on yer own
Today at practice Kanai-san said "Beginners with Tanaka-sensei, upper-ranks with me...ren, go practice on your own; I can't teach you. I'll be calling YOU sensei soon." Damn, I don't think so. She's SO much better than I am; she has much more control of her sword, and she really gets her hips into her cuts, like she's not even trying. So anyway I stuck myself in the corner and practiced inchuyo and migi-no-teki on my own. Near the end of class Tanaka-sensei said "Ren, you're so stiff. You're trying too hard; all strength and tension. Relax. Cut more...sawayakani" Hmm, same thing Sanno-sensei told me, so I really do need to relax and flow more; less brute force, more relaxed flow.
chiba cutting
Went to Shimosanakayama (west Funabashi) to do some cutting with the Chiba crew. Akama-san came out, too as he lives close. He was testing a couple of the swords he's selling. He buys older/thrashed blades, has them repolished, replaces all the fittings himself, and then sells them. Couple of nice blades, too.
Today, as usual, I sucked. Jinrai (rising diagonal cut from seated draw, followed by horizontal cut) was OK, but still can't nail the yoko-ichi monji (horizontal cut from the draw.) Tried about 5 times, had one almost success; hanging by a thread. Other times I either get stuck in the middle or drag out the blade without cutting the whole target. *sigh* Gotta keep cranking.
After cutting went home and sewed snaps onto the sleeves so that I can easily attach my instructor/rank patch. Sewing and ironing are the two things I should never, ever be forced to do. My own personal hell is being forced to iron a dress shirt and sew all the buttons back on. It'd never happen. Laundry I can handle, cooking, washing dishes, vacuuming, dusting, separating the trash, watering the plants...all these and more I can deal with. Just can't iron nor sew. Oh well, nobody's perfect.
Hiroko went up to Azabu-jyuban to meet Haruka so that they could eat kakigori (shaved ice) and then I joined them after getting raped on the Canadian Dollar-Japanese Yen exchange rate at the exchange place in Roppongi Hills(note: Citibank is the only bank in Japan that lets you deposit foreign currency. As long as it's US dollars. You can exchange yen into countless other currencies, but if you are holding a stack of, say, Canadian Dollars, you're screwed.)
We then thoroughly enjoyed My Big Fat Greek Wedding and finished off the evening with a Korean BBQ feast at Sankoen.
Today, as usual, I sucked. Jinrai (rising diagonal cut from seated draw, followed by horizontal cut) was OK, but still can't nail the yoko-ichi monji (horizontal cut from the draw.) Tried about 5 times, had one almost success; hanging by a thread. Other times I either get stuck in the middle or drag out the blade without cutting the whole target. *sigh* Gotta keep cranking.
After cutting went home and sewed snaps onto the sleeves so that I can easily attach my instructor/rank patch. Sewing and ironing are the two things I should never, ever be forced to do. My own personal hell is being forced to iron a dress shirt and sew all the buttons back on. It'd never happen. Laundry I can handle, cooking, washing dishes, vacuuming, dusting, separating the trash, watering the plants...all these and more I can deal with. Just can't iron nor sew. Oh well, nobody's perfect.
Hiroko went up to Azabu-jyuban to meet Haruka so that they could eat kakigori (shaved ice) and then I joined them after getting raped on the Canadian Dollar-Japanese Yen exchange rate at the exchange place in Roppongi Hills(note: Citibank is the only bank in Japan that lets you deposit foreign currency. As long as it's US dollars. You can exchange yen into countless other currencies, but if you are holding a stack of, say, Canadian Dollars, you're screwed.)
We then thoroughly enjoyed My Big Fat Greek Wedding and finished off the evening with a Korean BBQ feast at Sankoen.
Bye-bye Mallardi
Good 'ole Texan Mike Mallardi is finally leaving Japan behind. Going back to Austin to get himself one of them fancy MBA's. Had a BBQ on the roof of Akasake Tameike Tower to celebrate.
The gang was in full splendor, as usual. And yes, I did indeed take the single most unflattering photo of dear Nancy. This one beats even the photo of Tony I took at the Calvert's going away party.
The gang was in full splendor, as usual. And yes, I did indeed take the single most unflattering photo of dear Nancy. This one beats even the photo of Tony I took at the Calvert's going away party.
furniture
OK, this whole custom furniture thing is pretty cool. Hiroko had some old chairs at work that we had reupholstered and fixed up. We also got a side table for next to the couch, custom made to our specifications. Check 'em out.
still jet-laggin'
I went to Gosoke's practice but was moving like a sloth. Gosoke even said that I looked really tired, and that's the worst he's ever seen me practice. Chaulk it up to jet-lag. FYI, Niina-gosoke's jet-lag cure: when you get home, do NOT go to sleep yet. First go into a really, REALLY hot sauna and sweat like mad. Then take a nice hot bath, then go to sleep.
I got soaked by the rain on my way home, and didn't make it to Mallardi's taco party. But Hiroko had fun.
I got soaked by the rain on my way home, and didn't make it to Mallardi's taco party. But Hiroko had fun.
thank god it's friday (er, thursday)
Went to TGIF's in Shibuya after work to celebrate Spike's new marital status. Seems it was just a few years ago he was a bright-eyed college grad in a new suit, with a mouth full of respect for me and his other elders. Now he's a hardened Wall Street techie, full of knowledge and beer.
By 10:30pm my jet-lag was coming on strong, so Hiroko and I split a cab with Tomo and cruised home.
By 10:30pm my jet-lag was coming on strong, so Hiroko and I split a cab with Tomo and cruised home.
the girls
Sarah (my sister-in-law) and her foster daughters were supposed to go bond at an Outward Bound outdoor trip, but it got cancelled at the last minute, so they went to visit my parents in Connecticut instead.
home sweet home
6 am taxi from Guelph to Buffalo, NY. Quick jump to Chicago. 12 hours to Tokyo. Watched Chicago, The Core, How to Lose a Man in Ten Days. Landed in Tokyo, got the swords through customs with typical bureaucratic hassle. Airport Limousine bus to Shibuya. Traffic. Cab home. Sleep...
canada seminar day 2
over 15 people showed up for the AM seminar, including a bunch of guys from Kai-sensei's Seibukan dojo in Toronto and all the Chicago folks. We ran through the first ten kata again like we did yesterday and spent the last 15 minutes playing in pairs with distance and tekizuke, keeping the kissaki pointed at the opponent and keeping the pressure on to find an opening.
Went to Griphs for lunch as nothing else was open on a Sunday, in the summer, in Guelph. Note to self: bring lots of food next time, and/or have a car.
Hoshina-san and I are beat after being on the road, teaching, and eating so much. Getting picked up at six am for the two hour drive to Buffalo Airport, to fly to Chicago, to fly back to Japan. Can't wait to go home tomorrow!
Went to Griphs for lunch as nothing else was open on a Sunday, in the summer, in Guelph. Note to self: bring lots of food next time, and/or have a car.
Hoshina-san and I are beat after being on the road, teaching, and eating so much. Getting picked up at six am for the two hour drive to Buffalo Airport, to fly to Chicago, to fly back to Japan. Can't wait to go home tomorrow!
canada seminar day 1
Everyone gathered in the dance studio (room 210) for practice and we got through 10 minutes of warm-up before Kim Taylor came up to say we were all gathering in the west gym for an opening ceremony of sorts. So we all headed down there, had some words from various folks and Fran the spriteliest naginata (halberd) wielding old woman ran us through some warm-ups.
The we headed back upstairs and started the seminar. Good turn-out; about 12 people including Simon and several others from Chicago. We started by going through the basic cuts, then kihon 1 & 2, the basic draw-cut-sheath moves, before getting into the kata.
In the AM session we got through the first 10 kata; go-yo and go-o, and had 15 minutes at the end to practice in pairs getting the feel for keeping your kissaki pointed at your opponent, keeping the pressure on him, and chasing him down.
Broke for lunch at noon and got some food at the University Centre before heading back for the PM session at 1:30.
Basically the same group again, so we did the next 10 kata goka and hashirigakari, and then for the last hour paired up and ran through various kata again with wooden swords, trying to get a feel for where the cuts are going and how the opponent moves.
The demo started soon thereafter, so we headed down to the main gym and saw some demos of Musojikiden-Eishinryu, kyudo (archery), naginata, and other sword arts. The Eto-sensei and Eto-sensei each did a traditional dance to music, one with a sword and fan, the other with just a fan. Hoshina-san demo'd five Mugairyu Iaihyodo kata and I did one cut as all we had were dry beach mats.
The demo ended with Ohmi-sensei in his kendo gear getting his but kicked by Fran in her naginata gear.
After the demo Hoshina-san, Rob Rivers, and I headed out for dinner. Guelph being a one-bar town, we headed out to the University Centre (closed), Griphs (says open but was closed), and finally walked about half and hour all the way down to the Stone Road Mall to get a late dinner at Casey's. We had the bartender call a cab so that we could get back to the east dorms by 1 am. When we came back, Ohmi-sensei, the Eto-sensei's, and everyone else was still drinking in the suite next door.
The we headed back upstairs and started the seminar. Good turn-out; about 12 people including Simon and several others from Chicago. We started by going through the basic cuts, then kihon 1 & 2, the basic draw-cut-sheath moves, before getting into the kata.
In the AM session we got through the first 10 kata; go-yo and go-o, and had 15 minutes at the end to practice in pairs getting the feel for keeping your kissaki pointed at your opponent, keeping the pressure on him, and chasing him down.
Broke for lunch at noon and got some food at the University Centre before heading back for the PM session at 1:30.
Basically the same group again, so we did the next 10 kata goka and hashirigakari, and then for the last hour paired up and ran through various kata again with wooden swords, trying to get a feel for where the cuts are going and how the opponent moves.
The demo started soon thereafter, so we headed down to the main gym and saw some demos of Musojikiden-Eishinryu, kyudo (archery), naginata, and other sword arts. The Eto-sensei and Eto-sensei each did a traditional dance to music, one with a sword and fan, the other with just a fan. Hoshina-san demo'd five Mugairyu Iaihyodo kata and I did one cut as all we had were dry beach mats.
The demo ended with Ohmi-sensei in his kendo gear getting his but kicked by Fran in her naginata gear.
After the demo Hoshina-san, Rob Rivers, and I headed out for dinner. Guelph being a one-bar town, we headed out to the University Centre (closed), Griphs (says open but was closed), and finally walked about half and hour all the way down to the Stone Road Mall to get a late dinner at Casey's. We had the bartender call a cab so that we could get back to the east dorms by 1 am. When we came back, Ohmi-sensei, the Eto-sensei's, and everyone else was still drinking in the suite next door.
free friday
Didn't practice today. Had dinner with Rob Rivers from Virginia and we talked about karate and iai and whatnot. Of course, we had dinner at Griphs, the sports bar above the ice hockey rink on campus. Guelph is a one-bar kinda place.
Hoshina-san spent the day with her sister and her kids.
Hoshina-san spent the day with her sister and her kids.
tanjo and jo
Guelph is a beautiful campus! Hoshina-san and I walked all the way to the Stone Road mall, finally finding an ATM at a gas station that would give us Candian money. We also called her sister and arranged for her and her three kids to come up in the evening and spend the night.
After getting money and food, we used the library computers to look up the schedule for the weekend and realized there were already classes being held. So we changed and met Kim Taylor and folks and joined in the tanjo and jo classes. Hoshina-san has been doing jo for a while so she had a clue as to what was going on, but I was lost, especially since were were being taught the seitei (standardized) forms of the ZNKR by Eto-sensei. It was interesting to try something new, but quite different from the Shindo Muso-ryu we do under NPO Hougyoku-kai.
By the time class was over it was almost nine, so Hoshina-san went to the University Centre to meet her sister and the kids and I took a shower. We all then headed out for a late dinner at the Griffon Pub overlooking the ice hockey rink. The three kids ran amok as we ate burgers, chicken fingers, and fries. Heading back to the dorm Hoshina-san and I did some laundry as her sister put the kids to bed.
After getting money and food, we used the library computers to look up the schedule for the weekend and realized there were already classes being held. So we changed and met Kim Taylor and folks and joined in the tanjo and jo classes. Hoshina-san has been doing jo for a while so she had a clue as to what was going on, but I was lost, especially since were were being taught the seitei (standardized) forms of the ZNKR by Eto-sensei. It was interesting to try something new, but quite different from the Shindo Muso-ryu we do under NPO Hougyoku-kai.
By the time class was over it was almost nine, so Hoshina-san went to the University Centre to meet her sister and the kids and I took a shower. We all then headed out for a late dinner at the Griffon Pub overlooking the ice hockey rink. The three kids ran amok as we ate burgers, chicken fingers, and fries. Heading back to the dorm Hoshina-san and I did some laundry as her sister put the kids to bed.
canada
We got up early and had breakfast at 6 am before heading to LAX. Hiroko's flight was later in the day, so we said good-bye as Hoshina-san and I got on the shuttle.
