Renshusei from Bissendorf, Germany: Jürgen Schneider-Jahnson

 Jürgen Schneider-Jahnson (3rd Dan) from Bissendorf, Germany, came for three days as a 練習生 (Renshusei, Trainee).

Training for two hours each day on March 24th, 25th and 26th, Jürgen not only practiced but also came with many technical questions. This allowed me to specifically teach him according to his personal image of what ‘being a Renshusei’ would achieve for him.

This is what being a Renshusei here is all about in my dojo: ‘Karate specific for the individual for maximum technical development’.

Besides the critical details of budo karate kihon, which I always stress, much emphasis was put on fundamental kata such as平安初段 (Heian Shodan) and 順路初段 (Junro Shodan), also several of the more advanced Shotokan forms such as 半月 (Hangetsu) and 明鏡 (Meikyo).

Yakusoku Kumite was also high on the agenda, especially 五本組手 (Gohon Kumite), 三本組手 (Sanbon Kumite), 基本一本組手 (Kihon Ippon Kumite) and 自由一本組手 (Jiyu Ippon Kumite). Besides correct budo/bujutsu karate 間合 (Maai) the focus was on correctly and autonomously utilizing a greater variety of body shifts in defense, such as:

• 体捌き (Tai-sabaki)

• 転身 (Tenshin)

• 出合い (Deai)

• 足切り替え (Ashi kirikae), etcetera…

For example, stepping back directly; diagonally leftward or rightward, rearward or forward; moving sideward right or left; spinning either way; advancing; dropping or leaping; and/or a combination of these.

Returning to 基本 (Kihon) and 型 (Kata) I emphasized how, in traditional Budo Karate—Kihon, Kata and Kumite—are literally one: completely harmonious. 

In all three of these domains correct 呼吸 (Kokyu) is essential, not only for optimal physical prowess, but also for psychological control.

Overall, Jürgen was very diligent over the three days here and did very well. In sum, he has a lot of karate homework and new knowledge to take back to Germany! It was also nice to spend some time outside the dojo with him and his lovely wife.

押忍！

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2026).

Team from Toodyay, Western Australia

A team from Toodyay, Western Australia, came for Renshusei training here in Oita City. The group of over 20 people, led by Ken Bainbridge Sensei (5th Dan), completed a two-hour practice, which was focused on some of the core basics of Traditional Shotokan Karate-Do.

In particular, the six SHITE-GATA: Heian 1-5 and Tekki Shodan were the intrinsic reference points.

It has been just over 15 years since Ken Sensei first hosted me in Western Australia for a seminar, so it was wonderful to catch up with him and his students. Also, my friend Brad Steven's Sensei from New Zealand, who I got to hang out with the night before the training.

A special thanks for Kylie Sensei for her correspondence in preparation for the Renshusei Training.

Until the next opportunity. OSU!!!

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2026).

Freital, Germany Seminar 2026: PART TWO - Report in English

 Report by Diana Lenk

Already 2 years ago I was allowed to experience this special event for the first time. I was all the more excited about what awaits us this year.

For a very long time in advance, all preparations, necessary planning and approvals were organized by our board, and many threads were drawn in the background. An incredibly complex task, when you then see and feel with what dedication, heart and soul and not least an enormous expenditure of time this very special event could take place here in Freital. Simply every detail has been considered. Be it the organization of the day during the stay of our important guest, or the coordination of the helpers or hours of "packing seminar envelopes".

On the day of arrival of André Sensei at the airport in Munich, Lufthansa went on strike and he was picked up from there without further ado by two club members. What a great action of the two.

And then it was finally time.... On Friday evening, André Sensei kicked off in a community training session with us in the dojo, first for all club members of all graduations. It was also a very impressive experience for our newer members to train with such an internationally known trainer. André Sensei explained the basics very vividly and practically. He made it important that everyone could take home inspiration for their training that evening. The consistently positive feedback confirms this. Then it was the turn of the "big ones". A total of 3 examinees successfully faced the experienced and professional judgment of André Sensei.

On Saturday it started early in the morning for many helpers. With combined forces, the gymnasium of the Weißeritz-Gymnasium was transformed into a dojo. Many hardworking hands ensured that tables and benches were set up, the refreshment station was created, the signage in and around the hall was attached and the national flags of the participants could fit harmoniously into the picture. A very wide range of culinary products was also prepared. Between absolutely appetizing sandwiches and breads, many different homemade cakes, muffins and biscuits, which were contributed by various members and helpers, it was difficult to decide.

Around 9 a.m. the preparations were completed and the first participants also found themselves. Guests from various European nations could be welcomed. Including the Czech Republic, Poland, Belgium, Denmark, Austria, the Netherlands and Switzerland. Even guests from Norway, Ukraine and Great Britain found the way to Freital. Everyone received from our team at the reception their personal envelope with all important information about the course as well as the voucher for the evening event and a card to pick up the ordered T-shirt "No Danger".

