dolphin jump


dolphin jump
Originally uploaded by renfield

Since we were alrady in Shinagawa, we headed over to the aquarium and checked out the most excellent dolphin show. Way, way too loud with the stupid music and dancing girls, but the fish were most excellent. Tonchan got a bit freaked out by the music and noise, but watching the dolphins jump and swim was awesome.

dolphin splash


dolphin splash
Originally uploaded by renfield

crabs!


crabs!
Originally uploaded by renfield

icecream dessert @ singapore seafood


icecream dessert @ singapore seafood
Originally uploaded by renfield

Met Uncle Jorge at Shinagawa Station and headed across the street to Singapore Seafood for some lunch. Tonchan inhaled many a shrimp and finished things off with banana icecream.

gyoza etc @ 67


gyoza etc @ 67
Originally uploaded by renfield

Picked up Tonchan from school and met P in Hiroo. We went to 67 Gyoza for dinner; Musashimau's restaurant. Tiny little sliver of a place but we went early and it was empty. Gyoza, oden, riceballed wrapped in pork...SO. GOOD.

dinner @ 67


dinner @ 67
Originally uploaded by renfield

post bath


post bath
Originally uploaded by renfield

kumitachi gasshuku

Headed down to Ajiro (just after Atami, south of Tokyo) for a weekend of beatings.
We did a weekend of kumitachi; paired sword work. This time everyone used kiritampo: basically a PVC tube covered in foam so that you can smack the hell out of each other and do little damage.
Most people took this as an okay to flail all-out at each other, which didn't end up being much of a practice session but was probably lots of fun.
First day I taught the beginners so we went through the basics nice and slow. Didn't bother trying to explain distance and timing, just tried to get them to remember the kata; left foot, right hand, high, low, etc. Seemed to go well enough and a couple of them even have potential if they keep properly focused on their training.
Second day Salty and I took the advanced group whilst Gosoke took the beginners. Salty and I spent most of the time shaking our heads and sighing...everyone knows the moves so they they would just flail out at each other as fast as they could, dancing around in a pre-arranged manner.
A few of them got the idea, slowed down, and tried to react to each other, changing up the tempo and targeting, moving a little more smoothly and economically. But generally there was much flailing...
Using "safe" weapons is a good way to learn the basics without getting hurt, but at some point the realistic possibility of pain and possibly serious injury is what clicks your brain and body into the right mood to really deflact, evade, and counter. Then again not many of them are ready for that, so perhaps it's best to stay safe.

breakfast by the sea


breakfast by the sea
Originally uploaded by renfield