Thank the lord for Silver Premiere membership -- got checked in really quickly, no problem getting the swords through security as all they did was swab (for traces of bombs/chemical weapons I assume) before locking my case back up and sending it through. Also got sped through security to the gate thanks to Premiere status, and of course boarded early, too. Hoshina-san was pleased at my ability to get us through to our seats on the plane as quickly as possible, though flying coach is still just painful and I'm not looking forward to the flight back.
We changed planes in Chicago, a big impressive airport (the United terminal alone is bigger than all of Narita airport), and we were in Buffalo before we knew it.
Buffalo Taxi was waiting for us and we got our gear and headed out to Guelph...er I mean Toronto. The driver had never been to Guelph so we missed the highway 6 turnoff at Hamilton, and ended up going all the way to Toronto before getting onto the 401 west and getting to Guelph.
Finally got checked in about 10:30, and everything was great except that we didn't have any Canadian money. Solved the immediate problem by ordering a large pepperoni from Pizza Pizza and paying with a credit card before heading to bed.
Thank the lord for Silver Premiere membership -- got checked in really quickly, no problem getting the swords through security as all they did was swab (for traces of bombs/chemical weapons I assume) before locking my case back up and sending it through. Also got sped through security to the gate thanks to Premiere status, and of course boarded early, too. Hoshina-san was pleased at my ability to get us through to our seats on the plane as quickly as possible, though flying coach is still just painful and I'm not looking forward to the flight back.
We changed planes in Chicago, a big impressive airport (the United terminal alone is bigger than all of Narita airport), and we were in Buffalo before we knew it.
Buffalo Taxi was waiting for us and we got our gear and headed out to Guelph...er I mean Toronto. The driver had never been to Guelph so we missed the highway 6 turnoff at Hamilton, and ended up going all the way to Toronto before getting onto the 401 west and getting to Guelph.
Finally got checked in about 10:30, and everything was great except that we didn't have any Canadian money. Solved the immediate problem by ordering a large pepperoni from Pizza Pizza and paying with a credit card before heading to bed.
santa monica
On Ilene's suggestion, we went down to Loehmann's near the Beverly Center after a quick Starbucks breakfast, in search of name-brand bargains. Hiroko got a cute red leather Kenneth Cole bag and Hoshina-san refrained from spending all her money on bargains.
We checked out of Doheny Plaza and checked into the LAX Hilton right by the airport, and spent the afternoon lounging by the pool and in the jacuzzi.
Jeremy came out again for dinner and we cruised around Santa Monica, checking out Ollie's mom's house, the house Ollie used to live in, and Santa Monica airport (Jeremy's man Nori no longer works at the sushi restaurant The Hump so we changed dinner plans on the fly.) We ended up down by the Santa Monica pier and got some awesome seafood at Ocean's Seaside before heading back to the hotel.
We checked out of Doheny Plaza and checked into the LAX Hilton right by the airport, and spent the afternoon lounging by the pool and in the jacuzzi.
Jeremy came out again for dinner and we cruised around Santa Monica, checking out Ollie's mom's house, the house Ollie used to live in, and Santa Monica airport (Jeremy's man Nori no longer works at the sushi restaurant The Hump so we changed dinner plans on the fly.) We ended up down by the Santa Monica pier and got some awesome seafood at Ocean's Seaside before heading back to the hotel.
more shopping
Hoshina-san wanted to do some shopping, so we headed down Doheny and grabbed some breakfast. I had a breakfast burrito and the women each had a huge plate of Belgian Waffles which they did a nice job of inhaling.
Then we walked all the way down Santa Monica Blvd. to Rodeo Drive, stopping off for manicures/pedicures along the way.
On Rodeo Drive we checked out Cartier, Tiffany's, Armani, and lots of other ridiculously expensive things before hitting Louis Vitton. Hoshina-san exhibited amazing self control and only bought herself a belt, a purse, and a wallet.
We then walked back through Hollywood, marvelling at the big houses and manicured lawns.
Back at Doheny Plaza, Jeremy picked us up and we cruised in 2Mecha through the hills as he showed us his Alma Mater Beverly Hills High School (which features its own oil pump), the various houses he used to live in, the Playboy Mansion and other huge estates of note. We went to Mel's for some good old fashioned diner eats, and my turkey meatloaf was divine. In what has become a tradition, Hoshina-san chomped down on a steak sandwhich before sharing an icecream shake with Jeremy for dessert.
Back at Doheny Plaza we visited jeremy's mom Ilene and her husband Derek. We gave them the other bottle of Suimoken sake which they loved, we played with their dog Mochi, and we looked at photos of their latest movie shoot; gladiators and beautiful women. I showed them my swords and we ate cookies and finally, after Ilene started showing us pictures of Jeremy and the family, we headed back to bed downstairs.
Then we walked all the way down Santa Monica Blvd. to Rodeo Drive, stopping off for manicures/pedicures along the way.
On Rodeo Drive we checked out Cartier, Tiffany's, Armani, and lots of other ridiculously expensive things before hitting Louis Vitton. Hoshina-san exhibited amazing self control and only bought herself a belt, a purse, and a wallet.
We then walked back through Hollywood, marvelling at the big houses and manicured lawns.
Back at Doheny Plaza, Jeremy picked us up and we cruised in 2Mecha through the hills as he showed us his Alma Mater Beverly Hills High School (which features its own oil pump), the various houses he used to live in, the Playboy Mansion and other huge estates of note. We went to Mel's for some good old fashioned diner eats, and my turkey meatloaf was divine. In what has become a tradition, Hoshina-san chomped down on a steak sandwhich before sharing an icecream shake with Jeremy for dessert.
Back at Doheny Plaza we visited jeremy's mom Ilene and her husband Derek. We gave them the other bottle of Suimoken sake which they loved, we played with their dog Mochi, and we looked at photos of their latest movie shoot; gladiators and beautiful women. I showed them my swords and we ate cookies and finally, after Ilene started showing us pictures of Jeremy and the family, we headed back to bed downstairs.
seminar day 2
A bit of a late start in the morning as some of the more hung-over straggled in, buy by 9:30 we were back in fine form. We ran through the first ten kata just to refresh, then got into the next five seated kata, goka. Tony and everyone did there best to fly high on the last form hazumi, and then it was time for lunch.
This time we took a burrito break and had sandwhiches. Hoshina-sensei's BLT was the size of her thigh, but she managed to chomp most of it down.
In the afternoon we did the last five kata, hashirigakari and the grabbed the wooden swords again for some final paired practice, doing the five kumitachi.
By 4:30 everyone was tired but smiling, the seminar a success.
We went to Islands for giant burgers, and again Hoshina-san polished off a huge Tuna-salad burger before we hit the highway and drove back up to Tony's. We packed up the rest of our stuff and translated some Japanese texts for Tony, including the two Nakagawa Mugairyu books he copied from my copies and some entries in the Daijten of martial arts about KashimaShinto-ryu. Then we got back on the road and headed into LA, getting back to Doheny Plaza about midnight. After a minor crisis involving a backed up toilet and a search for a plunger, we hit the sack for some much needed sleep.
This time we took a burrito break and had sandwhiches. Hoshina-sensei's BLT was the size of her thigh, but she managed to chomp most of it down.
In the afternoon we did the last five kata, hashirigakari and the grabbed the wooden swords again for some final paired practice, doing the five kumitachi.
By 4:30 everyone was tired but smiling, the seminar a success.
We went to Islands for giant burgers, and again Hoshina-san polished off a huge Tuna-salad burger before we hit the highway and drove back up to Tony's. We packed up the rest of our stuff and translated some Japanese texts for Tony, including the two Nakagawa Mugairyu books he copied from my copies and some entries in the Daijten of martial arts about KashimaShinto-ryu. Then we got back on the road and headed into LA, getting back to Doheny Plaza about midnight. After a minor crisis involving a backed up toilet and a search for a plunger, we hit the sack for some much needed sleep.
seminar day 1
Stopped off for some donuts for breakfast, then hit the dojo.
Had a good group of 12 in the morning and we dove right in, starting the seminar by running through the basics then going right into the first 5 seated kata set, goyo. Everyone picked it up quick and after a carnitas burrito lunch we got into the first 5 standing kata set, go-o. Tony went to pick up Hoshina-san at the airport and got to the dojo in time to catch to last couple of hours of practice. We finished off the day by pairing up with wooden swords and running through the ten kata again, checking distance and strike positions. Everyone seemed to enjoy bonking each other in new and excitingly painful ways, and by 5 pm we were all tired and ready for food.
We changed and headed out for some Italian seafood, where the plates of pasta were as big as my chest. Tony opened the bottle of Suimoken sake and we finished it off in only a couple of rounds. James Williams sat next to Hoshina-san and freaked her out a bit when he was talking about Systema by whipping out his giant tactical folding knife and pressing it into his arm ("slice = cut, pressure alone won't cut").
After James and Hoshina-san each finished off a bowl of vanilla icecream, Hoshina-san and I were beat, so we headed back to the motel and the rest of them keep cranking at the bar until the wee hours.
Had a good group of 12 in the morning and we dove right in, starting the seminar by running through the basics then going right into the first 5 seated kata set, goyo. Everyone picked it up quick and after a carnitas burrito lunch we got into the first 5 standing kata set, go-o. Tony went to pick up Hoshina-san at the airport and got to the dojo in time to catch to last couple of hours of practice. We finished off the day by pairing up with wooden swords and running through the ten kata again, checking distance and strike positions. Everyone seemed to enjoy bonking each other in new and excitingly painful ways, and by 5 pm we were all tired and ready for food.
We changed and headed out for some Italian seafood, where the plates of pasta were as big as my chest. Tony opened the bottle of Suimoken sake and we finished it off in only a couple of rounds. James Williams sat next to Hoshina-san and freaked her out a bit when he was talking about Systema by whipping out his giant tactical folding knife and pressing it into his arm ("slice = cut, pressure alone won't cut").
After James and Hoshina-san each finished off a bowl of vanilla icecream, Hoshina-san and I were beat, so we headed back to the motel and the rest of them keep cranking at the bar until the wee hours.
chop chop
Slept like a bear in winter and woke up to a beautiful California day, Tony standing in the doorway with bagels and OJ.
Te gang came over and we started cutting in Tony's backyard. Tony and all practiced their Toyama-ryu cuts, and I did some decent (and many failed) cuts from a seated draw. (Un)fortunately it's all on tape. Ted also came over and, besides being thoroughly entertaining, shimmed and tighthened up my cutting blade.
the Sacramento brothers-plus-wife were in fine form, thanks to a healthy dose of post-airplane-seizure Motrin, and Jimmy Crow from Texas avoided backyard garden hole-digging duty by doing his best Cowboy Samurai impression. We even had a lunchbreak GQ cutting visit by none other than the long-haired fashion man himself.
The afternoon was spent getting ready for the drive down to San Diego; we grabbed more Mexican for lunch (I am now a carnitas burrito addict), I shipped my snowboard back to Toyko, we bought beverages and packed up the necessary stuff. To avoid traffic we opted for a late leave, so we watched the cutting video from the morning, made fun of each other, then watched The Seige of Firebase Gloria, starring none other than Lee Ermey, who's oratory ability is second-to-none: (To a troop of US marines surrounded by enemy Viet-Cong) "There is no doubt in my mind that we are in a deep-shit situation here, people."
After the movie we hit the road and got down to Motel in just over an hour.
Tony and I headed over to the Dojo of the Four Winds to finalize some details, and then we hit Denny's for a late dinner before crashing.
Te gang came over and we started cutting in Tony's backyard. Tony and all practiced their Toyama-ryu cuts, and I did some decent (and many failed) cuts from a seated draw. (Un)fortunately it's all on tape. Ted also came over and, besides being thoroughly entertaining, shimmed and tighthened up my cutting blade.
the Sacramento brothers-plus-wife were in fine form, thanks to a healthy dose of post-airplane-seizure Motrin, and Jimmy Crow from Texas avoided backyard garden hole-digging duty by doing his best Cowboy Samurai impression. We even had a lunchbreak GQ cutting visit by none other than the long-haired fashion man himself.
The afternoon was spent getting ready for the drive down to San Diego; we grabbed more Mexican for lunch (I am now a carnitas burrito addict), I shipped my snowboard back to Toyko, we bought beverages and packed up the necessary stuff. To avoid traffic we opted for a late leave, so we watched the cutting video from the morning, made fun of each other, then watched The Seige of Firebase Gloria, starring none other than Lee Ermey, who's oratory ability is second-to-none: (To a troop of US marines surrounded by enemy Viet-Cong) "There is no doubt in my mind that we are in a deep-shit situation here, people."
After the movie we hit the road and got down to Motel in just over an hour.
Tony and I headed over to the Dojo of the Four Winds to finalize some details, and then we hit Denny's for a late dinner before crashing.
behind the orange curtain
Jorge drove me down to Orange County and dropped me off at BigTony's place. He lives about a mile from the beach. Tony hooked me up big time with some really slick Volcom snow gear, including a board! We got in his truck and ran some errands, grabbing a Happy Burrito for lunch.
