EVERYTHING IN KARATE BEGINS AND ENDS WITH TRAINING

Here are some images from my self-training today, which is always humbling in relation to the skills of my seniors here in Japan - both past and present. 

Of course, EVERYTHING IN KARATE BEGINS AND ENDS WITH TRAINING. Just as we bow, before and after Kihon, Kata and Kumite.

押忍！ アンドレ

©︎ André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).

The criticality of Impact Training (furthermore, their inclusion in both Kyu and Dan Exams)

Kizami mawashi-geri utilizing josokutei/koshi on the impact shield.

 While those who practice 武道空手 (Budo Karate) all practice ‘joint locks, attacks, holds and escapes’, ‘strangulation techniques’ and ‘takedowns, sweeps and throws’, it goes without saying that “…the ‘primary offensive techniques of karate are percussive blows’; namely, ‘uke—receptions’, ‘tsuki—thrusts’, ‘uchi—strikes’ and ‘keri—kicks’”.

Accordingly, “…to be able to impact with as much explosive power as possible is high on the agenda”. This is because this aspect largely determines the effectiveness of one’s karate.


Interestingly, for the most part (in the vast majority of Shotokan organizations), this capacity is not a part of examinations for Kyu nor Dan.


We rectified this in the 国際空手道松濤館 (“IKS” — International Karate Shotokan) Japan Grading Syllabus. Specific impact tests are conducted from 8th Kyu up to, and including, Nidan. This involves hitting a shield or sandbag with maximum power. Level One is 8th and 7th Kyu; Level Two is 6th, 5th, and 4th Kyu; Level Three is 3rd, 2nd and 1st Kyu; Level Four is Shodan; and Level Five is Nidan.


In this way, and like other aspects of the IKS Grading Syllabus, the requirements ‘direct our members to train karate correctly’ right from white belt; that is, Shotokan as actual Budo/Bujutsu. This is why impact training is a part of our daily kihon practice. We are ‘tempering the swords’ so to speak.


Think of solo kihon and kata as like practicing your ‘quick draw, positioning and aim’, whereas the impact training is like ‘firing at the target’ and ‘inflicting damage’. Do you have an ‘air-soft gun with plastic projectiles’ or a ‘.500 S&W Magnum with .500 S&W Magnum Cartridges’? While this is an analogy of extremes, it highlights that one must find where are ‘on the impact power spectrum’ and constantly seek to make one’s karate-waza as destructive as possible.

Otherwise, how can one’s karate truly be reliable?

It is obvious that karateka must constantly study and train to hit harder. Indeed, they must also be used to, and master, hitting with maximum force. Furthermore, when insufficient strength is found, one must address this by incorporating more strength training.

In actuality, solo form work must be coupled with impact training and an appropriate strength regime (specific for each individual). In the case of smaller and/or weaker karateka, this will inevitably require more work. Alternatively, in some cases, for those with more strength and/or mass, increasing speed might be of a greater focus.

Keep in mind, true karate cannot be developed by merely striking thin air; therefore, impact training and the assessment of impact power are inherently essential.

押忍！ 

アンドレ

Kaiten-uraken combination on the sandbag.

©︎ André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).

Kihon: The art of 'technical isolation' to correct and improve

If one is aiming to optimize their karate it is essential to constantly use KIHON (Fundamental) training to both eradicate weak points, superfluous actions and/or errors; furthermore, and obviously, to increase one's skill level.

Just mindlessly doing kihon over and over again, which people often get into a rut doing, is inadequate for achieving these goals.

Now, I am not saying that repetition is bad, of course it is absolutely necessary; however, repetition of correct actions (with targeted objectives) is utterly paramount. This means repeating things which, as outlined above, and I will repeat again here: either (a) eradicate weaknesses; (b) remove superfluous actions; (c) correct errors; (d) improve skill (form, speed, power, agility, smoothness, etcetera); or any combination of these.

This is especially important for higher Dan grades and is the only way in which they can achieve a truly high karate level and keep improving.

There is also another consideration in these regards: "...age, 'wear and tear', illness, and injuries." Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei particularly highlighted these points and expanded 'JKA Shotokan' with additional techniques and kata which are more natural and, thus, easier on the body. In this way, one's karate can continue to evolve and improve irrespective of age and bodily condition.

Nonetheless, only by adapting the aforementioned approach to kihon can one optimize both standard Shotokan, and the extensions of it, by Asai Sensei and, indeed, the other great karate masters. 

To conclude, keep in mind that kihon is ISOLATION TRAINING FOR TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE, therefore, "...it should be highly focused with decisive objectives to correct and/or improve your karate-waza". Accordingly, Kihon is your training time to inject increased quality into your Kata and Kumite.

Reviewing today's training: Sunday, November 10th, 2024.

