This site is based on my daily practice of Shotokan Karate-Do here in Oita City, Japan. More than anything else, unlike the majority of other karate websites, this page is primarily dedicated to Budo Karate training itself; that is, Karate-Do as a vehicle for holistic development.
Today I practiced the so called 'BIG SEVEN" Shotokan Kata outdoors.
Dressed in my winter down jacket and three very thick sweaters (yes, I'm not a fan of the cold). I probably more-so resembled a 相撲取り (Sumotori) rather than a karateka...
Irrespective it was a good practice, both technically and physically.
From this group of kata, what I find most difficult is Kanku Dai and Gankaku.
In my karate life I spent most time on Jion and Enpi as they better suit my physique. Nonetheless and ironically, now I really enjoy Hangetsu, and Jitte.
Jitte is very challenging to do 'properly' and with a high-level of skill/effectiveness and, accordingly, is generically rewarding for one's karate. Both Nakamura Masamichi Sensei really influenced my Jitte, even more than Asai Sensei, as it, along with 五十四歩小 (Gojushiho Sho) was his 'Tokui-gata'.
Here is a list of the kata in both Japanese and English, followed by some images from the practice.
I want to wish all my Karate-Do 先輩 (Senpai, Seniors), 同期 (Doki, Colleagues) and 生徒 (Seito, Students) here in Japan, and around the world,“A VERY HAPPY, HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS 2026”.
This year there will many special events including:
The 30th Anniversary of officially opening my Dojo in New Zealand, which established ‘Asai Ha Shotokan-Ryu Karate’ there.
August 15th, will mark the 20th Anniversary of Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei’s passing.
There will also be several big events this year, which will be announced soon.
Here is a brief overview of the first quarter of 2026
(Seminars outside Japan and Foreign Renshusei)
1月 (JANUARY)
— Renshusei from Poland.
— INTERNATIONAL BUDO KARATE SEMINAR (Kapiti Coast,
To wrap up the year I’d like to give a brief summary from this year—2025!
Before doing that, and before my final training of the year, I want to wish everyone a very happy, healthy and prosperous NEW YEAR.
Stay tuned, BIG THINGS TO COME IN 2026...
In January alone, Renshusei from across Japan, two Renshusei from Poland, and an International Seminar in Kapiti Coast (NEW ZEALAND).
押忍!
アンドレ
_____________________
André Bertel
主席師範
国際空手道松濤館
Oita City, JAPAN
_____________________
(1.0) 連取生 (RENSHUSEI)
Besides domestic Japanese Renshusei, throughout the year we also had Renshusei (Trainees) from ten other nations: (1) Brazil, (2) Australia, (3) Germany, (4) Canada, (5) Italy, (6) South Africa, (7) Austria, (8) New Zealand, (9) Portugal and (10) Netherlands.
(1.1) 国際セミナー (INTERNATIONAL SEMINARS)
Christchurch, NEW ZEALAND (February 15-16, 2025). Hosts — IKS Christchurch Ltd. (Head Organizer: Peter Burtenshaw Sensei)
