Fermoy Karate Club celebrating 40 years

Fermoy Karate Club is celebrating 40 years in existence this year this blog is just one of many ways this year of acknowledging this keep checking back from time to time for further updates and schedules OSU!

An interview withTetsuhiko Asai

Tetsuhiko Asai Sensei
New Zealand Interview - December 2003

By André Bertel – 5th Dan
(JKS New Zealand Founder & Chief Instructor)



Anyone who studies under Shuseki Shihan Tetsuhiko Asai learns rapidly why he is widely regarded as one of the greatest living masters of Shotokan karate. In the eyes of his followers - no one in the world can imitate his unbelievable technical skills. In addition to his seemingly endless knowledge, Asai Shihan's wonderful personality is loved all over the world - he is a master in the truest sense. In 2000 Asai Shihan founded the NPO (Non-profit-organisation) Japan Karate Shotokai (JKS) to take karate into the new millennium. Here, in this compelling interview, conducted in Christchurch, New Zealand, Shuseki Shihan Asai gives great insight into his unparalleled karate excellence.

(Andre Bertel) Sensei what are your main objectives in teaching Karate?

(Tetsuhiko Asai) In the past not everybody could do karate in the standard way, particularly after the war, there was a closed off mentality, a physical hardness in karate, aiming primarily to build spirit, rather than effective martial arts technique. Many people in Shotokan had, and still have, closed minds thinking this is the only way to do karate, and this permeates throughout all the aspects of their training. Karate has five aspects, firstly martial arts karate - effective in reality, secondly health karate, thirdly exercise karate, fourthly tournament karate, and lastly, karate to make a strong spirit... All these aspects are included in karate, and depending on the person, karate differs. My karate includes all of the above, not only karate for making a strong spirit. Effective karate is balanced, not just hard, this hardness which came after the war, was a way to make people push themselves to their physical, mental, and spiritual limits. This style of training is very basic and limited for martial arts/self-defense. It was also limited, participation-wise. My main objective is to return karate to its original martial arts origins, karate has no limitations. If karate can only be used by strong people, it is highly limited.

(AB) Sensei, you intensely study over 150 different kata. Many karateka can't comprehend this?

(TA) Yes, as you know we have many kata, for example if someone's punch is no good, practice this kata, if their hip rotation is no good, do this kata, kicks no good, train this kata... From practicing in this way we can improve martial arts technique. Before, karate was only movement (Asai Sensei demonstrates a few lightning fast strikes in rapid succession from his chair) with not so much meaning. Now there's more meaning, not only basic techniques but the revival of marital arts karate from the distant past. The standard Shotokan kata has emphasis on basic techniques like gedan-barai, mae-geri keage, oi-zuki and so on. These kata are mostly for development of power and speed. They also tire the muscles and breathing. They are good for making spirit and for conditioning the body, this is good in one's youth. However, as one gets older, step-by-step they must change so they can keep improving in karate. More natural movement is essential, in fact the sooner people start this the better, as it results in increased efficiency. The advanced kata I developed are martial arts kata, taking the karateka to the next level; André, you are one of my few students who know many of the advanced kata such as Hachimon, Kakuyoku shodan, Kakuyoku nidan and Kakuyoku sandan, Meikyo nidan, Meikyo sandan, Sensho, Shotei, Kashu, Suishu, Roshu, Hushu, Senka, Seiryu and others. As a result you are now executing high level martial arts karate. Others should follow your example. Some are fixated on merely studying the 26 standard Shotokan kata.

(AB) You have said that competition rules should be more martial arts orientated in the Kumite?

(TA) Absolutely, we must change from the sports kumite kind which is again very limited! Only straight punching, kicking and takedowns, not good for martial arts, creating bad habits. We must also include circular punches, strikes, and other karate techniques. If the distance is close, why not use a controlled empi-uchi or mawashi-zuki to win? This is martial arts karate, far more diverse than just sports.



Lastly Sensei, what is the future direction for Budo Karate?

(TA) For people to be able to do karate throughout their lives and keep improving. Everyone can practice karate-do. In regards to groups around the world, division in karate is not good. It is always because of ego, because everyone wants the top position in national federations and so on. I think if people want the top position in karate they have to train more than the others (laughs). For example if doing a seminar with me the top people should train seven to ten hours per day then perhaps they don't want the top position, they just want to quietly train and improve. This is because they are too busy wanting to be called the chief instructor or something. This is very stupid! Too many people want to be the boss more than they want to train and improve their own karate. My organisation is a martial arts organisation and I am a karate-man not a politician.

