Understanding

This week I have increased the intensity of my training to a higher level. I'm very pleased about this as my body has had to adjust from the New Zealand winter to the Japan summer... Moreover, I had a major injury in New Zealand just before travelling to Japan. My ankle was nearly broken; nevertheless, the injury while still uncomfortable is finally recovering.

Injuries are excuses not to train... But we can always work around them. I never stop training because of an injury: nor should anyone.

Anyway here are some photos and stills from my self-training today. It was a tough training but very enjoyable. I am so humbled by all of my flaws... I have to push myself harder... So much to work on.

Understanding karate is not understanding karate.

Kindest regards from Aso-shi, Kumamoto.
André

 

 

© André Bertel. Aso-shi, Kumamoto. Japan (2013).

A change from Gankaku to Sochin...

While my aforementioned training regime continues I have altered my kata training. While I am still working on Bassai-sho, I have switched Gankaku with Sochin; furthermore, I’ve added a random kata every practice to spice things up a little. However, unlike Sochin and Bassai-sho, I’m only doing this additional kata twice—once walking through it and once at regular speed. Today, the kata was Heian-shodan to complement Sochin insofar as waza no kankyu and chikara no kyojaku are concerned.
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My (technical) rationale behind this has been to focus more vigorously on my hand/body shifting timing. Whilst this could obviously be done with Gankaku, for me, Sochin is a kata which I find particularly challenging: so I decided to further push myself by utilising it.

Gojushiho-Sho... Todays additional kata. `Natural hip position'...

Karate-Do is always a humbling experience as while we develop, more glitches appear… For me this is a greatest motivation and presents a massive opportunity. This opportunity, if harnessed well, can not only lead to increased technical development but also to foster humility and inner strength.

While I never expect to achieve `good karate’ the dream of achieving this target remains; moreover, as I improve my character through training—and this comes out in my daily life—I further understand what Karate-Do is.  

Sometimes facing one’s own weaknesses can be done by simply choosing a kata, which doesn’t suit oneself; what is more, this can transcend the physical benefits of making such decisions.

Kindest regards and best wishes from Japan, André.

Relaxing with Ryan in Oita: Sept. 8th, 2013.

© André Bertel. Aso-shi, Kumamoto. Japan (2013).

My updated self-training regime

Here is my updated training regime. While my karate is not so good, I am constantly seeking to improve it - and of course - diligent training is the only way!

On the news front, I am looking forward to meeting up with a couple of very well-known instructors in the coming month... More about this later...

All the very best from Aso-shi, Kumamoto-ken, Japan.

Osu, André

KIHON

Stationary kihon –

1. Chudan choku-zuki (Hachinoji-dachi de tate-shuto no kamae); 2. Chudan jun-zuki (Hachinoji-dachi de tate-shuto no kamae: alternately advancing into zenkutsu-dachi then return to hachinoji-dachi); 3/4. Jodan kizami-zuki kara chudan gyaku-zuki (Hidari to migi zenkutsu-dachi de gyaku-zuki no kamae); 5. Chudan mae-geri (Heisoku-dachi de gedan kakiwake no kamae); 6/7. Chudan mae-geri (Hidari to migi zenkutsu-dachi de gedan kakiwake no kamae); & 8. Chudan yoko-keage (Heisoku-dachi de gedan kakiwake no kamae).

·        30-50 repetitions of each (not including a slow warm-up of 10 repetitions).

 Ido-kihon –

1. Chudan jun-zuki; 2. Sambon ren-zuki; 3. Mae-geri kara jun-zuki; 4. Yoko-kekomi kara gyaku-zuki; 5. Mawashi-geri kara gyaku-zuki; 6. Yoko-keage ashi o kaete yoko-kekomi; 7. Ippo sagatte jodan age-uke kara mawashi-geri, yoko uraken-uchi soshite chudan jun-zuki; 8. Chudan soto-uke kara yoko-empi, yoko uraken-uchi soshite gyaku-zuki; 9. Chudan uchi-uke (kokutsu-dachi) kara kizami-zuki soshite gyaku-zuki; 10. Chudan shuto-uke (kokutsu-dachi) kara kizami mae-geri soshite shihon nukite; 11. Ippo sagatte gedan braai kara chudan jun-zuki soshite chudan jun-zuki; & 12. Renzoku-geri: Mae-geri kara yoko-kekomi, mawashi-geri soshite gyaku-zuki.

