Mae-geri keage

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2018).

11th Anniversary of this blog

Today marks 11 years since I started this blog here in Japan... I cannot believe that... And soon I'll reach the mark of 40 years training in Karate-Do, and much of that full-time. Why is time so fleeting??? Too Fast!!!

Next week I will be teaching in Germany again, but this time, for the first time in Halle: organized by Peter Lampe Sensei (5th Dan).

The karate I will teach this time is a big step up from my past international seminars. It is part two from last year, and will reveal a deeper layer of karate from the past.

Earlier this month, on June 7th, Asai Sensei would have turned 83 years old. I'm sure he would be happy that I begin to release these techniques and their applications. This has begun here in Japan ーas a commemoration ― and also, soon, in Germany.

Osu, Andre Bertel

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2018).

Trainee from Switzerland: Christa Lehman

Christa Lehman, from Switzerland, once again visited for training. This time her request was to work on雲手 (Unsu) kata. Accordingly, that is what I taught for her for both days she was here in Oita City. 

To sum up what was covered, I retaught her the kata from start to finish, then we practiced each sequence as kihon—breaking everything down into its most important parts. Following that, I took her through the ‘fighting/self-defence applications (oyo)’ and principles, which constituted the entirety of the ‘kumite’ training. Lastly, I related all of the above points to other kata, which we also practiced (when relevant to do so). While I won’t go into detail, kata referenced included: the five Heian, Hangetsu, Jitte, Sochin, Nijushiho and Gojushiho Sho.

 

By the conclusion of the first day of practice Christa had greatly improved her Unsu and by the end of the second day, it was clear she had lifted her level even further. Undoubtedly, with practice (on what was covered here in Oita) she will not only have an excellent looking Unsu, but one with effective martial arts substance. Ganbatte Christa, 押忍!!

Christa studying karate under me, here in Oita, 10 years ago... How time flies...

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2018).