(AB) Thank you so much Sensei for doing this interview! We can't wait to get you back to New Zealand for more Technical Seminars and great times, OSU!

(TA) My pleasure Andre, OSU!

pics of our sensei Kato Sadashige - chief instructor IJKA

Karate Kata

The most popular image associated with kata is that of a karate practitioner performing a series of punches and kicks in the air. The kata are executed as a specified series of approximately 20 to 70 moves, generally with stepping and turning, while attempting to maintain perfect form. There are perhaps 100 kata across the various forms of karate, each with many minor variations. The number of moves in a kata may be referred to in the name of the kata, e.g., Gojūshiho, which means "54 steps." The number of moves may also have links with Buddhist spirituality. The number 108 is significant in Buddhism, and kata with 54, 36, or 27 moves (divisors of 108) are common. The practitioner is generally counselled to visualize the enemy attacks, and his responses, as actually occurring, and karateka are often told to "read" a kata, to explain the imagined events. The study of the meaning of the movements is referred to as the bunkai, meaning analysis, of the kata.

One explanation of the use of kata is as a reference guide for a set of moves. Not to be used following that "set" pattern but to keep the movements "filed". After learning these kata, this set of learned skills can then be used in a sparring scenario (particularly without points). The main objective here is to try out different combinations of techniques in a safe, practice environment to ultimately find out how to defeat your opponent.

Nathan Johnson claims that most antique karate kata were developed for use with weapons rather than as open hand techniques.

Also, in kata, the blocking movements are often performed while moving forward, which wouldn't be practical during the 'Bunkai'. These blocking movements would be performed during a Tai sabaki (体捌き), stepping-back action, where the opponent's attack would be avoided and the block would be a mere cover. These kata were performed in this backward/incorrect way as it left the true intentions of the movements elusive to spying onlookers. The true kata can be performed by advanced students who have a good feel for taisabaki and the dynamics of evasion.

About Shotokan Karate

Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of shotokan karate, stated that the ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in perfection of character. In this way, karate may be described as an aesthetic course of self-discipline, leading to enlightenment. Literally, karate-do is the way of the empty hand. This includes the philosophical notion of "emptying" oneself of improper motives; not merely fighting without weapons. The principles of training go beyond technique and may be applied to ordinary life. Karate training involves little instruction in philosophy. Students are expected to learn the underlying philosophical principles through hard work and much practice. By following the technical directions of the instructors, the example of the senior students and applying themselves completely to each technique, karate-ka will develop a deep understanding of both the technical and philosophical aspects of karate.

It is said that in karate there is no second chance. Karate-ka are taught to use each technique as if their lives depended upon its successful application. This concept is called ikken hikattsu in Japanese, literally to kill with one blow. However, the real meaning is that a karate-ka must be completely committed to each technique and must apply each technique with certainty, force, decisiveness and without regard to the possibility of failure. Shotokan karate traces its roots to the islands of Okinawa, which now form part of Japan. An indigenous fighting system know as Okinawa-te (Okinawa hand) would eventually become karate (Chinese hand) and, finally, karate-do (the way of the empty hand). Historically, Okinawa was an independent kingdom, but it was strongly influenced by Chinese culture. Okinawa established a tributary relationship with China, which allowed Okinawan martial artists to study in China (and to train with Chinese martial artists visiting Okinawa). There were originally three styles of Okinawa-te, named for the towns where they were located: Shuri-te, Naha-te and Tomari-te. Shotokan karate is a modern Japanese style, descended from these traditional Okinawan styles. Unfortunately, the history of karate is somewhat incomplete and speculative. Until recently, karate was taught in secret and few records were maintained. During the period of secrecy, there would be no open discussion karate training, even within a family.

Gichin Funakoshi is widely regarded as the father of modern karate and is certainly the father of Japanese karate. He was an Okinawan schoolteacher and an enthusiastic karate-ka. He began karate training in his childhood, primarily with Yasutsune Azato (1827-1906) and Yasutsune Itosu (1830-1915). Funakoshi was selected to give the first demonstrations of karate outside Okinawa. They occurred in 1916 (possibly 1917) and in 1922. His demonstrations were well received and there was much interest in the introduction of karate to Japan. Funakoshi remained in Japan after the second demonstration.