·        20-30 repetitions of each (not including a slow warm-up of 5-10 repetitions).

·        Please note: the stance in ido-kihon is zenkutsu-dachi unless otherwise noted.

 

KUMITE

Uchikomi practice: In addition to the `standard waza’ this month I am focusing on `legs followed by hands’ i.e. – mawashi-geri kara gyaku-zuki; mae-geri kara jun-zuki etcetera. My emphasis is on attacking with a strong penetrating keriwaza (with high knee action and full body power/body weight committed) then mixing up the timing my hand attacks. For example, landing the punches `kihon style’ with stance completion; before landing; and after landing—with a defence being focused during my kicking attacks (i.e. – as in kaeshi ippon kumite).

·        30 times for each variation at maximum speed; varying timing between each rep.

KATA

Bassai-Sho & Gankaku
 

·        Eight repetitions of each (alternately slow then fast) changing direction each time i.e. two times to the north, then south, east and west.

·        Primarily focusing on relaxation `on the launch’ of techniques and full use of the hips.

·        Secondly, on moderation of tachikata.

© André Bertel. Kumamoto, Japan (2013).

 

 

 

 

Mushi atsui desu ne...

Following are some pictures from my self-training today. I won't go into detail as I am too busy, but all I can say is that it was "defined" by sweat, blisters and the extreme `mushi atsui' aspect of the Japan summer; nevertheless, since I have been coming to Japan since 1993 for training, also living here in the past, thankfully, I am very accustomed to it.

Anyway, my target besides my own technical development is to help others in karate, and also benefit the young people of Japan - to build their jisshin and waza.

Thanks to everyone from around the world for you messages. I really appreciate it! OSU, André

© André Bertel. Aso-shi, Kumamoto-ken, Japan (2013).

BACK IN JAPAN

We arrived back in Japan on the 4th of August. Since then, besides work/meetings, my own daily karatedo training, and unpacking/re-setting-up in general, I have been too busy to make any posts...

Nevertheless, once settled, in the coming week or so, things will be up and running. Kindest regards and all the very best from Kyushu!

 

Osu, André 

© André Bertel. Kumamoto-ken, Japan (2013).

University Profile

Some of you will know that I recently graduated from the University of Canterbury. In this regard, one of the questions I've often received from karateka around the world has been "What are you studying?"

 

To answer that question, here is a link to a profile, the university did on me, for their website:

http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/profiles/students/andre_bertel.shtml

 

Kindest regards, André

 

© André Bertel. Japan (2013).

Christchurch Seminar 2013: Video & Pics

Lyall Stone Sensei (JKA Christchurch) and Mark Waters Sensei (JKA Auckland) duelling with great "kihaku"

Here are some pictures and a video from my seminar held in Christchurch (New Zealand) on the 27^th and 28^th of July, 2013. Please scroll down to the bottom of the page for the video. The entire course was hosted and sponsored by Lyall Stone Sensei–chief instructor of JKA Christchurch. I really appreciate Lyall Sensei for this, the members of JKA Christchurch and those who travelled to attend this seminar; moreover, I hope it was beneficial for your karate-do. For those who attended, please post some comments on youtube video if you want.

For those interested in learning authentic Shotokan karate in Christchurch, please click on the following URL: http://www.jkachristchurch.blogspot.co.nz/.

Kindest regards to everyone. Osu, André

© André Bertel. Christchurch, New Zealand (2013).

Reece & Anthony: partner training of gyaku-zuki.

Leo Pintos Sensei (Sydney, Australia) and Andrew Makin Sensei (JKA CHCH) demonstrating ashi-uke with tai-sabaki.

Lyall Sensei's mae-geri verses soto ashi-uke.

Taoshiwaza

Kaiten uraken: a tradition developed by Asai Sensei and favourited by Yahara Mikio Sensei.

Rebecca Hann Sensei (Brisbane, Australia) & Jenny Nixey Sensei (Palmerston North, NZ) engage in Kihon ippon kumite.

