Current 基本 (Kihon) Self-Traning

 My present kihon practice, in my daily self-training, is as follows. In addition to what I’m doing now,

I’ve also added some supplementary commentary. 押忍 — AB

1. 自由な構え: 追い突き

Jiyu na kamae: oi-zuki

From the freestyle kamae and stance drive forward into zenkutsu-dachi (shomen) with seiken oi-zuki. Practice targeting both the jinchu and suigetsu.

2.自由な構え: 逆突き

Jiyu na kamae: gyaku-zuki

From the freestyle kamae and stance drive forward into zenkutsu-dachi (shomen) with seiken gyaku-zuki. Practice targeting both the jinchu and suigetsu. Initially train the right side the practice on the left. Train weaker twice with twice as many repetitions.

3. 自由な構え: 刻み突きから三本連突き

Jiyu na kamae: kizami-zuki kara sanbon ren-zuki.

From the freestyle kamae and stance drive forward into zenkutsu-dachi (hanmi) with jodan kizami-zuki targeting the jinchu. Without any pause flow into fumidashi, stepping through with the rear leg, to execute sanbon ren-zuki. This is the classical jodan oi-zuki attacking the jinchu followed by two consecutive middle level thrusts on the spot (chudan gyaku-zuki and chudan maete-zuki). Open the hips to make jun-kaiten then make gyaku-kaiten to make the final thrust into a locked shomen.

4. 自由な構え: 前蹴り蹴上げから横蹴り蹴込み、回し蹴り、後ろ蹴り蹴込み、裏拳横回し打ちそして中段逆突き

Jiyu na kamae: Mae-geri keage kara yoko-geri kekomi, mawashi-geri, ushiro-geri kekomi, uraken yokomawashi uchi soshite chudan gyaku-zuki.

From the freestyle kamae and stance drive forward with mae-geri keage followed by yoko geri-kekomi, mawashi-geri, ushiro-geri kekomi, uraken yokomawashi uchi and gyaku-zuki. Each time kick with the rear leg and practice various targets gedan, chudan and jodan. In all cases the knee must be raised high and aimed through the respective target. Note that the mawashi-geri is the full contact style when you go through the target; thereby, spinning and flowing naturally into the ushiro-geri. Retract the leg and recover into zenkutsu-dachi with uraken yokomawashi uchi targeting the temple and gyaku-zuki to the jinchu.

The karada no buki (weapons of the body) applied are josokutei, sokuto, josokutei, kakato, uraken and seiken. Rather than thinking of this exercise as a literal renzokuwaza for jiyu-kumite, it is simply refining each of the individual keriwaza and using the body ‘ever-more efficiently’.

5. 前屈立ち、下段払い: 上段揚げ受けから中段逆突き、中段外受け、中段逆突き、中段内受け、中段逆突き、下段払い、中段逆突き、手刀中段受け(後屈立ち)そして中段縦四本貫手逆突き(前屈立ち)

Zenkutsu-dachi, Gedan-barai: Jodan age-uke kara chudan gyaku-zuki, chudan soto-uke kara chudan gyaku-zuki, chudan uchi-uke kara chudan gyaku-zuki, gedan-barai, chudan gyaku-zuki, shuto chudan-uke (kokutsu-dachi) soshite chudan tateshihon-nukite chudan gyaku-zuki (zenkutsu-dachi).

From zenkutsu-dachi with gedan-barai (kamae) advance forward with fumidashi with jodan age-uke rotating into hanmi followed by counter-rotating into shomen with chudan gyaku-zuki. Following this by three more advancing steps with soto-uke, uchi-uke and gedan-barai each having a gyaku-zuki behind them. Conclude by advancing into kokutsu-dachi with shuto-uke followed by transferring into zenkutsu-dachi applying nukite. Also practice this sequence rearward and starting from both hidari and migi zenkutsu-dachi for balanced practice. It is essential to not rush each ukewaza but, rather make sure each has full ‘kime’. In this regard, treat each of the five ‘uke’ as attacks. Also pay special attention to exact fumidashi, drive of the rear to sharply rotate the hips and keeping the sokuto of the rear foot pressed onto the floor. Furthermore, it is critical to maintain perfect shisei (posture) and rotate at the correct axis’s. From hanmi to shomen this is from the lead shoulder straight down through the lead hip. And from shomen to hanmi this is from the rear shoulder straight down through the rear hip.

