Nagasaki Trip

To commemorate two years in Japan Mizuho and I went to Nagasaki City for three and half days of R&R. We had such a great time wining and dining, sightseeing, and chilling out in general.
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Naturally, whilst there, we also went to the Genbaku Kinenkan (Atomic Bomb Museum), and the Heiwa Koen (Peace park). Like our time in Hiroshima, this was an opportunity for us to reflect on the worst possible human suffering, death, and the horror of war.

Central Nagasaki: Besides our car navigation failing a few times, taking us down old streets with dead ends, or just wide enough to allow a scooter to get through, both Mizuho and I really enjoyed the central city. We stayed at the lovely Richmond Hotel Nagasaki http://www.yadoplaza.com/portal/PO10010?hotel_id=H000006055&mode=3 in Shianbashi, and this allowed us to conveniently use the infamous Romen Densha (Tram train) system. The vibe in Nagasaki is very different due to the large amount of European buildings and 'Christian influence' . This extreme merging of Japanese and Western culture (especially in regards to the architecture) is very unique.

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A gondola ride and the night view of the city, from Inasayama, was one of Mizuho's targets, and fortunately the sky turned out to be very clear for her. Another target was to eat Champon and Sara udon in Nagasaki's Chinatown, which I'd recommend to anyone visiting the city. Delicious is the only word which comes to mind.

Hanami in Sasebo: On our way home Mizuho and I also had hanami in Sasebo City enjoying the beautiful sakura trees in full bloom. We did this at the Shinsaikaibashi and even managed to inhale a 'Sasebo Burger' in the process! Walking across the large bridge, the surrounding parks, and another bridge running parallel to it, ended up being really fun (and helped to burn off those nasty 'hamburger calories'). The warm sun, and refreshing spring breeze couldn't have been more perfect.

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Overall this little holiday really recharged our batteries and was a great way for us to celebrate our second anniversary in Japan.

© André Bertel, Japan 2009

TWO YEARS IN JAPAN

Two years ago today we arrived back in Japan, therefore today is a day of celebration for Mizuho and myself. It feels as if only two months have passed, but looking at all the things we’ve done since arriving, and it could easily be five or even ten years. This is especially the case in regards to the karate training, which has been nothing less than fantastic.

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I’m a person, like all true karateka, who always tries to live in the moment, second by second. Something that requires my constant effort as a 21st century man. I try not to focus on the past, I aim for maximum results now – this is true ‘self-control’. Why? Because the present is the only thing we can control. Being a student of Tetsuhiko Asai Sensei taught me to have future goals, and that these goals are dependent on what I do ‘right now’. This, to Asai Sensei, is what separated the ‘doers’ from the ‘dreamers’, the shapely people from the obese, and more than often, the winners from the losers. I know this is nothing more than commonsense, but in the long-term, it is the hardest ‘technique’ to master. “Past wins and losses are gone, and the future may not come, now is the biggest, and perhaps final chance”. People who live in the past are very sad indeed, as let’s face it, they miss maximizing the present.

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If someone attacks me with a knife all that matters is what I do at that time, past achievements and future dreams no longer matter. This is the spirit of a true martial artist. This is why I can celebrate today, not because of the past, but because of now. Violent situations are always brutal and eye-opening if one is the victim. In one 'past' situation, a criminal attempted to take my leather jacket by pulling out a knife. This is what happened... After I rejected his demands he reached into his pocket for his blade. Without hesitation I drove my strongest kizami-zuki (jab punch) into his face, which stopped him motionless. I immediately followed up by hitting him with jodan kake-zuki (upper level hook punch), which put him on the pavement. And to make sure he couldn't come after me, I stamped on his head, and ran off with my knees still shaking. Is that a win worth boasting about? No, because if the same situation happens now, all that matters is now.

