This site is based on my daily practice of Shotokan Karate-Do here in Oita City, Japan. More than anything else, unlike the majority of other karate websites, this page is primarily dedicated to Budo Karate training itself; that is, Karate-Do as a vehicle for holistic development.
As promised, here is a video of 鶴翼初段 (Kakuyoku Shodan) kata performed slowly. This was filmed yesterday prior to my training. It is primarily for seminar attendees. I hope that this video helps you to review the key points covered and, consequently, results in your increased technical effectiveness.
Brief seminar video, as a very subtle reminder of key underlying key points I taught, during the Freital 2019 Seminar.
These points generically cover one of the dimensions imperative for street effective karate - irrespective of ryuha/kaiha; that is budo/bujutsu karate.
By the way, we'd like to hear feedback on the seminar!! Video comments are always very appreciated.
Here is the official report on the Freital Seminars—in
Deutsch—composed by Andy Nietzold Sensei, including the two official videos and numerous photographs.
Firstly, to the main organizer of the seminar and my host, Stephan Pilz Sensei (3rd Dan), also his lovely family, who took very good care of me.
Secondly, Andy Neitzold Sensei (2nd Dan), who also administrated the seminar; furthermore, translated, amongst other things.
Thirdly, Marco Herrmann Sensei (3rd Dan) who was the seminars MC).
Fourthly, the members and families of the Shotokan-Karateverein Freital e. V. club.
And fifthly, all of the karateka from across Europe whom attended.
A big "OSU" to you all from Oita City, Japan.
Andre
Official T Shirts from the 2019 Freital Seminar.
HOST DOJO PROFILE
Shotokan-Karateverein Freital e. V.
Founded
1984, current round about 90 members. Leading instructors Stephan Pilz Sandan,
Marco Herrmann Sandan. For those interesting in starting karate or finding a club in the Freital area here is their official website: www.shotokan-freital.de
Here is the fourth and final post on my recent seminars Karate Seminars in South Africa. Below the newpaper report are links to the first three parts. Osu, Andre
Finally here is some video footage from my
2019 South Africa International Seminar. Please note the video footage has been
cut in a way which allows the seminar participants to see key points
(hints/reminders), without revealing too much. Why? Because that knowledge is
for those who came and trained!
I must add that a couple of
important foundational points of Budo/BujutsuShotokan-style karate, are shown clearly;
nevertheless, again, without attending, these could still easily be taken out
of context and trained in a counterproductive manner. It elucidates the old
saying: 'Practice doesn't make perfect' but, rather, 'Perfect practise makes
perfect'.
Many people have asked me about commenting
on my videos. In sum, I really appreciate
comments as they confirm people's interest and, in turn, they really
encourage me to post new footage. Again, as stated above, the videos often reveal
things subtly (that is, only those who
have trained with me in person WILL UNDERSTAND). Moreover, as training
continues, deeper levels will be revealed to these karateka; thereby, resulting
in continuously increasing levels of technical skill and increased
effectiveness/application.
Lastly, I would again like to thank Gary GrapentinSensei and
Maureen deJagerSensei, and all
of the other instructors, and members, of USR (United ShotokanRyu). Indeed, I also extend this thanks to all
of the other wonderful people, who attended, from other karate groups. I have a
term 'Karate Family', which is what I believe all authentic traditional/budokarateka are.
For me personally, it was great not only
to teach karate outside Japan—which is always a great honour, but to also catch
up with old friends and forge new friendships as well. I am very positive that
this year’s seminar in South Africa will lead to an immense amount of technical
growth there – for those who practise what was covered.
In conclusion, I hope to see you all there
in South Africa again, in the near future, and/or here in Japan for training at
my dojo.
Kindest regards and all the very best from Oita. – Osu, André
In this second post I'd like to look at USR - UNITED SHOTOKAN RYU. With a great attitude, the seeking of top level karate for its members, and wonderful people, I believe that USR will have a bright future in South Africa and, indeed, internationally. Greetings from Oita City, Japan. Osu, Andre
One of the group photos from the March 2019 South Africa Seminar, hosted by USR. - Photos courtesy of Maureen Sensei.
United Shotokan-Ryu
United Shotokan-Ryu (USR) is an
independent Shotokan group which was formed in South Africa during 2018. USR
currently comprises eighteen different dojo situated in various towns and cities in the
provinces of the Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Gauteng. The Union is run by a
working committee overseen by Gary Grapentin who holds the position of
Chairperson. Other senior members include Alta Venter and Kenny Tawse.
USR’s priority is to preserve
the practice of Shotokan Karate in South Africa as a true form of Japanese
Budo. In order to achieve this, world class Shotokan instructors who focus on
Budo are brought to South Africa to conduct seminars on an annual basis. Not
holding an international style-affiliation enables USR greater freedom in
accessing some of the world’s most talented and highly-regarded contemporary
Shotokan Karate Masters. Space permitting, USR International Seminars are open
to all Shotokan karateka irrespective of affiliation. USR embraces the
opportunity to build friendships with karateka from other Shotokan groups and
karate styles.
USR recognises the need for
transformation, specifically within a South African context, and strives to
support members from previously disadvantaged communities in their practice of
Shotokan Karate. In terms of community and social development, karate training
is offered in Alicedale, Joza (Makhanda) and at the MTR Smit Children’s Haven
in Port Elizabeth. USR believes in equal opportunities for its members,
irrespective of race, culture or gender and prioritises an investment in the
next generation of karateka.
For further information
regarding USR, Gary Grapentin may be contacted at garyg@geenet.co.za
This will be the first of several articles/posts on my
recent seminar in South Africa. Hosted by USR—United Shotokan Ryu, this was my
second time teaching on the African continent.
Before I go on I’d like to thank Gary Grapentin Sensei
and Maureen de Jager Sensei for bringing me back and, again, taking very good care of me. I’m also very thankful for the awesome
feedback that I’ve received from the participants.
OK, so here is Part One… A premier, via the Port Elizabeth
Newspaper ‘Talk of the Town’. You can click on the JPEG below to read. Stay tuned for more articles, photos and videos, which will be coming soon!