In the evening we headed over to Don Angier's dojo and worked out a bit, then all his guys showed up and they had a Toyama-ryu practice. I finished them off with about 30 minutes of Mugairyu as a warm-up for the weekend seminar.
Then we all headed out to TGIF's for dinner and waiter-abuse as Don, despite his best attempts, failed to receive a slice of onion for his burger as requested.
Ted Arnold joined for dinner and I was introduced to the full voracity of everyone's good-natured joke-flinging.
In the evening we headed over to Don Angier's dojo and worked out a bit, then all his guys showed up and they had a Toyama-ryu practice. I finished them off with about 30 minutes of Mugairyu as a warm-up for the weekend seminar.
Then we all headed out to TGIF's for dinner and waiter-abuse as Don, despite his best attempts, failed to receive a slice of onion for his burger as requested.
Ted Arnold joined for dinner and I was introduced to the full voracity of everyone's good-natured joke-flinging.
to la!
First a quick stop at Daly City for an In-and-Out Burger, finished off with a Krispy Kreme donut, then we were on our way speeding down the 5 in our shiny Budget rental van. The girls all slept some, with Hiroko unconscious for most of the drive down. We got into Hollywood in the evening and checked into the guest rooms at Jeremy's mom's apartment building, the Doheny Plaza just off of Sunset. Jeremy came by in his 2Mecha Audi and we grabbed some dinner up the street.
nappa valley
59 degrees F in San Francisco, and the temperature started rising as we drove across the Golden Gate Bridge and into the valley. 80 degrees in the east bay, 92 when we finally got in to Nappa. By now my shoulders were nicely reddened from the open sunroof and clear blue skies, but a little sunburn can't stop us.
First we stopped at Bouchon for a French lunch, the took some photos outside of French Laundry. Same chef runs both places, but French Laundry takes reservations a year in advance and you still might not get in, so settled for just taking photos. Then we headed deeper into wine country and checked out the cool architecture of Clos Pegase, took a tour of the caves and tasted some dessert wine at Beringer Vineyards, and saw the cooking theatre and corkscrew collection at the Culinary Institute of America.
We came back into the city and for dinner went to Elisabeth and Daniel. We opted for the five course dinner instead of the ten course because we didn't want to be there all night. My wheat 'risotto' with mushrooms was the winner of the evening, and I won't even bother trying to explain how good it tasted because unless you eat it you just won't know.
This morning we're getting a van and driving down to LA for more fun and sun.
First we stopped at Bouchon for a French lunch, the took some photos outside of French Laundry. Same chef runs both places, but French Laundry takes reservations a year in advance and you still might not get in, so settled for just taking photos. Then we headed deeper into wine country and checked out the cool architecture of Clos Pegase, took a tour of the caves and tasted some dessert wine at Beringer Vineyards, and saw the cooking theatre and corkscrew collection at the Culinary Institute of America.
We came back into the city and for dinner went to Elisabeth and Daniel. We opted for the five course dinner instead of the ten course because we didn't want to be there all night. My wheat 'risotto' with mushrooms was the winner of the evening, and I won't even bother trying to explain how good it tasted because unless you eat it you just won't know.
This morning we're getting a van and driving down to LA for more fun and sun.
oakland
Dinner was amazing, of course. And Kei-chan was Kei-chan. A bit goofy, but lots of fun. We ate at the late sitting, started about 9:15 and we were the last table in the place. Finally left about 11-something and drove around Oakland forever trying to find Kei-chan's hotel. It was down near past Jack London Square, but out closer to the airport so we had to drive past the waterfront industrial park and sort of got lost. Finally made it back home about 12:30 and Corrine was still working, finishing up some photo work for freelance job.
shopping
Still jet-lagging, but that just means Emi's early-morning antics didn't wake us up. Had a bagel from Rainbow (the hippie market) for breakfast and then went into the city to do some shopping. Hit Tiffany's but couldn't find the pendant Hiroko wants -- thought it was new but it turns out it's old and probably discontinued. Got a pair of linen slacks at the huge Banana Republic, and got Hiroko and slick blue dress for dinner tonight at the birthplace of California Cuisine, Chez Pannise.
sleepy...
Great big salads and great big Americans at The Cheesecake Factory. Eco shoes at Nordstroms. Emi likes french fries. San Francisco is cold when it's sunny. Whole Foods sells the freshest everything.
sfo
United flight #852 NRT to SFO. Upper deck seats. Hiroko watched Chicago, then slept. I watched Daredevil. Note to self: Ben Affleck should not wear full-body leather.
Arrived on time, got through immigration no problem (note to self: immigration agents speak Japanese better than I do), and then got to baggage claim:
"United Airlines would like to remind you that we do not operate the baggage carousels, they are operated by the city of San Francisco. Flight #852 baggage will arrive on carousel #5. Carousel #5 is currently broken, but please don't complain to United Airlines."
And then 20 minutes later: "Baggage from flight #852 is actually arriving on carousel #2."
Finally got our stuff, including my sword case, and then we got in line for customs. There were two whole customs agents, so each line was only 400 people long. Finally got through, found Jorge in the lobby, and sped the Audi to casa de Arriola.
Arrived on time, got through immigration no problem (note to self: immigration agents speak Japanese better than I do), and then got to baggage claim:
"United Airlines would like to remind you that we do not operate the baggage carousels, they are operated by the city of San Francisco. Flight #852 baggage will arrive on carousel #5. Carousel #5 is currently broken, but please don't complain to United Airlines."
And then 20 minutes later: "Baggage from flight #852 is actually arriving on carousel #2."
Finally got our stuff, including my sword case, and then we got in line for customs. There were two whole customs agents, so each line was only 400 people long. Finally got through, found Jorge in the lobby, and sped the Audi to casa de Arriola.
broken links
The astute reader will notice various broken links. Some of these are beyond my control. For whatever reason, Lee's evildrinkingpartners.com and Nate's mamachari.com don't seem to be working. Some of these are control within my control. Ren's Big Adventure is yet to be migrated over from the old twics file system to renfield.net.
These things will be fixed, in time. Or not.
Tomorrow Hiroko and I leave for California. We'll spend some time in SF with Jorge, Corr, and my God-daughter Emi, then all of us will rent a van and chug down to LA. I will immediately pop over to Big Tony's to do sword stuff in San Diego.
Then Hiroko goes home and I go on to Guelph, Ontario (Canada) to do even more sword stuff.
We will take many pictures, and have many adventures. And if you're lucky, you might even find out about 'em.
These things will be fixed, in time. Or not.
Tomorrow Hiroko and I leave for California. We'll spend some time in SF with Jorge, Corr, and my God-daughter Emi, then all of us will rent a van and chug down to LA. I will immediately pop over to Big Tony's to do sword stuff in San Diego.
Then Hiroko goes home and I go on to Guelph, Ontario (Canada) to do even more sword stuff.
We will take many pictures, and have many adventures. And if you're lucky, you might even find out about 'em.
quality by bystedt
Bystedt's family business, founded by the grandparentals, now run by his uncle, makes leather gloves. Get your own stuff!
I have a dream...
So we're flying in low orbit around a very Earth-like planet. We enter the atmosphere and are cruising above the barren terrain, getting closer and closer. As we fly over an impressive butte, the landscape changes to a typical suburb, then a small city. Just as we we're making a landing approach, we notice a helicopter parked on the crest of a cliff. Could be trouble. We land in a field on the outskirts of town and set off to explore. Very Earth-like. Humanoids abound. English is spoken. Suddenly we realize the uniformed are coming, and we scramble into the underground garage. We find a car that looks very much like a Mini and pile in. I'm driving. As we approach the exit toll booth, I realize I'm not sure what the strange square markings mean. From the lines on the ground it looks like I should be in the left lane, so I ease over, find the parking ticket behind the sun visor, and out we go.
We're now walking briskly through the back streets, working our way back to our ship, and I realize my baseball cap is sticking out like an alien visitor (which I am.) We stop at one of the many street vendor tent/booths and buy cheap winter coats. My companions go for yellow, but I opt for a mid-thigh length red number with matching backpack. I dump my spaceship uniform jacket, backpack, and baseball cap, being sure to empty the many pockets and transfer all the useful items to my new jacket; multihead screwdriver, white LED flashlight, etc. I pay with the local currency equivalent of 2000 yen (cheap!) and hurry around the corner to catch up with my fellow aliens. We finally make it to the field, board our ship, and accelerate to atmospheric escape velocity as the armed and helicopters circle the field below. Close call. As we enter and then leave orbit, sling-shotting away from the planet, warning lights on the ship's control panel begin beeping, beeping, beeping...I wake up and turn off my beeping alarm clock.
We're now walking briskly through the back streets, working our way back to our ship, and I realize my baseball cap is sticking out like an alien visitor (which I am.) We stop at one of the many street vendor tent/booths and buy cheap winter coats. My companions go for yellow, but I opt for a mid-thigh length red number with matching backpack. I dump my spaceship uniform jacket, backpack, and baseball cap, being sure to empty the many pockets and transfer all the useful items to my new jacket; multihead screwdriver, white LED flashlight, etc. I pay with the local currency equivalent of 2000 yen (cheap!) and hurry around the corner to catch up with my fellow aliens. We finally make it to the field, board our ship, and accelerate to atmospheric escape velocity as the armed and helicopters circle the field below. Close call. As we enter and then leave orbit, sling-shotting away from the planet, warning lights on the ship's control panel begin beeping, beeping, beeping...I wake up and turn off my beeping alarm clock.
"you all suck. remember that."
Didn't get any time to practice, as I lead basics and when Tanaka-sensei showed up I spent the whole practice teaching two newbies.
At 8:30 regular class ended and thankfully Niina-gosoke began his Hour of Power. We did the first form shin for over half an hour, with Gosoke correcting our angle, timing, and hip movement. Then we tried inchuyo, trying to get the parry-and-cut action right, which prompted the quote of the title. Gosoke used The Dowel (a thin dowel of wood the length of a sword -- lighter than a wooden sword so easy to carry all the time) to demonstrate that if we all tried to parry a real sword cutting down at our head, we'd all be dead, mostly from our own blade getting deflected into our own head. Then he used The Dowel again to show how, even if we managed to parry the attack, our counter-attack wasn't actually hitting the attacker's left abdomen, leaving us open to further pummeling.
After practice I collected Hoshina-san's sword and sai, went to the office to get the Pelican sword case, and dragged all that gear home on the subway, in preparation for the seminars in California and Canada next week.
At 8:30 regular class ended and thankfully Niina-gosoke began his Hour of Power. We did the first form shin for over half an hour, with Gosoke correcting our angle, timing, and hip movement. Then we tried inchuyo, trying to get the parry-and-cut action right, which prompted the quote of the title. Gosoke used The Dowel (a thin dowel of wood the length of a sword -- lighter than a wooden sword so easy to carry all the time) to demonstrate that if we all tried to parry a real sword cutting down at our head, we'd all be dead, mostly from our own blade getting deflected into our own head. Then he used The Dowel again to show how, even if we managed to parry the attack, our counter-attack wasn't actually hitting the attacker's left abdomen, leaving us open to further pummeling.
After practice I collected Hoshina-san's sword and sai, went to the office to get the Pelican sword case, and dragged all that gear home on the subway, in preparation for the seminars in California and Canada next week.
kenkakubanrai
NPO Hougyoku-kai's 6th Annual Festival and Competition, Kenkakubanrai. I was on the planning committee so I've spent the past couple of weeks working with everyone to pull this off. It was tons of fun, but as I was in the highest division, I got the thrashing I deserved. I won my first match and lost the second to Akama-san, who advanced up from the division below mine. He ended up sweeping both divisions and winning the top award. It was an excellent reminder for me that I still have much to learn and even more to practice. I had plenty of excuses; I've been spending more teaching, I was on the planning committee, I've been getting ready for the US and Canada seminars...but the truth is I just haven't practiced enough and I wasn't good enough to win.
I did, however, get Niina-gosoke's consolation prize:
After the festivities we all went to a place by the station to eat and drink and have fun, and I heard many great stories from Shiokawa-gosoke about when he was young, and Okazaki-sensei's tales of karate. When it was time to go home, I was feeling lame but glad I'd got some perspective, and ready to start fresh tomorrow. I guess I was too busy thinking about redoubling my efforts at practice, because I turned right against a Left Turn Only sign, just in front of a police box. As I was waiting for the light to change, a cop ran out, invited me over, and gave me a 5000 yen ticket.
A fitting end to a fine day, I reckon.
I did, however, get Niina-gosoke's consolation prize:
After the festivities we all went to a place by the station to eat and drink and have fun, and I heard many great stories from Shiokawa-gosoke about when he was young, and Okazaki-sensei's tales of karate. When it was time to go home, I was feeling lame but glad I'd got some perspective, and ready to start fresh tomorrow. I guess I was too busy thinking about redoubling my efforts at practice, because I turned right against a Left Turn Only sign, just in front of a police box. As I was waiting for the light to change, a cop ran out, invited me over, and gave me a 5000 yen ticket.