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These last two years have been my very best in Japan in regards to my development as a karateka, far superior to my many other extended training stints here, but this is natural, following my thinking and way of life. It is not something to brag about, just simply 'get on with it'. My question is "Why do people find it so hard to simply 'try' to live in the moment?" Living in the moment is what makes 'living your dreams' possible. That's why I'm here in Japan! If you were to ask me “André, so what is your next target in karate?” I’d answer “To develop an even more clearer mind on the present”.

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Two years in Japan today… But 'now' is all that matters.

Osu

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© André Bertel, Japan 2009

Junansei

This week I’ve been revisiting junansei (softness) in my karate. As a student of the late master, Tetsuhiko Asai Sensei, I focus on ‘softness’ and ‘snap’ every day. However, my present focus is 100%. Therefore, no ‘particular’ kata or set of techniques are being trained. I’m just doing ‘everything’, with my complete attention on my junansei. As Asai Sensei propagated ‘Whether performing Heian-shodan kata or Rakuyo kata, chudan choku-zuki or kaeshi-ippon kumite, it is all the same… Natural energy.’

We never stop learning do we… And the learning of karate can only be a result of physical training itself. One of the, dare I say, ‘hardest’ points of karate, is ‘physically learning’ to relax. ‘Masterful relaxation’ means to control the body perfectly, via eradicating unnecessary muscle power. Therefore the result of proper junansei training is “economy of motion to achieve maximum effect with any karate technique”. Here is a link to a past article I wrote on this topic: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/06/from-hardness-to-complete-softness.html

Sensei’s rendition of Nijushiho (I’m sure you’ve seen this many times) is an unparalleled example of junansei. Click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHVHdhGWtuM.

To conclude, I’d like to say that seeing Asai Sensei perform this kata, standing next to him, was astounding. He totally ‘lived the kata’ and only thing you could do is stand there in total awe! Such wonderful memories have helped me to prioritize junansei.

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© André Bertel, Japan 2009

Junbi undo

After suffering a severe spinal injury, over 20 years ago, I realized that many of the 'traditional karate stretches' deemed “standard” in most Shotokan dojo were in fact time-wasting. Why? Because since that injury, many of them, I'm became permanently unable to do, but for some 'magical reason' (after recovery) my technique itself was never hindered, and my ‘karate specific flexibility’ actually improved!

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Interestingly enough, the only problem has been with some instructors who demand that I “must do these stretches”. However, once my kicks start flying, they soon turn a blind eye. Japanese instructors, in particular, become baffled. This is nothing new, it happened when training with the Asai JKA/JKS, here in Japan, during my teens, 20’s and still now in my 30’s.

In my opinion the only major weakness (karate-wise) of Shotokan in Japan, is the adherence to often outdated, and more importantly, non-karate-specific junbi-undo (preparatory exercises). More than adhering to tradition, this is the ‘cultural result’, of lacking the ability to understand individuality; that is, that all human beings are different… Every individual needs to approach stretching differently in accordance to their own physical attributes/genetics, deficiencies, age, injuries and the highly diverse combination of these variables.

My point here is that we do not do karate for the warm up or stretching. We do it for karate. Therefore, as long as we can optimize our karate technique and skills, the warm up/stretching we use is irrelevant. Optimal preparatory exercises are twofold… The safest method (to avoid injuries), and the best means to maximize our execution of karate itself.

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Junbi undo is not a competition for me, it is to prepare my body for optimal karate performance. I don't mind being the least flexible person in the dojo if it means I can keep doing karate, like it has for over 20 years since my injury. What's more, if I can't bend/twist my spine in stretches, yet kick better than those who can, why should I feel concerned about the inability to perform such exercises, which are very dangerous for my body?

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I'd like to end by saying "Please take care of your body. Listen to it, and make karate something you can do for the rest of your life, should you choose to do so. Optimal technique and working around injuries is not impossible, if you are determined." - I wish you the very best on your karate journey.

