© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2025).
Friday, 21 November 2025
Wednesday, 19 November 2025
Renshusei from Rotorua, New Zealand: Martin Lee
I first met Martin, when I gave a seminar at his dojo—the ‘Otonga Shotokan Karate Club’—twenty-something years ago. Their general classes in Rotorua (open to new beginners and visitors) are held every Wednesday and Thursday at 6 to 7pm.
Martin also got to train with my late teacher Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei. So, it was a full circle for him to come and train at the IKS Sohonbu Dojo.
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In regard to his Renshusei Training, the focus was on fine details in 基本 (Kihon); in particular 手足同じ (Te ashi onaji), 決め (Kime), 鞭身 (Muchimi) and ‘standardization of the classical Shotokan-Ryu waza’ as “…a baseline for individualized budo/bujutsu karate development” (directed by one’s own unique personal attributes and physique). As always, in this process, I referenced many of the Kata, for example, Bassai Dai, Jion, Enpi, Hangetsu, Gojushiho Sho and so forth.
I also reviewed Martin’s 順路初段 (Junro Shodan), 鶴翼初段 (Kakuyoku Shodan) and 青柳 (Seiryu) with 応用 (Oyo/Applications). During this time, I showed the versions and applications that Asai Sensei practiced and taught me privately.
組手 (Kumite) was twofold: Correct五本組手 (Gohon Kumite) and correct 自由組手 (Jiyu Kumite). Focus was on applying correct kihon for maximum effect—large sale actions; exact 間合 (maai); and the base 自由な構え (Kamae).
It was great to have you here Martin.
押忍！
© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2025).
Tuesday, 18 November 2025
MOVING STILL: Video by Oliver SCHÖMBURG
Below is a direct link to a new YouTube video by Oliver SCHÖMBURG. It depicts the Wildau Seminar in September, which was held on September 27th and 28th, 2025.
Here's also a link to Oliver's YouTube Channel, where you can see other professional video productions.
https://www.youtube.com/@olliwaa
A very big "ARIGATOU GOZAIMASU" to Oliver.
押忍！
© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2025).
Sunday, 16 November 2025
Updated Self-Training Regime
移動基本 (IDO-KIHON)
Training details and sets/repetitions
Practice 前進 (Zenshin)—‘advancing’ and 後進 (Koushin)—‘retreating’ up and down the dojo. I usually do five reps in each direction for each set forward and back. However, sometimes I’ll do as many as 30 each way. It depends on my daily condition and objectives.
Nevertheless, with the following eight ido-kihonwaza, I usually do five reps forward then rearward very slowly, then repeat with regular speed. I often repeat with regular speed one more time, then briefly engage in 深呼吸の練習 (Shinkokyu no renshu); that is ‘deep breathing exercises'.
Please note — Each waza within every renzokuwaza must be fully completed with 決め (Kime); moreover, keep in mind from Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei’s teachings I utilize鞭身 (Muchimi) in the active phase of my techniques. In sum, do not sacrifice basic form; however, also “…do not get so hung up on the details that your karate becomes merely motions”.
連続技 (Renzokuwaza)
① (前屈立ち、下段払い) 擦り足中段順突き (Zenkutsu-dachi, Gedan-barai: Suri-ashi, Chudan jun-zuki).
② (前屈立ち、下段払い) 擦り足三本連突き (Zenkutsu-dachi, Gedan-barai: Suri-ashi, Sanbon ren-zuki).
③ (自由な構え、自由立ち) 飛び混んで中段順突き (Jiyu na kamae, Jiyu-dachi: Tobi-konde, Chudan jun-zuki).
④ (自由な構え、自由立ち) 飛び混んで上段刻み突きから飛び混んで上段順突きそして送り足中段逆突き (Jiyu na kamae, Jiyu-dachi: Tobi-konde , Jodan kizami-zuki, Tobi-konde, Jodan jun-zuki soshite Okuriashi, Chudan gyaku-zuki).
