Official Poster for 2024 NEW ZEALAND Seminars

I just received the official poster, from the organizers, for my 2024 seminars in New Zealand. 

See you in Christchurch (South Island) and the Kapiti Coast (North Island) next February.

OSU,

André

 

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2023).

空手に先手無し (Motobu's Perspective)

 Motobu Choki’s commentary about the traditional teaching of 空手に先手無し (Karate ni sente nashi — “There is no first attack in karate”) are pragmatically valuable. I certainly agree with this, coming from a security background where I had a lot of real fights. Accordingly, I decided to share Motobu's view today.

Ironically, it is an understatement to say: 'Motobu and Funakoshi Sensei did not like each other very much'. Nevertheless, and irrespective if this, "...we must not disregard accurate knowledge due to any interpersonal matters", which have nothing to do with us.

 

押忍!!

André

Motobu stated, “There is a saying in the martial arts, ‘karate ni sente nashi’, which is often literally interpreted as meaning ‘no pre-emptive strike’. Unfortunately, this phrase is terribly misunderstood, especially by those who interpret it literally and, often, teach according to this misinterpretation. Actually, attacking first is not wrong; however, in the same breath allow me to also say that it’s not budo spirit to ever attack anyone without just cause. Moreover, I believe that almost everybody agrees that this is our priority in both physical and psychological training. Therefore, ‘Karate ni sente nashi’ is a phase that should remind us all (karate practitioners) to never unscrupulously strike or harm anyone without just cause; furthermore, to maintain physical, mental and emotional control at all times.”

 

Also, in these regards, he pointed out: “When you fight you must do so fiercely, otherwise you risk death or serious harm. Therefore, once it’s been established that a fight is about to ensue, the most important thing is to win. There is no other alternative in a desperate situation. Understanding this rationale places the saying in a different light and allows us to see why attacking first is both a valuable and necessary tool. Think about this mindfully”. 

Motobu only practiced one kata: Naifanchi (TEKKI). While it is very useful to practice an array of different kata, it is essential to 'MASTER' between one and three: This is the traditional Budo/Bujutsu way, and is reflected in our IKS Grading Syllabus.

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2023).

松濤 (“Shoto”)

Funakoshi Gichin Sensei’s nephew, Giso, recalled a conversation with his uncle from 1942 during which he explained the reason for choosing the nom de plume of “Shoto” on reaching maturity. He explained that during frequent visits to the island of Onoyama, during his childhood, he had been captivated by the movement of the many pine trees growing there as they moved gracefully under the influence of the wind. As they swayed back and forth they seemed to emulate the waves of the ocean, so he chose this for his pen name, the name 松濤 (“Shoto”, literally ‘Pine Waves’). In regards, please note the extension of Shotokan kata in the likes of 浪手 (Roshu ‘Wave hands’), 青柳 (Seiryu ‘Blue willow’), 落葉 (Rakuyo ‘Falling leaves’) and others.

 

My seniors here in Japan, some who have passed and many who are now elderly have stressed that we (IKS) not only retain the old style of Shotokan as Budo/Bujutsu, but also embrace and preserve Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei’s karate in this process. In sum, to make a full unbroken circle back to Funakoshi Sensei’s “Shotokan” in both philosophy, technique and practical application.

 

押忍,

André

Concluding my daily 'dojo review practice': October 21st, 2023.

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2023).

燕飛 (Enpi): Overview

燕飛 (ENPI)

Movement one of Enpi.

