Daily training and research

Some images from my two training sessions, on this 1st Day of July 2026.

In addition to daily training in the dojo I'm continuing my technical research into Karate-Do, especially in regard to classical waza as 'bujtusu'. This follows in the tradition of Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei, who sought the origins of Shotokan-Ryu and greater understanding of optimal human movement.

Indeed, (and following Asai Sensei's example) only from physical training can such research have meaning in our art, so nearly 45 years on, daily training with specific (and measurable) goals is, and has always been, my top priority. 

There will be some upcoming announcements regarding 2027 as soon as possible.

I wish you all good health and the very best in your Karate-Do training.  

押忍 !

   アンドレ 

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (July 1st, 2026).

Updated daily self-training regime

基本(KIHON) 

* Please note:  the tachikata 前屈立ち (Zenkutsu-dachi) unless otherwise stated.

その場基本 (SONOBA-KIHON)

①  三本連突き[八字立ち] (Sanbon ren-zuki [Hachiji-dachi]).

②  前蹴り蹴上げ [閉足立ち]  (Mae-geri [Heisoku-dachi]).

③  横蹴り蹴上げ [閉足立ち]  (Yoko-keage [Heisoku-dachi]).

④  右中段逆突き(Migi chudan gyaku-zuki).

⑤  左中段逆突き(Hidari chudan gyaku-zuki).

移動基本 (IDO-KIHON)

① 中段順突き (Chudan jun-zuki).

② 上段順突き(Jodan jun-zuki).

③ [自由立ち、自由な構え] 飛び混んで刻み突きから上段順突きそして送り足中段逆突き (Tobi-konde kizami-zuki kara jodan jun-zuki soshite okuriashi chudan gyaku-zuki).

④ 中段前蹴り蹴上げから上段前蹴り蹴上げ (Chudan mae-geri keage kara jodan mae-geri keage).

⑤ 中段前蹴り蹴上げから中段順突き(Chudan mae-geri keage kara chudan jun-zuki).

⑥ [自由立ち、自由な構え] 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-dachi, Jiyu na gamae] Mae-geri keage kara yoko-geri kekomi, mawashi-geri, ushiro-geri kekomi, uraken yokomawashi uchi soshite chudan gyaku-zuki).

⑦ 上段揚げ受けから中段逆突き (Jodan age-uke kara chudan gyaku-zuki).

⑧ 中段外受けから寄り足 [騎馬立ち] 横猿臂そして裏拳上段横回し打ち (Chudan soto-uke kara yoriashi [Kiba-dachi] yoko-enpi soshite uraken yokomawashi uchi).

⑨ 中段内受けから刻み突きそして中段逆突き(Chudan uchi-uke kara kizami-zuki soshite chudan gyaku-zuki).

⑩ [後屈立ち] 手刀中段うけから刻み前蹴りそして中段縦四本貫手 (Shuto chudan-uke [Kokutsu-dachi] kara kizami mae-geri soshite chudan tateshihon-nukite).

自由一本組手 (JIYU IPPON KUMITE)

上段 (Jodan)、中段  (Chudan)、前蹴り(Mae-geri)、横蹴込み (Yoko-kekomi)、回し蹴り(Mawashi-geri )、後ろ蹴り(Ushiro-geri(、刻み突き(Kizami-zuki) and 逆突き (Gyaku-zuki).

* Free-choice 受け技と反撃技 (Ukewaza to hangekiwaza).

型 (KATA)

① A random kata daily. Today, kihon-gata: 順路初段 (Junro Shodan).

② 十手 (Jitte).

③ 舞鶴小 (Maizuru Sho).

Supplementary Notes:

Repetitions

a.  その場基本 (Sonoba-Kihon)：10 reps slow, 30-40 reps with snap.

b. 移動基本 (Ido-Kihon)：10 reps slow, 10-20 reps with snap (sets of five waza/renwaza in each direction).

c. 自由一本組手 (Jiyu Ippon Kumite): All seven attacks, and defense/counterattacks on both right and left sides (slowly, then with speed).

d. 型 (Kata)：Each kata a minimum of three times. Initially slowly, with the successive performances being with snap.

IKS Shodan Kihon: Chudan soto-uke kara YOKO-ENPI soshite uraken yokomawashi-uchi.

IKS Shodan Kihon: Chudan soto-uke kara yori-ashi yoko-enpi soshite URAKEN YOKOMAWASHI UCHI.

Yoko-geri kekomi.

Movement 12 of Junro Shodan: Hidari chudan uchi-uke.

IKS Shodan Kihon: CHUDAN UCHI-UKE.

IKS Shodan Kihon: Chudan uchi-uke kara JODAN KIZAMI-ZUKI.

Movement 13 of Jitte: Hidari zenwan hidari sokumen jodan-uchiharai.

Movement 15 of Jitte: Migi chudan tsukami-uke.

Movement eight of Maizuru Sho: Hidari nakadaka ippon-ken jodan ura-zuki.

Movement 21 of Maizuru Sho: Kaisho manji-uke.


© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2026).

Renshusei from Lubeck, Germany

Movement eight of 落葉 (Rakuyo) Kata.

Jan Kohberg from Lubeck, Germany, came for four days of Renshusei training between June 22nd and June 25th.

Besides working on subtleties of the core fundamentals of Shōtōkan Karate-Dō on the first day, the sessions were primarily focused on themes requested by Jan.

Namely, he wanted to develop his 自由組手 (Jiyu-kumite) skills and properly learn the Asai-ha Shotokan-ryu kata 落葉 (Rakuyo).

'Bunkai' of movement one: 落葉 (Rakuyo).