A fitting end to a fine day, I reckon.
Calverts to London
After two years and many adventures in Japan, Jeff and (pregnant) Ericka are off to London.
We had the traditional Last Supper in Fonda de la Madrugada in Harajuku, the best Mexican (as in Mexico, not as in LA) food this side of New York. A good time was had by all, but at least now we have someplace to stay when we go to London!
We had the traditional Last Supper in Fonda de la Madrugada in Harajuku, the best Mexican (as in Mexico, not as in LA) food this side of New York. A good time was had by all, but at least now we have someplace to stay when we go to London!
meat and a haircut, 10 yen
More like 13,850 yen, but never mind the details.
The Mightier Steed galloped me to Omotesando for a visit to Nozawa at UR, where the clippers worked magic and the massage was painfully pleasant.
Then I hopped across the street to Barbacoa for Robin's going-away party. After 14 ("and a half!") years at Morgan Stanley, the grass was greener in the Swiss Alps.
The salad bar was lovely as always, and the meat...oh, the glorious meat!
Robin started The Game, whose rules are unclear but it generally involves the loser drinking, the winner drinking, anyone's who's watching drinking, everyone sitting at the nearest table drinking...Basically a fair bit of drinking. The waiter told us the next table over was complaining about the noise we were making. Ha! We hadn't even started the speeches yet!
Robin got a stylish fishing vest, pockets bulging with Marlboro Lights, and a Morgan Stanley globe paperweight which MUST be prominently displayed in his new office at UBS. By the time our two hours of all-you-can-eat-and-drink were up, many beer bottles were empty, Robin was a teary-eyed mess, and the crowd proceeded to further debauchery as is always the case with these things.
The Mightier Steed galloped me to Omotesando for a visit to Nozawa at UR, where the clippers worked magic and the massage was painfully pleasant.
Then I hopped across the street to Barbacoa for Robin's going-away party. After 14 ("and a half!") years at Morgan Stanley, the grass was greener in the Swiss Alps.
The salad bar was lovely as always, and the meat...oh, the glorious meat!
Robin started The Game, whose rules are unclear but it generally involves the loser drinking, the winner drinking, anyone's who's watching drinking, everyone sitting at the nearest table drinking...Basically a fair bit of drinking. The waiter told us the next table over was complaining about the noise we were making. Ha! We hadn't even started the speeches yet!
Robin got a stylish fishing vest, pockets bulging with Marlboro Lights, and a Morgan Stanley globe paperweight which MUST be prominently displayed in his new office at UBS. By the time our two hours of all-you-can-eat-and-drink were up, many beer bottles were empty, Robin was a teary-eyed mess, and the crowd proceeded to further debauchery as is always the case with these things.
craaaack!
So some guy came back practice last week to check it out. He came early, about 6:15, and I explained to him that we start basics at about 6:30 and then when Hoshina-san shows up we start practice at 7:00. He watched until about 6:50 and then said he had to go, but was interested in starting next week. I was surprised, as he hadn't really seen much, and asked if he could fill out the membership application. He said he didn't have time but he'd be back next week. I didn't expect him to come back, but there he was. So he filled out the application, paid his registration and first month's dues, and starting doing basics with us. He'd been doing Zenkenren so he had the equipment and some basics, though his cuts lacked the 'cutting-ness' of Mugairyu.
By 7pm Tanaka-sensei and Niina-gosoke had showed up, and we started doing kata. Hoshina-san starts to teach this guy one-on-one, but he says he wants to practice the Zenkenren kata because there's a tournament coming up. Hoshina-san explains that, while we do sometimes do the Zenkenren kata, this is Mugairyu Iaihyodo. He insists. She speaks to Niina-gosoke, who, justifiably, explodes: "He wants to do Zenkenren? I don't care either way. But this is Mugairyu. We practice Mugairyu here. We don't go to Zenkenren practices and tell them we want to practice Mugairyu kata! You ask me, Zenkenren isn't koryu budo, it's nice movements, but we do koryu budo here. We cut with intent, this is Mugairyu!"
Suffice to say he packed up his stuff, we refunded his money, and he was out the door. Kind of surreal.
After that we ran everyone through a couple of pretend tournaments, with judges seated at the front, timing the whole thing to give people an idea of what the tournament on Sunday will be like. Lots of nervousness and people forgetting the basics like how to bow and hold the sword!
From 8:30 Niina-gosoke started the Hour of Pain and pummeled us once again. About 8:45, as I was performing a particularly talent-less draw, there was a stupendous "craaaack!" as I split my saya (scabbard.) It was an old saya, the original that came with the sword, and I had patched it up several times. I knew it'd crack one day, so I wrapped the top with duct tape, and glad I did, because that prevented it from splitting in two entirely. Gosoke immediately laughed and then asked "Did you cut your hand?" "No sir, just my pride." and he laughed again. I've got a couple more saya so no big deal, everyone cracks them eventually, but it really does illustrate how lame I am and how hard it is to do clean draws every time.
By 7pm Tanaka-sensei and Niina-gosoke had showed up, and we started doing kata. Hoshina-san starts to teach this guy one-on-one, but he says he wants to practice the Zenkenren kata because there's a tournament coming up. Hoshina-san explains that, while we do sometimes do the Zenkenren kata, this is Mugairyu Iaihyodo. He insists. She speaks to Niina-gosoke, who, justifiably, explodes: "He wants to do Zenkenren? I don't care either way. But this is Mugairyu. We practice Mugairyu here. We don't go to Zenkenren practices and tell them we want to practice Mugairyu kata! You ask me, Zenkenren isn't koryu budo, it's nice movements, but we do koryu budo here. We cut with intent, this is Mugairyu!"
Suffice to say he packed up his stuff, we refunded his money, and he was out the door. Kind of surreal.
After that we ran everyone through a couple of pretend tournaments, with judges seated at the front, timing the whole thing to give people an idea of what the tournament on Sunday will be like. Lots of nervousness and people forgetting the basics like how to bow and hold the sword!
From 8:30 Niina-gosoke started the Hour of Pain and pummeled us once again. About 8:45, as I was performing a particularly talent-less draw, there was a stupendous "craaaack!" as I split my saya (scabbard.) It was an old saya, the original that came with the sword, and I had patched it up several times. I knew it'd crack one day, so I wrapped the top with duct tape, and glad I did, because that prevented it from splitting in two entirely. Gosoke immediately laughed and then asked "Did you cut your hand?" "No sir, just my pride." and he laughed again. I've got a couple more saya so no big deal, everyone cracks them eventually, but it really does illustrate how lame I am and how hard it is to do clean draws every time.
respect
After practice Misawa-kun took a photo of me with his phone
Yes, I really do command respect from the younger students.
Yes, I really do command respect from the younger students.
mom down! mom down!
Had a bit of a scare: She Who Simultaneously Smokes, Drinks Ice Coffee, Talks On The Phone, Does The Crossword Puzzle, Watches Television, and Plays Electronic Bridge Whilst Making Quilt Patterns had some chest pains, drove herself to the hospital, and spent a couple of days under the watchful eye of the medical profession. Hereditary heart problems (I got 'em too!) and a bourgeoisie New England lifestyle do not a good couple make. Supposedly she quit smoking (that or they just don't letcha smoke in the hospital, they can be strict that way.)
Now she's down in Alabama. In the hospital with heart problems. In Alabama. Dunno which is worse...just kidding Gene!
I've never been south of the Mason-Dixon line. I drove cross-country once with Patch in his foreign car, he wearing an "I want my RU-486" t-shirt and me with my blue braided dreads. A couple of times in the Midwest I thought for sure we'd be lynch-mobbed. One gas-station attendant wearing grease-covered overalls ala Dukes Of Hazzard took one look at our car and mumbled "Damn fine waste of metal and rubber..." to which Patch mumbled, looking at such fine proof that man did in fact evolve from chimps, "Damn fine waste of skin and bone..."
Now she's down in Alabama. In the hospital with heart problems. In Alabama. Dunno which is worse...just kidding Gene!
I've never been south of the Mason-Dixon line. I drove cross-country once with Patch in his foreign car, he wearing an "I want my RU-486" t-shirt and me with my blue braided dreads. A couple of times in the Midwest I thought for sure we'd be lynch-mobbed. One gas-station attendant wearing grease-covered overalls ala Dukes Of Hazzard took one look at our car and mumbled "Damn fine waste of metal and rubber..." to which Patch mumbled, looking at such fine proof that man did in fact evolve from chimps, "Damn fine waste of skin and bone..."
bbq @ tony's
Went over to Tony's for a BBQ. Met Hiroko in Shibuya and single-handedly revived the Japanese economy by being good consumers and inhaling various products from Muji, Loft, etc.
We grabbed some salad fixin's and got the #55 bus to Tony's.
As is tradition, Tony kept his guests (and himself) plied with wine while Hiroko and I took over his kitchen. Tony has 9 cutting boards, but his knives are as dull as spoons. Tony has a brand new oven that had never been used because when I opened it I found the shrink-wrapped instruction booklet and a note from the repairman who installed it, dated July 2002. Tony has 2 bottles and one bag of salt, but hardly any sugar. Tony has stupendously good French coffee, but only one coffee filter.
As she tends to do, Hiroko worked her magic. Scrounging olive oil, balsamico vinegar, and sugar, she turned bacon, pine nuts, and Nancy's garlic chips into a stupendous dressing for a spinach and bell pepper salad that had the crowd in fits. With the BBQ belching out smoke as well as steaks and chicken, I took Tony's pasta, grated some gouda cheese and turned it into a feeble attempt at baked ziti, and the feast was on.
We rounded out the evening by watching Charlie's Angels on TV. Besides Kevin failing in his attempt to leap the couch in a single bound (Tony was quick with the salt and the red wine on the carpet did no damage), it was a lovely evening.
We grabbed some salad fixin's and got the #55 bus to Tony's.
As is tradition, Tony kept his guests (and himself) plied with wine while Hiroko and I took over his kitchen. Tony has 9 cutting boards, but his knives are as dull as spoons. Tony has a brand new oven that had never been used because when I opened it I found the shrink-wrapped instruction booklet and a note from the repairman who installed it, dated July 2002. Tony has 2 bottles and one bag of salt, but hardly any sugar. Tony has stupendously good French coffee, but only one coffee filter.
As she tends to do, Hiroko worked her magic. Scrounging olive oil, balsamico vinegar, and sugar, she turned bacon, pine nuts, and Nancy's garlic chips into a stupendous dressing for a spinach and bell pepper salad that had the crowd in fits. With the BBQ belching out smoke as well as steaks and chicken, I took Tony's pasta, grated some gouda cheese and turned it into a feeble attempt at baked ziti, and the feast was on.
We rounded out the evening by watching Charlie's Angels on TV. Besides Kevin failing in his attempt to leap the couch in a single bound (Tony was quick with the salt and the red wine on the carpet did no damage), it was a lovely evening.
visions of grander than I really am
Dream #1: I was castigating The Israeli and Palestinian leaders, at length, for their failure to reach a viable peace agreement.
Dream #2: spiders that looked like mushrooms crawling up the back of my legs. I woke up with a start to find Hiroko getting out of bed, brushing back the mosquito net that rubbing teasingly along my calves.
Dream #2: spiders that looked like mushrooms crawling up the back of my legs. I woke up with a start to find Hiroko getting out of bed, brushing back the mosquito net that rubbing teasingly along my calves.
reality of lameness
Only two weeks to go before the Tokyo tournament, and I am in trouble. Last year I was in the unranked division, and by some strange twist of fate, luck, and promotion, this year I am in the 4dan/5dan division, the most advanced division. In general, I am pretty hosed, as everyone else in the division, including all my instructors, outrank and outclass me.
Tanaka-sensei ran us through all 20 forms and then left us to our own devices. It was humid and we were all sweating away nicely. Orita-san kept up a regular stream of complaints every time she could catch me, but I didn't give her much of a chance as I ran through my five forms over and over again, every time comparing my own movements to the movements inside my head and realizing just how much more I have to learn. Tanaka-sensei was helping Kanai-san with the last form, shiho. It's nasty: surrounded by enemies you attack in four directions. The cuts are tough, connecting them without leaving yourself open is even harder, and cutting convincingly, with plenty of hip and reach, is nigh impossible. I can't do that form more than a few times before my right arm feels like it will fall off. I focused more on the two seated forms, inchuyo and yochuin, as well as musogaeshi; I keep losing my balance over-extending on the turn to cut behind after the initial forward strike.
We kept practicing well past 9:00, and finally I had to stop because I was completely dehydrated and my right arm would move any more. No sense in killing myself, I've still got two weeks.