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© André Bertel, Japan 2009

Keage & Kekomi

In this article I’d like to go back to the ‘basics’ and clarify the difference between the two main categories of karate kicks: keage (snap kicks) and kekomi (thrust kicks). Hopefully this be useful for beginner, intermediate and advanced karateka alike. Needless to say, after 20+ years of karatedo training, I’m constantly struggling to perfect the kihonwaza of Shotokan, and never cease to find shortcomings in my karate via them.

Differentiating keage and kekomi – ‘The use of the knee-joint’

Keage: In keage (snap kicks) the knee of the kicking leg is pointed at the target before the lower leg fires out. The knee joint is fixed in position acting as a pivot. The kick is smoothly and rapidly whipped out, and back, precisely along the same trajectory.

Kekomi: In kekomi (thrust kicks) the knee joint drives from behind the kicking foot and likewise, it recoils it back, exactly following its outward trajectory.

Conscious joint power as opposed to conscious muscle power: "Think of kekomi as 'driving kicks' and keage as 'whipping kicks'. And in both cases, clearly understand the roll of the knee joint to differentiate the two." - Tetsuhiko Asai Sensei prioritized joint power/control over muscle power and that is clearly illustrated in this fundamental example.

More similarities than differences: In addition to the above points, here are the other major similarities between keage and kekomi…

(1) Just like snap kicks, thrust kicks are withdrawn immediately. Momentarily suspending an extended kicking leg in mid-air doesn't make it a thrust kick! The appearance of the kekomi being 'held out' is its 'drive' in contrast to the 'whipping action' of the keage. The 'posed kekomi' is the result of competition kata aesthetics and the misunderstanding born from this.

(2) Both kicks maximize ‘tight chambering’ of the kicking leg. This is no different to a tight hikite in hand/arm techniques… In all cases, 'compress the spring' as much as possible.

(3) Full body weight is applied to both kicks, not only the thrust kick. Fully utilize the large-scale drive of the supporting leg and hips/pelvis towards the target. In principle, the support leg in snap and thrust kicks should be no different to the driving leg in oi-zuki.

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Conclusion:
If nothing else remember two points. Firstly; “What makes snap kicks different to thrust kicks is how the kicking knee joint is used”. And secondly; “The depth of technique-penetration in all kicks is prioritized over target height, if highly effective 'power' kicking is one's goal. That is, attack as horizontally as possible from grounded foot to the respective target. In all cases, if maximum impact is desired, the hips should never rise." If you get these two points correct, and your execution and application of all keage and kekomi should be optimal.

Best wishes from Japan.

© André Bertel, Japan 2009

The first day of Haru

Today Japan officially enters Haru (Spring) however the 'Shunbun no hi' (Spring Day) holiday is not held until March 20th. Haru is a beautiful time here in Nippon as the Sakura trees bloom, and we look forward to a boiling hot summer. For me this means even more opportunities to do my extra karate practice outdoors.

Anyway, here is a long overdue 'back log' of my posts. Hopefully this will be of assistance for those wanting to access past articles I've uploaded. Best wishes from Japan. - André

Links to articles 1-91 (June 19th 2007 to August 17th, 2008): http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/08/andre-bertel-blog-links.html

September 2008

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/09/true-kata.html

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/09/paul-kallenders-blog-must-read.html

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/09/hirota-163-dogi.html

October 2008


http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/10/latest-training-routine.html

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/10/kokutai-karate-championships.html

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/10/post-100-on-andre-bertels-karate-do.html

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/10/ijka-and-jks.html

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/10/yamaguchi-sensei-jks-6th-dan.html

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/10/good-refereeing.html

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/10/chinte.html

November 2008

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/11/japanese-temples-and-shrines.html

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/11/palmerston-north-karate-instructor.html

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/11/uncut-asai-sensei-interview-on-tsw.html

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/11/nishiyama-sensei-dies-at-age-80.html

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/11/new-asai-karate-website_17.html

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/11/karate-internet-forums.html

