO-DOJO, the seminar was titled by the organizers as 'THE SPIRIT OF BUDO INTERNATIONAL KARATE SEMINAR'. Here is a direct link to the Keiko Dojo Website: Workout und Fitness | Keiko Dojo - Schule für Kampfkunst & Bewegung

Besides the organizers, I'd like to thank all of the participating karateka and hope that this informal video will remind you of some of the key points that I taught. 

In these regards I'd also like to thank Oliver SCHÖMBURG Sensei for his filming. A professionally filmed version (with great artistry, top level equipment and high resolution) will be uploaded on this channel soon. Here is a direct link to his channel, and I'll provide a direct link from my blog later when it is released:  olliwaa - YouTube 

Already there is an upload of the kata 'NIJUHAPPO' on his channel. It was the kata performed slowly at the very end of the seminar. I will be sending written notes on Nijuhappo to Jan Sensei and Iris Sensei, to share with all attendees of the seminar.

Please note, the version of Nijuhappo I taught was the 'Asai Shihan Version', which differs from the rendition practiced by the SKIF. The version we have is closer to the Chinese/Okinawan form. That is by no means claiming a superior rendition, but merely to clarify that it has many differences. 

Lastly, I want to wish everyone the best from IKS (International Karate Shotokan) SOHONBU DOJO, here in Oita City, Kyushu, JAPAN.

ありがとうございました

押忍!

アンドレ 

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2025).

その場基本 (SONOBA-KIHON) of the JKA Instructors Course in the late 1950s and early 1960s

After the downing impact, sweep, take-down or throw, make a true KIMEWAZA.

Below is a typical その場基本 (SONOBA-KIHON) of the JKA Instructors Course in the late 1950s and early 1960s. For those unfamiliar with this term ‘Sonoba-kihon’ is “…practicing the foundational techniques on the spot, as opposed to ‘traveling across the practice area with your technique(s).”

Instructors such as Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei, Nakamura Masamitsu Sensei and Abe Keigo Sensei, all personally told me that this routine—or something very close to it—was how every session began. 

Moreover, that they often did 100+ repetitions of each waza on a daily basis!

Don’t worry! For those of you "envisaging" to try this routine—but know such training would be—(a) physically too much; and/or (b) your basic form would be compromised — I advocate a simple way to overcome these hurdles.

IKS Shodan Kihon

My advice as a professional karate instructor is: ‘WHY NOT TRAIN IN A MANAGEABLE WAY?’ I even say this when I coach All-Japan and World Champions.

Why not only do 10 reps of each technique? Or even just six reps? But each repetition as perfect and sharp as possible!? MANAGEABLE QUALITY!!! 

Or even, slow and light with precision, and with low reps?


Build up to doing a couple of repetitions with maximum explosiveness, but without compromising basic form.

YOU CAN DO IT IF YOU DON'T MAKE IT TOO HARD FOR YOU!!!

Training Sonoba-Kihon, in such a way, will build up your technical skill, speed and strength—mitigating the risk of injury and grooving bad habits into your karate.

OK, to wrap up: Here's the SONOBA-KIHON routine... Best wishes from Oita City, Japan.

その場基本

自然体 (八字立ち)、左縦手刀中段構え

Shizentai (Hachiji-dachi), Hidari tateshuto chudan kamae

1.  中段直突き (Chudan choku-zuki)

2.  上段直突き (Jodan choku-zuki)

3.  ニ本連突き (Nihon ren-zuki)

4.  三本連突き(Sanbon ren-zuki)

閉足立ち、下段掻き分け構え

Heisoku-dachi, Gedan kakiwake kamae

5.  中段前蹴り蹴り上げ (Chudan mae-geri keage)

6.  上段前蹴り蹴り上げ (Jodan mae-geri keage)

Gankaku

左前屈立ち、左縦手刀中段構え

Hidari zenkutsu-dachi, Hidari tateshuto chudan kamae

7.  右中段逆突き (Migi chudan gyaku-zuki)

Hangetsu

Enpi

右前屈立ち、右縦手刀中段構え

Migi zenkutsu-dachi, Migi tateshuto chudan kamae

Jion

8.  左中段逆突き (Hidari chudan gyaku-zuki)

左前屈立ち、右中段逆突き構え

Hidari zenkutsu-dachi, Migi chudan gyaku-zuki kamae

9.  左上段刻み突きから右中段逆突き (Hidari jodan kizami-zuki kara migi chudan gyaku-zuki)

Nijushiho

右前屈立ち、左中段逆突き構え

Migi zenkutsu-dachi, Hidari chudan gyaku-zuki kamae

10. 右上段刻み突きから左中段逆突き

Migi jodan kizami-zuki kara hidari chudan gyaku-zuki

左前屈立ち、下段掻き分け構え

Hidari zenkutsu-dachi, Gedan kakiwake kamae

11. 右中段前蹴り蹴り上げ (Migi chudan mae-geri keage)

右前屈立ち、下段掻き分け構え

Migi zenkutsu-dachi, Gedan kakiwake kamae

12. 左中段前蹴り蹴り上げ (Hidari chudan mae-geri keage)

左前屈立ち、下段掻き分け構え

Hidari zenkutsu-dachi, Gedan kakiwake kamae

13. 右上段前蹴り蹴り上げ (Migi jodan mae-geri keage)

右前屈立ち、下段掻き分け構え

Migi zenkutsu-dachi, Gedan kakiwake kamae

14. 左上段前蹴り蹴り上げ (Hidari jodan mae-geri keage)

騎馬立ち、左縦手刀中段構え

15.  中段直突き (Chudan choku-zuki)

Nijuhappo (Koryu Nipai)

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2025).