Tanaka-sensei ran us through all 20 forms and then left us to our own devices. It was humid and we were all sweating away nicely. Orita-san kept up a regular stream of complaints every time she could catch me, but I didn't give her much of a chance as I ran through my five forms over and over again, every time comparing my own movements to the movements inside my head and realizing just how much more I have to learn. Tanaka-sensei was helping Kanai-san with the last form, shiho. It's nasty: surrounded by enemies you attack in four directions. The cuts are tough, connecting them without leaving yourself open is even harder, and cutting convincingly, with plenty of hip and reach, is nigh impossible. I can't do that form more than a few times before my right arm feels like it will fall off. I focused more on the two seated forms, inchuyo and yochuin, as well as musogaeshi; I keep losing my balance over-extending on the turn to cut behind after the initial forward strike.
We kept practicing well past 9:00, and finally I had to stop because I was completely dehydrated and my right arm would move any more. No sense in killing myself, I've still got two weeks.
woo woo!
From Joel:
This is hysterical.
Step 1) Watch this
(pay particularly close attention to the demonstration)
Step 2) Then mix it up
This is hysterical.
Step 1) Watch this
(pay particularly close attention to the demonstration)
Step 2) Then mix it up
tokyo the most expensive city in the world
Just in case there were any doubts, Tokyo is indeed the most expensive city in the world.
Hundreds of Americans, largely in finance and banking, are moving back to the United States this summer from Tokyo, often ordered home by stateside managers who don't think Japan's stagnant economy is worth the high cost of maintaining workers there.
For those expatriates still in Tokyo, neither deflation nor that softening housing market has helped much so far. Prices there are still 26 percent higher than in New York.
Hundreds of Americans, largely in finance and banking, are moving back to the United States this summer from Tokyo, often ordered home by stateside managers who don't think Japan's stagnant economy is worth the high cost of maintaining workers there.
For those expatriates still in Tokyo, neither deflation nor that softening housing market has helped much so far. Prices there are still 26 percent higher than in New York.
from dave barry by way of Hammer
I guess sometimes you don't really think about your domain name...until it's too late:
http://www.powergenitalia.com/
http://www.whorepresents.com/
The first one I can forgive as English isn't most Italians' first language.
But the second one? No one in that whole organization said "Hmm, why do so many pimps and johns keep emailing us?"
http://www.powergenitalia.com/
http://www.whorepresents.com/
The first one I can forgive as English isn't most Italians' first language.
But the second one? No one in that whole organization said "Hmm, why do so many pimps and johns keep emailing us?"
momoyo and kensuke
Went to Shimura-sanchome on the Mita line, ostensibly to see Satchan's newborn son Kensuke, but really I was just there to play with Momoyo, who's now 6 years old, in first grade, and missing her two front teeth (making ramen slurping really easy.)
Hiroko and I met everyone at the station and immediately went to Toys 'R Us to get stuff for Kensuke, then hit the Royal Host for lunch. Momo, having the appetite of an old man instead of a six year-old, opted for ramen.
After lunch we went over to see Kensuke and parents, and as all the females reminisced and gossiped (they're all from the same town that Hiroko grew up in) Momo and I draw in her coloring book and poked Kensuke until he gurgled and made other entertaining noises.
Hiroko and I met everyone at the station and immediately went to Toys 'R Us to get stuff for Kensuke, then hit the Royal Host for lunch. Momo, having the appetite of an old man instead of a six year-old, opted for ramen.
After lunch we went over to see Kensuke and parents, and as all the females reminisced and gossiped (they're all from the same town that Hiroko grew up in) Momo and I draw in her coloring book and poked Kensuke until he gurgled and made other entertaining noises.
judge not lest ye be judg'd
Had a judge's training seminar this evening for the upcoming 6th Annual Kenkakubanrai. I will most definitely screw up the flag-lifting and point counting and victor announcing, most definitely.
After run through a couple of practices including how to receive and return the flags, how to roll them up, how to raise them, count them, and other fine points of judging, we cruised to one of the cheap eats places near Shinbashi Station. The sashimi was thawed, everything was fried in the same oil, the plates, chairs, and tables were small, the prices ridiculously low, and in general a good time was had by all. Kanai-bashocho and Tanaka-sensei are gearing up for their wedding, which I will unfortunately miss because it's the day I leave for San Francisco.
After a couple of beers and a carafe of wine, Sanno-sensei told me, after hearing that I was only 30 years old, that I severely lack in shinayakasa; suppleness, flexibility; elasticity. He says I'm too young to be stomping and thumping around like an old man, and I should work on being more like the green bamboo that bends at impossible angles but never breaks and always snaps back into place. He has a point. I've spent a bit too much time trying to be strong and fast, specifically trying to give tatami rolls what for, and if I get into the habit of being rigid and cold, I'll never shake it. So my homework from now on is more bend, less thump.
After run through a couple of practices including how to receive and return the flags, how to roll them up, how to raise them, count them, and other fine points of judging, we cruised to one of the cheap eats places near Shinbashi Station. The sashimi was thawed, everything was fried in the same oil, the plates, chairs, and tables were small, the prices ridiculously low, and in general a good time was had by all. Kanai-bashocho and Tanaka-sensei are gearing up for their wedding, which I will unfortunately miss because it's the day I leave for San Francisco.
After a couple of beers and a carafe of wine, Sanno-sensei told me, after hearing that I was only 30 years old, that I severely lack in shinayakasa; suppleness, flexibility; elasticity. He says I'm too young to be stomping and thumping around like an old man, and I should work on being more like the green bamboo that bends at impossible angles but never breaks and always snaps back into place. He has a point. I've spent a bit too much time trying to be strong and fast, specifically trying to give tatami rolls what for, and if I get into the habit of being rigid and cold, I'll never shake it. So my homework from now on is more bend, less thump.
sai and jo
Jesse asked me on the Sword Forum International boards if we could do some sai when I go out to California in July for an iai seminar. At first I said no because I don't know any sai and am not qualified to teach. But at practice tonight I was talking to Hoshina-san and Yoshida-sensei, and since Hoshina-san is 2dan in sai they decided I had to learn the tachi (sword) half of some sai forms so that we could at least demo. And while we're at it I might as well learn some tachi for a couple of jo forms as well.
So for three hours I got pummelled by various folks trying to teach me the sai kata geki, hangetsu, and sankyo, as well as some jo work I absolutely can't remember. After having various bits of wood and metal slammed into my head, solar plexus, wrists, arms, and chin, I have a new respect for these weapons.
Now if I can just remember the moves well enough to not make a complete fool of myself...
So for three hours I got pummelled by various folks trying to teach me the sai kata geki, hangetsu, and sankyo, as well as some jo work I absolutely can't remember. After having various bits of wood and metal slammed into my head, solar plexus, wrists, arms, and chin, I have a new respect for these weapons.
Now if I can just remember the moves well enough to not make a complete fool of myself...
bruce lee kicks butt
From stevie: http://www.card1004.com/card/bsjj/53.swf No idea what the Korean writing says, but this is cool.
dream
I think the combination of seeing Matrix: Reloaded and watching the news coverage of the middle east has effected my sleep.
Had a dream: I was in the run-down lobby of a dingy bank, or maybe it was a hospital. It was full of depressed, dirty, hopeless people sitting on grimy old waiting benches. Babies cried. Old people stared off into nothing. I stood near the back, looking over the scene, detached. Suddenly a young man runs in, pulls out a revolver, and starts shooting. Panic ensues; people dive for cover and run. The images unfold in bullet-time slow motion. I run towards him as he hurries to reload. Spent shells fall, hand in his pocket, I get closer. One bullet chambered, two, three...I close in. Four bullets, five, and I am near the wall he stands against. I reach out towards the umbrella rack, my fingers close around the long handle of a sledge hammer. I spin, lifting the heavy head of the hammer, adding my right hand to the grip, accelerating in dust-flinging slow motion. He snaps closed the loaded revolver and wheels the barrel towards me. The sledge catches him square in the chest, knocking him into the wall. Freeze. Rewind.
Suddenly a young man runs in, pulls out a revolver, and starts shooting. Panic ensues; people dive for cover and run. The images unfold in bullet-time slow motion. I run towards him as he hurries to reload...this time I grab an umbrella from the rack, noticing how much lighter is is than the sledge hammer. I deftly jab the umbrella two, three, four times into his throat, chest, arm. Freeze. Rewind. I grab the umbrella, spin it around and hook his gun-holding hand with the curved umbrella handle. He struggles to free his hand, ensnaring him even deeper into my umbrella-joint lock. Freeze. Rewind. He swings his arm towards me, and just as the barrel is in line with my head, I slide forward and under, my tactical folder knife catching him in the wrist, elbow, armpit. Freeze. Rewind. I drive the serrated bowie deep into his forearm, slicing it open elbow to palm. Freeze. Rewind. From across the room I dive, John Woo, emptying my 9mm clip into the wall and him as he lunges for the counter. His shots turning the stuffing of the fake leather benches into clouds of dust. Freeze. Rewind. I spin as he fires his last shot wildly in my direction, no aim, panicking. He reloads as I lunge straight at him, hurdling over the benches. First row. One bullet chambered. Second row, two bullets chambered. As he slaps the revolver into place and raises his eyes and gun to face my I'm already drawing my sword, halfway over the last bench, right leg extended. I draw and cut as my right foot comes down, catching his right arm clean on the rising cut. His hand, still holding the gun, drops harmlessly and clatters on the floor at our feet. My blade continues arcing across his face, he turns and falls.
I wake up. No more TV or movies for a while, methinks.
Had a dream: I was in the run-down lobby of a dingy bank, or maybe it was a hospital. It was full of depressed, dirty, hopeless people sitting on grimy old waiting benches. Babies cried. Old people stared off into nothing. I stood near the back, looking over the scene, detached. Suddenly a young man runs in, pulls out a revolver, and starts shooting. Panic ensues; people dive for cover and run. The images unfold in bullet-time slow motion. I run towards him as he hurries to reload. Spent shells fall, hand in his pocket, I get closer. One bullet chambered, two, three...I close in. Four bullets, five, and I am near the wall he stands against. I reach out towards the umbrella rack, my fingers close around the long handle of a sledge hammer. I spin, lifting the heavy head of the hammer, adding my right hand to the grip, accelerating in dust-flinging slow motion. He snaps closed the loaded revolver and wheels the barrel towards me. The sledge catches him square in the chest, knocking him into the wall. Freeze. Rewind.
Suddenly a young man runs in, pulls out a revolver, and starts shooting. Panic ensues; people dive for cover and run. The images unfold in bullet-time slow motion. I run towards him as he hurries to reload...this time I grab an umbrella from the rack, noticing how much lighter is is than the sledge hammer. I deftly jab the umbrella two, three, four times into his throat, chest, arm. Freeze. Rewind. I grab the umbrella, spin it around and hook his gun-holding hand with the curved umbrella handle. He struggles to free his hand, ensnaring him even deeper into my umbrella-joint lock. Freeze. Rewind. He swings his arm towards me, and just as the barrel is in line with my head, I slide forward and under, my tactical folder knife catching him in the wrist, elbow, armpit. Freeze. Rewind. I drive the serrated bowie deep into his forearm, slicing it open elbow to palm. Freeze. Rewind. From across the room I dive, John Woo, emptying my 9mm clip into the wall and him as he lunges for the counter. His shots turning the stuffing of the fake leather benches into clouds of dust. Freeze. Rewind. I spin as he fires his last shot wildly in my direction, no aim, panicking. He reloads as I lunge straight at him, hurdling over the benches. First row. One bullet chambered. Second row, two bullets chambered. As he slaps the revolver into place and raises his eyes and gun to face my I'm already drawing my sword, halfway over the last bench, right leg extended. I draw and cut as my right foot comes down, catching his right arm clean on the rising cut. His hand, still holding the gun, drops harmlessly and clatters on the floor at our feet. My blade continues arcing across his face, he turns and falls.
I wake up. No more TV or movies for a while, methinks.
lethalo
Here I am wasting my time, dedicating my life to studying a 300+ year-old traditional Japanese martial art, when in fact for only $49.95 I can learn lethalo, "Truly the world's deadliest and most effective self-defense system ever devised." In four short courses I will master unbeatable fighting techniques! What the hell am I waiting for?!
japanese cops
I admit, like everyone else in Japan (especially foreigners), I belittle the Japanese police. They seem under-prepared, ill-qualified to carry firearms, and are generally useful only for giving directions and watching helplessly as right-wing trucks drive slowly in circles blasting nationalist theme songs at ear-splitting levels.
But now I take it all back. I got a call from Officer Kobayashi in Arakawa-ku. Arakawa-ku is as far north and east as you can get from my south-western Tokyo location and still have a Tokyo area code. Seems he found the Mighty Steed. Not only did he find it, but he put it in a police van and drove all the way across Tokyo to give it back to me. So now, the Mighty Steed sits next to the Mightier Steed. It's missing the left mirror and the grandma handcovers, as well as the front basket and the helmet, but it stills purrs and rattles like it used to.