After some analysis of his movement and skills, I decided to primarily utilize 順路初段 (Junro Shodan) and 自由一本組手 (Jiyu Ippon Kumite) to lift his technical level.

Focal points were primarily Jan's 立ち方 (Tachikata) and use of 力の強弱 (Chikara no kyojaku).

Jiyu Ippon Kumite.

Rakuyo kata was particularly useful in regard to stances due its extensive use of 転身 (Tenshin).

Furthermore—as the name of the kata suggests (‘Falling leaves’)—relaxation and fluidity are absolutely imperative. I joked with Jan that the kata must not be ‘falling coconuts’; thereby, emphasizing the need for lightness.

In the Jiyu Ippon Kumite and Jiyu Kumite practice I focused on applying the principles from Junro Shodan and Rakuyo. This included the traditional use of 出合い (Deai), 体捌き (Tai-sabaki), 技の緩急 (Waza no kankyu) and so forth.

In addition to all the aforementioned points we also worked on the classical Shotokan kata 岩鶴 (Gankaku) to further enhance core stability/balance and 姿勢 (Shisei).

To conclude, over the four days it was great to see Jan improve in technical skill. This was the result of his diligent practice each day.

頑張ってください Jan、押忍!

       © André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2026).

IKS PASSPORTS and applications for International Seminars in 2027

Many people have requested IKS 国際空手道松濤館 (International Karate-Dō Shōtōkan) PASSPORTS.

These are only available from IKS Japan Sohonbu Dojo and for our members here and around the world.

Applications can be made via email to: iksjapanhq@gmail.com

2027 International Seminar Schedule

We are now receiving applications for seminars after February in 2027. As always, groups wishing to host international seminars will gain priority based on completed bookings. Likewise, please apply via the aforementioned email address.

As soon as the 2027 seminar calender is fully booked, it will posted online.

___________________________________

2027 SEMINARS OFFICIALLY CONFIRMED SO FAR

January 23/24 - Christchurch, NEW ZEALAND

February 13/14 - Calw, GERMANY

____________________________________

押忍

©︎ Andrė Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2026).

19th Anniversary of my Karate-Dō Blog

Assisting my late teacher, Asai Tetsuhiko Shihan.

 Today marks the 19th Anniversary of this Blog. Three months after moving back to Japan, in 2007, I decided to create a free online resource for traditional Budo karateka.

Just over a year before (in February 2006) my dojo in New Zealand had its 10th Anniversary; I attained 六段  (Rokudan); and at the conclusion of the year, I married Mizuho.


Most sadly, on August 15th of 2006, my mentor Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei passed away. It just so happens that August 15th is an extremely significant day here in Japan. It is 終戦記念日 (Shūsen-kinebi), which is the Memorial Day marking the end of WW2. We must not forget history, and we must never forget those very special people in our lives who depart before us. Every training session, every day, I think of Asai Sensei. I’m deeply grateful for his personal mentorship.

Over the years I won a few championships, including here in Japan, but tournament success was never my main focus. They were merely 'Shiai' to pressure my training and test my skills.

Reflecting on the 19 years of this blog— ‘ABKD’ (André Bertel’s Karate-Dō)—it reminds me that ‘Karate-Dō, like other arts, it endless”. It is a journey, not a destination; however, to maximize our training we must constantly seek heightened skill”. As Asai Sensei always said to us: “Step-by-step”.


Indeed, this is physical, but ‘in the constant seeking of technical improvement’, it simultaneously fosters mental discipline and fortitude. Again, Sensei always stressed: “Never give up!”

Sharing Traditional Budo style Shotokan, here in Japan, and around the world.

Accordingly, we must never keep applying 押忍の精神 (OSU NO SEISHIN): ‘The Spirt of Perseverance’.

Lastly, I am very grateful to more than two-million people who have visited this niche site over these 19 years. Also, to the many karateka here in Japan, and around the world, who have supported my efforts as a professional karate instructor and practitioner.

My wish is that everyone is healthy, happy and improving through training.

よろしくお願いします、押忍！

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (June 19th, 2026).

Old school Shōtōkan: Linking present-day Karate to 'Bujutsu' via the Koten-gata

This week's training, since returning home to Japan from Europe, has been dedicated to the training of 古典型 (Koten-gata)—and their respective 分解 (Bunkai/Analysis)—especially from the vantage point of old school Shōtōkan 基本 (Kihon); hence, the title of this post.

Each day this week, so far,  has been a different kata...

Sunday: 明鏡三段 (MEIKYO SANDAN)

46 movements with kiai on actions 29 (右縦拳下段逆突き) and 42 (右足底三日月蹴り、左掌当て).

Monday: 安三 (ANSAN)

41 movements with kiai on action 40 (底掌合わせ突き).

Tuesday: 掌手小 (SHOTE SHO)

51 movements with kiai on actions 24 (横貫手上段諸手突き) and 49 (横貫手上段諸手突き).

Today (Wednesday):  舞鶴小 (MAIZURU SHO)

74 movements with kiai on actions 60 (左縦一本拳中段逆突き同時に右上段内受け) and 72 (右横貫手上段弓突き).

From next week I will return to my standard training regime of 基本 (Kihon), 型 (Kata) and 組手 (Kumite). However, as this post highlights, it is also important to mix up one’s training regime. This not only keeps things very interesting—and is ‘fun’—but, quite often, it also unveils (or elucidates) weaknesses.

Needless to say, from a traditional Budō Karate perspective, that why the Koten-gata greatly enhance standard contemporary Shōtōkan Karate-Dō. Moreover, strongly link our style and technical skill/knowledge to pre-WW2 武術空手 (Bujutsu Karate).

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (June 17th, 2026).