Winter is here... Kind of

I practiced 舞鶴小 (Maizuru Sho) again today—as pictured in this post—but also 鉄騎三段 (Tekki Sandan), 五十四歩大 (Gojushiho Dai) and 移動基本 (Ido-kihon).

My Ido-kihon consisted only 順突き/追い突き (Jun-zuki/Oi-zuki), both chudan and jodan, going up and down the dojo. I worked with differing 技の緩急 (WAZA NO KANKYU) and 力の強弱 (CHIKARA NO KYOJAKU); furthermore, not only in my ‘tsuki’ practice, I also focused on these points in the three kata I trained.


Overall, it was not an overly physical session but, rather, technically challenging.


Finally, today, there was a slight wintery feeling here in the dojo. Nevertheless, for many of you, the winter we experience—here in Kyushu—is extremely mild.


I hope that this post finds everyone training hard and in good health.

押忍!
アンドレ 

 © André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2025).

Koten-gata: 舞鶴小 (Maizuru Sho)

Movement 8 of Maizuru Sho. Hidari nakadaka ippon-ken jodan ura-zuki (Hidari ashi mae fudo-dachi).

Movement 59 of Maizuru Sho: Migi fuse ushiro-geri kekomi.

I decided that my self-training today would be focused on a single kata, its respective kihon, oyo and the form itself. 

My selection was the  Koten-gata, 舞鶴小 (Maizuru Sho).

Movement 3 of Maizuru Sho: Migi koko jodan gyaku-zuki (Hidari ashi mae sanchin-dachi).

Movement 60 of Maizuru Sho: Here I'm making a mistake. Migi ashi mae tatehiza-dachi and Hidari tateken chudan gyaku-zuki is correct; however, the fist should be a vertical Nakadaka Ippon-Ken.

Like Maizuru Dai, the movements between outside and inside tension stances is a theme, also the use of various 'karada no buki' against anatomically vulnerable targets. Whilst Dai focuses more on Ippon-ken, Sho utilizes Nakadaka Ippon-Ken.

Movement 22 of Maizuru Sho: Hidari tekubi kake-uke (Migi ashi mae zawan-dachi)

The balance required in Maizuru Sho is far more difficult as there are many movements not found in the standard Shotokan kata, nor the more commonly practiced Koten-gata. This makes these two kata highly valuable for senior ranked karateka to increase their technical skill.

Movement 2 of Maizuru Sho: Hidari shuto tateotoshi-uchi.

Movement 49 of Maizuru Sho: Hidari hiza-geri, Ryo sho koshi.

Movement 5 of Maizuru Sho: Migi shuto tateotoshi uchi (Migi ashi mae fudo-dachi).

Today's practice was both challenging and enjoyable. My body is tired after the session but, like the other 'Asai-Ha Shotokan-Ryu' Kata, the movements are natural and healthy for the body. 

This is not only good for one's muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints, but it also means the actions can GENERATE MORE POWER!

Movement 21 of Maizuru Sho: Kaisho manji-uke (Migi sagiashi-dachi)

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2025).

Special Seminar: KAPITI COAST, NEW ZEALAND 2026

Here is a direct link to the Technical Seminar in New Zealand next year, which will be a VERY SPECIAL GASSUKU!

 KKA Martial Arts - Andre Bertel 2026

Hosted by Allan Youl Sensei (4th Dan), and his group the KKA KARATE ACADEMY, it will mark exactly 30 years since I opened my first official dojo in New Zealand.

Needless to say, it was also the introduction of my teacher, Asai Tetsuhiko Shuseki-Shihan's revolutionary style of Shotokan in the country, which at that time expanded the JKA syllabus.

Indeed, this syllabus is now preserved by the IKS (International Karate Shotokan) both here in Japan, and around the world. And we openly invite all groups who wish to expand their knowledge of Karate as BUDO/BUJUTSU.

The seminar is open to all styles and organizations, so for those who manage to secure places, see you in Kapiti Coast.

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2025).

4th International Budo Karate Seminar in FREITAL, GERMANY on March 14th and 15th, 2026

Upcoming Technical Seminar in FREITAL, GERMANY

March 2026

To avoid missing out you can secure a place at the seminar via the link below. For those who attend, greetings from Japan and see you there!

 Shotokan-Karateverein Freital e. V. - Kaminari-Arashi-Dojo - International Budo-Karate Seminar

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2025).

Some images from today's self-training

Some images from my self-training today. Details of this routine were published on November 16th. The initial images are of kihon, with the final being from the kata I went through.

I wish everyone the very best in their practice!  - AB

 

Movement one of Enpi Kata: Migi zenwan gedan-barai, hidari zenwan suigetsu mae gamae.

Movement five of Maizuru Sho Kata: Migi shuto tatemawashi uchi.

Movement 20 of Heian Shodan Kata: Migi shuto chudan-uke.

Movement 39 of Hangetsu Kata: Sasho ni migi chudan mikazuki-geri.

Movement 41 of Hangetsu Kata: Ryo teisho gedan awase-uke.

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2025).

Official IKS KUMITE Requirements

                                             © André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2025).

 

Official IKS Kata (ASAI-HA SHOTOKAN-RYU)

 

                   © André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2025).

Official IKS Kata (SHOTOKAN-RYU)

 

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (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).

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).

Current Daily Self-Training

基本 (Kihon)


• 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

7. 手刀中段受け (Shuto chudan-uke)



•  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:

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).