International karate sensei to hold seminar in PE

Eastern Cape karateka are in for a treat this weekend as United Shotokan-Ryu (USR) hosts internationally respected Sensei André Bertel for his second South African seminar in Port Elizabeth on Saturday and Sunday.

Bertel is a New Zealandborn sensei who lives in Oita City, Japan, and teaches karate extensively in that country and abroad.

He is well known for his innovative and dynamic approach to the practice of traditional Shotokan karate, and is considered to be one of the foremost practitioners of Asai-Ha Shotokan-Ryu.

Apart from having received private tuition from the late Japanese Shotokan karate master Tetsuhiko Asai Sensei (19352006) over a period spanning two decades, Bertel has also trained with many of the other leading Japanese Shotokan karate masters.

His only visit to SA and the African continent was in 2013, so it is a massive occasion with him back in the country.

“We are very excited to bring Bertel Sensei to the Eastern Cape and this will be a tremendous opportunity for South African karateka to learn from someone who is widely regarded as a leading contemporary master in the practice of Shotokan karate as a form of traditional Japanese Budo rather than as a sport,” event organiser and USR chair Gary Grapentin said.

“Bertel Sensei only accepts a limited number of annual international invitations, so his visit to South Africa is a major coup for South African Shotokan karateka.

“We will have karateka from across the province taking part in the seminar, including contingents from East London, Grahamstown (Makhanda), Port Alfred and obviously the host city, [and] from other provinces.”

Bertel's thorough knowledge of traditional karate combined with his insight into Japanese culture and language enables him to translate the many subtleties and complexities of Japanese karate.

This will provide the attending karateka a unique insight, Grapentin said.

The seminar will take place at the Fairview Sports Centre in Port Elizabeth and will be structured into four sessions of two hours each.

It is open to all Shotokan karate practitioners (irrespective of affiliation) age 14 and older, who hold the level of green belt (6th kyu) or higher.

Grapentin confirmed there were still a few places available which will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

The public is requested to note that the seminar is not open to spectators.

Grapentin can be contacted at garyg@geenet.co.za for further information.