Back to the basics

Do you fully utilize your back muscles in your karate techniques? And are they strong enough to maximize your potential? In one of my June articles; 'The Optimum Karate Physique' (located here http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/06/optimal-karate-physique.html) I stated my belief that 'karate specific muscles' must be developed. Naturally, this is commonsense; however, it means nothing, unless we translate this into physical training.

Your back muscles (in particular latissimus dorsi), due to their enormous power, must be physically understood, and fully applied in your techniques. The best way to establish how much you use your back muscles (or any specific muscles or joints) is via isolation training. Here are some very simple examples:

Try various tsukiwaza (punching techniques), uchiwaza (striking techniques) and ukewaza (blocking techniques) with complete focus on your back muscles. Execute techniques, both into the air, and against a target. In this process, don’t forget to self-check (experiment) how your other muscles and joints function. Take particular note of your shoulders, chest and abdomen. After this I recommend focusing on your back muscles, and backbone, working collectively. I really recommend training mawashi-zuki and kake zuki in this practice, in addition to the typical straight punches, strikes, and fundamental ‘blocks’. I found mawashi-zuki to be particularly interesting, but I will leave that for you to discover if you haven't already!

My muscle training: Many people have emailed me (since the June article) asking what I do to train my body, and I can honestly say, that I only do karate. For years I have not done any serious weight training, and have relied on body weight exercises, kihon and kata (and to be honest, mostly kihon and kata). My target is 'karate efficiency' as opposed to 'looking nice'. As I stated in June, karate has given me some shape, and that is a byproduct I admit that I am happy about. I'd like to say here, that I'm sure any bodybuilder would have a good laugh, at my photo above (of my back muscles). But in saying that, the muscles I have developed are simply specific to maximize my impact power. I have no desire to have 'ripples' or increase my size.

To conclude this article I would like to mention that karateka, like other athletes, should regularly include isolation training in their regimes (both self-training and when/if they instruct others). This will maximize the potential of their own karate, and that of their students. Whether training your back or any other muscle or joint, isolation training enhances self-awareness, and self-awareness leads to greater physical control. This physical control is why going 'back to the basics' is a never ending process in ones training.

© André Bertel, Japan 2007

Air karate

Why practice techniques into thin air with power? Isn’t it more effective and safer to train techniques powerfully, when hitting a tangible target such as a makiwara, heavy bag, focus mitt, or impact shield? What then is the purpose of practicing blocks, punches, strikes, grappling techniques, and kicks with 'forced power' into open space (which I loosely refer to as ‘air karate’)? This question must readily be answered, especially by instructors, as so much training time is dedicated to ‘hitting the invisible man’. Instructors, who can’t decisively answer this question clearly have the ‘traditional blinkers’ on.

Here are some points to further illustrate my view:

(1) Air karate is not optimal training for self-defence, or ‘real confrontational’ training, and practical application. A quick glance readily establishes that kihon and kata ‘attacking the micro particles floating around in the bamboo dojo’ can never improve ma-ai (distancing) and ‘fight timing’.

(2) Air karate is highly limited, and certainly, a far from optimal means, of developing ‘impact power’. One should not forget that impact power is the nucleus of ‘budo’ karate! That is, ‘the single finishing blow’, is the trademark of the traditional styles.

(3) The majority of dojo training time (kihon and kata, which I would say takes up ‘at least 60%’ in most clubs. Most probably at least 80+% from my experience) is completely dedicated to ‘air karate’.

Going by the above points, I believe that there is a VERY STRONG CASE against air karate training, and orthodox karate itself, as a fighting art in the real world. It is seemingly a perfect example of self-contradiction. Therefore, we now have to establish “What is air karate training for?” This is especially important for instructors, who need to be able to honestly justify the training schedules they have their students follow.

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The Purpose of Air Karate: ‘Karate the Martial ART’
The purpose of 'air karate' is undoubtedly the ‘the perfection of form’. This form is most certainly related to combat, but is primarily a vehicle of ‘self-study’, no different to the study of classical ballet, or even the study of a musical instrument (my wife Mizu is a master pianist, and our approach to training is very similar). In defense of this truth, I can honestly say, that without this artistic core, I would have left karate years ago. No one can deny that the performance of acutely refined kihon, and kata, is undoubtedly what defines a karateka's level. Street fighting ability, and tournament kumite prowess, certainly does not. The ‘perfection' of movement IS "the purpose" of solo kata, and standard kihon training in karate.