The seminar, which was awaited with great excitement and anticipation, began at 10:00 a.m. The hall was well filled with almost 200 participants and everyone could feel this special atmosphere. We welcomed a good-natured and a sympathetic André Sensei from the first moment. His incredible presence is difficult to put into words.

He built with us piece by piece, the Kata "Maizuru Dai" (as much as Dancing Crane) unknown to us, and explained the individual techniques vividly, comprehensibly and very impressively, both in the Kata and in the Bunkai. Only three students of Grand Master Asai from Japan are currently teaching this special Kata. For this reason, it was a special honor and also a personal claim for us to implement what was shown as well as possible. Both demanded a lot of concentration, especially from the low-graduate participants, because as light and powerful as every movement of the Sensei looked, it was much more difficult than expected to put them into practice themselves. At this point, one or the other became once again very aware that the path of the warrior (Budo) is a very long, even lifelong process, in which one can only gain the understanding between the harmony of mind and body through long, intensive and continuous training. Through the many detailed descriptions and demonstrations of the extremely effective techniques, everyone was able to take away many, sometimes also new insights, for themselves and their training. Thanks to the direct translation by Marco, there was no loss of information.

After the first very demanding seminar day, it was time for all those who had registered in advance, "Getting together in a relaxed atmosphere" in the Ballrooms Coßmannsdorf. Those present expected a cozy evening with a relaxed atmosphere. With a very varied buffet there was something for everyone and there were no wishes left unfulfilled. There was the opportunity to exchange ideas across national borders and to make new contacts. In addition, you could experience André up close. All evening he wandered from table to table, gladly answered all questions and was an absolutely sought-after conversation partner with his uncomplicated manner. Until the late evening hours you could enjoy this special atmosphere and let the anticipation of the second day increase.

Also on Sunday morning, the hard-working helpers gathered again at the hall and ensured with their commitment that the participants lacked nothing. Without many words, everyone knew what to do, and in no time the preparations were finished.

On the second day it started already 09.00 o'clock. From the first moment, this special mood was again due to the presence of the Sensei in the air. We repeated and deepened what we had learned and gained new insights about timing, distance and control. For all participants it was time to be there again with full concentration and commitment. André explained precisely the sometimes complex mechanics behind the techniques and was able to give valuable tips for their training to the many highly graduated Dan carriers. Later it went into the partner training to work on the implementation of what has been learned. And again there were so many new impressions, WOW effects and small AHA moments for each individual, which will make this spectacular event have an effect for a very long time.

A special and respectful gesture at the end of the seminar was that André Sensei’s personally thanked each individual participant and helper, and thus secured a very special place in retrospect of this weekend.

At this point, I can only thank you very much that through the perfect organization, the cooperation of so many helping hands and supporters, this weekend has become inspiring, instructive and above all unforgettable for everyone.

The images are copyrighted by Oliver Schömburg.

Freital, Germany Seminar 2026: PART ONE - Report in German

 Here's direct link to the seminar report in German. Many thanks to Diana Lenk for this report and Oliver Schomburg for the images. An English rendition will be coming soon.

Shotokan-Karateverein Freital e. V. - Kaminari-Arashi-Dojo - 4. Internationales Budo-Karate Seminar mit André Bertel Shihan (7. Dan) vom 14.-15. März 2026 in Freital

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2026).

Renshusei from France: Aude Giraudet

Aude Giraudet (5th Dan) from France returned as a Renshusei for second time.

I was deeply impressed by Aude’s improvements since being here in Oita in the past.


Away from karate, it was also wonderful to catch up. Friendship through Karate-Dō is such a blessing.

I’ll not detail Aude’s time here in the dojo,which is her's to share; except to say, it was a great time of karate and camaraderie.

押忍

 André

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2026).

Official DAN and qualifications Register.

 The 国際空手道松濤館 (INTERNATIONAL KARATEDO SHOTOKAN) has an official DAN and qualifications Register. 

If any verifications are required please email us: iksjapanhq@gmail.com

We can confirm all official IKS Japan Dan Grades and also Qualifications. 

押忍！

André Bertel

Renshusei from Lisbon, Portugal

At the remains of Funai Castle in central Oita City.

 A team of eight karateka from Lisbon, Portugal, came for two days of Renshusei Training.

Paulo Sternberg 
Teotónio Alves
Manuel Fernandes
João Hala
Paulo Rocha
Filipe Alves
Bruno Gaspar
Bruno Batalha

Organized by Paulo Sternberg Sensei they trained for two hours on the first day, and for four hours (two-hour sessions on their second day).

In addition to these formal dojo classes, they also did several additional practices outside the dojo. But I will address from now with gratitude.

I was very happy that on the evening of their arrival, and after both days of training, the group kindly took me to dinner. During these evening, needless to say, there were many opportunities for technical questions and even some extra karate practice. This respectful gesture resulted in much more sharing of knowledge. Here in Japan, this matters a lot.

The themes of the training included: ‘Kihon within the Kihon’; ‘Maai in Budo Karate’ ranging from 五本組手 (Gohon Kumite) to 自由組手 (Jiyu Kumite); and several kata including 平安 (Heian), 半月 (Hangetsu) and 壯鎭 (Sochin). But other kata were also referenced in regard to OYO (Application).

