By request, here is a brief rundown on what I'm currently doing in my self training.
Kihon:
I’m
currently focused on the new Dan Examination Kihon. The focus of these
kihonwaza are not only for testing examinees but, actually to really increase
their skill level. This new approach and system is already causing positive
effects. Coming from an education background, I majored in education at the University of
Canterbury, I wanted the syllabus to primarily be a mechanism for martial arts
technical development and increased effectiveness: not just a set of
moves/combinations that one needs to pass tests. In sum, I want karateka to be
the best they can be, and the new kihon syllabus actively functions to do this (in the preparation for tests and throughout one's karate lifespan).
Kata:
I’m
currently going through all 65 of our official kata. Rather than exhaust you
with the details, yesterday was Junro Shodan (—I will possibly write more about this very soon), Bassai Dai, Gankaku, Chinte, and Raiko. Today was Junro Nidan, Hangetsu, Enpi, Bassai Sho and Nijushiho. My training focus, in all kata, is always
from my late Sensei’s advice; and accordingly, at present, mainly
‘technical/application—initiation’ is the top priority of my kata practice. Later in Halle, Deutschland this year, I
will unveil a higher level of karate from Sensei, and in 2020 and beyond, this
will expand further. Kata is at the soul of this process as it serves to
transmit critical martial arts knowledge from the past. That being said, kata is useless unless it directly enhances one's self-defence capacity.
Kumite:
Like
kata, I’m presently reviewing all the forms Kumite training. Decisively
understanding and properly all forms of Kumite training is imperative to
maximize training time. Today I worked on advanced Kihon ippon and Jiyu ippon
Kumite. These forms of training underpin the core 'basics' of maximum power
transfer—foundationally speaking. Kihon Ippon and Jiyu Ippon work together to achieve this target, therefore, are
essential elements of optimal karate training.
Away from this broad daytime practice, my current socho-geiko (morning training) is still, of course, ‘specializing’ (tokuiwaza, tokuigata etc...) as usual.
Greetings
from Sakura covered Japan.
André
© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2019).
Tyler Higo (Yondan) from Canada, and a member of of Shototakuhirokan, came and completed a private lesson with me here today.