Now here is my big question! If the ‘perfection of form’ is the aim of ‘air karate’, then why do people ‘force’ their techniques? Why don’t karateka, when practicing their techniques into thin air, execute them lightly and smoothly, seeking ‘frame by frame’ perfect technique? Because as I have established in this article “What more can hitting the air ideally achieve?” And if wanting to fire techniques out, with full speed and power, do so in a productive manner against a makiwara, bag, foam shield, mitts etc, where they can get immediate feedback, and develop fundamental effectiveness (impact power and good ma’ai). This approach to kata and kihon was what Asai Sensei was advocating, yet very few people ‘physically followed’. Instead they verbally agreed with Sensei, yet continued performing karate in the forced manner he opposed.

Really speaking, can someone achieve more, in the martial sense, when executing techniques into open-space with vigor, as opposed to a hitting something, or someone? Of course they can’t! It is merely what is demanded if one desires to win at competition level, or simply ‘show off their moves’. What’s more, executing ‘air karate’ techniques with forced power interferes with core balance, can detrimentally effect one’s ability to transfer power into a target, can put excessive stress on the main joints of the human body (whilst achieving next to nothing), can ‘shorten’/restrict techniques, and often gives a false 'feeling of power' (and accuracy), which can only be verified by hitting a tangible target. Just visualize a boxer shadow boxing. He does so with lightness, he doesn't punch strongly, he reserves his heavy punch training for the bag, or when seriously sparring/fighting in the ring.

SUMMARY
In my article titled ‘Half-way between the JKA and the Shotokai’ (click here to read: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/09/half-way-between-jka-and-shoto-kai.html) I mentioned that the Shotokai do not utilize conscious ‘muscular power’ in their kata and kihon, nor do they focus heavily on form. Alternatively the JKA greatly emphasize precise form and kime (focus/decisiveness), naturally resulting in a more ‘rigid’ execution of karate. I believe the Shotokai, in regards to not using power when doing ‘air karate’ training, is superior to the JKA approach (based on the points made in this article). Likewise, the precise form of JKA karate, is superior to that of the Shotokai. It is my belief that Asai Sensei’s karate is literally the link, or the happy medium, between these two ‘Shotokan ways’. I hope this article, via some constructive thought by you, the reader, can open your mind to Asai Sensei’s karate.

Next time you make a powerful technique when hitting thin air (kihon or kata), ask yourself these four questions: (1) “What am I achieving?”; (2) “Is this improving my fighting ability?”; (3) “Is this interfering with my ability to execute/enhance my utmost precise technical form?”; and (4) “Is this an optimal, and comparatively safe way, compared to other methods, to build karate specific strength, and fitness?”

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© André Bertel, Japan 2007

Day trip to Fukiji Temple

Today I drove to visit Fukiji Temple in Bungo Takada (Oita prefecture), which is the oldest wooden structure in Kyushu. This, and two other historic temples, have been designated as Japan's greatest national treasures.

Constructed around the 12th century, it is not hard to see why it has been given the highest status. So it was certainly worth the long drive to visit this historical monument!

I admittedly skipped my dojo training today, so from now I'll do some home practice, as I'm getting withdrawal symptoms. All the best to everyone, and a big "Osu" from Japan.

© André Bertel, Japan 2007

Past posts (22-42)

Here are the links to posts 22-42. For links to my first 21 articles, please click here: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/10/power-in-practis.html I'm currently working on new articles, however this has been restricted by my intensive training schedule. I've currently made some rather extreme technical advancements, which have required my undivided attention. As I have said many times before, improvement is the greatest motivator in karate, and must be experienced consistently throughout ones training.

These current discoveries have allowed me to surpass my 'peak' and get to the next stage, so I'm very excited. I'll certainly share some of these points with you, in the coming months.

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"Karate is neverending, if we stop advancing in our skill we are no longer worthy to be called karateka." - Asai Tetsuhiko

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Osu, Andre Bertel

ARTICLE LINKS (22-42)

Article 22: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/07/kihon-must-be-basic.html

Article 23: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/07/thanks-to-everyone.html

Article 24: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/07/oyo-jutsu-is-kata-effective-training.html

Article 25: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/07/italian-translation-of-interview.html

Article 26: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/07/relaxing-weekend-in-yufuin.html

Article 27: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/08/more-youtube-footage.html

Article 28: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/08/matsuri-in-japan.html

Article 29: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/08/how-to-become-swiss-army-knife.html

Article 30: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/08/more-footage-of-asai-sensei.html

Article 31: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/08/jiyu-kumite-must-be-specific.html

Article 32: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/08/some-kyogi-kumite-clips-of-me-on.html

