Andre Bertel's Karate-Do
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This site is based on the author's daily practice of traditional Shotokan karate-do. He is a member of the JKA (Japan Karate Association) based in Oita City, Japan. More than anything else, unlike the majority of other karate-do websites, this page is primarily dedicated to training itself; that is, Karate-Do as a vehicle for holistic development.
Andre Bertel's Karate-Do
2d ago
I was asked to define the difference between Sports Karate kumite techniques and Budo Karate kumite techniques; that is, traditional karate. Accordingly, I will address this question today.
To begin with I need to state: “Yes! There are numerous differences between 武道空手(Budo Karate) and スポーツ空手 (Sports Karate) kumite techniques.
I will simply list the first five—off the top of my head—which were (and continue to be) drilled into me by my mentors: since I first came here to Japan in 1993.
Firstly, the objective of sports karate kumite technique is to defeat the opponent by ..read more
Andre Bertel's Karate-Do
5d ago
The Halle Dojo Committee has cancelled the seminar in June; consequently, now, my only seminar in Europe in 2024 will be Freital, Germany, in September.
Here is the official poster for the 2024 FREITAL, GERMANY SEMINAR in both German and English.
押忍!!
© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024 ..read more
Andre Bertel's Karate-Do
1w ago
One young Japanese Nidan asked me “How can I become a world class karateka?” While one could give an exhaustive answer, I thought to focus on a single point in isolation:
"DOING HOMEWORK OUTSIDE OF DOJO TRAINING!"
"Practice must not be limited to the dojo". -- "The world is my dojo!" (T.Asai).
That is, practicing and refining what you’ve been doing in your Dojo Training. This type of ‘training’ can range from a very brief mini sessions, less than a minute, to a session that exceeds class times. Likewise, it can be in a dojo or anywhere for that matter, in a dog ..read more
Andre Bertel's Karate-Do
2w ago
This YouTube video is a "subtle reminder" for the following karateka from Deutschland, Stephan (4th Dan), Peer (4th Dan), Axel (4th Dan) and Andy (3rd Dan): all of whom came here to Oita as IKS RENSHUSEI on March 4th, 5th and 6th of 2024.
This video is primarily to remind them of the key points. I was very happy to see their technical development over the three days of training here in the dojo.
In particular, linking KIHON, KATA and KUMITE to achieve the TRADITIONAL WAZA/OYO.
During the training, the basis of Kihon and Kumite training were primarily (by request) Hangetsu, Jion and Kakuyoku ..read more
Andre Bertel's Karate-Do
2w ago
Axel, Stephan, Peer and Andy came as Renshusei here in Oita City. Axel and Peer came, before, so this was Andy and Stephan's first time.
The experience of Renshusei is very special.
IKS = TRADITIONAL
It models the private training I received from Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei, which follows Nakayama Masatoshi Sensei and Funakoshi Gichin Sensei.
I want to congratulate Stephan, Peer, Axel and Andy on completing their training here. Big respect to all of you. OSU!!
© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024 ..read more
Andre Bertel's Karate-Do
3w ago
On February 17th and 18th I taught a Seminar on the Kapiti Coast, in the North Island of New Zealand. The event was conceptualized, organized and hosted by Allan Youl Sensei (3rd Dan) and his organization, KKA Karate Academy. Here is a link to their official website:
www.kka.co.nz
On a personal note…The last time I was in that region of the country, I was competing there, which was all the way back in 1993, which was also the year when I first went to went to Japan to train. Thus, my beginnings with Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei. So it was a full circle, so to speak.
This seminar also ma ..read more
Andre Bertel's Karate-Do
1M ago
On February 10th and 11th, I conducted a Technical Seminar in Christchurch City, New Zealand, which so happens to be my hometown.
The course was an exclusive event, which only a small number of places available, making it very personal. It’s been five years since I’ve taught in New Zealand, so it was a chance for me to review a lot of past content—already taught elsewhere around the world—and also pass on some new material: not properly taught outside Japan before (in a budo/bujutsu context). The chief organizer, Peter Burtenshaw Sensei (5th Dan) was nothing less than an excellent host ..read more
Andre Bertel's Karate-Do
1M ago
Continuing on from my last article brief article on Japanese culture, relevant to the practice of Karate, 恩 ‘On’, today I’ll explain 義理 ‘Giri’ (Social Obligation). Once again, I’ll begin in 日本語 (Japanese language) followed by English.
義理 (Giri)
「義理」とは、自分がある特別な関係にある人々に対して果たさなければならない義務のようなものです。人間関係において義理は、恩に報いることを必要とします。たとえば、援助してくれた人や恩恵を施してくれた人に、その返礼をしなければならないのです。
封建時代には、武士にとっての義理とは、主君から与えられる領地や家禄といった恩恵に対し、自分の命を捨てても主君に仕えるということでした。現在でも、義理固いということは、その人の人間性が頼に値することを示します。
義理を欠けば、他人の信用や支持が得られなくなるのです。
The term ‘Giri refers to the obligation to act in rela ..read more
Andre Bertel's Karate-Do
2M ago
Today, being the first day of February, rather than write an article I thought to simply post some images from my daily self-training. Today's practice comprised of the IKS Shodan Ido-Kihon; Tekki Shodan, Hangetsu, Raiko and Maizuru Kata; and Kumite (Uchikomi): Jodan kizami-zuki kara jodan gyaku-zuki.
The Japanese kotowaza (proverb) I used to title this post: 花より団子 (Hana yori dango) literally means "Dumplings rather than flowers".
Its meaning is "TO PREFER FUNCTION OVER FORM" as in to prefer to be given functional, useful items (such as dumplings) instead of merely decorative items (su ..read more
Andre Bertel's Karate-Do
2M ago
Here is my current self-training regime, which began on January 1st. I have not included my stationary kihon nor conditioning work, as it has been inconsistent/random each day. Greetings and best wishes from Oita City, Japan. OSU!!! - AB.
移動基本 (IDO-KIHON)
• The stance is 前屈立ち (Zenkutsu-dachi) unless otherwise stated in brackets; likewise, the unsoku is 踏み出し (fumidashi).
一 飛び込んで三本連突き。Tobi-konde sanbon ren-zuki
二 上段揚げ受けから中段前蹴り蹴上げそして中段逆突き。Jodan age-uke kara chudan mae-geri keage soshite chudan gyaku-zuki.
三  ..read more