6.  前屈立ち、下段払い: 上段前猿臂から中段縦手刀、中段前猿臂、上段縦猿臂、中段縦手刀、中段縦猿臂、中段横猿臂 (騎馬立ち)、回転しながら上段後ろ猿臂 (前屈立ち)、回りながら下がって横揚げ猿臂 (前屈立ち) そして落とし猿臂 (不動立ち)

Zenkutsu-dachi, Gedan-barai: Jodan mae-enpi kara tate-shuto, chudan mae-enpi, jodan tate-enpi, tate-shuto, chudan tate-enpi, chudan yoko-enpi (kiba-dachi), kaiten-shinagara jodan ushiro-enpi (zenkutsu-dachi), mawari nagara sagatte yoko age-enpi (zenkutsu-dachi) soshite otoshi-enpi (fudo-dachi).

From zenkutsu-dachi with gedan-barai make fumidashi forward with jodan mae-enpi. On the spot execute tateshuto with the rear opposite arm then deliver chudan mae-enpi. Advance again attacking on the other side with jodan tate-enpi. On the spot, again, make tateshuto with the rear opposite arm the deliver chudan tate-enpi. From this position advance and twist into kiba-dachi executing chudan yoko-enpi. Following up by spinning forwards into zenkutsu-dachi with jodan ushiro-enpi. Reverse spin to make yoko age-enpi. Finally advance dropping into fudo-dachi to conclude with otoshi-enpi.

For all elbow strikes the junansei ‘softness’ of the shoulders in coordination with the correct use of the hips is paramount; furthermore, keeping the striking elbows fist at the optimal position, which is usually close to the body. Common targets are the jaw, temple, chin, sternum, and spinal column; however, impacting the opponent's hands, limbs and feet are also standard applications.

7. 前屈立ち、下段払い:  裏拳上段横回し打ちから拳槌中段内回し打ち (騎馬立ち) 、手刀上段外回し打ち (前屈立ち)、回転しながら手刀上段内回し打ちそして背刀上段外回し打ち

Zenkutsu-dachi, Gedan-barai: Uraken jodan yokomawashi uchi kara kentsui chudan uchimawashi uchi (kiba-dachi), shuto jodan sotomawashi uchi (zenkutsu-dachi), kaiten-shinagara shuto jodan uchimawashi uchi soshite haito jodan sotomawashi uchi.

Foundational attacks with uraken, kentsui, shuto and haito—including tenshin—are practiced in this drill. What matters most is expressing full and proper technique and body mechanics in each action. After a rapid uraken with fumidashi, reserve the hips by remaining as long as possible in shomen, before twisting into kiba-dachi with kentsui. On the spot transfer back into zenkutsu-dachi making a large-scale outside roundhouse strike with shuto. Note that kakato-chushin must be fully applied here. Spin to make an inside outward strike with shuto, immediately flowing into haito. 
In sum, aim to make each waza finish the opponent.

8. 直突き

Choku-zuki

From tate shuto kamae (in either heiko-dachi or kiba-dachi) practice any form of linear tsuki, singular or ‘renzokuwaza. Also, stationary and/or with any form of footwork. In particular, as always, I’m constantly referencing Asai Sensei’s personal teachings.

                                   

 © André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).

Visitor from France: Eric Souffleux

Yesterday, Eric Souffleux (4th Dan) from France came to train. He had several requests, which I covered primarily referencing the fundamental techniques and their respective applications. I won't go into the specific details taught--these are for Eric; nevertheless, here is a brief overview.

KIHON: Initially the practice focused on subtle details of Choku-zuki, Oi-zuki, Kizami-zuki and Gyaku-zuki. Also, Sokumen-zuki and 'tsukiwaza with tenshin'.

Heian Shodan was utilized to focus on proper shomen, hanmi and koshi no kaiten—in relation to exact kakato-chushin.

Sections of Heian Shodan, Nidan and Yondan; furthermore, Hangetsu, Gankaku, Sochin' and Unsu were used to increase skill and understanding of ‘te-ashi onaji’ and 'strong stability/balance'.

For KUMITE Eric requested work on his Sen No Sen, so I did this with both oi-zuki and gyaku-zuki. Practice of kizami-zuki with taisabaki and nagashi-zuki wrapped up this section.

Insofar as KATA was concerned, Enpi, Unsu and Gojushiho Dai were covered.

 Lastly, I wish Eric all the best in the advancement of his Karate. 

OSU!

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).

Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei: overcoming size will skill and fighting spirit

 One skill I learned a lot about, from my late mentor Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei, was to draw the opponent: then take them out on the way in. This takes not only technical skill, timing and explosiveness, but also courage (KIHAKU - 'Fighting Spirit'). Over the years this skill helped me out in 'many kumite domains'.