⑤ (前屈立ち、下段払い) 擦り足上段揚げ受けから上段逆突き、中段外受けから中段逆突き、中段内受け、上段刻み突き、中段逆突き、手刀中段受け (後屈立ち) そして縦四本貫手中段逆突き(Zenkutsu-dachi, Gedan-barai: Suri-ashi, Jodan age-uke Kara Jodan gyaku-zuki, Chudan soto-uke, Chudan gyaku-zuki, Chudan uchi-uke, Jodan kizami-zuki, Chudan gyaku-zuki, Shuto chudan-uke [Kokutsu-dachi] soshite Tateshihon-nukite gyaku-zuki).
⑥ (自由な構え、自由立ち) 前蹴り蹴上げから横蹴り蹴込み、回し蹴り、後ろ蹴り蹴込み、裏拳横回し打ちそして中段逆突き (Jiyu na kamae, Jiyu-dachi: Mae-geri keage kara Yoko-geri kekomi, Mawashi-geri, Ushiro-geri kekomi, Uraken yokomawashi uchi soshite Chudan gyaku-zuki).
⑦ (前屈立ち、下段払い) 擦り足上段回し突きから手同じで上段裏拳横回し打ちそして上段裏突き (Zenkutsu-dachi, Gedan-barai: Suri-ashi, Jodan mawashi-zuki kara te onaji de Uraken yokomawashi uchi soshite Jodan ura-zuki).
⑧ (前屈立ち、下段払い) 其の儘背刀上段外回し打ちから擦り足手同じで手刀上段外回し打ちそして其の儘手同じで手刀上段内回し打ち (Zenkutsu-dachi, Gedan-barai: Sono mama Haito jodan sotomawashi uchi kara suri-ashi, te onaji de Shuto jodan sotomawashi-uchi soshite te onaji de Shuto jodan uchimawashi-uchi.
型 (KATA)
I generally practice two kata a day at present from the following two groups. Both of these kata I do eight times—slow motion like 太極拳 (Taikyoku-Ken, which is ‘Tai Chi’ in Japanese), then with regular speed and power: Northward, Eastward, Southward and Westward.
(A) 鉄騎 (Any Tekki), 燕飛 (Enpi) or 半月 (Hangetsu).
(B) 舞鶴小 (Maizuru Sho)
組手 (KUMITE)
One set of each (left and right sides) slowly, then with regular speed—consistent with my Kihon and Kata practice. I need to add here that I’m reflexively using a wide variety of 受け技 (Ukewaza) and 反撃技 (Hangekiwaza).
Please note that this is ‘very basic kumite practice’—really, it’s partner Kihon training—therefore, my focus is being in a state of 無心 (MUSHIN). I’m avoiding ‘creativity’ and focusing on optimal movements without thought, especially pertaining to 間合い (Maai). As my students know, each attack and counterattack must: (1) have the full commitment of the hips; and (2) be at the right distance to do maximum damage.
三本組手 (Sanbon Kumite)
(i) Jodan; (ii) Chudan; (iii) Jodan—Chudan—Jodan; (iv) Chudan—Jodan—Chudan; and (v) Jodan—Chudan—Mae-geri.
© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2025).
Thursday, 13 November 2025
Renshusei from Magdeburg, Germany: Kevin Bilski and Maria Vatterott
Kevin Bilski and Maria Vatterott from Magdeburg, Germany, came for two days as Renshusei.
Both Sandan they run the ‘Karateverein Budo Kyudokan’: https://www.budokyudokan-md.de/about-1
During the training I concentrated on teaching/refining ‘specific points’ to enhance their technical skill in Budo karate. Mostly this was in the form of ‘basics within the basics’; that is, fine details, which are rarely taught outside of the very top karate clubs here in Japan.
They also learned Asai Sensei’s version of 鶴翼初段 (Kakuyoku Shodan) with applications relating to both classical Shotokan and Budo/Bujutsu in general.
For those who know about the Renshusei program, it’s ‘technical’ and, accordingly, I cross reference many of the classical Shotokan kata to emphasize certain points and/or principles. Indeed, this always intrinsically links to Kata and Kumite/Goshin-jutsu.
What impressed me the most about Maria and Kevin was not only their wonderful personalities, but also their strong desire to learn and really improve in their karate skill. Consequently, they were very quick to learn the skills and dynamics I was teaching.
Also, and needless to say, we also had some fun times outside of the dojo.