Article 33: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/08/bunkai-centric-training.html

Article 34: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/08/tetsuhiko-asai-legendary-karate-master.html

Article 35: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/08/asai-sensei-professional-artist.html

Article 36: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/08/on-this-very-day-august-15th-last-year.html

Article 37: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/08/memorial-training-for-asai-sensei.html

Article 38: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/08/five-months-today.html

Article 39: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/09/blog-name-change.html

Article 40: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/09/jikan-ga-tobuyoni-sugiru.html

Article 41: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/09/anniversary.html

Article 42: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/09/half-way-between-jka-and-shoto-kai.html

© André Bertel, Japan 2007

Past posts (1-21)

As a result of my busy schedule at present (karate-wise), I have been unable to finish several articles in the works. So I thought I'd post some links to all of the past 42 posts. If you haven't read through them, if interested, please do so.

For those waiting for my next article, I'm sorry for the delay, but training is my prority, and I promise that I will upload more ASAP. With over 100,000 visits (to this blog) in just a few months I'm over the moon, "Flying from the Tokyo tower", as Asai Sensei once said to my wife in Shinbashi.

I am particulary excited about all the invitations I have recieved to take seminars, and look forward to meeting many new friends.

Happy training, OSU! Andre Bertel

ARTICLE LINKS (1-21)

Article 1: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/06/back-in-japan.html

Article 2: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/06/im-wazari-down.html

Article 3: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/06/flash-back-to-my-2004-interview-with.html

Article 4: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/06/dan-ranks-im-6th-dan-so-i-must-be-good.html

Article 5: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/06/im-karate-champion.html

Article 6: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/06/here-is-another-article-i-originally.html

Article 7: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/06/odaiba-sidetrack.html

Article 8: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/06/here-is-second-interview-i-conducted.html

Article 9: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/06/asai-ryuha-kata.html

Article 10: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/06/my-current-training-routine.html

Article 11: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/06/from-hardness-to-complete-softness.html

Article 12: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/06/kampai.html

Article 13: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/06/media.html

Article 14: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/06/optimal-karate-physique.html

Article 15: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/07/mental-discipline.html

Article 16: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/07/learning-is-not-perfecting.html

Article 17: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/07/gohon-kumite.html

Article 18: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/07/seiryu.html

Article 19: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/07/jka-re-united.html

Article 20: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/07/my-dojo-entrance-exam-for-children.html

Article 21: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/07/asai-senseis-final-interview.html

© André Bertel, Japan 2007

Six Month Anniversary in Japan

It is hard to believe that exactly six months ago today, we arrived back here!

I'll therefore leave you with a picture, of beautiful Fuji San, before I depart for the appropriate celebrations.

Kampai,

Andre

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© André Bertel, Japan 2007

Fake karate certificates: how to distinguish fradulent karate diplomas

The fake certificate sent to me (compare to Asai Sensei's writing below).

I've republished this article, which I originally posted in 2007, as in 2013 I joined the JKA (Japan Karate Association). Accordingly, I’ve done this to avoid confusing my readers (via adding this introduction). It is important to note that in 2007 I’d already been out of the Japan Karate Shotorenmei (JKS) for a year. You will notice that I’ve also reposted the article on the same date—as it was originally posted—to avoid any possibility of confusion. Furthermore, I have cropped the photo down, of me holding the false certificate, to avoid people from using the image in a negative manner.

Lastly, I have added the image of my `second Godan certificate’ from Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei… I have done this because he gave me two 5^th Dan diplomas. One being the standard one with the gold seal (this was not in the original article), and the second certificate, which is in his own handwriting. This better serves the purpose of the original article; that is, “…to show what authentic certification of Asai Sensei looks like in comparison to a fake”. Moreover, to emphasise that karate, and the martial arts world in general, is full of false qualifications; nonetheless, there is a comprehensive means to identify fraudulent diplomas, and fraudulent instructors. – André Bertel (August 4th, 2014).

Here is an authentic diploma from Asai Sensei. It is blatantly clear that the certificate shown above this one is fake.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: `FALSE CERTIFICATES’ (2007)

Last year I formally resigned from the JKS (Japan Karate Shotorenmei); however, not long after my resignation I was sent a dodgy certificate from an individual who is planning to start their own Asai Karate organisation (and wishes me to be involved). Needless to say, in the context of karate, I immediately lost all respect for this person.

The certificate is obviously fraudulent—by a quick glance—when one looks at the writing and signature (when comparing the writing to my JKS 5^th Dan certificate handwritten by Asai Shihan).

