The integration of 力の強弱 (Chikara no kyoujaku) and 技の緩急 (Waza no kankyu) at a high level

Hidari ashi mae sanchin-dachi, Migi jodan yokoshihon-nukite.

 

At present my training is focused on ‘the integration of 力の強弱 (Chikara no kyoujaku) and 技の緩急 (Waza no kankyu) at a high level.

To achieve this I’m currently utilizing the kata 二十八歩 (NIJUHAPPO).

Hidari ashi mae nekoashi-dachi, SASHO SOEDE HIDARI CHUDAN UCHI-UKE.

To begin with, I’ll briefly define the aforementioned two aspects. Basically 力の強弱 (‘Chikara no kyoujaku’) is the ‘strong and soft uses of power’ and 技の緩急 (‘Waza no kankyu’) is the ‘rhythm of technique(s)’.

Migi zenkutsu-dachi (hanmi), Migi uraken tate-uchi

A high level of this practice is not merely external performance but, rather, a focus on optimal application via acutely correct 基本 (Kihon), which is all about optimal effect/application 応用 (OYO) in 実践組手 (JISSEN-KUMITE).

Needless to say, in Budo Karate 実践組手 (JISSEN-KUMITE) means only one thing: SELF-DEFENSE.

Returning to the fundamental training needed to achieve this objective, it is imperative to fully understand optimal form for maximum effect; furthermore, and based on this, ‘moderate your actions, positioning and movements’ accordingly.

This approach is required from at least 参段 (Sandan) and a prerequisite for passing 五段 (Godan) as established by my mentor's teacher, Nakayama Masatoshi Sensei.

Mid-training break time... APRIL 22nd, 2025. 

Please note that I’ve intentionally not included: (a) impact training; 自由組手 (Jiyu-Kumite); and strength/power training, which are, of course, critical.

The 国際空手道松濤館 (IKS — ‘International Karate Shotokan’) will organizationally continue to follow such established standards, and this will also remain steadfast in my own daily Keiko.

I wish everyone here in Japan good health and excellent training. Greetings from central Oita City.

押忍!

アンドレ  バーテル 

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

Kiba-dachi, Hidari tateshuto naname-uke.