Two small helmets where found with the bike, ticketed for being parked illegally. A plate check showed that the bike was reported stolen. Obviously some teenagers were enjoying the freedom that the Mighty Steed provides. But how the hell it got all the way across Tokyo is beyond even Officer Kobayashi's comprehension.
Good timing though, Masa's bike (the one I got from Moto that I used to ride before the Mighty Steed) is nearing the end of usefulness. So I'll stop by the Ward Office tomorrow morning, transfer the Mighty Steed to Masa, and consider it all in a day's police work.
Now if they could just get the right-wing trucks to shut up.
But now I take it all back. I got a call from Officer Kobayashi in Arakawa-ku. Arakawa-ku is as far north and east as you can get from my south-western Tokyo location and still have a Tokyo area code. Seems he found the Mighty Steed. Not only did he find it, but he put it in a police van and drove all the way across Tokyo to give it back to me. So now, the Mighty Steed sits next to the Mightier Steed. It's missing the left mirror and the grandma handcovers, as well as the front basket and the helmet, but it stills purrs and rattles like it used to.
Two small helmets where found with the bike, ticketed for being parked illegally. A plate check showed that the bike was reported stolen. Obviously some teenagers were enjoying the freedom that the Mighty Steed provides. But how the hell it got all the way across Tokyo is beyond even Officer Kobayashi's comprehension.
Good timing though, Masa's bike (the one I got from Moto that I used to ride before the Mighty Steed) is nearing the end of usefulness. So I'll stop by the Ward Office tomorrow morning, transfer the Mighty Steed to Masa, and consider it all in a day's police work.
Now if they could just get the right-wing trucks to shut up.
reload this
Got the gang together and saw Matrix: Reloaded and the Virgin Cinema in Roppongi Hills. Ah, caramel popcorn, TXH sound, huge screen, comfy and leg room, cup holders in the armrests, all reserved seats, and a great flick. Must have soundtrack. Must have DVD. Must see final in the trilogy asap!
After the movie Hiroko and I and Will and his girlie got some pizza and then some icecream at Hobsons at the Nishi Azabu corner. It was a pleasantly muggy evening, so Hiroko and I walked back home through Azabu.
After the movie Hiroko and I and Will and his girlie got some pizza and then some icecream at Hobsons at the Nishi Azabu corner. It was a pleasantly muggy evening, so Hiroko and I walked back home through Azabu.
chop chop
Went to iai in Motoyawata and did some cutting. Spent most of the time helping the other students cut -- some of them had never cut before, others had to work on their angle, hip use, etc. Got some cutting in myself and manage to nail 2 out of 3 horizontal cuts from a seated draw. Think I may have finally figured it out, but I still have much to work on. It's a fun group, so I'll probably be cutting with them at least once a month.
what's in a name?
I have been named. Niina-gosoke has given most of the instructors proper 'iai' names (his is of course Niina Gyokusui Toyoaki; no idea what his "real" name is.)
My name is Kuroda Renjosai Yonekuni
Kuroda is of course my last name ("Blackfield")
Ren is also my name, written as I tend to write it with the character 'hasu' (lotus flower, traditional Zen Buddhist symbolism, Buddha is often shown seated on a lotus blossom)
jo means 'to exceed', and sai means 'to purify mind and body', so Renjosai = "to exceed even the lotus in developing a pure mind and body"
Yone is the character 'bei' meaning rice, and kuni is the Japanese character 'hou' meaning country. In Japanese, America is written as 'rice country' (why they didn't use 'wheat country' is beyond me, but anyway the idea is 'rice' = 'food' = 'prosperity', America is the land of prosperity) So Yonekuni means 'he from America'
Regularly just Kuroda Renjosai is used, and since most folks just call me ren anyway, not much changes. But for official use (on certificates, etc.) the full name is used.
Now if I can convince my company to redo the Japanese on my business cards!
Practice was brutal, as always. Tanaka-sensei came again and after running through all 20 forms, we each worked on our own things, with Tanaka-sensei coming around and giving advice. Of course we all practiced the five forms we need for the upcoming competition end of June. I'm very nervous because I'm in the 4/5dan (highest) division, and besides squaring off against the best, that group includes my own instructor, Kanai-bashocho. I really want to do my best and see how far I can get, but do I beat my own instructor? Niina-gosoke always tell us "get better than your instructors! Your job as student is to excel past them!", but can I really beat her? I mean, first of all she's DAMN good, second of all she has the LaserEyeDeathBeam: one glance from her can freeze a raging bull in its tracks.
After the regular 2 hours, Niina-gosoke schooled us again in his Hour Of Pain. He showed us what the final diagonal cut of the first form shin is supposed to look like: the hands come out and down from overhead straight, just like with a typical straight down cut, but the wrists subtly angle the sword tip out so that the cut catches the opponent not straight in the forehead, but in the base of the neck and cuts down at a 30 degree angle through to under the ribs on the other side. The trick is you can't see that the cut is coming in diagonally. When the cut is down the hands are off to the side; that's the only indication that the cut was diagonal not straight. No telegraphing a diagonal cut by moving the hands to the side as the cut starts, or obviously opening the sword tip to the side to make the cutting angle. How the HELL do I do that?
My name is Kuroda Renjosai Yonekuni
Kuroda is of course my last name ("Blackfield")
Ren is also my name, written as I tend to write it with the character 'hasu' (lotus flower, traditional Zen Buddhist symbolism, Buddha is often shown seated on a lotus blossom)
jo means 'to exceed', and sai means 'to purify mind and body', so Renjosai = "to exceed even the lotus in developing a pure mind and body"
Yone is the character 'bei' meaning rice, and kuni is the Japanese character 'hou' meaning country. In Japanese, America is written as 'rice country' (why they didn't use 'wheat country' is beyond me, but anyway the idea is 'rice' = 'food' = 'prosperity', America is the land of prosperity) So Yonekuni means 'he from America'
Regularly just Kuroda Renjosai is used, and since most folks just call me ren anyway, not much changes. But for official use (on certificates, etc.) the full name is used.
Now if I can convince my company to redo the Japanese on my business cards!
Practice was brutal, as always. Tanaka-sensei came again and after running through all 20 forms, we each worked on our own things, with Tanaka-sensei coming around and giving advice. Of course we all practiced the five forms we need for the upcoming competition end of June. I'm very nervous because I'm in the 4/5dan (highest) division, and besides squaring off against the best, that group includes my own instructor, Kanai-bashocho. I really want to do my best and see how far I can get, but do I beat my own instructor? Niina-gosoke always tell us "get better than your instructors! Your job as student is to excel past them!", but can I really beat her? I mean, first of all she's DAMN good, second of all she has the LaserEyeDeathBeam: one glance from her can freeze a raging bull in its tracks.
After the regular 2 hours, Niina-gosoke schooled us again in his Hour Of Pain. He showed us what the final diagonal cut of the first form shin is supposed to look like: the hands come out and down from overhead straight, just like with a typical straight down cut, but the wrists subtly angle the sword tip out so that the cut catches the opponent not straight in the forehead, but in the base of the neck and cuts down at a 30 degree angle through to under the ribs on the other side. The trick is you can't see that the cut is coming in diagonally. When the cut is down the hands are off to the side; that's the only indication that the cut was diagonal not straight. No telegraphing a diagonal cut by moving the hands to the side as the cut starts, or obviously opening the sword tip to the side to make the cutting angle. How the HELL do I do that?
cute must die
Small pets are all the rage these days in Tokyo. Miniature whatever dogs leashed on yarn, carried in the Gucci bag like any other accessory, dressed up with adorable outfits that match their human owner's leather goods. Even cats have cute outfits for dressing up.
I believe animals belong in the wild. Acceptably domesticated animals should provide humanity with milk and or meat. The entertainment value of animal companionship is, to me, quite low. Specifically for dogs though, I believe a dog only qualifies if it is capable of being horse-ridden by a 4-year old child. For that, the dog must be big. I mean BIG, like a chain for a leash big, knock down a full-grown man big, taller and faster than most bicycles big, fit a whole soccerball in the mouth big. And slobbery. Nothing like a big, slobbery dog sitting on the curb, watching passers-by and chomping on thigh bone. The only remotely acceptable accessory for said big dog is a bandana tied around the neck. That's it. No sailor outfit, no rain coat, no hat and sunglasses. It's a dog for goodness sakes.
I believe animals belong in the wild. Acceptably domesticated animals should provide humanity with milk and or meat. The entertainment value of animal companionship is, to me, quite low. Specifically for dogs though, I believe a dog only qualifies if it is capable of being horse-ridden by a 4-year old child. For that, the dog must be big. I mean BIG, like a chain for a leash big, knock down a full-grown man big, taller and faster than most bicycles big, fit a whole soccerball in the mouth big. And slobbery. Nothing like a big, slobbery dog sitting on the curb, watching passers-by and chomping on thigh bone. The only remotely acceptable accessory for said big dog is a bandana tied around the neck. That's it. No sailor outfit, no rain coat, no hat and sunglasses. It's a dog for goodness sakes.
big turnout
Had 11 students in class tonight. Misawa-kun showed up so I had him run the beginners through the first couple of forms while I worked with the others. We used wooden swords and played with some of the trickier forms, trying to figure out what the opponent is actually doing in order for you to move the way the kata dictates. Fun to almost clobber each other, and very helpful in visualizing the opponent.
sco/linux ?
For those who have a hard time understanding the sco/linux debacle of copyright hesaidshesaid, here's a helpful page that explains the issues in simple, clear terms: The Dukes of Hazzard.
donovan duo
Got an IM from Ann's cellphone in Seattle. Seems she's hanging with sister Courtney. They sent me a photo from their phone.
and I reciprocated
Technology is just neat.
and I reciprocated
Technology is just neat.
good for the economy
Hiroko and I did our part by spending lots of money today. First headed down to Shibuya and hit Loft, then Mujirushi Ryohin, popped into the Gap (enough with the Low Rise! Looks great on girls, but if I want to show my underwear I'll pull my own pants down to the middle of my ass, thank you very much), then Tokyu Hands were we loaded up on garden stuff for the Basil that is overtaking our measely balcony.
From there we grabbed the bus to Roppongi, hit the Starbucks for a bevvie (ice tazo chai latte w/Soy milk is our current drink of choice) and then indulged in two hours of stretching, massaging, kneading, twisting, and complete relaxation at Chai: Traditional Thai Massage.
From there we grabbed the bus to Roppongi, hit the Starbucks for a bevvie (ice tazo chai latte w/Soy milk is our current drink of choice) and then indulged in two hours of stretching, massaging, kneading, twisting, and complete relaxation at Chai: Traditional Thai Massage.
big al
Kev and I headed out to Ichikawa for the first time in ages to see of Al. After nearly seven years running Crazy Cactus he and Keiko are finally outta here. They bought a place in LA and are going back to Cali in a couple of weeks. Fun to be back; I used to hang out there every weekend back when Hiroko and I lived down the street. Saw Hugh and N.Z. Steve and bunches of other folks I didn't recognize. And I made Al promise he'd send Hiroko his recipe for Mexican Rice, the key ingredient in the Big Al black bean and chicken burrito.
Came back to Tokyo and stopped off at Lucky to grab some late dinner. They put up a new sign so that you can see that Lucky is a drinking and eating establishment from down the street. Looks corny and very cool. As usual the place was dead; no idea why it's empty on Saturday nights but packed on weekdays, though.
Came back to Tokyo and stopped off at Lucky to grab some late dinner. They put up a new sign so that you can see that Lucky is a drinking and eating establishment from down the street. Looks corny and very cool. As usual the place was dead; no idea why it's empty on Saturday nights but packed on weekdays, though.
schwing
Saturday morning practice and I managed to convince Misae from work to come check out Mugairyu Iaihyodo. She's a shodan in Shinden Musoryu or something, but it was time for her to taste koryu. Three hours later she could barely lift her arms, and holding her umbrella as we tredged back to the station through Typhoon #4 was a chore. I think she had fun, but we couldn't motivate her to sign up. Guess it takes a special kind of whacko...
watch your step
With a few minutes to spare, and a familiar rumbling in my bowels, I headed into the bathroom in the building next to the train station (behind the bread store...what do all buildings-next-to-train-stations have a bread store?)
The stall was occupied, so I patiently waited my turn. When the door finally opened, out stepped a man who was either homeless trying really hard to never, ever bathe.His skin and ragged clothes were covered in a thick coating of grime and he smelled...homeless. He nodded and smiled a yellow-tooth'd grin and stepped out, passing completely by the sink and out the door.
I entered to tiny stall. It was, like most bathrooms behind the breadstore in the building next to the train station, a Japanese toilet. Small enough to begin with, the door to the stall opened inwards, leaving very little room to maneuver. I stepped in carefully, put my stuff on the hook behind the stall door, and noticed it.
Seems the previous user had a healthy lower intestine, but bad aim. He was about 6 inches too far back when he squatted, and his flush, alas, did little good. I now had several options: find another stall (risky given my current state), somehow motivate the airplane into the hangar, if you know what I mean, or stoicly ignore, adapt, and overcome.