Enpi has 37 movements and is particular focused on renzokuwaza (continuous techniques). Originally known as Wanshu, the characters in its name indicate the flight of swallow. The label of Enpi therefore represents the quick changes of direction; furthermore, rising and descending movements. Like my late teacher, Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei, Enpi is my favorite formal exercise out of the four Sentei-gata. This is not due to its external pattern but, rather, because (like him) it best suits my body, physical attributes and fighting style. It is one of 'the seven core Shotokan kata' and was prioritized by Funakoshi Gichin Sensei in his refined teaching system. The kiai are placed on movements 15 and at the height of the jump on movement 36. This waza is the throw 'Kata-guruma', which is one of the traditional 44 throws of Judo. Correct practice of this kata aids quick reactions, and both explosive defensive and offensive abilities. Also, of particular importance is the waza 'age-zuki'. This waza contests the standard linear line eluding to the technical adaptability needed in actual self-defense. Lastly, this kata stresses muscular lightness and softness, along with the correct use of the joints, to achieve the aforementioned technical attributes. This, in turn, can be applied to all other technical aspects of one's karate. - André Bertel. 

Overview of Enpi Kata

礼                           結び立

REI:                       Musubi dachi

 

用意                      閉足立 左掌右拳左腰

YOI:                      Heisoku dachi, Sasho uken hidari koshi

 

第1挙動           右脚折敷左膝立て        右前腕下段払  左前腕水月前構

Migi ashi orishiki hidari hiza tate, Migi zenwan gedan barai, Hidari zenwan suigetsu mae gamae

 

第2挙動           八字立 (歩幅やや広め)               両拳左腰構

Hachiji dachi（hohaba yaya hirome）Ryo ken hidari koshi gamae

 

第3挙動           右脚前屈           右下段払

Migi ashi zenkutsu, Migi gedan barai

 

第4挙動           騎馬立 左前腕水流れの構        右拳右腰

Kiba dachi, Hidari zenwan mizu nagare no gamae, Uken migi koshi

 

第5挙動           左前屈立           左下段払

Hidari zenkutsu dachi, Hidari  gedan barai

 

第6挙動           左前屈立           右上段揚突

Age-zuki is the main thrust in Enpi kata and is featured four times.

Hidari zenkutsu dachi, Migi jodan age zuki 

第7挙動           右足前交叉立  右拳左肩前上  左拳下段突

Migi ashi mae kosa dachi, Uken hidari kata mae ue, Saken gedan zuki

 

第8挙動           左膝屈 右下段払           左拳左腰

Hidari hiza kutsu, Migi gedan barai, Saken hidari koshi

第9挙動           左前屈立           左下段払

Hidari zenkutsu dachi, Hidari  gedan barai

 

第10挙動         左前屈立           右上段揚突

Hidari zenkutsu dachi, Migi jodan age zuki

 

第11挙動         右足前交叉立  右拳左肩前上  左拳下段突

Migi ashi mae kosa dachi, Uken hidari kata mae ue, Saken gedan zuki

 

第12挙動         左膝屈 右下段払           左拳左腰

Hidari hiza kutsu, Migi gedan barai, Saken hidari koshi

 

 

第13挙動         左前屈立           左下段払

Hidari zenkutsu dachi, Hidari  gedan barai

 

第14挙動         騎馬立 左掌左斜前上

Kiba dachi, Sasho hidari naname mae ue

 

第15挙動         左脚立 右手首左掌打 (気合)

Hidari ashi dachi, Migi tekubi sasho uchi (KIAI)

 

第16挙動         騎馬立 左縦手刀中段受                             右拳右腰

                                Kiba dachi, Hidari tateshuto chudan uke, Uken migi koshi

 

第17挙動         騎馬立 右拳中段突       左拳左腰

Kiba dachi, Uken chudan zuki, Saken hidari koshi

 

第18挙動         騎馬立 左拳中段突       右拳右腰

Kiba dachi, Saken chudan zuki, Uken migi koshi

 

第19挙動         左前屈立           左下段払

Hidari zenkutsu dachi, Hidari  gedan barai

 

第20挙動         左前屈立           右上段揚突

Hidari zenkutsu dachi, Migi jodan age zuki

 

第21挙動         左後屈立           右手刀中段受

Hidari kokutsu dachi, Migi shuto chudan uke

 

