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).