BUJUTSU KARATE

Every moment of traditional karate training is technically dedicated to effectiveness, that is, effective application in jissen-kumite (as opposed to karate dojo kumite or a competition). This puts us traditional karateka in a relatively unique position insofar as modern karate is concerned. Asai Sensei faced this as well, so he created the IJKA to exclusively focus on his `bujutsu karate'.

I've trained my waza to cause maximum damage as this is what Tetsuhiko Asai Sensei said was necessary to retain the "traditional" martial art of karate as techniques must have "the capacity to fracture the blocking arm or leg of the opponent-even without effort". Without this critical focus, regardless of label, one has 'Sports Karate'. And sports karate is a VERY LAME FORM OF BOXING.

Nowadays, if one doesn't do kata to perform them nicely, or kumite to merely snatch points, the fact is, they are no longer doing mainstream karate. Obviously, this is very sad - a blurred shadow of `martial arts karate'. Nevertheless, if you have read my blog over the last four years, karate is not only about ichigeki-hissatsu, but also a healthy body and mind, reisetsu/reigi-saho, amongst other things. Yes, karate can be for everyone, but is not for everyone.

THE DAILY GRIND WHICH IS BEHIND THIS BLOG IS WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT - MAKE THIS DAILY TRAINING YOUR OWN! This blog is about my training and YOU, the reader, and how YOU TRAIN. That is why this blog is different - there is sweat, blisters, some blood and the occasional fracture behind my writing. No one (including myself) should be satisfied with their karate. All karateka must continue to push forward with a beginners mind whilst constantly seeking ichigeki-hissatsu from the various waza.

© André Bertel (2011). Christchurch, New Zealand.