第22挙動         右後屈立           左手刀中段受

Migi kokutsu dachi, Hidari shuto chudan uke

 

第23挙動         右後屈立           右拳中段突       左拳左腰

Migi kokutsu dachi, Hidari shuto chudan uke

 

第24挙動         左後屈立           右手刀中段受

Hidari kokutsu dachi, Migi shuto chudan uke

 

第25挙動         左前屈立           左下段払

Hidari zenkutsu dachi, Hidari  gedan barai

 

第26挙動         左前屈立           右上段揚突

Hidari zenkutsu dachi, Migi jodan age zuki

 

第27挙動         右足前交叉立  右拳左肩前上  左拳下段突

Migi ashi mae kosa dachi, Uken hidari kata mae ue, Saken gedan zuki

 

第28挙動         左膝屈 右下段払           左拳左腰

Hidari hiza kutsu, Migi gedan barai, Saken hidari koshi

 

第29挙動         左前屈立           左下段払

Hidari zenkutsu dachi, Hidari  gedan barai

 

 

第30挙動         左前屈立           右底掌中段押揚受        左拳左腰

Hidari zenkutsu dachi, Migi teisho chudan oshi age uke, Saken hidari koshi

 

 

第31挙動         右前屈立           右底掌中段押揚受        左底掌中段押え受                       

Migi zenkutsu dachi, Migi teisho chudan oshi age uke, Hidari teisho chudan osae uke

 

 

第32挙動         左前屈立           右底掌中段押揚受        左底掌中段押え受                                                        

Hidari zenkutsu dachi, Hidari teisho chudan oshi age uke, Migi teisho chudan osae uke

 

 

第33挙動         右前屈立           右底掌中段押揚受        左底掌中段押え受                       

Migi zenkutsu dachi, Migi teisho chudan oshi age uke, Hidari teisho chudan osae uke

 

 

第34挙動         寄足気味に左後屈立   右拳下段構       左拳左腰

Yori ashi gimi ni hidari kokutsu dachi, Migi ken gedan gamae, Saken hidari koshi

 

 

第35挙動         寄足右足前不動立        右掌下段左掌上段つかみ受

Yori ashi migi ashi mae fudo dachi, Usho gedan sasho jodan tsukami uke

 

 

第36挙動         左回転飛           左後屈立           右中段手刀受  (気合)

Hidari kaiten tobi, Hidari kokutsu dachi, Migi shuto chudan uke (KIAI)

Movement 36 of Enpi, where the kiai is applied. 

第37挙動         右後屈立           左手刀中段受

 Migi kokutsu dachi, Hidari shuto chudan uke

 

 

直れ                     閉足立 左掌右拳左腰

NAORE: Heisoku dachi, Sasho uken hidari koshi

 

礼                           結び立

REI: Musubi dachi

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2023).

Message: and today's training

 I had to have a couple of days off, which never happens (due to my health), however: since yesterday, I resumed my daily training as always. A couple of pictures here from my self-training at the dojo today, which was all kihon and kata. 

The kata I worked on were JION, WANKAN, KAKUYOKU NIDAN and SHOTE SHO. My kihon practice came from all four of these kata. The training wasn't too intense, as my aim is long-term. Step-by-step I'll aim to peak for the New Zealand Seminar in February next year! And further peak for the following events here in Japan and around the world.

Lastly, thank you all for the kind messages. Big things to come!!! OSU!!!

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2023).

Instant Adaptation of Waza

One extreme weakness amongst the majority of contemporary karateka is “…the inability to ‘instantly adapt waza’—so they are optimally effective”. This was a point that Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei highlighted to me and his other close deshi; furthermore, and accordingly, an area that I prioritize in my own keiko and teaching. 

This and the following stills are from two recent YouTube uploads. Watching these, you can see the instant adaption of waza in a competitive context. If you want, please comment your observations on the videos in these regards. Also, any questions. Osu!

