RENSHUSEI FROM BERLIN, GERMANY: Jan Gebhardt Sensei (PART ONE): Overview

 Jan Gebhardt Sensei (6th Dan), Chief Instructor of ‘KEIKO Kampfkunst und Sport e.V.’ in Wildau, Germany, came to Oita as a 連取性 (Renshusei/Trainee) between June 5th and 8th, 2025.

My focus was on teaching him the Nakayama Masatoshi Sensei (and Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei) version of 百八歩 (Hyakuhappo) kata, which is more commonly referred to as Hyakuhachi or Hyakuhachiho. Needless to say, this is "The Suparinpei (Pechurin) of Shotokan-Ryu", which is preserved by the IKS (INTERNATIONAL KARATE SHOTOKAN).

Overview: For three days of Renshusei, I took Jan through this kata and relevant 基本 (Kihon), 組手 (Kumite), 分解 (Bunkai) and 応用 (Oyo). During this time, I also cross referenced with a number of the standard 26 Shotokan kata, to clarify certain fundamental and applicative points.

To conclude, I was greatly impressed by not only Jan Sensei’s physical efforts, but also by his technical questions. He was clearly determined to learn as much as possible while he was here in the dojo. So, I’d like to congratulate him in these regards.

I wish you a safe and enjoyable journey back to Deutschland from Oita. 押忍, —André

______________________________ André Bertel 7th Dan

International Karate Shotokan 国際空手道松濤館 Oita City, JAPAN

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PART TWO — YouTube Video 

COMING SOON!

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