Self-Training Today

Upon request here’s a little insight into my current self-training. Today’s session is not completely reflective of my monthly goals; however, it (as always) was shaped by them.

In regard to Kata, today was an interesting mix.

Kumite training was very predictable, as it’s a TOKUI for me.

OK, so here’s a rundown from my Self-Training today: October 23rd, 2025.

押忍！ ― アンドレ

移動基本  (IDO-KIHON)

Please note — the stance is 前屈立ち (Zenkutsu-dachi) and footwork is 擦り足 (Suri-ashi) unless otherwise stated. Furthermore, unless said, the starting position is 下段払いの構え (Gedan barai no kamae).

Additional notes: 順突き (Jun-zuki) is referred to 追い突き (Oi-zuki) and viceversa. 外受け (Soto-uke) and 内受け (Uchi-uke) are ‘outside-inward’ and ‘inside-outward’ respectfully, which is classical in Shotokan but opposite to the JKF (Japan Karatedo Federation).


①       三本連突き (Sanbon ren-zuki)

②       上段揚げ受けから中段逆突き (Jodan age-uke kara chudan gyaku-zuki)

③       中段外受けから寄り足 [騎馬立] 横猿臂そして裏拳横回し打ち (Chudan soto-uke kara yoriashi [Kiba-dachi] yoko-enpi soshite uraken yokomawashi uchi)

④       手刀中段受け  [後屈立ち] から縦しひ縦四本貫手 (Shuto chudan-uke [Kokutsu-dachi] kara tateshihon-nukite)

⑤       中段内受けから中段逆突き (Chudan uchi-uke kara chudan gyaku-zuki)

⑥       下段払いから中段逆突き(Gedan-barai kara chudan gyaku-zuki)

⑦       前蹴り蹴上げから中段順突き (Mae-geri keage kara chudan jun-zuki)

⑧       回し蹴りから中段逆突き (Mawashi-geri kara chudan gyaku-zuki)

⑨       [下段掻き分け構え] 連蹴り：中段前蹴り蹴上げから上段前蹴り蹴上げ ([Gedan kakiwake-kamae] Ren-geri: Chudan mae-geri keage kara jodan mae-geri keage)

⑩       [自由な構え] 中段回し蹴りから中段後ろ蹴り蹴込み ([Jiyu na kamae] Chudan mawashi-geri kara chudan ushiro-geri kekomi)


⑪       [自由な構え] 横蹴り蹴上げから足同じで横蹴り蹴込み  ([Jiyu na kamae] Yoko-geri keage ashi onaji de yoko-geri kekomi)

⑫       転身逆突き (Tenshin gyaku-zuki)


型 (KATA)

My focus today was on precise, sharp and effective Kihon. While practical application of my karate is constant in my practice, some days like today, I purely focus on movement efficacy: without which, applyin

①       太極初段  (TAIKYOKU SHODAN)

②       平安初段  (HEIAN SHODAN) [Pinan Nidan]

③       観空大 (KANKU DAI) [Kushanku, Kosukun Dai]

④       常行二撃  (JOKO NISEI)

⑤       二十四歩 (NIJUSHIHO) [Niseishi]

⑥       二十八歩  (NIJUHAPPO) [Koryu Nipai]

⑦       気法拳一撃   (KIHOKEN ISSEI)


組手 (KUMITE)

Special focus on one of areas of specialization, 出会い技 (Deai-waza) utilizing 突き (“tsuki”), 打ち (“uchi”) and 蹴り技 (“keriwaza”).

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

Renshusei from Florence, Italy

'Bunkai' for movement one of RAKUYO kata.

 

OVERVIEW: 

The directly linked YOUTUBE video is primarily a personal reminder for Alessio for some of the Budo Karate points in both KIHON and KUMITE, and KATA covered while he was here in Oita.

SUMMARY: Alessio Bombardieri—from Florence, Italy—came to Oita as a Renshusei: between October 6th and 14th, 2025.

Critical details of Budo Karate Kihon in form, impact training, bunkai (analysis) and oyo (application) were covered.