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).

Trainee from New Zealand: Andrew Makin (Yondan)

 Andrew Makin (4th Dan JKA), originally from South Africa, came from New Zealand.

It was great to have him here as a RENSHUSEI in Oita at the dojo.

I worked with him on his Tekki Sandan, Nijushiho and Meikyo.

Also, corrections on Kihon and engagement in the various forms of kumite.

Overall, as a fellow dragon, 12 years older than me, he did very well through the trainings and clearly improved through them.

押忍 (OSU)!!

André 

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).

百聞は一見に如かず

百聞は一見に如かず (Hyakubun wa ikken ni shikazu). This Japanese saying is the equivalent of 'picture is worth a thousand words' in English. While it is different it is understood in the same way. Accordingly, here are a few images from my self-training yesterday and today: November 1st, 2024.

These couple of days I went through all of IKS Exam Kihon (for Shodan and Nidan). Also, kata Heian Shodan, Nidan, Sandan and Yondan; Sochin; Kakuyoku Shodan and Nijushiho.

In all cases, the focus was on fine-detailed technical skills.

押忍!

アンドレ  バーテル

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).

刻み突き (kizami-zuki)

Tanaka Masahiko Shihan: Migi seiken jodan kizami-zuki.

 刻み突き (kizami-zuki)  literally means ‘cutting thrust’. It is a tsukiwaza with the lead hand/arm, which although has its differences, is equivalent to a ‘jab’ in western boxing. This brief article will provide some key points of this karate-waza from a traditional Shotokan budo/bujutsu perspective. Moreover, I will use it to look at karate as a whole.

Whether throwing the kizami-zuki as jabbing action, decisive blow or feint/set up for another technique (or renzokuwaza), a common error—amongst beginners—is focusing on sending the lead shoulder forwards.


Rather than doing this, one should concentrate on drawing the rear shoulder back whilst pushing the rear foot into the ground/floor. Do this—with the classical kizami-zuki—irrespective of whether executing it directly on the spot or driving forward (also when moving in other directions and/or angles).


Usually, of course, kizami-zuki is snapped rapidly out and back (via the coordinated rotation of the hips and extension, and retraction, of the elbow). That being said, it can also be applied as a ‘stiff jab’ or ‘cross’ with the lead arm. Both of these, if one has sufficient punching power, have potential to be finishing blows; however, the 'stiff jab’ variation tends to be used to obscure the opponent's vision and/or ‘keep the opponent momentarily busy’ for one’s next attack.


The snapped kizami-zuki, when using seiken, is effective for damaging the opponent's nose, impacting the throat, injuring in and around the eyes, and ultimately impairing the opponent's vision. Of course, the weapon of the body used could be any closed fist or open-handed formation, for example 中高一本拳 (Nakadaka ippon-ken), 横四本貫手 (yoko shihon-nukite), etcetera.


Like all percussive blows "...the depth of the ‘tsuki’s’ target penetration depends on one’s objectives". In any case, merely reaching the surface of the target with the striking limb fully extended is not a true karate-waza. There must always be some level of target penetration. That is, to varying degrees, one’s hips must feel as if they are going through the opponent.


Successive kizami-zuki (plural) with good skills in footwork, and head movement, can wreak havoc on an opponent. Even with light and rapid ‘tsuki’ (with only very shallow target penetration) one can simultaneously frustrate and pummel the opponent, whilst avoid being decisively hit; furthermore, set oneself up for a decisive blow (should they opt or need to deliver one).


In some cases, if both of the opponent's eyes are closed up, they may be unable to continue to attack nor defend themselves. I experienced this firsthand.


In one instance, in the late 1990s, a guy came to my full-time dojo in New Zealand wanting to challenge me. I refused him, but he adamantly insisted. In fact, he said that if I did not do kumite with him that he'd 'make the fight happen' as I exited my dojo. Accordingly, I finally agreed to 'dojo kumite' and of course, my students all gathered around to watch.


After the first exchange it was clear he was wanting to hurt me (obvious from his initial challenge). On the second exchange, third exchange and fourth, utilizing tai-sabaki I kept targeting his eyes, with my kizami-zuki, as he barreled in each time. He realized that I was holding back, and eventually gave up and left. My brown and black students were surprised I didn’t knock him out, as on the fourth exchange I apparently half-launched my hidari jodan gyaku-zuki. My students told me that I’d ‘pulled back my tsuki’ midway, so I was obviously in ‘autopilot’, as I didn’t remember doing that. 

Another time working on the door I was hit from the side while checking IDs (to enter the club), my head turned away, via the impact, then without thinking I rebounded with a kizami-zuki that connected perfectly on his chin. He was out cold before hit the concrete.