I decided for the US Marines-like option, adapting quickly to my situation by squatting WAY forward, my forehead resting on the cool front wall, gripping the Jesus Pipe for all hope in heaven (the pipe that sticks up out of the wall and goes immediately into the floor just in front of the recepticle -- there for no other reason than to give you something to hold onto whilst squatting.)
My aim was truer than contestant number one, and I managed to achieve the objective and extract with no casualties.
The stall was occupied, so I patiently waited my turn. When the door finally opened, out stepped a man who was either homeless trying really hard to never, ever bathe.His skin and ragged clothes were covered in a thick coating of grime and he smelled...homeless. He nodded and smiled a yellow-tooth'd grin and stepped out, passing completely by the sink and out the door.
I entered to tiny stall. It was, like most bathrooms behind the breadstore in the building next to the train station, a Japanese toilet. Small enough to begin with, the door to the stall opened inwards, leaving very little room to maneuver. I stepped in carefully, put my stuff on the hook behind the stall door, and noticed it.
Seems the previous user had a healthy lower intestine, but bad aim. He was about 6 inches too far back when he squatted, and his flush, alas, did little good. I now had several options: find another stall (risky given my current state), somehow motivate the airplane into the hangar, if you know what I mean, or stoicly ignore, adapt, and overcome.
I decided for the US Marines-like option, adapting quickly to my situation by squatting WAY forward, my forehead resting on the cool front wall, gripping the Jesus Pipe for all hope in heaven (the pipe that sticks up out of the wall and goes immediately into the floor just in front of the recepticle -- there for no other reason than to give you something to hold onto whilst squatting.)
My aim was truer than contestant number one, and I managed to achieve the objective and extract with no casualties.
growling
Niina-gosoke's practice was fun as always, but with my throat still sore I could barely manage more than growls and coughs, which made for an interesting time when I had to call the opening and closing bows.
the great yiddish debate rages
dad:
Shtick is not spelled "schtick".
Hammer:
Tell him that Websters' dictionary lists "schtick" as a variant of "shtick".
Todd:
That doesn't sound right:
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?db=*&q=schtick
All the sh/sch stuff in Yidish have the duel spellings:
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=schmuck
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=schlemiel&r=2
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?db=*&q=schmear
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=schmooze
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=Schtick
etc. etc.
Shtick is not spelled "schtick".
Hammer:
Tell him that Websters' dictionary lists "schtick" as a variant of "shtick".
Todd:
That doesn't sound right:
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?db=*&q=schtick
All the sh/sch stuff in Yidish have the duel spellings:
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=schmuck
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=schlemiel&r=2
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?db=*&q=schmear
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=schmooze
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=Schtick
etc. etc.
my father is beyond geek
In response to The Geek Test. (FWIW I scored "Major Geek")
He took his undergrad finals with a slide rule.
He got his PhD in chemistry when there were only 104 elements.
The calculations for his PhD (thickness of soap bubbles) were run on the one computer on campus. A whole box of punch cards.
He got his MBA before the Internet.
He now teaches an "Internet MBA" course, which includes lectures on supply chain theory, modern business management, and Photoshop for website graphics.
His one pair of glasses are older than me.
His one pair of hard contact lenses are older than me.
He makes the barcode haircut cool.
He took his undergrad finals with a slide rule.
He got his PhD in chemistry when there were only 104 elements.
The calculations for his PhD (thickness of soap bubbles) were run on the one computer on campus. A whole box of punch cards.
He got his MBA before the Internet.
He now teaches an "Internet MBA" course, which includes lectures on supply chain theory, modern business management, and Photoshop for website graphics.
His one pair of glasses are older than me.
His one pair of hard contact lenses are older than me.
He makes the barcode haircut cool.
sushi
Had lunch with Hiroko; she treated me to sushi. We each had 1.5 person's worth (a single serving just isn't enough) and it was good. And just to remind me how cool Hiroko is, she gave me her last and only piece of salmon, because she know's it's my favorite, and she wouldn't even accept one of my tuna pieces in exchange. She's such a babe.
After lunch we grabbed some icecream from the MiniMart. My mint-choco melted nicely and dripped onto my white shirt and heinous flower tie. The tie stain is indiscernible, and I did a decent job of dabbing the melted chocolate out of the shirt, but still.
After lunch we grabbed some icecream from the MiniMart. My mint-choco melted nicely and dripped onto my white shirt and heinous flower tie. The tie stain is indiscernible, and I did a decent job of dabbing the melted chocolate out of the shirt, but still.
world competitiveness yearbook 2003
Is out, and Japan once again misses the top ten. Sixth out of the G7 countries, Japan beat Italy, but I bet Italians aren't complaining. Would rather be as competitive as Japan, or as relaxed and well-fed as Italy?
is that a frog in your throat or are you just glad to see me?
Hoshina-san couldn't come to class so she asked me to cover. Only two guys showed up, so we drilled hard on the basics and then focused on the kata for the upcoming competitions. My throat was feeling pretty bad, and by the end of practice I'd basically lost my voice. Niina-gosoke showed up about 8, as well as Orita-san and Tanaka-sensei, but by 8:30 I was toast, and didn't stick around for Niina-gosoke's Hour of Power.
We did, however, get the Pelican cases delivered after some minor confusion about the address. Very slick, these are. My swords will be quite comfortable on the trip to the US and Canada this summer.
We did, however, get the Pelican cases delivered after some minor confusion about the address. Very slick, these are. My swords will be quite comfortable on the trip to the US and Canada this summer.
behold: mold!
Guy from Ken Corporation came this morning to check the apartment. Showed him the mold above the window in my room, as well as the crack in the bathtub, the sketchy bedroom door, and the crappy display on the apartment intercom. Cool guy, but he just reports back to the owner, so we'll see what ends up getting fixed. It's a buyer's market, so I have a bit of room to play hardball. Hiroko and I can give them the standard good cop (Japanese wife) / bad cop (foreigner husband) schtick.
i am a steak
Just finished Wall Street Meat by Andy Kessler. Almost makes me wish I was born 10 years earlier so that I could have seen the fun on Wall Street, instead of just catching the tail end of it from Tokyo when I joined Morgan Stanley 5 years ago. Oh well, maybe it's best that I missed it. Great read, though. Gives me a new perspective and more ammo for my cynicism.
sleep
Slept for 14 hours. Came home about 5pm feeling nasty, hit the bed, woke up at 7 this am. Still not feeling great, but getting a bit better. Hiroko feels just fine, for what it's worth.
yu-ching is cooler than me
Yu-Ching not only has a blog that's cooler than mine because hers is bilingual, she saw Keanu Reeves live and in person, shopping in Omotesando.
ugh...
Hiroko is finally getting over her cold...by transferring it to me. Throat is sore, head's a bit thumpy, body aches...
east?
I am considering renaming The Mightier Steed "east".
There is a small compass attached to the front of The Mightier Steed, just above The Speedometer Than Knows Nothing Over 60.
Whenever I look at the compass, it invariably says I am facing east. There are two possible reasons for this:
1) By some innate sense of direction, I subconsciously know when I am facing east, and only then do I actually look at the compass
2) It's broken
I'm leaning towards #2, but I do have a pretty good sense of direction, so you never know...
There is a small compass attached to the front of The Mightier Steed, just above The Speedometer Than Knows Nothing Over 60.
Whenever I look at the compass, it invariably says I am facing east. There are two possible reasons for this:
1) By some innate sense of direction, I subconsciously know when I am facing east, and only then do I actually look at the compass
2) It's broken
I'm leaning towards #2, but I do have a pretty good sense of direction, so you never know...
meat
Went to practice in Akabane in the morning because one of the new guys said he was coming. Didn't get a chance to do much other than teach, but did have a few words of wisdom from Naganuma-sensei -- some day I'll be as amazing as he, but not anytime soon.
In the evening over to Jeff and Ericka's for Yet Another Meat Fest BBQ. Ericka is bigger with child, the upstairs neighbors still scoff unpleasantly when we fire up the BBQ, the building across the way pounds on the window when we make too much noise at 8:30pm on a Saturday, and Jeff's pork loin is still to die for. Zareen had more than some red wine (that never happens, really) and we all watched 8 Mile, a lovely flick methinks.
In the evening over to Jeff and Ericka's for Yet Another Meat Fest BBQ. Ericka is bigger with child, the upstairs neighbors still scoff unpleasantly when we fire up the BBQ, the building across the way pounds on the window when we make too much noise at 8:30pm on a Saturday, and Jeff's pork loin is still to die for. Zareen had more than some red wine (that never happens, really) and we all watched 8 Mile, a lovely flick methinks.
fast=good
Got the scooter from Will yesterday after some initial confusion over which train station to meet at. It's a Suzuki Address. Supposedly 50cc, but the body is the same size as the 100cc Suzuki Address, which means it nice and long and stable and smooth and FAST. The spedometer pegs at 60 (kilos/hour) but there's plenty left in the throttle and the engine has a wicked squeal of combustion as it revs ever higher. The Angel of Death sticker on the back suggested a possible name, but I think for now, and in honor of the original Mighty Steed, this scooter is hereby named:
The Mightier Steed
Technically it's not quite mine yet. Will has to go to the Meguro Ward Office, unregister it and turn in the license plate, then transfer it to me and then I have to register it in Minato Ward and get new plates. (Actually, legally I'm wondering if the scooter was ever transferred to Will from the previous owner, but whatever...)
The Mightier Steed
Technically it's not quite mine yet. Will has to go to the Meguro Ward Office, unregister it and turn in the license plate, then transfer it to me and then I have to register it in Minato Ward and get new plates. (Actually, legally I'm wondering if the scooter was ever transferred to Will from the previous owner, but whatever...)
will nolan
He blogs. He geeks. He is also selling me his scooter. Not sure what to call it. Mighty Steed 2? Guess I'll have to get a feel for it before naming.
rain and pain
Truly stunningly mad hard rain tonight during practice. I was teaching the students' class and explaining to a new guy and the thunder is thundering and the lightning is lightninging (?) and the gym roof sounded like it was going to collapse under the pressure of the rain. Kinda neat.
We've started cranking hard for the tournaments coming up -- I'm not going to practice anything other than the forms inchuyo, yochuin, musogaeshi, migi-no-teki, and shiho for the next few months.
We've started cranking hard for the tournaments coming up -- I'm not going to practice anything other than the forms inchuyo, yochuin, musogaeshi, migi-no-teki, and shiho for the next few months.
Gasshuku
Got on the Odoriko 105 from Tokyo station and made it to Ajiro in Shizuoka Prefecture in about an hour and a half.
Ajiro is a dinky little seaside town known for its seafood and not much else.
We headed straight for the practice hall and started practice with about 75 people.
Practice lasted a couple of hours, and then the three people testing for 4dan and 5dan did the cutting portion of their test before we called it a day and headed back to the hotel, Ajiro Daiichi. Trying to beat the rush I dropped my stuff in the room, grabbed my towel, and headed down to the bath. Tanaka-sensei and Naganuma-sensei where already there, and Sano-sensei showed up a moment later. The water was nice and hot and kind of salty -- maybe they were using sea water.
Changed into our hotel yukata and headed to the dinner hall. Speeches, food, huge quantities of beer and sake, some karaoke, and more beer and sake.
Dinner ended promptly at 8, and most folks headed down to the bar in the basement for more drinking and karaoke. Most of the students headed back to their (my) room and proceeded to wage their own war against sobriety (a rousing victory.) Somewhere after midnight I dragged a futon across the hall into Otsuka-san's room and attempted to sleep, but Yokoshima-san was bellowing his trademark giggle up and down the hall and the students across the way were in full swing. Yokoshima-san, in his drunken stupor, stumbled into the room in which I was attempting to sleep and commented, in his thunderous voice "Someone's trying to sleep in here!" Trying is the operative word, thanks.
Later in the evening, just as I was embracing the sweet cloud of slumber, someone stumbled in and knocked the shoji sliding screen down. On top of me. I remember a feel of distinct heaviness, not from the lightweight paper screen, but from the body on top of it squishing the sleep from my skull.
After a couple of hours of sleep we got up and headed down from a 7:30 breakfast. I managed to get back into the bath to wash and wake up, and then we headed back to the hall for more practice. By now most folks were completely sleep-deprived, hungover, and/or voiceless from too much karaoke. We attempted to practice, I leading the students group, while Niina-gosoke ran everyone else through the basics and Naganuma-sensei ran the promotion exams.
The students were uninspiring to say the least. Most of them were so hung over they could barely stand, let alone swing a sword, but they gave it their best effort, and Shiokawa-gosoke watched and smiled.
When we finally ended in the afternoon, everyone was dead and hungry. We headed into town for a lovely meal of fresh seafood before getting the 2:17 train back into Tokyo.
Ajiro is a dinky little seaside town known for its seafood and not much else.
We headed straight for the practice hall and started practice with about 75 people.
