Kokutsu Dachi

Probably the hardest karate stance is kokutsu-dachi (back stance). Here is a picture of our resident international instructor, Andre Bertel Sensei (6th Dan), performing his strong kokutsu-dachi.

The key point for all stances is to master the form as best you can, but with kumite always in mind. It doesn't matter if your stance looks nice or not, what matters is that you have the correct form, balance, power and zanshin.

Like all techniques, stances are only useful when practically trained.

OSS, Lyall Stone

Christchurh Karate Club Chief Instructor

CHRISTCHURCH SHOTOKAN KARATE - NEW ZEALAND

To give you a taste of the quality of karate at the Christchurch IJKA Shotokan Karate Club here are a couple of newly uploaded videos of our clubs international instructor, Andre Bertel Sensei (6th Dan). Christchurch Shotokan is not only the home of traditional Shotokan karate-do in Christchurch-City, but also the home of Asai-Ryu Karate in New Zealand.

At present there are three adults classes being run at the dojo. THE BEGINNERS CLASS: (includes Kihon & Gohon/Sambon kumite, and kihon kata such as Jo no & Heian-shodan); THE INTERMEDIATE CLASS: (includes Kihon, the 5 Heian kata, Tekki-shodan, the 5 Junro kata, the four Sentei-kata, Bunkai, full contact pad work, and various forms of Yakusoku kumite - THIS IS FEATURED IN 2 VIDEOS BELOW AT THE HONBU DOJO); and THE INSTRUCTORS CLASS: - by invitation only!!! For 3rd Dan and above (includes the 31 syllabus kata and over 50 koten kata + advanced bunkai & Asai Sensei's pressure point, impact training, and jiyu-kumite.

Chief Instructor,
Lyall Stone

Andre Bertel Sensei Seminar in Christchurch!

Sensei Andre is conducting an Asai style Shotokan weekend course in December!

Don't miss the chance to attend this event. Here's a link to his blog for more details.

http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2011/09/karate-seminar-in-christchurch.html

Christchurch Asai Shihan Memorial: IJKA Shotokan Karate New Zealand

Five years ago, Syuseki-Shihan Tetsuhiko Asai (10th Dan) the founder of our dojo and organisation New Zealand passed away.

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Once again we held the official New Zealand annual Asai Sensei Memorial in Christchurch which was a great opportunity to pay our respects. The training was hard but enjoyed by all, even though a number of people were absent due to the delays from the snow.

There is a report and video on Andre Sensei's blog: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2011/08/5th-asai-sensei-memorial-ijka-new_24.html

Oss, Lyall Stone

CHRISTCHURCH SHOTOKAN CHIEF INSTRUCTOR

THE 3 K'S

Kata is the most important form of training in karate-do, it is the origin of each styles kihon and contains the applications for kumite. This is why the Shotokan classes at the CPIT always include all three aspects, the 3 K's (Kihon, Kata & Kumite). Kihon is kata and kumite, kata is kihon and kumite, & kumite is kihon and kata. However, we should never forget that the origin of everything is Kata.

Oss, - Lyall Stone
Chief Instructor

New videos of Andre Bertel Sensei on Youtube

Some new videos of our world class, international instructor, Sensei Andre Bertel.
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Enjoy,oss
Lyall Stone
Chief Instructor
CHRISTCHURCH SHOTOKAN KARATE CLUB
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Another video of Andre Bertel teaching in Germany

Below is some newly uploaded video footage shared by Andre Sensei.  

Oss, Lyall Stone Sensei
CHIEF INSTRUCTOR