A special note in the practice was the correct of ground power and the hips via the optimal use of 立ち方 (Tachikata). 

I want to thank all eight men for their focus in training, also for their good heartedness. In addition to karate we also enjoyed some fun times together. I wish you all a safe and pleasant journey home to Portugal.

ありがとうございました、押忍！

André Bertel

©︎ André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2026).

Renshusei from Woltersdorf, Germany

February 16th-20th, 2026 Renshusei: Erik, Robin and Tino.

Three karateka from Woltersdorf, Germany, came for training as 練習生 (Renshusei). Robin Zehbe (Godan), Tino Weichert (Sandan) and Erik Lewerenz (Shodan) from Nikko Dojo: https://www.nikko-dojo.de/

They diligently trained for two hours every day for a total of five days. Also, on one day we also did an additional two-hour training.


The focus of my teaching was on the fine details of Budo Karate. In particular, the correct use of energy and critical body mechanics; furthermore, ‘bujutsu no maai’.

The opening of Kakuyoku Shodan Kata.

I will not specifically outline the trainings as this knowledge is for them to share.


However, what I will say is that I was impressed by their enthusiasm and efforts over the days they were here as (Renshusei).


It was also great to see them improve their Kihon, Kata and Kumite as the sessions progressed.

Tekki Sandan Kata.

In addition to time in the dojo, we also had a lot of good times. A big 'OSU' to Robin, Tino and Erik.

Teaching the opening of Maizuru Dai Kata.

©︎ André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2026).

2026 Kapiti Coast, New Zealand (PART TWO): SEMINAR YOUTUBE VIDEO

On January 31st and February 1st of 2026, André Bertel Shihan (7th Dan), conducted a Technical Seminar in the Kapiti Coast. Located in the North Island of New Zealand, close the capital (Wellington), the event marked the 30th Anniversary of André Shihan opening his first official dojo in Christchurch.

The first classes being held on Thursday, February 1st, 1996 (at the Spreydon School Hall) marked the beginning of Asai-Ha Shotokan Karate in New Zealand; that is, the Shotokan of Asai Tetsuhiko Shuseki-Shihan. At the time, Master Asai was the Chief Instructor of the JKA (Japan Karate Association) faction chaired by Matsuno Raizo.

The 国際空手道松濤館 (IKS - 'International Karatedō Shōtōkan') was born later with the aim of preserving and promoting Budō Karate technically at the highest level, and without politics.

The 2026 Seminar in Kapiti Coast was attended by karateka from all over New Zealand, Australia and even one from Ireland. Furthermore, different organizations and styles were represented.

We were particularly honored to have Mark Willis Shihan (8th Dan) ISKF/TSKF attend, who is the most senior New Zealand Shotokan Karateka.

Lastly, the point of this footage is to remind the participants of key points from the seminar, especially in regards to Budō Karate Maai, and use of relaxation to employ 'whip-like' power, as opposed to rigid/stiff muscular force... NATURAL ENERGY.

This was summarized via the kata 鶴翼三段 (Kakuyoku Sandan). All in all, this "Way of Shotokan' is one which improves with age, as the additional kata provide more natural ways to move and generate power and stimulate motivation; thereby, enhancing technical skill and effectiveness, expanding the 'art of karate', and making training healthier for the muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints. 

 

We'd like to thank Allan Youl Sensei (4th Dan), chief instructor or KKA and head organizer; his fantastic team of instructors; his wife Brenda; all of the seminar attendees; and Denni Bryant for filming and providing this video footage. 

©︎ André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2026).

2026 Kapiti Coast, New Zealand (PART ONE)

I just returned home to Oita City, Japan, after conducting a two-day Technical Seminar, Dan Examination's, and the usual Private Training for the host dojo/group. These events took place on the Kapiti Coast, just North of Wellington, in the North Island of Aotearoa/New Zealand.

The events were hosted by KKA Karate Academy: 

www.kka.co.nz

 Asai Sensei sometimes showed slight variation in the Koten-Gata for 'adaptive budo'. These variations are slight, such as trajectory change, different tachikata, etcetera. That being said, it makes these kata alive, and a wonderful bujutsu extension of standard Shotokan-Ryu. 

In this regard, I taught Kakuyoku Sandan (with some subtle variations) at the 2018 Seminar in Halle, Germany. Here's a direct link to the overview of that event: https://youtu.be/DSQd8ApZxeU?si=kuLt75pY3MBOgBt0

Within the next day or two, I'll share a BRIEF REPORT about the seminar... 

And also share some VIDEO FOOTAGE via YouTube. If you attended, I hope this will help review key points in the training!

Until then, when flying, I completed generic notes on Kakuyoku Sandan Kata, which (as promised) I've passed on to Allan Sensei to share with any seminar participants wishing to have them.

押忍

アンドレ  バーテル

©︎ André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2026).