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/11/goodbye-autumn.html

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/11/winter-training-regime.html

December 2008

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/12/ma.html

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/12/anniversary-celebration.html

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/12/natural-element-kata.html

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/12/new-video-of-asai-sensei-on-youtube.html

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/12/teaching-seminars-in-hawaii.html

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/12/asai-senseis-final-international.html

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/12/loving-karate.html

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/12/final-group-training-for-2008.html

January 2009

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2009/01/new-years-resolution.html

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2009/01/kangeiko-2009.html

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2009/01/nakatsu-city.html

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2009/01/blog-reviewed-on-tsw.html

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2009/01/shotokan-karate-subtleties.html

February 2009

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2009/02/jks-oita-ken-technical-seminar.html

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2009/02/being-deshi-of-asai-sensei.html

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2009/02/here-is-my-current-self-training-regime.html

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2009/02/andre-bertel-karate-do-seminar.html

© André Bertel, Japan 2009

Andre Bertel Karate-do Seminar

Every month I receive emails asking me to conduct seminars outside of Japan. The last several requests from Europe, the Americas and Oceania I’ve regrettably had to decline (due to my 'crazy busy' schedule within Nippon). I'm very sorry to the various dojo/organisations I have declined, and hope that there are no hard feelings! I’m still open to you all. It has simply been a case of my inefficiency to arrange my extended holidays...

For those wishing to host me for a karate seminar this year, my next open period will be from May 2nd to May 10th. If interested in hosting me somewhere within this time, please email me at andre.mizuho@hotmail.co.jp

I'll also accept requests from within Japan, with first priority to Tohoku and Hokkaido, where I've not taught seminars at yet.

OSU!

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© André Bertel, Japan 2009

Daily Karate Training

Here is my current self-training regime, which I adopted last Monday, in addition to dojo-keiko. I haven't included my supplementary fitness training (karate specific speed, impact, and flexibility routines) nor my special Sunday workout (which is presently erratic… That is, anything goes with tokui-kata being the only certainty). This time I wanted to focus on my 'broad technical practice sessions'.

It is probably worth mentioning that in the case of Kumite, when self-training, I do all of the drills as solo routines. This keeps my body intact, whilst rehearsing everything precisely, for when I face actual opponents. Another point, not explained, in this routine is my set Jiyu Kata* practice, which I always do between Tuesday and Friday. This kata is my ‘daily treat’, and I usually save it until the end of my solo-training's (that is, after kumite). It can be anything from the Shotokan free kata and Asai-ryuha koten kata.

Hopefully by posting my latest self-training, those interested in creating (or modifying) their own supplementary practice will get some ideas. I’ve divided session content by weekdays (Monday to Friday) to hopefully convey a better picture of what I’m doing. Kindest regards from Kyushu, Japan. – André Bertel
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MONDAY

Kihon: (1) Chudan oi-zuki; (2) Jodan age-uke; (3) Chudan soto-uke; (4) Chudan shuto-uke {kokutsu-dachi}; (5) Chudan uchi-uke; (6) Gedan-barai; (7) Mae-geri; (8) Mawashi-geri; (9) Yoko-keage {kiba-dachi}; and (10) Yoko-kekomi {kiba-dachi}.

Kata: (a) Jo no kata; (b) Heian-shodan; (c) Junro-shodan; and (d) Jion.

Sanbon-kumite: Jodan & chudan.


TUESDAY

Kihon: (1) Chudan oi-zuki; (2) Jodan age-uke kara chudan gyaku-zuki; (3) Chudan soto-uke kara chudan gyaku zuki; (4) Chudan shuto-uke {kokutsu-dachi}; (5) Chudan uchi-uke kara chudan gyaku-zuki; (6) Gedan-barai kara chudan gyaku-zuki; (7) Mae-geri kara chudan oi-zuki; (8) Mawashi-geri; (9) Yoko-keage {kiba-dachi}; and (10) Yoko-kekomi {kiba-dachi}.