The different forms of kumite were also also practiced with jissen-kumite constantly in mind. I placed particular emphasis on Alessio’s maai and zanshin after countering. A few basic examples are provided in the video.

Over the course of several days numerous kata were covered. These included Jiin, Jitte, Nijushiho and Tekki Sandan.

Furthermore, Kata from my late teacher, Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei: 気法拳 (Kihoken), 順路 (Junro), 常行 (Joko), 鶴翼三段  (Kakuyoku Sandan), (Nijuhappo) and 落葉 (Rakuyo), amongst others.

Again, the focus was on Budo Karate Kihon and the underpinning principles for effective application in self-defense.

The openings of a few of the more advanced kata were analyzed; namely, 掌手小 (Shote Sho), 舞鶴大 (Maizuru Dai) and雷光 (Raiko). Again, these can be seen at the end of this video.

CONCLUSION: I’d like to wish Alessio the very best for his remaining time here in Japan, and also to congratulate him on passing his Sandan. It was great to have him here in the dojo and, away from his time as a Renshusei, we also had some fun times! 

RENSHUSEI BOOKING: 

For those wishing to Book/Secure dates and times as RENSHUSEI, you can do so by contacting me directly at: andrebertelono@gmail.com

We apologize but we do not—under any circumstances—support visa applications to Japan. This is the sole responsibility of the applicant(s).

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

Renshusei from Brisbane, Australia: David Lovatt and family

 David Lovatt, his wife Domna, and three children came to Oita. They are from Brisbane, Australia.

They accompanied David each day for his time as a Renshusei and his Yondan Examination, which he successfully passed.

Domna, and two of their children, also trained over the three days. In addition to standard traditional Shotokan karate, I introduced them to the Koten-gata via 鶴翼初段 (Kakuyoku Shodan).

Kihon especially focused on the Budo/Bujutsu methods of Choku-zuki, Gyaku-zuki, Oi-zuki (Jun-zuki), Zenkutsu-dachi and Fumidachi (in optimal harmony with different waza), and the five core ukewaza.

Correct MAAI, for maximum effect in actual self-defense, in the various forms of Kumite was also emphasized.

Overall, it was great to have the Lovatt family here in the dojo. I’d like to wish them all the best, good health, and continued advancement in their Karate-Do. 

押忍!

André Bertel

Special Seminar: KAPITI COAST, NEW ZEALAND 2025

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).

YouTube Video: Technical Seminar in Königs Wusterhausen (September 27/28, 2025)

Below is a direct YOUTUBE VIDEO LINK providing some 'subtle brief reminders' (for the participants at my first Technical Seminar in Königs Wusterhausen on September 27th and 28th of 2025).

Hosted by Jan Gebhardt Sensei (6th Dan), Iris Gebhart (4th Dan) and the KEIKO-DOJO, the seminar was titled by the organizers as 'THE SPIRIT OF BUDO INTERNATIONAL KARATE SEMINAR'. Here is a direct link to the Keiko Dojo Website: Workout und Fitness | Keiko Dojo - Schule für Kampfkunst & Bewegung

Besides the organizers, I'd like to thank all of the participating karateka and hope that this informal video will remind you of some of the key points that I taught. 

In these regards I'd also like to thank Oliver SCHÖMBURG Sensei for his filming. A professionally filmed version (with great artistry, top level equipment and high resolution) will be uploaded on this channel soon. Here is a direct link to his channel, and I'll provide a direct link from my blog later when it is released:  olliwaa - YouTube 

Already there is an upload of the kata 'NIJUHAPPO' on his channel. It was the kata performed slowly at the very end of the seminar. I will be sending written notes on Nijuhappo to Jan Sensei and Iris Sensei, to share with all attendees of the seminar.

Please note, the version of Nijuhappo I taught was the 'Asai Shihan Version', which differs from the rendition practiced by the SKIF. The version we have is closer to the Chinese/Okinawan form. That is by no means claiming a superior rendition, but merely to clarify that it has many differences. 

Lastly, I want to wish everyone the best from IKS (International Karate Shotokan) SOHONBU DOJO, here in Oita City, Kyushu, JAPAN.

ありがとうございました

押忍!

アンドレ 

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