My informal experiment: For interest sake, as a fun experiment (prior to moving back to Japan), I decided to check if my senior students in New Zealand would immediately detect that the certificate was indeed fake. My notion was that, as senior karateka—who have personally acquired grades from Asai Sensei—they would easily recognise that the certificate was bogus. I framed the cert nicely and put it next to one of my authentic diplomas, which as you can see has Asai Sensei’s calligraphy. However, to my shock, my senior students all failed to notice that the certificate was fake!!! When I told them they were very surprised…

I’d like to use this point to elucidate that false certification is rampant in the karate world, and martial arts world in general; moreover, even highly experienced dan graded karateka outside of Japan, are tricked by such certification.

 In sum, fake certificates are prevalent in karate and the martial arts, it is sad but a reality. If a certificate is presented to you, or you can see it, the chances are that you wont be able to establish its authenticity (as based on my little experiment even my senior students, who knew Asai Sensei personally, couldn’t). Osu, André Bertel.

I have added this diploma to supplement the original article. Please note Sensei's signature (in Kanji) in comparison to the fake certificate. 

© André Bertel, Japan 2007.

Jikan ga tobuyoni sugiru...

'Jikan ga tobuyoni sugiru' literally translates into English as 'time goes so fast'. Amazingly, this coming Wednesday, September 26th, we have already been living in Japan for six months! Finally, here is my current training regime as promised (I was unable to change my routine any sooner, as I uncovered several faults I was compelled to address, before moving on):

KIHON
This month I'm having a break from my typical static work and focusing exclusively on ido-kihon. My routine is as follows: (1) Oi zuki or sanbon zuki; (2) Mae geri kara chudan oi zuki; (3) Dentotekina mawashi geri; (4) Ushiro geri; (5) Yoko keage ashi o kaete yoko kekomi; (6) Gedan barai kara chudan gyaku zuki; (7) Jodan age uke kara chudan gyaku zuki; (8) Chudan soto uke kara chudan gyaku zuki; (9) Chudan uchi uke kara chudan gyaku zuki; and (10) Chudan shuto uke. SELF-CHECK POINTS: Wind ups for all uke-waza and uchi-waza; hiki-te and tight elbows in punches; and hiki-ashi/large scale chambering in keriwaza; Also the two major variations of chudan shuto uke (experimentation). REPETITIONS: With the exception of shuto uke/kokutsu dachi (which I am spending ample time on), my repetitions of techniques in ido-kihon are relatively low this month. I'm typically doing 8-10 repetitions with each technique as a warm up (self-check with the 'big eye' magnifying glass) then blasting out approximately around the same number with snap.

KATA
My current focus includes Sochin, Nijushiho, Jion and the Joko series. I am utilizing Sochin and Jion to develop 'insertion of power' and smooth transitions. Nijushiho, I'm using for kumite training (oyo/application work). And I am using the Joko series to enhance my junansei (softness) in general.

KUMITE
In addition to Nijushiho kumite no bunkai, my aim is to 'hopefully' apply the principles I am working on in my kihon and kata. Perhaps this is commonsense, however all too often my physical training (kihon, kata and kumite) does not co-ordinate in the way I plan. So this is a target in my next few weeks of kumite training.

Keizoku wa chikara nari!
OSU, Andre

© André Bertel, Japan 2007

Blog name change

Naturally there are a lot of references to Asai sensei on this website, including private lessons, interviews, and other experiences I had with him (and much more to come!). In saying that, the core objective of this blog is MY ONGOING SELF-TRAINING. This blog is not an ‘Asai Tetsuhiko worship site’, but rather a means of sharing my karate experiences with you (past and present). Obviously the biggest external influence, on my advanced development; was from Asai Sensei, which is naturally of interest, to many people around the world. These training experiences continue to help me, as I technically evolve through my daily practice. To clarify the blogs emphasis on my own karate training, (namely my own perception and physical understanding) I’ve changed its name to www.andrebertel.blogspot.com as opposed to calling it "asaikarate", as this better represents this site, and establishes proactivity, as opposed to stagnation. Regardless of who you are, who you have studied under, and your 'percieved' achievements, YOUR KARATE is your own, therefore, all that matters is the quality, and intensity, of your own training.

The purpose of my blog

The nucleus of this blog is threefold, but best summed up by one word... “Training” (Training = blood, sweat, physical pain, the satisfaction of improvement, and the ability to apply ones karate, under extreme pressure - that is, in a dangerous altercation)... Here are the three main objectives of this site:

(1) Sharing my 25+ years of karate, namely the foundational ‘JKA Shotokan style’. That is, my 'physical training', and the discoveries I make (or have made) via my daily practice, here in Kyushu, Japan.

