Shari Rodgers
Asai Shotokan Association International was founded by Shihan Kousaku Yokota to promote Asai-style karate. Shihan Kousaku Yokota visited and held a seminar with the Quail Creek Dojo students a few years ago. This is the style of karate taught and practiced at the Anza gym under the direction of Sensei Herum. Last month we spoke about the Shotokan component. Now let’s look at Asai and how we teach students in the Asai/Shotokan style at the Anza gym.
Tetsuhiko Asai was born in Ehime Prefecture on Shikoku Island. As a boy, he trained in sumo, judo, kendo, and sojutsu (spear). In 1954 Asai entered the famous Takushoku University where he trained under Masatoshi Nakayama and Teruyuki Okazaki. Asai practiced for two to three hours every morning and never missed. He said, “If you eat, then you practice that day.” He was 71 years old when he passed away. Asai was 9th dan at the end of his life, and he never accepted 10th dan when he was alive. He said “10th dan means ‘perfect,’ and I never feel perfect, and I want to get better.” He received the rank of 10th dan posthumously.
Asai karate is based on Funakoshi/Nakayama Shotokan karate with the added techniques by Master Tetsuhiko Asai. Asai karate is unique, as it combines the long-distance fighting method of Shotokan with a short-distance fighting method of White Crane Kung Fu. It is Shotokan with the advanced techniques developed by Master Tetsuhiko Asai, which we call Asai-ryu karate, under the leadership of Shihan Kousaku Yokota, the Asai Shotokan Association International—World.
When you begin training, you will focus on the skills of Shotokan. You will learn many basic skills, such as blocks, stances, and movements. As you progress, you will be introduced to the Asai component and Juno, Joko, and Kakuyoku Kata and begin learning open-hand techniques. There are nine kyu ranks in Asai. Beginners start with the 9th kyu (White Belt). Following these ranks, the dan ranks (known as Black Belt ranks) begin. Belt color identifies the rank.
Could this style of karate be for you? Yes! We are all older adult students, and Sensei Herum can offer modifications to ensure training is accessible to everyone, regardless of age or physical ability. You learn and work at your own pace, and there is never pressure to keep up. Karate works every muscle and bone in the body. Karate trains both body and mind. Karate offers a journey for all participants to embark on. Our students are in their 60s, 70s, and, yes, 80s! But, most importantly, we have fun.
Stop by and watch a class. Talk to those who are participating and visit Sensei Herum. Currently classes are Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from 3 to 5 p.m. at Anza. You have nothing to lose but so much to gain by starting karate. We can show you the way.