Practice lasted a couple of hours, and then the three people testing for 4dan and 5dan did the cutting portion of their test before we called it a day and headed back to the hotel, Ajiro Daiichi. Trying to beat the rush I dropped my stuff in the room, grabbed my towel, and headed down to the bath. Tanaka-sensei and Naganuma-sensei where already there, and Sano-sensei showed up a moment later. The water was nice and hot and kind of salty -- maybe they were using sea water.
Changed into our hotel yukata and headed to the dinner hall. Speeches, food, huge quantities of beer and sake, some karaoke, and more beer and sake.
Dinner ended promptly at 8, and most folks headed down to the bar in the basement for more drinking and karaoke. Most of the students headed back to their (my) room and proceeded to wage their own war against sobriety (a rousing victory.) Somewhere after midnight I dragged a futon across the hall into Otsuka-san's room and attempted to sleep, but Yokoshima-san was bellowing his trademark giggle up and down the hall and the students across the way were in full swing. Yokoshima-san, in his drunken stupor, stumbled into the room in which I was attempting to sleep and commented, in his thunderous voice "Someone's trying to sleep in here!" Trying is the operative word, thanks.
Later in the evening, just as I was embracing the sweet cloud of slumber, someone stumbled in and knocked the shoji sliding screen down. On top of me. I remember a feel of distinct heaviness, not from the lightweight paper screen, but from the body on top of it squishing the sleep from my skull.
After a couple of hours of sleep we got up and headed down from a 7:30 breakfast. I managed to get back into the bath to wash and wake up, and then we headed back to the hall for more practice. By now most folks were completely sleep-deprived, hungover, and/or voiceless from too much karaoke. We attempted to practice, I leading the students group, while Niina-gosoke ran everyone else through the basics and Naganuma-sensei ran the promotion exams.
The students were uninspiring to say the least. Most of them were so hung over they could barely stand, let alone swing a sword, but they gave it their best effort, and Shiokawa-gosoke watched and smiled.
When we finally ended in the afternoon, everyone was dead and hungry. We headed into town for a lovely meal of fresh seafood before getting the 2:17 train back into Tokyo.
more for your money
Explain to me how this is going to help the US economy, even remotely...
Senate Passes $350 Billion Bush Tax Cut
John Breaux, D-La., failed in his attempt to repeal a tax increase on Americans working abroad. Those workers would no longer be able to exclude the first $80,000 of their foreign income from U.S. taxes, but they could claim a credit against any foreign taxes paid.
Senate Passes $350 Billion Bush Tax Cut
John Breaux, D-La., failed in his attempt to repeal a tax increase on Americans working abroad. Those workers would no longer be able to exclude the first $80,000 of their foreign income from U.S. taxes, but they could claim a credit against any foreign taxes paid.
rain rain go away
Getting a bit chillier these days, with a steady rainy drizzle. Went to practice and ended up teaching as Hohsina-san ran a mock-promotion exam for those testing this weekend. At the end of class two people ran through a mock exam in front of everyone, and at the end of the first one Niina-gosoke promoted him on the spot, after correcting some basic points about etiquette.
The Niina-gosoke ran the upper-ranks through his traditional hour of torment as we all got reminded just how lame we are.
The Niina-gosoke ran the upper-ranks through his traditional hour of torment as we all got reminded just how lame we are.
once again the magical joy that is the local japanese bureaucracy
So I finally got the police report filed correctly for my stolen Mighty Steed, and went to the local ward office to file an application for termination of taxes on the scooter I no longer own.
I had the form filled out already, including the police report number. Handed in the form and was out in a couple of minutes. Simple! I was half-way out of the office when I heard the guy running after me shouting my name:
him: Mr. Kuroda! Mr. Kuroda!
me: yes?
him: You forgot to turn in your scooter registration.
me: Registration? I don't have it. It got stolen with the scooter.
him: Your scooter was stolen?!
me: Uh yeah. That's why I have a police report for a stolen scooter referred to on my application to stop charging me taxes for a scooter I no longer have...because it got stolen.
him: [deep thought, furrowed brow] Oh...right...could you come back here for one second?
So we went back to the desk. I discovered something at this point through Socratic Logic:
He was a desk head because the other people in the office called him "Kakaricho" (Leader of a subsection/division; middle-to-low-level management)
Deskheads spend all their time Heading their Desks instead of actually Doing Work, so he was totally incompetent
All Deskheads are incompetent
Not the most beautiful logic but you get the idea. First he had to cancel the previous Mystery Transaction. Then he had to verify my police report by calling the police station. (At this point I realized that anyone can call the police station, claim to be a bureaucrat in a government office, and get all kinds of supposedly private information about anyone by inquiring into matters of police activity). Next he had to input a new transaction to process my application, then correct the date from the default (today) to the day the stealing took place, according to the police report. Then he had to print the transaction confirmation.
All along he had problems and the lovely part-time housewife with the blue apron and the nice smile kept coming over and going "Remember you have to hit the enter key here..." or "The second page gets stamped, the first page initialled..." Our belov'd kakaricho couldn't get the paper into the printer. She dropped it in and got it to print on the first try. Our hero couldn't go back to the previous screen. He called the helpdesk (5209, if you're ever in the ward office on an internal phone) and stared at his keyboard, befuddled, going "F 1? OK I'll try..." and attempted to hit both the 'F' and '1' keys at the same time with his left hand, while his right hand held the phone to his sweaty ear. I could see the F1 key, I could just reach out and hit it myself, I could just run away and put all this behind me, I could just wrap the phone cord around his splotchy neck and pull until his eyes bugged out even more...
I had the form filled out already, including the police report number. Handed in the form and was out in a couple of minutes. Simple! I was half-way out of the office when I heard the guy running after me shouting my name:
him: Mr. Kuroda! Mr. Kuroda!
me: yes?
him: You forgot to turn in your scooter registration.
me: Registration? I don't have it. It got stolen with the scooter.
him: Your scooter was stolen?!
me: Uh yeah. That's why I have a police report for a stolen scooter referred to on my application to stop charging me taxes for a scooter I no longer have...because it got stolen.
him: [deep thought, furrowed brow] Oh...right...could you come back here for one second?
So we went back to the desk. I discovered something at this point through Socratic Logic:
He was a desk head because the other people in the office called him "Kakaricho" (Leader of a subsection/division; middle-to-low-level management)
Deskheads spend all their time Heading their Desks instead of actually Doing Work, so he was totally incompetent
All Deskheads are incompetent
Not the most beautiful logic but you get the idea. First he had to cancel the previous Mystery Transaction. Then he had to verify my police report by calling the police station. (At this point I realized that anyone can call the police station, claim to be a bureaucrat in a government office, and get all kinds of supposedly private information about anyone by inquiring into matters of police activity). Next he had to input a new transaction to process my application, then correct the date from the default (today) to the day the stealing took place, according to the police report. Then he had to print the transaction confirmation.
All along he had problems and the lovely part-time housewife with the blue apron and the nice smile kept coming over and going "Remember you have to hit the enter key here..." or "The second page gets stamped, the first page initialled..." Our belov'd kakaricho couldn't get the paper into the printer. She dropped it in and got it to print on the first try. Our hero couldn't go back to the previous screen. He called the helpdesk (5209, if you're ever in the ward office on an internal phone) and stared at his keyboard, befuddled, going "F 1? OK I'll try..." and attempted to hit both the 'F' and '1' keys at the same time with his left hand, while his right hand held the phone to his sweaty ear. I could see the F1 key, I could just reach out and hit it myself, I could just run away and put all this behind me, I could just wrap the phone cord around his splotchy neck and pull until his eyes bugged out even more...
kaily
Erikacchi brought her 2 year-old bundle of energy Kaily over to play. We bought a bubble-blowing duck at the toy store in Azabu-jyuban, then went up to the kid's playground in Roppongi Hills. She wasn't crazy about the woodchips on the ground, but she loved all the slides, so I had to carry her from the bottom of the slide to the platform. She had no problem walking up the long stairs from the bottom of the hill, as long as I walked behind her and she held onto my fingers.
We came home and made pizzas (note to self: if reborn as a chef, open a pizza restaurant; I'm that good) and drew pictures and ate blueberries and played hide-and-seek and watched tv and at crackers and drew pictures and jumped on the couch and ate strawberries and ran around and drank juice and drew pictures and ate a banana and played hide-and-seek and ate pizza and watched tv...
It was late so they stayed over (Kaily borrowed Hiroko's Crocodile Hunter t-shirt), and the next morning they were already up by the time Hiroko and I got up. Hiroko made scones and I fed Kaily a kiwi fruit and she wasn't too crazy about the tomatoes and eggs or the scones so she ate another kiwi fruit and then after playing with the mirror in the bedroom one last time they went home.
I went the iai in the afternoon and I was already damn tired. We had a seminar for kumitachi (paired forms) and Kiyokawa and I pummeled each other, but he had a black oak sword and my measely pine was no match for it, so Otsuka-san lent me an extra-thick (and heavy) wooden sword and Kiyokawa and I pummeled each other some more.
We came home and made pizzas (note to self: if reborn as a chef, open a pizza restaurant; I'm that good) and drew pictures and ate blueberries and played hide-and-seek and watched tv and at crackers and drew pictures and jumped on the couch and ate strawberries and ran around and drank juice and drew pictures and ate a banana and played hide-and-seek and ate pizza and watched tv...
It was late so they stayed over (Kaily borrowed Hiroko's Crocodile Hunter t-shirt), and the next morning they were already up by the time Hiroko and I got up. Hiroko made scones and I fed Kaily a kiwi fruit and she wasn't too crazy about the tomatoes and eggs or the scones so she ate another kiwi fruit and then after playing with the mirror in the bedroom one last time they went home.
I went the iai in the afternoon and I was already damn tired. We had a seminar for kumitachi (paired forms) and Kiyokawa and I pummeled each other, but he had a black oak sword and my measely pine was no match for it, so Otsuka-san lent me an extra-thick (and heavy) wooden sword and Kiyokawa and I pummeled each other some more.
three hours
Long practice again. Two hours of iai; Oki-san was there because he got of work early. Everyone else in the class were beginners so Oki-san and I ran ourselves through as many kata as we could. New handle on the sword feels pretty good. Not used to the thickness yet, but I like the silk better than the old leather wrap I had. But I should have gotten he tsuba (swordguard) fixed. I swing pretty hard, and it loosens up just hair, enough to let the tsuba rattle about. The whole in the center of the tsuba, through which the sword passes, had been widened sometime in the past (probably for some other sword) and it's too big for this blade. I guess I'll get it fixed some day, and also replace the seppa (washers) -- replace the brass and silver with dull copper or something that matches the rust color better. Might as well get a new silver habaki (sword collar) too.
So anyway after two hours of hot and sweaty practice (it was REALLY humid) Niina-gosoke runs us through another hour just like last week. Needless to say my back is sore, but I love it.
So anyway after two hours of hot and sweaty practice (it was REALLY humid) Niina-gosoke runs us through another hour just like last week. Needless to say my back is sore, but I love it.
4dan
Niina-gosoke called me this morning to tell me that since I didn't totally screw up in Kyoto, as of today he's promoting me to 4dan...I didn't deserve the promotion to 2dan last year, so how long will it take me to get to the point where I am worthy of 4dan?
This also screws ANY chance of placing will in the upcoming tournaments -- I'll be up against my own instructors!
This also screws ANY chance of placing will in the upcoming tournaments -- I'll be up against my own instructors!
x-men 2
Saw X-Men 2 at the shiny new Virgin Theater in Roppongi Hills, with Hiroko, Kevin, Z., Ericka (3 months pregnant) and Jeff.
The movie was a treat -- plenty of explosions and action, and the theater is what going to the movies should be: all seats in the theater are reserved, so no battling or waiting in line. Bought the tickets in advance (the day before), with a credit card. The armrests have cup holders, and also fold up for couple-friendly cuddling. The seats are big and comfy, with plenty of room to the seat in front of you, and the whole theater is properly sloped so that even the shortest person can see over the head of the guy in front of you. Add to that a good screen and Dolby THX, plus a giant bucket of caramel popcorn and every high school kid from the American School in Japan, and it's just like America!
If you could pick your seats and buy more than four tickets at once online I'd use the web all the time, but since the theater's up the street from my house, I'll just pop over to the box office when necessary.
The movie was a treat -- plenty of explosions and action, and the theater is what going to the movies should be: all seats in the theater are reserved, so no battling or waiting in line. Bought the tickets in advance (the day before), with a credit card. The armrests have cup holders, and also fold up for couple-friendly cuddling. The seats are big and comfy, with plenty of room to the seat in front of you, and the whole theater is properly sloped so that even the shortest person can see over the head of the guy in front of you. Add to that a good screen and Dolby THX, plus a giant bucket of caramel popcorn and every high school kid from the American School in Japan, and it's just like America!
If you could pick your seats and buy more than four tickets at once online I'd use the web all the time, but since the theater's up the street from my house, I'll just pop over to the box office when necessary.
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