To summarize, they both did extremely well as Renshusei here in Oita. Kevin and Maria, I wish you the absolute best for your remaining time here in Japan.
押忍！！
アンドレ
Sunday, 9 November 2025
Current Daily Self-Training
• 前屈立ち、下段払い (Zenkutsu-dachi, Gedan-barai)
1. 中段順路突き (Chudan jun-zuki)
2. 中段前蹴り蹴上げ (Chudan mae-geri keage)
3. 背足下段前蹴り[金蹴り] (Haisoku gedan mae-geri [Kin-geri])
4. 上段揚げ受けから上段逆突き (Jodan age-uke kara jodan gyaku-zuki)
5. 中段外受けから中段逆突き (Chudan soto-uke kara chudan gyaku-zuki)
6. 中段内受けから上段刻み突き (Chudan uchi-uke kara jodan kizami-zuki)
• 後屈立ち、手刀中段受け (Kokutsu-dachi) Shuto chudan-uke
• 後屈立ち、手刀中段受け (Kokutsu-dachi) Shuto chudan-uke
7. 手刀中段受け (Shuto chudan-uke)
• 自由立ち、自由な構え (Jiyu-dachi, Jiyu na kamae)
• 自由立ち、自由な構え (Jiyu-dachi, Jiyu na kamae)
8. 順路突き (Jun-zuki)
型 (Kata)
I. 平安 (One of the five Heian).
II. 鉄騎 (One of the three Tekki).
III. 半月 (Hangetsu).
IV. 燕飛 (Enpi).
V. 古典型 (One of the Kotengata).
自由一本組手 (Jiyu Ippon Kumite)
Attacking with, and defense/counterattacking against the following eight waza:
自由一本組手 (Jiyu Ippon Kumite)
Attacking with, and defense/counterattacking against the following eight waza:
1. 上段順路突き(JODAN jun-zuki)
2. 中段順路突き(CHUDAN jun-zuki)
3. 中段前蹴り蹴上げ (Chudan MAE-GERI keage)
4. 中段横蹴り蹴込み (Chudan YOKO-KEKOMI)
5. 中段またわ上段回し蹴り(Chudan matawa jodan MAWASHI-GERI)
6. 中段後ろ蹴り蹴込み (Chudan USHIRO-GERI kekomi)
7. 上段刻み突き(Jodan KIZAMI-ZUKI)
8. 中段逆突き(Chudan GYAKU-ZUKI)
押忍!!
アンドレ
© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2025).
Wednesday, 5 November 2025
鉄騎 (Tekki), 内歩進 (Naihanchi, 内畔戦 (Naihanchin) and 内範置 (Naihanchen)
Before being renamed 鉄騎 (Tekki) by Funakoshi Gichin Sensei these karate kata were originally referred to as either: (a) 内歩進 read ‘Naihanchi‘ (ナイハンチ); (b) 内畔戦 read ‘Naihanchin’ (ナイハンチン); or (c) 内範置 read ‘Naihanchen‘ (ナイハンチェン).
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Firstly, our Shotokan 鉄騎 (TEKKI): ‘Iron Knight’. Referring to the stance, posture and sophistication of skill.
Secondly, 内歩進 (Naihanchi): ‘Inside Stepping Forward’. Referring to the footwork tactics.
Thirdly, 内畔戦 (Naihanchin): ‘Inside Ridge Battle’. Referring to the in-fighting techniques within the kata.
Fourthly, 内範置 (Naihanchen): ‘Inside Range Set’. Referring to the close-range two person sets/drills.
Funakoshi Gichin Sensei began his karate with Naifanchi, later renaming them 'Tekki'.  |
| Motobu Choki Sensei only practiced one kata, and that was Naifanchi. |
Irrespective of Ryuha, naming, and rendition practiced, all of the names offer important technical insights into these classical kata.
Needless to say, the original version utilized ナイハンチ立ち (Naihanchi-dachi) whilst our Shotokan-Ryu employs騎馬立ち (Kiba-dachi). Regardless of stance, the kata practices numerous close-range/in-fighting self-defense application. This harmoniously mixes percussive blows and grappling.