A very important aspect of mastering kizami-zuki (and all percussive attacks/counterattacks for that matter) is to be able to use the waza effectively regardless of unpredictable fluctuations of angles, distancing and, indeed, circumstances.


Many karateka nowadays “…fail to adequately train their waza to autonomously be effective”. This is because the focus tends to be on the external performance as opposed to functionality and, more importantly, reliability in actual kumite (‘kumite’… meaning ‘jissen kumite’).


There is a saying in Budo Karate that goes something like this: “One can have the best form and ‘sharpest looking waza’, yet— if it isn’t effective, or is unreliable under real pressure—it has not been mastered”.


Techniques must therefore be trained: (a) for TECHNICAL FORM, via solo fundamental practice (その場基本/Sonoba-Kihon and 移動基本/Ido-Kihon); (b) STRENGTH/IMPACT POWER via full contacted focused インバクトトレーニング (Impact training); and (c) ACCURACY, DISTANCING and ADAPTABILITY via 自由組手の基本 (Jiyu kumite no kihon), speed and mobility based インバクトトレーニング (Impact training), 自由組手 (Jiyu kumite) itself.


Needless to say, especially for physically weaker people and/or those with less mass, supplementary strength/power training is usually necessary; however, such training is, of course, beneficial for anyone who wishes to maximize their karate potential. In the case of choosing calisthenics and weights/resistance exercises, ‘functional exercises’ are best. For example, rather than isolating muscles like in body building, do motions which use multiple muscles for actual physical actions.


Without going into detail, as we have numerous formulas (to say, develop one’s kizami-zuki via weight training) one would include various forms squats, bench presses, and some pushing and pulling exercises. The inclusion of some plyometric and medicine ball work should also be included. I also recommend tube training, which is something I used to do a lot with Kagawa Masao Sensei.


Certainly, I cannot talk about any waza properly without covering 運足 (Unsoku). Without mastery of unsoku one can have perfect form and appear extremely sharp; yet, have extremely limited effectiveness in actual kumite.


I need to address the contemporary kizami-zuki, which for many years has been the standard rendition of this waza  in  WKF (World Karate Federation) events. This technique is often referred to as ‘the superman punch’. The rear leg is not grounded, instead a springing forwards action is made with the kick back of the rear leg. Even the upper body is leaned forward to gain the maximum reach to the target with no meaningful connectivity (pertaining to budo nor bujutsu). Of course, the lean in, and body tilts, have their place; however, the drive of the rear leg is paramount.


This waza to me is not karate but, “…it’s evolution and use is not the fault of the athletes”. In fact, it is highly logical ‘sports technique’ as ‘it capitalizes on a faulty rule system’ and referees/judges who have an insufficient technical understanding (of authentic karate).


Taken as a whole, the ‘sports kizami-zuki’ exists because “…it’s the fastest and easiest way to tag one’s opponent, while simultaneously minimizing the chance of being touched in the process”. Effective budo technique is not a part of this form of ‘kizami-zuki’.

In sum, this technique has no relation to a true kizami-zuki. It is merely a tagging action to accumulate arbitrary points. That being said, if you don’t use this type of technique, you cannot win in the current form of sports karate competition.


Nakamura Masamitsu Shihan has always told me not to change my karate. He explained that 極め (kime) has been lost from the present-day karate. In fact, Shihan closed his Dojo on the last day of March this year and, again, after the final session he stressed this point to me.


Kizami-zuki is a blatantly obvious ‘technical divergence’ between ‘traditional budo/bujutsu-waza’—which is the real thing; and ‘contemporary sports karate’— which is a shallow impersonation of karate. The first being an effective system for actual fighting/self-defense.  And the second, for accumulating medals and plastic cups.


This is by no means a put down of competition. The traditional tournaments are excellent testing grounds for one’s karate; furthermore, they motivate increased training time in the dojo and increased intensity. In my case, competition helped my karate to evolve in my youth, teens, twenties, and for a brief time in my 30s.


One of my objectives in karate, besides my daily self-training here in Japan, is continue teaching all of the waza of Shotokan-Ryu as bujutsu. Interestingly, even though this is the focus of IKS, I have and continue to coach numerous champions in both kata and kumite.

While the ‘Traditional Karate Way’ is not as popular as ‘sports karate’ it is technically authentic and is something one can feel proud about. Furthermore, for those focused on the sports aspect, training in the traditional way really strengthens their skills.

Isn’t interesting how by 'shining the lens on one technique', such as kizami-zuki, one can look at karate as a whole.

押忍!

アンドレ  バーテル

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).

YouTube Video: Renshusei from Germany - October 2024

Christoph, Martin and Christian came for training here in Oita City, Japan. It was Christian and Christoph's second time here as a RENSHUSEI, and Martin's first time. The focus. as always was on effective karate; that is, karate as BUJUTSU. 