So what exactly is this ability? Quite simply, rather than having many techniques, it is understanding the waza of karatedo as fluid adaptations. I want to stress here that this is ‘physical understanding’ via ‘proper practice.

 

For example, when launching say, a jodan gyaku-zuki it might change into jodan yumi-zuki; likewise for example, a mae-geri might invert inward or outward to turn into another ‘waza’ etcetera.

 

As you can see from these simple examples, “instant variations of the standard and core kihon—in both Jiyu-Kumite and Self-defense—is the start point of real mastery of Karate”. Having good external form, speed, and power is not enough. It is not mastery, as these aspects alone cannot result in optimally reliable technique (in free for all situations).

 

Real fighting, and even tournament matches, require one’s ability to instantly and fluidly adjust angles, distancing and targeting. As I stated earlier, I stress this in my self-training and teaching, otherwise I would be cheating myself, and those who I teach. I'd never do that, so I look with great distaste to 'instructors' that do. One American comes primarily to mind. Lots of talk, but useless in a real fight or kumite match. 

 

One of the missions of IKS is to teach budo/bujutsu karate properly as handed down to me directly from Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei and other masters here in Japan. Therefore, ‘forging this ability is a prerequisite”.

 

In fact, “…the inability to ‘instantly adapt waza’—so they are optimally effective” means that one is merely doing ‘karate movement’: not budo/bujutsu karate.

 

I have seen a lot of instructors online who teach this empty karate (actually, 'totally empty', and not in a positive context), giving long winded explanations (as stated earlier). Many people lap this up, and some even consider such individuals as ‘better than the best Japanese masters”. This highlights that their karate is actually empty as they do not understand what real karate is. Consequently, their karate journey has no solid direction, nor can excellence be achieved. There is a term 'Mac-Dojo', sadly there also 'Mac-Shoto'. Both are ineffective, irrespective of any poetic discourse. I don't care if people don't wake up to these charlatans. however, we cannot allow such people to further decay budo/bujutsu karate. And, in our case, especially our wonderful Shotokan tradition.  

I always say to my students here in Japan and around the world, and those who attend my seminars: "Physically test everything you are taught, explanations in budo mean nothing without true effectiveness in a freestyle context". 

 

In sum, do not trust demonstrations and words only, truth can be only demonstrated via jiyu-kumite against non-complacent opponents and impact training and capacity. Or, in the unfortunate situation of needing to use karate in actual self-defense. These situations, where anything can and will happen, the techniques of karate must fluidity and instantly be adaptable so the opponent can be disabled as quickly as possible. "To be, or not to be, that is the question". Indeed, this point underpins the notion of kime and ichigeki-hissatsu, which together defines what true karate—“real karate”—actually is.

 

押 忍！！ 

アンドレ  バーテル

In the office, doing some International Karate Shotokan 'admin', October 2023.

 © André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2023).

日常空手道 (Video 4)

 Below is a direct link to the fourth video, Volume 4, of the 日常空手道 ("Everyday Karate") series, on my official YouTube channel.

It's more old footage which has some embedded tips for those who've I've taught in the dojo and at seminars: here in Japan and around the world. It also reflects how we must keep moving forward and improving as the years go by. In budo karate, competition is not KYOGI (Sports); rather, it is SHIAI... That is, to test oneself. Over the years I competed successfully in both kata and kumite, but most important in these experiences were the experiences themselves: both on the day and in the process. Many of my students, past and present, have (and continue to win) regional, national and international titles. However, and again, what matters most is consistent and high-quality training.

Here's an important point... In budo karate, when one's competition career concludes, one's 'Karate Journey' really begins. This runs parallel with achieving SHODAN, the first dan/level: literally in Japanese, the 'BEGINNERS LEVEL'.

I hope you find this video useful in some way. If so, please like, comment, share, and if you haven't already, subscribe to the channel. This really motivates the uploading of new content here!

Osu and greetings from Kyushu.

André Bertel

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2023).