Thinking of Asai Sensei

Today, Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei would have turned 85.

 Recently, I have been reviewing all the kata that he introduced, most of which I learned directly from him. This is a process I regularly do, even though I only specialize in a handful of kata.

Today’s training was again focused on 雷光 (Raiko), which I have been　reviewing from my notes. I’m also working on the five 常行 (Joko) for my kihon, of which I was bestowed unique renditions.

 

I’m very thankful to Asai Sensei for his mentorship—and will continue to strive for improvement—as he encouraged me to do.

The journey continues... The memories give power.

押忍

André

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2020).

Multi-Dimensional 'Top Down" — Training Approach

Today my self-training was two hours long and dedicated to four kata: 鉄騎二段 (Tekki Nidan); 騎馬拳 (Kibaken); 二十四歩 (Nijushiho); and 雷光 (Raiko).

After that I went for a 5km mountain run to push my legs and stretch out.

 

My present focus is multi-dimensional, as I have so many things that I want to improve (to optimize skill development). The challenge, in this regard, is discernment; that is, to prioritize what is most important to work on, then practice with a ‘top down’ approach. I guess I should write more about this topic soon, as it might be useful...

Irrespective of style, organization, group I would like to use this post to wish you the very-best of happiness and health; furthermore, optimal training. Lastly, I’d like to send positive energy to my students, here in Japan, and around the world.

There are great things to come with our organization: 

国際空手道松濤館  IKS—International Karate Shotokan.

Osu, André

 © André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2020).

HOW TO ATTAIN DAN FROM IKS

I AM VERY STRICT ON THE TRANSFER OF DAN; THAT IS, THE ACCREDITATION OF AN I.K.S DAN DIPLOMA: VIA APPLICATION

This post will outline how to get DAN from INTERNATIONAL KARATE SHOTOKAN.

  

There are only two ways to do this: (1) By having a Japan recognized diploma; and/or (2) via personal contact. For example, someone who does not hold a Japan recognized diploma but is checked here at the dojo and their level is verified firsthand.

Without either of these, to attain Dan from the International Karate Shotokan, one must take a physical examination.

My reason for writing this is that literally dozens of people, over the last few months, have applied to transfer Dan—who do not have acceptable certification. I am by no means being nasty, but we cannot accept such diplomas for transfer: as it would undermine our group. Before sending an application and a copy of your Dan certificate please read on…

Examples of official recognized diplomas include those signed by Japan-based organizations and signed/stamped by world renown instructors. For example, if you have a JKA Diploma signed by Tanaka Masahiko Sensei, an IJKA Diploma signed by Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei, a Kase-Ha Diploma signed by Kase Taiji Sensei and so forth.

We do not accept Dan from the WKF, as these are decided by national federations; however, we do accept JKF (Japan Karatedo Federation) certification.

I hope this clarifies who is qualified to apply for IKS Dan Transfers.  To conclude, I’d like to say that the Dan system exists to verify standards; therefore and accordingly, without standards it has no meaning. One of the objectives of the International Karate Shotokan is to ‘return Shotokan standards to what they were’—before "...the mass pass rate became the norm".

If someone has a Dan rank from an official organization we will accept it; however, when they attempt their next Dan they will need to meet IKS standards to pass. For those who do pass, they will be individuals who really deserve their grade.

OSU, André 

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2020).

JIYU IPPON KUMITE – STAGES OF IKS TRAINING

I was recently asked about Jiyu Ippon Kumite in the 
国際空手道松濤館（International Karate Shotokan）

 So, I thought I would address this today. Before briefly describing the three stages implemented, I need to say that there are many other forms of Jiyu Ippon. Nevertheless, stage one to three, are the standard forms as established by my seniors; in particular, my late mentor Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei. Interestingly enough, no one else seems to be following this methodology, which sadly shows that the past knowledge is being erased. This is because of the predominance of sports karate.

押忍、André

STAGE 1 - 3: IKS JIYU IPPON KUMITE - "THE TRADITIONAL WAY"

STAGE ONE: The first time one must formally demonstrate Jiyu Ippon Kumite is when one attempts the examination for Nikyu (2nd kyu brown belt).

