With all the issues surrounding Asai Karate at present, particularly in regards to Mrs. Asai’s I.J.K.A (International Japan-Martial Art Karate Asai-Ryu), I’ve recieved huge numbers of emails. The typical questions have been “Who are you with?” and “Can I join your organization?”________
Well, I’m still independent, and I do not have my own organization. I am freelance, teaching all groups regardless of who they are affiliated to. Admittedly though, the majority of dojo who do host me for seminars are J.K.S (Japan Karate Shoto Federation) clubs.
As everyone here in Japan knows, especially the senior J.K.S shihan around the country, my teaching is Asai-ryu karate in its purest form. Here in Japan, the Japanese have me teach them Asai Sensei’s kata, and their respective applications. Therefore I don’t need an organization to restrict this. In saying that, I’d happily work inside of a group which (a) purely wanted to promote Asai Karate. And (b) Allowed me to continue teaching Asai Sensei’s karate without any changes (namely the ‘Shotokanization‘ of his kata).
___________
In regards to the I.J.K.A and J.K.S issue, I currently have no opinion… I’m open minded. Whatever happens, I’ll continue to practice and teach Asai Karate-Do, the way Tetsuhiko Asai Sensei himself taught me.
__________
Best wishes and training from Nakatsu City, Japan.
© André Bertel, Japan (2009).