Kata: (a) Heian-nidan; (b) Junro-nidan; (c) Kanku-dai; and (d) a Jiyu-kata*.

Gohon-kumite: Jodan, chudan & mae geri.


WEDNESDAY

Kihon: (1) Sanbon-zuki; (2) Jodan age-uke kara mae geri soshite chudan gyaku-zuki; (3) Chudan soto-uke kara yoko empi uchi {kiba-dachi}; (4) Chudan shuto-uke {kokutsu-dachi} kara nukite; (5) Gedan-barai kara chudan uchi-uke {neko ashi dachi}, ura-zuki soshite chudan gyaku-zuki; (6) Mae-geri kara mawashi-geri; (7) Ushiro-geri; (8) Yoko-keage kara ashi o kaete yoko-kekomi {kiba-dachi}; (9) Jodan shuto yokomawashi uchi kara kaiten shinagara empi uchi soshite mawari nagara sagatte shuto uchimawashi uchi; and (10) Yori ashi chudan gyaku-zuki kara gedan-barai, yori ashi chudan gyaku-zuki soshite gedan no kamae.

Kata: (a) Heian-sandan; (b) Junro-sandan; (c) Empi; and (d) a Jiyu-kata*.

Kihon ippon kumite: Jodan, chudan, mae-geri, yoko-geri and mawashi-geri .


THURSDAY

Kihon: (1) Tobi konde sanbon-zuki; (2) Jodan age-uke kara mae geri soshite chudan gyaku-zuki; (3) Chudan soto-uke kara yoko empi uchi {kiba-dachi}, uraken yokomawashi uchi soshite chudan gyaku-zuki; (4) Chudan shuto-uke {kokutsu-dachi} kara mae ashi mae geri soshite nukite; (5) Gedan-barai kara chudan uchi-uke {neko ashi dachi}, ura-zuki soshite yori ashi chudan gyaku-zuki; (6) Mae-geri kara mawashi-geri soshite chudan gyaku-zuki; (7) Ushiro-geri kara chudan gyaku-zuki; (8) Kaiten shinagara uraken-uchi kara chudan gyaku-zuki; (9) Yoko-keage kara yoko-kekomi; (10) Jodan soto-uke kara yoko yori ashi gedan-barai, mae ashi mae geri soshite chudan gyaku-zuki.

Kata: (a) Heian-yondan; (b) Junro-yondan; (c) Tekki-shodan; and (d) a Jiyu-kata*.

Jiyu ippon kumite: Jodan, chudan, mae-geri, yoko-geri, mawashi-geri and ushiro-geri.


FRIDAY

Kihon {All from jiyu no kamae}: (1) Tobi konde jodan kizami-zuki kara tobi konde sanbon-zuki; (2) Tobi konde jodan kizami-zuki kara chudan gyaku-zuki; (3) Ippo sagatte jodan age-uke kara mawashi-geri, ushiro-geri, uraken yokomawashi uchi soshite chudan gyaku-zuki; (4) Mawashi-geri kara ashi fumikae ashi-barai soshite chudan gyaku-zuki; (5) Tobi konde jodan kizami-zuki kara chudan mae geri soshite jodan oi zuki.

Sonoba-kihon: (6) Chudan gyaku zuki; (7) Jodan kizami zuki kara chudan gyaku zuki; (8) Chudan mae geri {heisoku dachi}; (9) Jodan mae geri {heisoku dachi}; (10) Sonoba renzoku-geri: Mae-geri kara yoko-geri, mawashi-geri soshite ushiro-geri.

Kata: (a) Heian-godan; (b) Junro-godan; (c) Bassai-dai; and (d) a Jiyu-kata*.

