Here is my current daily self-training regime, which I have used over the last month and a half. As followers of this blog around the world know, this training, which I undertake each day, is reflective of the daily socho-geiko (morning training) of my late teacher, Asai Tetsuhiko Shuseki-Shihan.
 |
| Finishing training at Gokoku Jinja, Oita. |
基本 (Kihon): Currently I am working
three techniques: firstly, oi-zuki; secondly, gyaku-zuki; and thirdly, mae-geri
keage. However, I’m
training all three with the following variations of karada no buki
(weapons of the body): seiken, nakadaka ippon-ken, hiraken and shihon-nukite
for both punches; and koshi/josokutei and tsumasaki for mae-geri. Taken as a
whole, the aim is optimal form and trajectories, explosiveness, maai, maximum
impact power and appropriate targeting; in particular, 急所 (kyusho). I would like to add here that these points are
nothing secret; rather, they are merely the weak points of the body (derived
from the meridian points of traditional Chinese medicine). Enough on that topic today: as nothing beats a poke in the eyes and kick to the testicles.
 |
| Asai Sensei applying what he called 'koken' and what is more commonly referred to, in Shotokan, as kakuto. His unpredictable timing and impact power was nothing less than incredible. Nothing like the karate of the present time. |
型 (Kata): My kata training is
currently quite broad to wrap up 2017. I’m practising the following: (1)
Taikyoku Shodan as a kihongata specifically for shomen and hanmi in
zenkutsu-dachi, kakato-chushin, and the forward channelling of power; (2) Tekki
Shodan for jiyu-kumite/self-defense, in particular, utilizing and optimizing
ground power with lateral movement; (3) Enpi for the aforementioned points in
Taikyoku and Tekki: but with a great focus on chikara no kyojaku; (4) Nijushiho
for fine tuning―especially in regards to transitions; and (5) a Koten-gata,
which varies every few days, based on my condition and any aspects I decide to
further address; for example, yesterday I practised Kakuyoku Sandan to further
work on my use of 重力 (juryoku/gravity) in techniques.
 |
| Kotengata: Kibaken, which I originally learned from notes (kindly provided by Jon Keeling Sensei of Northern California). |
組手 (Kumite): My kumite training at
present is focused on the bujutsu karate applications for self-defence. The
techniques and principles I’m working on are directly related to
my current kata practise. In sum, this includes aspects which I have never
taught other karateka before. I will begin disseminating this deeper well of knowledge
in Europe next year.
Soon I will change this routine as it has recently passed its peak. This process and analysis is how I have continued to grow especially in the last two decades. One of my motto's is "never seek mediocrity". This includes technique, application and dry humour. I will end on this note. Train hard and smart. Osu!!
 |
| Mae-geri kekomi utilizing tsumasaki as the karada no buki. |
© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2017).
Today I did a special training of very special kata from my late teacher.
I was very privileged as I was the only one taught these highly advanced kata
and their applications. Normally, I practice these kata in isolation. However, today, I did an unprecedented training of them all.
Over the weekend Joshua Block, from Germany, came for training here in
Oita City. Of course, in addition to karate practice, it was lovely to catch up
with him.