Needless to say, the original version utilized ナイハンチ立ち (Naihanchi-dachi) whilst our Shotokan-Ryu employs騎馬立ち (Kiba-dachi). Regardless of stance, the kata practices numerous close-range/in-fighting self-defense application. This harmoniously mixes percussive blows and grappling.
The purpose of adopting the Kiba-dachi was to better train the core training objective of the kata: the tanden. In this regard, these kata are the equivalent of 三戦 (Sanchin) in the Naha-Te systems. Furthermore, the Kiba-dachi increases stability and develops both leg strength and flexibility.
Whilst these kata all have a linear enbusen—moving side to side—the techniques can be applied against attackers at any angle. I particularly like the joint locks and strangulation techniques featured, which can be readily applied Ina fight: after applying an 入口技 (Iriguchiwaza).
It is said that Matsumura Sokon Sensei learned the original form from a Chinese master living in Tomari. Later Matsumura taught it to Itosu Anko Sensei.
After are three versions of the kata arose: Shodan, Nidan and Sandan. It is said by some that Nidan and Sandan were developed by Itosu Anko Sensei, however, others claim that “…the three together constitute the original form”. Considering that only Shodan has a formal opening ‘kamae’ suggests that the kata may have been devided into three. Nevertheless, all of these are merely theories with no conclusive evidence.
In old school Shuri-Te, this kata was ‘the first form learned’ and, often considered, ‘the most important’. The same can be said of Sanchin in the Naha-Te systems: especially Goju and Uchi Ryu. Motobu Choki Sensei exclusively practiced it; moreover, claimed it to be a complete fighting style/system in itself. This is consistent with my aforementioned comments on 応用 (Oyo)—‘applications’.
Whilst these kata all have a linear enbusen—moving side to side—the techniques can be applied against attackers at any angle. I particularly like the joint locks and strangulation techniques featured, which can be readily applied Ina fight: after applying an 入口技 (Iriguchiwaza).
It is said that Matsumura Sokon Sensei learned the original form from a Chinese master living in Tomari. Later Matsumura taught it to Itosu Anko Sensei.
After are three versions of the kata arose: Shodan, Nidan and Sandan. It is said by some that Nidan and Sandan were developed by Itosu Anko Sensei, however, others claim that “…the three together constitute the original form”. Considering that only Shodan has a formal opening ‘kamae’ suggests that the kata may have been devided into three. Nevertheless, all of these are merely theories with no conclusive evidence.
In old school Shuri-Te, this kata was ‘the first form learned’ and, often considered, ‘the most important’. The same can be said of Sanchin in the Naha-Te systems: especially Goju and Uchi Ryu. Motobu Choki Sensei exclusively practiced it; moreover, claimed it to be a complete fighting style/system in itself. This is consistent with my aforementioned comments on 応用 (Oyo)—‘applications’.
On a personal note, my late teacher, Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei favored three kata in the 26 standard Shotokan formal exercises: 二十四歩 (Nijushiho), 燕飛 (Enpi) and, yes, 鉄騎 (Tekki Nidan).
押忍!!
アンドレ
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| Practicing Tekki Nidan during my daily self-training. November 5th, 2025. |
© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan
Tuesday, 4 November 2025
恩道礼
From time to time, I'm asked about the kanji on my karate-dogi and obi. I've written about this a few years ago, but I'll answer with a breakdown/analysis of the Japanese today and some background information.
My name in Kanji is: 恩道礼 (On Dou Rei)
The background of this kanji is as follows:
心に道を刻み
道を貫き礼を尊ぶ
和の心
Please allow me to translate into English:
“Engrave the Way (Dō) in your heart. Follow the Way with perseverance. Honor courtesy, The spirit of harmony.”
Breakdown:
- 心に道を刻み — “Engrave the Way in your heart.”
(心 = heart/mind, 道 = the Way, 刻み = to engrave)
- 道を貫き礼を尊ぶ — “Persevere in the Way and honor courtesy.”
(貫く = to carry through, 礼 = courtesy/etiquette, 尊ぶ = to value/respect)
- 和の心 — “The spirit of harmony.”
(和 = harmony/peace, 心 = heart/spirit)
Background:
My late teacher
ASAI TETSUHIKO SHUSEKI-SHIHAN
押忍!!
© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2025).
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