In sum, these points epitomize GO NO SEN and the optimal use of DEAIWAZA.

Kanazawa Hirokazu Sensei referred to my teacher as a 'speedy technician'. Shotokan's greatest trainer, Nakayama Masatoshi Sensei, in his 'Best Karate' publications went further by saying "He probably has no equals".

Mastering this ability in both Jiyu Kumite and in Jissen-Kumite is absolutely essential for smaller karateka. He always stressed to me "GO IN" and "DON'T GO BACK". At only 'Five Feet Nine' and '165 Pounds', all of that certainly applied to me: in any form of fighting, dojo and otherwise.

The following sequence from competition in the early 1960s shows Asai Sensei's prowess, in these regards, At the time he was in his late 20s. And, yes, he was much physically smaller than me. Yet, with such a small stature, he still became the JKA All-Japan Champion.

A karate LEGEND in the truest sense.

OSU

André

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).

IKS Official Kata and Kumite Requirements

Many people wish to attain IKS (International Karate Shotokan) Kyu and Dan. Here are the official Kata and Kumite Requirements -- IN ENGLISH -- for all levels.

Please note that you can click on the images to enlarge them for better viewing.

押忍

アンドレ  

KATA

KUMITE

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).

SELF-TRAINING TODAY... KIHON, KIHON and MORE KIHON!

HIDARI CHUDAN JUN-ZUKI (OI-ZUKI), HIDARI ZENKUTSU-DACHI SHOMEN

 

MIGI CHUDAN MAWASHI-GERI (IKS NIDAN IDO-KIHON RENZOKUWAZA - NO.3)

HIDARI JODAN JUN-ZUKI (OI-ZUKI)

RYO KEN DAITAI MAE - SHIZENTAI

MIGI CHUDAN GYAKU-ZUKI, HIDARI ZENKUTSU-DACHI

HIDARI JODAN UCHI UKE, HIDARI ZENKUTSU-DACHI

MIGI CHUDAN SOTO-UKE, MIGI ZENKUTSU-DACHI

MIGI CHUDAN GYAKU-ZUKI, HIDARI ZENKUTSU-DACHI

SHUTO CHUDAN-UKE

YOKO-GERI KEKOMI - HIPS DRIVEN FORWARD AND ALIGNED HORIZONTALLY

MAWASHI-GERI - HIPS DRIVEN FORWARD AND ROTATED DIAGONALLY DOWNWARDS

MAE-GERI KEAGE - HIPS DRIVEN FORWARD AND "...LEG SNAPPED OUT AND BACK ALONG A LINEAR TUNNEL"

 ©︎ André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).

YOUTUBE VIDEO: Renshusei from Brazil - Dr. Mario Sergio Vieira

 Dr Mario Sergio Vieira from Sao Paulo, Brazil, came to Oita as a Renshusei last week (November 2024). Overcoming a severe shoulder injury last year, which required surgery, Mario finally made it over to Japan.

     PLEASE NOTE: 

THE YOUTUBE VIDEO FOOTAGE BELOW IS NOT SHOWING THE TRAINING BUT, RATHER, IS A REMINDER OF 'KEY POINTS' I TAUGHT MARIO HERE IN OITA.

Some background... For those who have come here as Renshusei, the training is 'knowledge and skill focused'; that is, "Being a Renshusei is all about becoming better". Furthermore, the program cultivates long-term technical development of each individual and spreads Karate as true Budo/Bujutsu.

Last but not least, away from training each day, it was great to spend time with Mario, who is not only passionate karateka, but also a wonderful person. 

Until next time Mario, OSU!!! 

AB

©︎ André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).

EVERYTHING IN KARATE BEGINS AND ENDS WITH TRAINING

Here are some images from my self-training today, which is always humbling in relation to the skills of my seniors here in Japan - both past and present. 

Of course, EVERYTHING IN KARATE BEGINS AND ENDS WITH TRAINING. Just as we bow, before and after Kihon, Kata and Kumite.

押忍！ アンドレ

©︎ André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).

The criticality of Impact Training (furthermore, their inclusion in both Kyu and Dan Exams)

Kizami mawashi-geri utilizing josokutei/koshi on the impact shield.

 While those who practice 武道空手 (Budo Karate) all practice ‘joint locks, attacks, holds and escapes’, ‘strangulation techniques’ and ‘takedowns, sweeps and throws’, it goes without saying that “…the ‘primary offensive techniques of karate are percussive blows’; namely, ‘uke—receptions’, ‘tsuki—thrusts’, ‘uchi—strikes’ and ‘keri—kicks’”.

