Andre Bertel - Shotokan Karate Ashi Barai 1

Sadly this "Ippon" example, is not that good, as I only have limited digital footage of when I was competing. This clip features one of my tokui-renzokuwaza, and may be useful (fun) for shobu-ippon newbies. In this case, you can clearly see, as I move in, I merely slip the opponents punches as they have no potential, due to insufficient fundamental application/skill. The feint mawashi geri brings the COG high, and then the sweep cuts low, utilizing the power of the hips (scissors action coordinating upper body & legs). The important point, in this particular ashi-barai, is slipping around the 'outside' of the opponents punch. This basic angle allows the sweep to take out both legs. As with all techniques it is all about your shikake (set up) and timing. This 'mock' tactic is one I reserved, for fighting kyu grades, or dan karateka with poor basics. I would not recommend 'openly' entering distance, like in this footage (with no kamae) against a opponent, with average to high level skill. All in all, my philosophy of evasion and attack, is to move with my body, as opposed to moving 'by my limbs'. This is 'orthodox' Shotokan-ryu karatedo.
If you wish to read some of my articles on Shotokan karate, and about the karate, of my late teacher, Asai Tetsuhiko, please check out my blog: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com

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[andrebertel]

I just uploaded this exact same combination at another tournament (titled 'Andre Bertel - Shotokan Asai Barai 2'); also several other kumite clips. For more info, check out my blog. All the best!

[karate1970]

two things

1)only an idiot fights on hard floors - negligence

2) a good compettion fighter would have cut him in two with a reverse punch as he ran in.

sorry to be so negative but there y go

[andrebertel]

Hi karate1970, firstly it is OK that you think I'm an idiot for not competing on matts in this clip. In regards to fighting on hard floors, when 'fighting', you have no choice, from my experience, fighting is typically on the pavement. 'Tournament-wise' I agree with your comment 100%. I also agree 100% with your second comment, with the exception of cutting me in two! I have never seen that happen in a point tournament before. Kindest regards and best wishes.

[karate1970]

Mr Bertel

My comments were not to be taken as an attack on you, as i do not know you, nor you me. i was merely commenting on the sitution in the clip.

I realise that 'real' fighting is on hard surfaces but sport like the above needs to be safe, and your sweep could have led to the recipient landing on his head on a hard surface. What then?  What would you have said to a judge?

[andrebertel]

No offense taken. In regards to seriously injuring an opponent, again I completely agree with you. Injuries at competition level are particularly saddening, and I'd hate to seriously injure anyone, except in self-defence. What would I say to the judge if I injured my oppoent seriously? I can't say, but I would be both ashamed & saddened that I misjudged my waza. The tournament in this clip was poorly organised, and not professional. Even qualified referees were not used.

[oboroshogun]

Nice sweep but you should have at least had your hands up on the way in. A more aggressive fighter my have openly decked you. The fact that your opponent crossed his legs to step back also worked to your advantage.

[andrebertel]

That's true, but when ones opponent has nothing, a slip like in this footage will suffice, to set up their body for a perfect ashi barai. I've used the same technique against dozens of different opponents over the years. Some who could do karate, and others like this one. In regards to being decked, you should check out my late teacher, Asai Tetsuhiko's style. In kumite he was often gaurdless. Best wishes for 2008.

[brickshooter]

Not to defend Bertel or anything. But it's obviously a tournament. Bertel was a participant. As a participant, one can't realistically ask that the tournament be moved just because one doesn't like the hardwood.

[karate1970]

@mmacritics

the sweep is ok in this style of fighting, however between 3/4 seconds MR bertel just basically runs at the opponent. what would have happened against an experienced competition fighter. answer - a big, long, deep gykazuki which Mr bertel would have run onto. The opponent got what he deserved for backing off and crossing his legs mid-stride - i have no issue with the technique just what they are fighting on!

[mmacritics]

@karate1970 When i wrote this kind of fighting, i meant Andres very offensive sweep for example (which i have no problem with, unless i'm taking the sweep :)

//mmacritic

[karate1970]

@mmacritics

people are aware of risk however organisers are under a duty of care to protect the fighters same as each fighter is under a duty of care to protect each other i.e. fight within the rules. Fighting on a hard surface does not meet duty of care standards that would be expected as the governing bodies all require mats! This kind of competition does not need ring as it is meant to be skin touch only.

[mmacritics]

@karate1970 I think anyone entering a martial arts competition should be aware of the risks. But on the other hand, this kind of fighting is perhaps better of in a ring, full contact.

//mmacritic

[karate1970]

@mmacritics

let me guess - you wrestle on broken glass.

the dojo does not equal street, regardless of how tough you think you're training. i have 25 yrs experience in karate, 10 of those internationl (WUKO, now WKF) . you can argue you all you like about it however if the person being swept had landed on his head and hurt himself severely then the courts would look at the governing body (WUKO/WKF has IOC recognition) and would look at their rule book, and mr bertel would be in trouble

[mmacritics]

@karate1970 Ah yes, so your logic suggest we should in the dojo fight with shoes and on soft mats. Perhaps we should wear ballerina outfits too?

//mmacritic

[karate1970]

@mmacritics

did you read the comments between the fighter and myself. no training on hard feet is not realistic unless you never wear shoes and walk through the streets in your bare feet. Whilst effective the sweep is not safe due to the lack of mats, which the fighter agrees with. There is no point is being an 'hardman' as i have fought without mats at international events so i know it is not safe.

[mmacritics]

@karate1970 Hard floors harden your feet, the present an aspect of real life fighting (e.g cement, pavements), and you sir are an idiot. Why? Your comment shows it.

//mmacritic

[hiranom20]

Brilliant