New Zealand and Japan are our home countries, Mizuho & I have both lived in both nations extensively over the years, and both have been attacked by natural disasters in the last few weeks. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with our family and friends in Japan, and all of those suffering from this catastrophic chain of events.
The definition of ‘Kumite’ by the late Chief Instructor of the Japan Karate Association, Masatoshi Nakayama Sensei, is worthy of much reflection: “Kumite is a method in training in which the offensive and defensive techniques learned in the kata are given practical application. The opponents are face to face. The importance of kata to kumite cannot be overemphasized. If techniques are used unnaturally or in a forced way, posture will break down. And if the kata techniques become confused when applied, no improvement in kumite can be expected. In other words, improvement in kumite depends directly on moving in kata; the two go together like hand in glove. It is a mistake to emphasize one at the expense of the other. This is a point to be careful about when practicing kumite.” - MASATSOHI NAKAYAMA `BEST KARATE 3: KUMITE 1'.Nakayama Sensei goes on to explain three broad categories of kumite. I will continue to directly quote him here: “Basic kumite, jiyu ippon kumite and jiyu-kumite are three types of kumite.
Basic kumite
In this most elementary form of kumite, the opponents take a fixed distance from each other and the target is agreed on beforehand. They then alternately practice blocking and attacking. This may be done as a single block and attack–ippon kumite–or a series of five–gohon kumite. 
Jiyu ippon kumite
The late Minoru Miyata was my classmate and a colleague of mine since the founding of the Japan Karate Association. From his long years of experience, he held a clearly defined view of jiyu ippon kumite and jiyu kumite. Since he was a man who capabilities were highly evaluated by others and one whom I had very great confidence. I would like to quote him on this subject. The method of jiyu ippon kumite is this. Both men take a kamae freely at an optional distance. Announcing the area he is aiming for, the attacker attacks decisively. Against this the blocker freely uses techniques he has mastered and counterattacks at once. This is a training method; the purpose is to put into actual practice the techniques of offense and defence. This is jissen (actual fighting) kumite.” - MASATOSHI NAKAYAMA `BEST KARATE 3 - KUMITE 1'. Nakayama Sensei doesn't mention Kaeshi ippon kumite in 'Best Karate' but for those who do not practice Shotokan, I believe it is best defined (in brief) as "a form of Jiyu ippon kumite which develops `attacking zanshin".
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The earthquake has resulted in the Shirley Boys High School Gym to be 'red stickered' therefore the dojo will have to move. We will update you ASAP on this situation. Regardless, please keep up your self-training!
Bertel. Christchurch, New Zealand 2011.
Oi-zuki (chasing punch) is often referred to as the `lunge punch’. Oi-zuki along with the gyaku-zuki (reverse punch) and mae-geri (front kick) are the core offensive techniques in Shotokan style karate. Without the mastery and on-going `sharpening' of these foundational techniques, everything else is irrelevant. Oi-zuki is of particular importance as even in its most basic form develops fundamental koshi no kaiten (hip rotation) and tai no shinshuku (the compression and expansion of the body).
stance completion, hiki-te etc) is the most powerful method. However, timing 'the movement and the arm' is hardest to defend against. All types must be practiced and employed according to the situation.
© André Bertel. Christchurch, New Zealand 2011.
Aftershocks: Many people are now on edge facing the numerous aftershocks. Based on the last few months prior to this destructive event, these will probably go on for several more months. So please take care.
please email me at: andre.mizuho@hotmail.co.jp
The following are the correct command counts for the standard 25 JKA (Japan Karate Association) Shotokan kata. These are required for instructor examinations and should be precisely employed in group practice sessions when a count is being used (especially in the case of the 10 shitei-gata: the six fundamental forms and 'The Big Four'). Masatoshi Nakayama Sensei precisely revised the command count from that of Master Funakoshi based on his research for optimal skill development. It is my personal belief that rather than randomly following any count, and not being decisive, it is far more productive to follow system established by Nakayama Sensei. The count used in this way becomes an effective training tool - as it is meant to be, and when the kata are repeated without it, vastly helps with correct kankyu (rhythm) and the proper expression of techniques for maximum effect. Osu, André.
* Note - Jiin was removed by the Japan Karate Association, hence, reducing the standard Shotokan kata from 26 to 25. In many respects this is not surprising considering its similarities to Jion and sections of other kata; moreover, its scarcity - insofar as practice and "tokui-gata selection" are concerned.Nevertheless, it has been left here for those still practicing this formal exercise outside of the JKA. The other kata worth mentioning here is Hyakuhachiho (also known as Hyakuhappo and, more commonly, Suparinpei); however, I was never taught the exact command count of this kata.
My favourite aspect of karate is kata, in saying that, I am not a good `kata performer' in the competition sense, and never have been. My interest in kata since youth has purely been for jissen-kumite/self-defence. This mindset, in daily training, physically establishes a huge void between how karateka such as myself practice kata, and how the majority practice them...
winning karate".
The difference between BUNKAI & OYO: I've said this before and will say it again... "Bunkai is analysis, think of Nakayama Sensei's 'Best Karate' applications. These are not the actual practical applications but rather analyzing the movements for correct fundamental performance so the movements/positions are correct" (i.e. - like the Junro-shodan 'bunkai' featured in the photo). "This type of practice is useful when learning a respective kata for the very first time. It is NOT FOR ONGOING PRACTICE. Oyo on the other hand is practical 'application' for actual self-defence. Oyo makes is what makes every kata a lifelong challenge to master".
Asai. As a deshi of Asai Sensei, this will always remain as one of my core goals when passing on the kata of IJKA Shotokan-Ryu to others.
Here is my self-training regime updated. For those in Christchurch interested in private lessons, whilst the Honbu-dojo at CPIT and Tetsubukan dojo are closed (due to the earthquake), you are welcome at my home dojo. If interested, email your enquiries to: andre.mizuho@hotmail.co.jp.
nku-Dai. In addition to these, Tekki-Shodan, Kibaken, Asai-ha Unsu (Kumo no te) & Bassai-Sho remain high on my agenda.
On July 2nd & 3rd I'll be teaching Asai-ha Shotokan-ryu Karatedo clincs in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. These Technical Seminars are being hosted by Azlimmi Himzal Sensei and the Seiken Karatenomichi Academy.
