SEIRYU KATA: Performed by Tetsuhiko Asai Sensei's apprentice Andre Bertel

This Asai-ha Shotokan-ryu Karatedo Koten Kata focuses primarily on johanshin (upper body) muchiken-waza (whip fist techniques). I performed this on Monday, December 27th, 2010 (after class at the Christchurch Shotokan Karate Club, Tetsubukan Dojo).

This is the final version which Asai Sensei taught me. Unlike other versions of this kata floating around online THIS IS THE WAY SEIRYU IS SUPPOSED TO BE EXECUTED, as opposed to being Shotokanized, which invalidates its practice. This is the correct use of energy, not for winning competitions and `looking good', but rather to turn the human body into a whip. Seiryu is a Martial Arts Kata for self-defence, directly applicable as is.

I've uploaded this for those who attended my seminars this year (where I taught this kata). Namely in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan; Nakatsu, Oita, Japan: Mira & Lignano Sabbiadoro, Venice, Italy; Ahrensburg & Hamburg, Germany; and for those here in Christchurch, New Zealand who I recently taught Seiryu to.

For more information on Asai Karate (Asai-ha Shotokan-ryu) please check out my blog at: www.andrebertel.blogspot.com Kindest regards, Andre Bertel.

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[Sundome1]

Hi Andre, Would you consider performing a classic Shotokan karate-do kata - Unsu, or Sochin, etc... and uploading it to your channel?

[andrebertel]

Sure, I will do that. It's a shame you didn't ask a few days ago as I filmed Kibaken Shodan after class, although I only did it once, and it was performed slowly. I will randomly pick a Shotokan kata and upload it when the next opportunity arises. One member at Lyall Sensei's dojo has a camcorder.

I have a copy of my last two dan exams which I am thinking of uploading both of which typically have two `standard' Shotokan kata and some koten kata, which Asai Sensei dumped on me unexpectedly...

[andrebertel]

Yes good point, there is another Seiryu (also known as `Aoyagi'). This kata is completely different from that of Asai-ha Shotokan-ryu version I am performing here. They are not related.

Great question and thanks everyone for the kind comments. Osu, Andre

[andrebertel]

This is Seiryu kata, the Asai Tetsuhiko Way.

[kallenderumezu]

Bloody hell that woke me up this morning and brought a smile to the Tokyo dawn. Fantastic energy. Thank you Bertel Sensei!

[chevytruckjoe]

What a great kata, keep them coming Andre!

[ChristchurchShotokan]

@vedimed he is not a copy of Asai Shihan he was his student.

[vedimed]

Wau External and artificial techniques. It is not clean copy Asai Kata.

[Ronin6575]

Please do this kata on video again only slowly so we can learn it.

[Sundome1]

@andrebertel A classic shotokan kata...

[deek77]

As a karateka and student studying kinesiology and exercise physiology, I sense that this kata is good for the shoulder girdle. Proper strength and range of motion in the shoulders is very important in karate, and upper body fitness in general. Nicely done, Sensei. OSU!