Lyall Sensei's mae-geri; correct positioning for optimal technique--mastery of the `chushin' and core line of execution.

"Natural" kokutsu-dachi chudan shuto-uke (Bassai-Dai Kata).

Tate empi-uchi (tate hiji ate); relaxed shoulders and big hip action.

Gyaku zuki: checking koshi no kaiten, tai no shinshuku and junansei to achieve a single finishing blow.

Jodan yoko-kekomi: the drive of the supporting leg and natural application of the jiku-ashi.

NEW ZEALAND 2013 SEMINAR VIDEO:

  

Seminar this weekend

André Bertel executes henka mawashi-geri on Lyall Stone Sensei at JKA's Christchurch branch (21 July 2013). 

André Bertel – 2013 New Zealand  Karate Technical Seminar

·         SATURDAY 27^th of JULY: 1pm – 5pm.

·         SUNDAY 28^th of JULY: 9am – 1pm

Venue: CPIT Gym, Christchurch New Zealand (JKA Christchurch Branch).

Hosted by JKA Christchurch - however open to all karateka irrespective of organisation. To book your place email: andrebertelono@gmail.com

  or call (021) 0285-5805.

 

Present training regime

The karatedo—university connection: Karate-wise I am now lifting up my training after completing my degree at the University of Canterbury. Wrapping my degree with top grades—all A+’s—can be attributed to the discipline of karatedo and great lecturers; in particular Dr David Small.

Free from academia: Now, finally free from study, here is my current training regime, which I failed to upload since I started it a while back (due to my academic workload). Karate continued during this busy time, but my posts lessoned and admittedly thinned out. Needless to say, the grades were worth it and, as always, since I started this webpage, training always takes priority over blogging. I sincerely hope this post finds you happy and healthy. Osu, André

PS – For those of you who haven’t booked my seminar is on the 27^th and 28^th of July. It is an open course. Here is the link: http://andrebertel.blogspot.co.nz/2013/06/christchurch-new-zealand-seminar-2013.html To book please email me at: andrebertelono@gmail.com

 

CURRENT TRAINING REGIME

Kihon –
1. Jodan kizami-zuki kara sanbon-zuki (zenkutsu-dachi); 2. Ippo sagatte jodan age-uke kara mawashi-geri, yoko uraken-uchi soshite chudan oi-zuki (zenkutsu-dachi); 3. Gedan juji-uke (zenkutsu-dachi); 4. Chudan morote-uke (zenkutsu-dachi); 5. Chudan morote-uke (kokutsu-dachi); 6. Gedan-barai doji ni sokumen jodan uchi-uke (kokutsu-dachi); 7. Chudan shuto-uke (kokutsu-dachi) kara nukite (zenkutsu-dachi); 8. Chudan uchi-uke (kokutsu-dachi) kara kizami-zuki soshite gyaku-zuki (zenkutsu-dachi); 9. Yoko-keage doji ni yoko uraken–uchi soshite empi-uchi (zenkutsu-dachi); 10. Sonoba ren-geri: mae-geri kara yoko-kekomi soshite ushiro-geri.

Kata –

Revision of the five Heian kata and Tekki-shodan; also two jiyu-gata.

Kumite –

Revision of jiyu-ippon kumite and continued practice of uchikomi.

* Reps of kihon, kata and kumite depend on my emphasis each day within this schedule.

© André Bertel. Christchurch, New Zealand (2013).

Sixth Anniversary of this site

June 20th marked the sixth anniversary since I started this blog.

 

The blog has outlined my daily efforts to one day have good karate, a goal that I hope to get closer to each day. Irrespective of achieving this aim, I will continue trying my best; moreover, developing as a human being. I think "this is Karate-Do".

 

I wish everyone the very best in their training, good health and happiness. Osu, André

 

PS - By the way, do check out the Japan Karate Association of Christchurch webpage for the recent training under JKANZ Chief Instructor Zel Sensei. It was wonderful to have Zel Sensei here for the development of JKA Shotokan in Christchurch and the South Island: http://www.jkachristchurch.blogspot.co.nz/2013/07/zel-unkovich-sensei-class-at.html

 

  © André Bertel. Christchurch, New Zealand (2013).