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In this advanced session, Louise and I invite you to step inside our private Dōjō and join us in our personal training.
For the next 75 minutes, we leave the superficial behind.
We dive deep into the fundamental techniques and principles required to transition from standard Shotokan basics to an advanced practice—one that touches the very heart of Karate: Kumite.
To truly evolve, we don’t need a thousand different techniques or complex drills.
Instead, we must master the few things that change everything:
Sharpness in execution.
Energy creation from the core.
Total control through relaxation.
True power is not found in tension, but in correct biomechanical energy chaining. This is why we return to the same simple exercises again and again. We refine the details. We polish the spirit. We give ourselves the chance to truly embody these core principles.
The Heritage of Japan
Don’t forget: in Karate, as in life, the keys are Repetition and Intensity.
But intensity does not mean brute force. It means rehearsing mindfully, with a pure and correct intent.
This is one of the most precious lessons I inherited from my years of immersion in Japan. I like to express it this way:
Put intention and meaning into every single breath you take inside the Dōjō.
In other words: truly connect with your “Why”.
A Note on Warming Up
Please note that this video begins directly with technical work. There is no warm-up included in the recording.
I highly recommend practicing your own routine for 10 to 15 minutes before starting the session.
If you need guidance, our dedicated warm-up video is available here:
The Session Flow:
5:00 – Gyaku Zuki Sharpness: Specific drills to enhance speed and explosive power in the reverse punch.
10:00 – Mae Geri Mastery: Working on the snap and the precise timing with Tsuki.
14:40 – Shiai Techniques: Fundamental Kizami and Gyaku Zuki practice from a dynamic Jyu Kamae.
22:18 – Kizami Mae Geri - Mae Geri: Focusing on leg relaxation while using the core to challenge gravity.
25:45 – The Art of Stepping: Moving forward and backward: Core principles and the practice of Hiza Nuki.
48:42 – Jyu Ippon Kumite Basics: Mastering blocks and counter-attacks for both Jyu Ippon and Shiai.
54:30 – From Kihon to Shiai: Transforming standard Ippon Kumite into a live, “shiai-feeling” experience.
65:58 – Kata Practice: Heian 1-5 and Tekki Shodan.
72:45 – Final Words and Rei
I hope you’ll enjoy this session as much as we enjoyed filming it.
I would love to hear how it felt for you. Did you find a new sense of sharpness? A different connection to your core?
Tell me about your experience in the comments below.
OSS! 🙏
Nicolas
Deepen Your Practice
If this teaching resonated with you, you can find more lessons and drills organized by theme in The Dōjō Master Index: Navigate Your Path.
To unlock the full curriculum and the Japan Connection masterclasses, consider joining the community as a Premium Member.
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