Initially, there were few students to support the only karate instructor in Japan. The 56 year old schoolteacher had to take odd jobs at the dormitory where he set up his temporary dojo. He worked as watchman, caretaker and gardener. To pay for his meals, he had to persuade the cook to take lessons. Our style is called Shotokan as a tribute to Master Funakoshi, who used the pen-name Shoto on poetry and calligraphy. Shoto means waving pine. Funakoshi selected this name because he enjoyed hearing the sound of the wind through the pine trees as he took evening walks in Okinawa. In 1936, Funakoshi built his first dojo in Tokyo. His students named it the Shotokan, meaning Shoto's club. Funakoshi did not actually name his style of karate, but the name of the dojo came to be associated with the style itself. Master Funakoshi died on 26 April 1957. During his lifetime, he trained many famous students, including Shigeru Egami, Masatoshi Nakayama, Keinosuke Enoeda, Tsutomu Oshima, Hidetaka Nishiyama and Teruyuki Okazaki.

One of Master Funakoshis enduring legacies are the Dojo kun. Five precepts which all students of Karate should adhere.

These are:
Seek perfection of character (Hitotsu jinkaku kansei ni tsutomurukoto)
Be faithful (Hitotsu, makoto no michi wo yashinaukoto)
Endeavour (Hitotsu, doryoku no seishin wo yashinnaukoto)
Respect others (Hitotsu, reigi wo omonzurukoto)
Refrain from violent behaviour (Hitotsu, kekki no yuu wo imashimurukoto)

Kubotan-The Self-defense Keyring

The Kubotan is a self-defense tool designed by a Japanese man by the name of Takayuki Kubota. It was developed as a self-defense device (I’m intentionally avoiding the word weapon) for use by police officers in Japan, often for riot control. You can learn the basics of using a Kubotan very quickly, and do not need to be an expert martial artist to use one.

The Kubotan is a short stick of about 6 inches or 15 centimetres in length. It can be made from plastic, metal or wood; with ridges along the middle; and a flat, rounded or pointed tip at one end. It usually has a hole at the other end for a keyring. Kubotans are used to amplify pain on nerve points without causing permanent damage to an assailant. Applying pressure with the Kubotan as a tool on certain points on the body allows you to control an attacked to aid your escape from a dangerous situation.

Kubotans are easy to obtain, and are not illegal to own or carry (as a keyring) in most countries. However, technically it is a weapon, so it is worth checking the laws in your country. There are variations that double as a torch or other useful devices, and therefore less likely to attract the wrong attention from law enforcement agencies.

I strongly suggest completing a training course to use a Kubotan rather than use a book so that you receive proper tuition and don’t damage yourself or someone else. And again, do check the law in your country if you intend to carry one of these. It’s better to not get on the wrong side of the law!

Why not take the karate challenge???

Those that take up martial arts do so for a variety of reasons, while the benefits are also many and varied. Participants include all ages and genders, ranging from the physically fit to the physically challenged.

One of the founding principles of martial arts training is to respect those with greater knowledge and experience. For children this means developing respectful relationships with parents, academic teachers and peers. the same benefits apply to adults, both in the work place and at home or of respecting yourself, your spouse, your family and the people with whom you work.

Success in the martial arts does not require athletic skills. However, through your training you will develop key characteristics to enhance your athletic skills for other sports interests. Benefits such as better hand/eye co-ordination, endurance and physical fitness can help you improve in any sport.

The martial arts not only teaches you how to cope with physical situations,but also how to avoid confrontations using proper body language. In today's world, you may never need to physically defend yourself, but the newspapers are full of people who couldn't.

Mental discipline affects your daily attitude and the decisions you make when life challenges you with new obstacles. Martial arts can teach you how to relax, focus and maintain your control when the going gets tough. Children with strong mental discipline are least likely to be susceptible to peer pressure anxieties, while adults learn to manage stress levels brought on by life's pressures.

Many parents have reported that their children have dramatically improved their school grades after they have joined martial arts. Better grades can strongly influence a child's overall success in their future career and their life. Is there a better reason to involve children in the martial arts???