The 2nd Seminar in Szczecin, Poland, was held on May 16th and 17th, 2026.
Once again hosted by ‘Klub KaratePomerania Szczecin’:
I was graciously taken care of by Paweł Karpow Sensei, Arsenij Karpow Sensei and Olga Karpow; furthermore, the members and supporters of the dojo.
Besides Karateka from Poland, practitioners from Italy, Turkey, Germany, Czech Republic, France and England attended.
基本 (KIHON): My focus was on improving the participants “…natural energy via柔軟性 (Junansei) ‘softness’; 地面飯力 (Jimenhanryoku) ‘ground reaction force’; and 重力 (Juryoku) ‘gravity’”.
This, as always incorporated 転身技 (Tenshin-Waza), which were largely introduced into mainstream Shotokan by my teacher, Tetsuhiko Asai Sensei. Needless to say, these techniques and exercises enhance skill in balance, 腰の回転 (Koshi no kaiten) and so on. What’s more, they are particularly effective for defenses/attacks to the side and rear.
型 (KATA): By special request from Paweł Sensei, I taught 鶴翼二段 (Kakuyoku Nidan) kata, which he already practices, but wished to investigate more deeply. Accordingly, besides the solo kata itself, 分解 (Bunkai) and 応用 (Oyo) we’re well covered.
In all three Kakuyoku kata it is essential to maximize the ‘cranes wings’ actions, especially in regards to the use of the shoulders and elbows. Also, repeating myself from past articles here, but the “Kakuyoku” was a samurai battlefield strategy.
Insofar as 組手 (KUMITE) is concerned, I’m continuing on my mission to teach “…the Ma’ai of Jissen-Kumite”; that is, “to always execute techniques from the distance to cause maximum damage. Aspects of the trained kata and Kihon were seamlessly incorporated here.
Overall, the seminar was a great success and professionally organized. It was also great to see the karateka who’ve really improved since last year. This is a joy for me as an instructor. Outside of the trainings I was very well looked after by Paweł Sensei and Arsenij Sensei, so I’m very appreciative of their kind hospitality.
Stay tuned, I will post some video footage soon.
押忍
André Bertel
© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2026).
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