The focal kata was GANKAKU, which was requested, but this was balanced by the untaught elements of HANGETSU. Kihon and applications from old-school JKA Shotokan and pre-JKA Shotokan were predominant in each practice.

I will not fully detail the trainings as that was for Martin, Christian and Christoph. Except to say they did very well over the three days here. I wish all three of you a safe and fun journey back to Germany.

APPLICATIONS FOR RENSHUSEI 

For those wishing to come to Japan to RENSHUSEI here at the dojo, it is highly recommended that you book your days and times at least three months in advanced. In that way, you secure your place; furthermore, you can own the optimal days and times for your respective schedule.

For all inquiries -- EMAIL: andrebertelono@gmail.com

押忍

アンドレ 

________________________________

André Bertel

7th Dan

International Karate Shotokan

国際空手道松濤館

Oita City, JAPAN

________________________________

 

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).

Renshusei from France

 Aude (Godan) from France came here as a Renshusei. A former member of the French National Team (WKF). Aude is a passionate karateka who, post competition years, has sought the traditional way of Karate.

As a competitor Aude stated that 組手 (Kumite) was the prime focus; however, now as a senior grade, it is on 型 (Kata) and its 応用 (OYO/APPLICATION), not merely BUNKAI (ANALYSIS)

I’m very impressed by Aude’s ability to quickly assimilate new skills and refined variations of various waza. Much time was given to the 基本 (kihon/fundamentals) of budo karate, which inseparably links to 型 (kata) and 組手 (kumite).

Insofar as kata was concerned, an interest in 鶴翼 (Kakuyoku) was conveyed on the first day. Accordingly, I’ve checked and re-taught Kakuyoku Shodan in accordance with the standards set by Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei and IKS. Needless to say, as always, applications of each action was also covered.

Overall, it was great to have Aude here in the Dojo as a Renshusei and also to spend some nice times together outside of training.

押忍！

André

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).

IKS JAPAN: 8th & 7th Kyu Examination Requirements (English)

 八級 (8 KYU)、七級 (7 KYU)

      
基本 (KIHON)

その場基本 (Sonoba Kihon)

1. 中段直突き（八字立ち、中段縦手刀構え）
Chudan choku-zuki, Hachiji-dachi, Chudan tate-shuto kamae

2. 上段直突き（八字立ち、中段縦手刀構え）
Jodan choku-zuki, Hachiji-dachi, Chudan tate-shuto kamae

3. 中段前蹴り蹴上げ (閉足立ち、下段掻き分け構え)
Chudan mae-geri keage, Heisoku-dachi, Gedan kakiwake kamae

4. 中段逆突き（前屈立ち、中段縦手刀構え）
Chudan gyaku-zuki, Zenkutsu-dachi, Chudan tate-shuto kamae

5. 中段前蹴り蹴上げ  (前屈立ち、下段掻き分け構え)
Chudan mae-geri keage, Zenkutsu-dachi, Gedan kakiwake kamae




移動基本 (Ido Kihon)

1. 下段払い  (前屈立ち、半身)
Gedan-barai, Zenkutsu-dachi hanmi

2.  中段順突き  (前屈立ち、正面)
Chudan jun-zuki, Zenkutsu-dachi shomen

3. 上段順突き  (前屈立ち、正面)

Jodan jun-zuki, Zenkutsu-dachi shomen

4. 上段揚げ受け  (前屈立ち、半身)
Jodan age-uke, Zenkutsu-dachi hanmi

5. 中段外受け  (前屈立ち、半身)
Chudan soto-uke, Zenkutsu-dachi hanmi


6. 手刀中段受け  (後屈立ち)
Shuto chudan-uke, Kokutsu-dachi

7. 中段前蹴り蹴上げ  (前屈立ち、正面)
Chudan mae-geri keage, Zenkutsu-dachi shomen

8.  上段前蹴り蹴上げ  (前屈立ち、正面)
Jodan mae-geri keage, Zenkutsu-dachi shomen

9.  横蹴り蹴上げ  (騎馬立ち)
Yoko-geri keage, Kiba-dachi

10.  横蹴り蹴込み  (騎馬立ち)
Yoko-geri kekomi, Kiba-dachi




組手 (KUMITE)

A.      五本組手またわ三本組手（上段と中段）
GOHON KUMITE (Jodan and Chudan)

B.      インパクトテスト（中段と上段逆突き）Impact Test (Chudan gyaku-zuki and Jodan gyaku-zuki)




型 (KATA)

八級  (8 Kyu) 平安初段 (HEIAN SHODAN)

七級  (7 Kyu) 平安二段 (HEIAN NIDAN)

©︎ André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).