Jiyu kumite

© André Bertel, Japan 2009

Being a deshi of Asai Sensei

In this newly uploaded footage, filmed in 2003, you can see the typical style of one-on-one tuition I received from my late teacher, Shuseki-Shihan Tetsuhiko Asai (10th Dan). As I’ve stated before, I always feel deeply privileged to have been taken on as a deshi (personal student) by Asai Sensei, and the extensive one-on-one trainings I received will always be very close to my heart. In this video clip, which runs just under four minutes, it really shows the intimacy of Sensei-Deshi relationship.

The majority of the footage I've uploaded this time was filmed by Charles Lee Sensei of JKS Hawaii (Technical Director of Japan Karate Shoto-Federation Americas) who was observing this lesson. He was so much concentrating on watching our practice, that his camera work was unfortunately wobbly. Regardless, I really appreciate that he captured this footage. During the outdoor practice, where Asai Sensei was teaching me (at the end of the clip) Charles followed along a little. He was always amazed by the private tuition Asai Sensei gave me and expressed that he was very envious in an admirably humble manner. Note: At the beginning of the footage you can see the final moments of the last session of open seminars (there were six 2.5 hour practices in total) which I failed to edit out. As always, in addition to doing these sessions, and assisting Asai Sensei for the majority of the time (while everyone else got rest times), I also had to do private lessons with him! - The rewards of being a deshi... Physically strenuous is an understatement!

Too many people claim to be students of various karate teachers when clearly they are not: “Being a deshi of a karate sensei is not something which someone becomes automatically by attending a couple of open seminars (like those in JKS New Zealand still dishonestly claim to promote themselves), and/or attaining dan ranks, or paying money. People become deshi by a karate sensei ‘fully accepting’ them as ‘their student’. And the outcome of this is that the karate teacher gives that person one-on-one tuition/mentoring on a regular basis. That is, they make a committed effort to passing on their ‘knowledge’ to that person directly, unhindered, and without financial compensation. A deshi is not someone taught only in the masses, asked to demonstrate at a seminar, or someone who merely pays for training. They are singled out by the master and arduously taught.” – Looking back, this is probably why Asai Sensei always encouraged me to keep video records of his private lessons.

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As Asai Sensei’s only New Zealand deshi, I hope this footage further demonstrates the brilliance of Shuseki-Shihan Tetsuhiko Asai, as an unparalleled karate technician and genius instructor. I hope it also illustrates that being a deshi of a karate master is a very personal "special" thing, and something which many people falsely claim to be. Sadly, this is particularly the case with Western karateka, claiming to be deshi of famous Japanese instructors. In traditional Japanese karate-do, what constitutes being a deshi is not necessarily what the student wants, it is completely dependent on what the master does! No one is a deshi unless they have been formally taken on, and trained individually as an apprentice, by the karate master themselves.

Click here to watch the video footage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMCL3elwhmw


© André Bertel, Japan 2009

JKS Oita-ken Technical Seminar

Today I attended the JKS (Japan Karate Shotorenmei) Oita-ken Technical Seminar. This ‘prefectural training session’ was held at the Usa Budo Dojo, a purpose built martial arts gymnasium in Usa-city. The facility is most famous for Sumo; however it also hosts Judo, Kyudo and other traditional Japanese martial arts events.
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Trying to find the dojo in the countryside was somewhat challenging, however some kind directions from a local shop owner, and my cars electronic navigation system, eased the situation. Even so, I still missed the first few minutes of the junbi-undo (preparatory exercises/warm-up).

