Category Archives: Kihon

Andre Bertel with Mawahshi Geri

Power through body gravity

Kihon, Special Reports

André Bertel is a prominent figure in the world of traditional Shotokan karate. Known for his dedication to the teachings of Master Tetsuhiko Asai, Bertel has achieved international recognition for his technical expertise and deep understanding of karate principles. He holds a high Dan rank and is often sought after for seminars and workshops worldwide. His approach to karate emphasizes precision, fluidity, and the integration of traditional techniques with modern training methodologies. Bertel’s contributions to the martial art continue to inspire karate practitioners globally, maintaining the legacy of his mentor while advancing the practice of Shotokan karate.

Main Points for Full-Body Weight Techniques in Karate

Kime (Focus)
Maximize power at the moment of impact.

Hara (Center of Gravity)
Use core muscles for balance and stability.

Kinetic Chain
Coordinate body parts to generate power.

Proper Breathing
Exhale sharply at impact for energy focus.

Oizuki (Lunge Punch)
Drive from the back foot, rotate hips, snap punch.

Mae Geri (Front Kick)
Thrust hip forward, snap kick, retract quickly.

Gyaku Zuki (Reverse Punch)
Rotate hips/shoulders, back heel grounded, punch.

Mawashi Geri (Roundhouse Kick)
Pivot, swing leg using hips, contact with instep/ball.

Age Uke (Rising Block)
Step forward, drive arm up with body momentum.

Stance and Footwork
Stable stances and precise footwork.

Hip Rotation
Use hips to add power.

Relaxation and Tension
Relax before impact, tense at contact.

Visualization
Visualize target and technique path.

More about

Ju Ukemi, Go Ukemi

Kihon

Ju Ukemi and Go Ukemi are both terms used in Japanese martial arts, specifically in the context of Ukemi, which refers to the art of falling or receiving a technique.

  • Ju Ukemi: This term translates to “soft falling” or “gentle falling”. It is a type of Ukemi where the martial artist receives a technique in a relaxed and fluid manner, rolling or sliding smoothly to absorb the impact of the technique without injury.

  • Go Ukemi: This term translates to “hard falling” or “heavy falling”. It is a type of Ukemi where the martial artist receives a technique with a deliberate impact, hitting the ground with force to dissipate the energy of the technique and avoid injury.

Both types of Ukemi are important skills in Japanese martial arts and require practice and mastery to execute properly. In addition to avoiding injury, Ukemi can also help a martial artist maintain their balance and positioning during a technique, making it a crucial aspect of effective martial arts practice.

Learn martial arts breakfalling for from Jesse Enkamp in this ukemi tutorial for BJJ, judo, aikido, karate and other martial arts that need to learn how to fall safely and land throws without injuries.

Continue reading the post “Falling Proberly” in Okinawa Karate.

Kakie in Okinawa Karate

Kihon

Kakie is a traditional form of Okinawan training similar to sticking hand practice from the Chinese Martial Arts such as Tai Chi and Kung Fu. It is also a fundamental part of Tegumi or Okinawan wrestling.

The traditional method of training Kakie conditions the arms as well as teaching sensitivity, depending on whether the contact is heavy or light. With light contact you can sense the intent of your partner before he actually moves so you are immediately ready to counter his movement. A variation of the drill is to use one hand against your partner’s two hands and to practise with your eyes closed.