The focus at this stage is that the karateka forms a kamae and natural jiyu-dachi; furthermore, that they apply the fundamentals developed in Gohon Kumite and Kihon Ippon Kumite. What matters the most is firstly: “…the seamless connection between the freestyle position, and formal/classical technique and stance—then immediate return to the freestyle position” (Ref. - T. Asai). And secondly, strong kihaku (fighting spirit), kiai in both attack and counterattack, and vigilant zanshin (Ref. - M. Tanaka, N Iida, Y. Osaka).

The attacks (all of which are announced by the designated attacker) are: JODAN (Jodan oi-zuki), CHUDAN (Chudan oi-zuki), MAE-GERI (Chudan mae-geri keage), YOKO-KEKOMI (Chudan yoko-geri kekomi), CHUDAN MAWASHI-GERI or JODAN MAWASHI-GERI and USHIRO-GERI (Chudan ushiro-geri kekomi). At this stage it is recommend to mostly counter with gyaku-zuki in order to develop deeper skill levels: especially pertaining to the control of maai.

STAGE TWO: With the aspects of stage-one still being intensely worked on, as mentioned about counterattacks, it is now possible to diversify. However, (as in Kihon Ippon Kumite, to pass from 2nd to 1st Kyu) one must use the most effective technique (from precisely where they are) after receiving—blocking/parrying/covering—the attack. At this stage it is now possible to also use simultaneous uke and counterattack, deai-waza, and so forth.

Irrespective of the technique, spontaneity is imperative at this point with ever growing kihaku and zanshin. Stage two is the blood and bones of Jiyu Ippon Kumite training, which sets the stage for the rest of one’s future karate practice.

STAGE THREE: After achieving the Ikkyu one immediately faces the direct challenge of challenging Shodan: ‘The Beginners Step’—the first-degree black belt. This is where Jiyu Ippon Kumite truly becomes the bridge to Jiyu Kumite.

At this stage, the attack is still an oi-waza, however, it is not announced and can be anything which is effective.

To pass "...the Shodan is not only to defend, it is to attack effectively. One cannot pass if they do not try to down the opponent" (Ref. - T. Asai); hence, their choice of attack and attacking maai must be exact. Likewise, the defense and counter must be effective. In the case of attack, full contact is permitted; however, the counterattack must be perfectly controlled. A key point, in defense, is to really watch the opponent and to "not run away" (Ref. - T. Asai, M. Tanaka). One must be both decisive and courageous in this form of Jiyu Ippon Kumite. It is a real challenge!

A few other points... "The attacker may employ kenseiwaza (feints) before they attack; furthermore, if the defenders counterattack fails, the attacker is permitted to attack again" (Ref. - M. Nakayama).

Overall, this is ‘old school form of Jiyu Ippon Kumite’. 国際空手道松濤（International Karate Shotokan） follows this process of as it logically builds from Gohon and Kihon Ippon Kumite; then, bridges to Jiyu Kumite and Goshin Jutsu/Self-Defense. Otherwise, what is the point?  I would like to conclude by saying that the second and third forms of Jiyu Ippon Kumite are essential training—irrespective of grade and tenure in Karate. Of course, this also leads on to Oyo Kumite, but that is perhaps a topic for another day.

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2020).

Finally back in the Dojo

I did my first ‘OFFICIAL TRAINING’ in the dojo today, since the ‘Japan State of Emergency Declaration’. 

It was super to be back on the dojo floor; however, I decided to only do two hours in the dojo, and second training session was outdoors. My endurance level and strength has benefitted from the lockdown period as I spent more time working on power and endurance.

The dojo training consisted of Asai-ha Shotokan-ryu kihon-gata: Junro. Standard Shotokan kata: Hyakuhachiho (the old Suparinpei of Shotokan, which Asai Sensei called 'Hyakuhappo'). And koten-gata: Kibaken and Raiko. 