Accordingly, “…to be able to impact with as much explosive power as possible is high on the agenda”. This is because this aspect largely determines the effectiveness of one’s karate.


Interestingly, for the most part (in the vast majority of Shotokan organizations), this capacity is not a part of examinations for Kyu nor Dan.


We rectified this in the 国際空手道松濤館 (“IKS” — International Karate Shotokan) Japan Grading Syllabus. Specific impact tests are conducted from 8th Kyu up to, and including, Nidan. This involves hitting a shield or sandbag with maximum power. Level One is 8th and 7th Kyu; Level Two is 6th, 5th, and 4th Kyu; Level Three is 3rd, 2nd and 1st Kyu; Level Four is Shodan; and Level Five is Nidan.


In this way, and like other aspects of the IKS Grading Syllabus, the requirements ‘direct our members to train karate correctly’ right from white belt; that is, Shotokan as actual Budo/Bujutsu. This is why impact training is a part of our daily kihon practice. We are ‘tempering the swords’ so to speak.


Think of solo kihon and kata as like practicing your ‘quick draw, positioning and aim’, whereas the impact training is like ‘firing at the target’ and ‘inflicting damage’. Do you have an ‘air-soft gun with plastic projectiles’ or a ‘.500 S&W Magnum with .500 S&W Magnum Cartridges’? While this is an analogy of extremes, it highlights that one must find where are ‘on the impact power spectrum’ and constantly seek to make one’s karate-waza as destructive as possible.

Otherwise, how can one’s karate truly be reliable?

It is obvious that karateka must constantly study and train to hit harder. Indeed, they must also be used to, and master, hitting with maximum force. Furthermore, when insufficient strength is found, one must address this by incorporating more strength training.

In actuality, solo form work must be coupled with impact training and an appropriate strength regime (specific for each individual). In the case of smaller and/or weaker karateka, this will inevitably require more work. Alternatively, in some cases, for those with more strength and/or mass, increasing speed might be of a greater focus.

Keep in mind, true karate cannot be developed by merely striking thin air; therefore, impact training and the assessment of impact power are inherently essential.

押忍！ 

アンドレ

Kaiten-uraken combination on the sandbag.

©︎ André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).

Kihon: The art of 'technical isolation' to correct and improve

If one is aiming to optimize their karate it is essential to constantly use KIHON (Fundamental) training to both eradicate weak points, superfluous actions and/or errors; furthermore, and obviously, to increase one's skill level.

Just mindlessly doing kihon over and over again, which people often get into a rut doing, is inadequate for achieving these goals.

Now, I am not saying that repetition is bad, of course it is absolutely necessary; however, repetition of correct actions (with targeted objectives) is utterly paramount. This means repeating things which, as outlined above, and I will repeat again here: either (a) eradicate weaknesses; (b) remove superfluous actions; (c) correct errors; (d) improve skill (form, speed, power, agility, smoothness, etcetera); or any combination of these.

This is especially important for higher Dan grades and is the only way in which they can achieve a truly high karate level and keep improving.

There is also another consideration in these regards: "...age, 'wear and tear', illness, and injuries." Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei particularly highlighted these points and expanded 'JKA Shotokan' with additional techniques and kata which are more natural and, thus, easier on the body. In this way, one's karate can continue to evolve and improve irrespective of age and bodily condition.

Nonetheless, only by adapting the aforementioned approach to kihon can one optimize both standard Shotokan, and the extensions of it, by Asai Sensei and, indeed, the other great karate masters. 

To conclude, keep in mind that kihon is ISOLATION TRAINING FOR TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE, therefore, "...it should be highly focused with decisive objectives to correct and/or improve your karate-waza". Accordingly, Kihon is your training time to inject increased quality into your Kata and Kumite.

Reviewing today's training: Sunday, November 10th, 2024.

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).

Trainee from New Zealand: Andrew Makin (Yondan)

 Andrew Makin (4th Dan JKA), originally from South Africa, came from New Zealand.

It was great to have him here as a RENSHUSEI in Oita at the dojo.

I worked with him on his Tekki Sandan, Nijushiho and Meikyo.

Also, corrections on Kihon and engagement in the various forms of kumite.

Overall, as a fellow dragon, 12 years older than me, he did very well through the trainings and clearly improved through them.

押忍 (OSU)!!

André 

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).