FIVE HOURS OF 'TOUGH TRAINING'... Here's a brief overview of what was included in the seminar.
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Part I: KIHON
Stationary kihon: Needless to say, as usual, this was the killer part of the session... Literally a couple of hours of solid fundamentals... Karate the Japanese way! Here’s what Tachibana Shihan (JKS 8th Dan) took us through: (1) From kiba dachi, chudan choku-zuki ‘locking in shomen’. (2) As previous but ‘big’ niren-zuki. (3) Kiba dachi niren choku-zuki, pivoting on the spot into zenkutsu dachi {45 degrees} and punching migi gyaku-zuki, pivoting again on the other angle, and punching hidari gyaku-zuki. – Exact hip timing... (4) As previous but after each gyaku-zuki stepping forward on the angle with zenshin gyaku-zuki, then stepping back with koutai gyaku-zuki. In between the three gyaku-zuki attacks, execute niren choku-zuki in kiba dachi. (5) As previous but after the very last koutai gyaku-zuki, execute a single choku-zuki in kiba dachi, from here jump forward in kiba dachi executing choku-zuki, then finally jump back in kiba dachi for a final choku-zuki. (6) The previous five drills were then adapted for mae-geri with the exception of the jumping movements in kiba dachi. These were exchanged by a zenshin mae-geri into zenkutsu dachi, ushiro ashi mae-geri stepping back into zenkutsu, and finally mae ashi mae-geri returning to kiba dachi. Really speaking, classic Asai Shuseki-Shihan Karate!

Ido-kihon : Tachibana Shihan then had the black belts go through last year’s newly establised Japan Karate Shoto-Federation dan-shinsa kihon (which we've been doing heaps of over the last eight months). This was comparatively easy, compared to the initial stationary training, as each technique was only performed 30-50 times at full speed. Techniques included (7) Tobi konde kizami zuki kara sanbon zuki. (8) Tobi konde kizami zuki kara gyaku zuki. (9) Tobi konde kizami zuki kara mae geri soshite oi zuki. (10) Ippo sagatte jodan age-uke kara mawashi geri, ushiro-geri, uraken yokomawashi uchi soshite gyaku-zuki. (11) Mawashi-geri kara ashi o fumikae ashi-barai soshite gyaku-zuki. (12) Migi and hidari sonoba renzoku-geri: Mae geri kara yoko geri, mawashi geri soshite ushiro geri. To conclude Tachibana Shihan had me demonstrate my yoko-keage, yoko kekomi, mawashi geri and ushiro geri, for all of the participants to study. He also had me demonstrate the sonoba ren-geri.

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Part II: KATA
A very short break and on to kata (goodbye lunch, hello Kankusho): The lunch break was very short for me... I went to my car to get my bento, and almost immediately, a female black belt, who placed 3rd in kata at the last JKS World Championships, came to me asking for some coaching. I immediately checked if Tachibana Shihan said this was OK, and she said “Tachibana Shihan wants you to improve my tokui-kata.” So for the remainder of the lunch break I worked with her on her Kankusho.

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Group kata training: When the lunch break concluded, Shihan had the entire class go several times through the following kata: (1) Jo no kata; (2) Heian-shodan; (3) Heian-nidan; And (4) Heian-sandan. I’d like to add here that besides the tough physical nature of the training, some phenomenal points were made. I learned some very valuable things, especially in regards to the Heian kata. This was by far the most educational part of the seminar for me. (5) After that, Tachibana Shihan had me lead the brown and black belts many times through Bassai-dai, whilst he taught the other students.

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Part III: KUMITE:

We covered all forms of 'examination kumite' doing dozens rounds of everything up to, and including, kihon ippon kumite (that is, Sanbon kumite, Gohon kumite and Kihon-ippon kumite). From there we did a couple of rounds of Jiyu-ippon kumite (brown and black belts only) and finally Jiyu-kumite. In the jiyu kumite section, Shihan had all of the adults line up in front of me, and fight me one after the other. I have to say that this was the most 'fun' part of the seminar for me.
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Conclusion:

Tachibana Shihan ended the five plus hours of brilliant training with several Asai style 'ashi-uke' drills to put everyone under high physical stress. A great and spirited way to end a fantastic day of hard karate practice. I'd once again like to express my thanks to JKS Oita-ken chief instructor, Tachibana Shihan, and the Japan Karate Shoto-renmei for their invitation.

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© André Bertel, Japan 2009