Kihon training was focused on elbow strikes and application of bodyweight combined with snap.

Needless to say, it was great to ‘officially’ be allowed back into the dojo today. I certainly have no doubt that I’ll feel it tomorrow!

Osu and positive energy from Japan. 

André

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2020).

QR CODE

 

For several months I have been asked to make an official QR code for my YOUTUBE CHANNEL; so, here it is finally.

For those who have asked over the last 12 months thank you very much for your patience. Also, for others, I hope that you share the code online and by other means when possible.

Views and comments on the video featured on the channel really drives the filming and/or release of new content. I look forward to reading your comments and ideas on YouTube.

All the very best from Kyushu, Japan.

押忍

André

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2020).

SEEKING PERFECTION

Stationary ren-zuki in zenkutsudachi: Jodan kizami-zuki kara chudan gyaku-zuki.

Today I enjoyed a nice outdoor self-training at 丹生神社
(Nyuu Jinja) here in Oita. The practice was standard Shotokan kihon and special calisthenics developed by Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei. This was followed by two foundational kata: 順路初段 (Junro Shodan) and 常行四勢 (Joko Yonsei); also, one of the koten-gata: 騎馬拳 (Kibaken).

It was a challenging session but, nonetheless, enjoyable. Especially given the increasingly warm weather. My next goals are in target and the road to achieve them—the next level of skill—is well under way! As the saying goes “Practice doesn’t make perfect, only perfect practice makes perfect”; accordingly, to optimalze our karate we need to "SEEK PERFECTION of real knowledge from high-quality mentors".

I wish you the absolute best health and excellent training.

Greetings from Japan!!!

押忍
André

The classical renzokuwaza combining the three main forms of ushiro-geri in Asai-ha Shotokan-Ryu.

'The last lap' at the end of today's training... Mae-geri until failure'. I don't practice like this so often, but it has its place, OSU!

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2020).

New video and more coming soon

Here is a new video on my YouTube Channel. It features past footage and some new stuff also.

Please check out the other videos on there if you want. You never know what you'll find. Also, there are some updates on the way! Here is a direct link to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9sLgH7TVz9zkLQ8okjxT4Q?view_as=subscriber

I hope this finds you and yours positive, healthy and active.

Osu, - André Bertel.

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2020).

Dojo Kun

Many people ask about the DOJO KUN. 

Irrespective of what one thinks about this topic, I believe that it requires fluency in Japanese (both speaking and reading) and also a deep understanding of the sociological and psychological aspects of Japan.

This is something I would like to talk about in the future. So far I have not seen sufficient explanations, as the Japanese level of foreigners attempting to do so, has been particularly poor.

The request for more sound explanations about the dojo-kun is a project that I intend to undertake at some stage. Until then, what are your thoughts on the dojo kun? Do you recite it at the end of your trainings and, if so, do you do it in Japanese or your native language?

Best regards, good health and spirits from central Oita City.
Andre

押忍

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2020).

GOLDEN WEEK IS STILL GOLD

Japan’s GOLDEN WEEK has begun and unlike any other year, it will certainly be different due to the current pandemic. While the dojo is still closed, until it reopens, I am continuing my daily training; albeit, in my home and, even more so, outdoors.

For those of you who have come to train at my dojo here in Oita City, you will know that besides daily dojo-keiko, I regularly practice at local jinja (shrines) and temples.



I’d really like to stress here that I have no personal interest in Buddhism nor in Shinto… Just to clarify, my reason for training in these places is threefold: Firstly—unless there is a festival or some other special event, very few people are about. Secondly, the traditional Japanese architecture (I am self-admitted geek about old structures and history). Thirdly, I love training in nature (and, for the most part, the temples and shrines are in places such as beautiful forests, next to rivers, and so forth).

Today I will not describe my training but, instead some photos.

This years Golden Week can still be gold for everyone if they have an open mind and keep up their normal routines as best they can. I have found that the current situation has actually been very good for my karate training. My hope is that you and your loved ones are positive, and keeping in good health. ―André

押忍

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2020).