(2) Sharing my training experiences under the direct guidance of the Tetsuhiko Asai Sensei, and the seamless incorporation of Asai-ryuha, into ones Shotokan training. Essentially this is my physical translation of what Sensei taught me. As Asai Sensei sadly passed away, this blog is appropriately dedicated to his memory (hence the original name of the blog).

(3) The incorporation of other training methods, ideas etc.., from other sources, which help me to improve my skills as a karateka/budoka. This was the constant advice of Asai Sensei. He didn’t want people to become ‘clones of himself’. Asai Sensei hated to copy others, therefore he stole from all sources, then created his own way, which best suited his physique and unique attributes. This is the only means, by which individuals can achieve greatness, in any field, karate included. Sadly, as many organisations aim to control their members and keep their wallets fat, this is usually not encouraged.

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(4) Seperate from my core objectives, but crucial to mention: I have a non-political stance, therefore, this blog is for anyone interested in my karate experiences, regardless of style, organization, martial art etc. Even if you are not a practising martial artist, welcome! Hopefully my blog is an OK read for you!

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Here's official letter, to those on my blogs mail list: (PS - If you want to become a member of the email list -it's 100% free, please drop me a line at andre.mizuho@hotmail.co.jp and your address will be added).

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TO ALL THE SUPPORTERS OF MY BLOG:

Firstly, thanks you very much! The hundreds of emails, letters, and even some phone calls I have recieved, have been nothing less than fantastic. It's wonderful to know that people all around the world have been enjoying, and learning, from this little room on the web. I want people to steal my ideas, even better, improve them, or alter them, to more efficiently achieve their own training targets. Whether one is a complete beginner or senior instructor, I'd like to share what I have learned, and what I'm currently working on, with you. Likewise, I would like to hear your positive and negative feedback! As you all know, karate is a daily 'work-in-process' for me.

The address of my blog has been changed to wrestle an issue, which has been out of my control. I originally named the site "Asai Karate", however, many people have seemingly taken the site, as a 'worship alter', for Asai Sensei. Of course, the site is dedicated to the memory of my late teacher, Asai Tetsuhiko, and the preservation of what he taught me. However, it is also dedicated to the foundation (the karate of the unified JKA), which forms the base of what we now refer to as Shotokan. Without this solid base, Asai Sensei's karate is impossible to 'effectively' learn from, and likewise, self-innovation is clearly counterproductive. This base can only come from the 'large repetitions' of precise traditional kihon. This training never ends, regardless of age, dan rank, and position.

The concrete base of my karate, is that of the JKA; the advanced training I recieved from Asai Sensei is the marble floors, perhaps with a little bit of 'gold mix'; and the house is "what I'm building by myself". Just being a member of an organisation, or student of famous instructor, can not build your house for you! Only by proactively using the material they have provided, can you begin to build your house, and even then, you still need to source materials from elsewhere. Only through your own blood, sweat, and hardship in general, can you achieve a high technical level in karate. That is the ongoing target of my training, and all others who are true karateka.

Therefore the new address of my site is as follows: http://www.andrebertel.blogspot.com/

Again, thanks to all of you for your kind support. I don't claim to be 100% right, but are trying my best via my strict physical training. Where my knowledge and ability fails me, I attempt to make up for it, on the dojo floor. If I maintain this physical commitment to my karate, I know I will continue to improve. This 'seeking of technical perfection' to me, is what completely defines karate-do. Without training fiercely, with this determined mentality, we have nothing more than an image.

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I wish you the very best on your karate journey, OSU!

Andre

© André Bertel, Japan 2007

Five months today!

Oh yes... And I was just reminded by Mizuho that we've been back in Japan for five months today! Doesn't time fly! A quick hello, big "osu", and thumbs up to all my karate students and friends in New Zealand (and around the world). I hope you are all enjoying the blog ;-)

Just remember, there are now 38 posts/articles on here, so be sure to have a look through them all! I sincerely hope that this little site helps you, on your karate journey.

Happy training everyone!
OSU,
Andre

P.S - I've taken the weekend off training, to soak up some Kyushu sun, and get some long awaited R'n'R. In saying that I will certainly do some stretching to loosen up. My self-training schedule will be changing this Saturday (September 1st), so when time permits, I will update you with my new 'core regime', in the coming week.

© André Bertel, Japan 2007