Figured I wouldn' talk about how hot and humid it is, or how three people have already died from the heat...but then there's not much else to talk about.
Went to the Starbucks in Tsutaya at the corner of Roppongi Hills, naively thinking I would be able to use the wireless LAN. Turns out you need a WEP password to get on the LAN, and of course there's nothing nowhere that says how to get a password. Some tables had a sticker that said "iSpot" but I don't care enough anymore to bother figuring out what that means or how it could possibly relate to getting a WEP password. So anyway I drank my ice tazo chai soy latte and translated half of the Japanese book Tony asked me to translate. Met Kiyokawa at Azabujyuban station about 1, looked for the cool 3-piece jimbei set but didn't find them, ate some lunch, ate some shaved ice, and came home to cut in the basement. Cut for a couple hours, then....yup, came to Honbu to practice. And boy, but it was hot and humid. Before class we started doing the kumitachi, but halfway through I totally spaced out from the heat and just took it easy the rest of the night. I was still drenched in sweat even though I was only working at 50%. I am just not built for this kind of weather. 9pm at night inside the dojo it's 60% humidity and 34° C!
more hot, humid honbu
Still hot and humid in Honbu Dojo. More kenjutsu, more iai, more kusarigama. I think got heat stroke or something; I was dead tired and no matter how much water I drank I was still thirsty. Cracked my thumb nicely doing some stiff-grip techniques that should have been way more fluid, so my right thumb is all blue and purple and swollen now. But no time to complain as I had to go to Iidabashi to teach. Only two showed up (that's why we're shutting down Iidabashi this month) so I got to practice, too, but I was too tired to be useful.
hot, humid, honbu
I'll just go ahead and stop mentioning how unbelievably hot and humid it is in the dojo. And I also won't mention the complete lack of wind.
More kenjutsu in the morning. Specifically, a set of kata from Shintoryu called Shitsuhatsu. This is the sword that Shindomusoryu Jo (staff) was designed to beat. We did the first four: aisun, gyaku-aisun, jyu, and chibarai. I can barely remember the footwork, let alone keep up Kiyokawa-kun, who's done this before and has them wired. For my benefit he goes nice and slow, but when he cranks up the pace I get bonked.
We then did some iai and then practiced kusarigama before lunch. Kiyokawa worked the first four kusarigama kata with me, which is good practice for him as the distance and timing of sword vs. kama is different than sword vs. sword. It was good for me to see what it's like when the enemy really is trying to cut me down, and to practice distance with throwing (launching the weight on the end of the 10 foot chain attached to the bottom of the kama.) A couple of times I got lucky and he had to really duck out of the way to avoid getting a face full, which is just the reaction necessary to give the chance to get in and cut his wrist. Sometimes (rarely, but every now and then) it works well and we both move pretty smoothly. Most of the time I get cracked in the head or wrist or tangle myself up.
More kenjutsu in the morning. Specifically, a set of kata from Shintoryu called Shitsuhatsu. This is the sword that Shindomusoryu Jo (staff) was designed to beat. We did the first four: aisun, gyaku-aisun, jyu, and chibarai. I can barely remember the footwork, let alone keep up Kiyokawa-kun, who's done this before and has them wired. For my benefit he goes nice and slow, but when he cranks up the pace I get bonked.
We then did some iai and then practiced kusarigama before lunch. Kiyokawa worked the first four kusarigama kata with me, which is good practice for him as the distance and timing of sword vs. kama is different than sword vs. sword. It was good for me to see what it's like when the enemy really is trying to cut me down, and to practice distance with throwing (launching the weight on the end of the 10 foot chain attached to the bottom of the kama.) A couple of times I got lucky and he had to really duck out of the way to avoid getting a face full, which is just the reaction necessary to give the chance to get in and cut his wrist. Sometimes (rarely, but every now and then) it works well and we both move pretty smoothly. Most of the time I get cracked in the head or wrist or tangle myself up.
honbu day 2
It is still incredibly hot and humid. Started the morning with kenjutsu kumitachi with Kiyokawa-kun, then did some iai before grabbing bento again for lunch. Lazed around in the afternoon, did some kusarigama and Niina-gosoke showed me the moves to the first four kata.
In the evening Hata-chan showed up for class, so I taught her while Kiyokawa and Iwata-chan trained on the other side of the dojo.
Got home and ate the last of the chicken and spinach Hiroko made before watching some tv and hitting the shower.
In the evening Hata-chan showed up for class, so I taught her while Kiyokawa and Iwata-chan trained on the other side of the dojo.
Got home and ate the last of the chicken and spinach Hiroko made before watching some tv and hitting the shower.
unemployed and loving it
This not-working concept is nice, and it's only day one!
Woke up about...8ish, just as Hiroko was going to work. Had brekkie and took my time, made it to Honbu Dojo about 9:30, and trained with Kiyokawa-kun and Niina-gosoke for a couple hours. Hot. Humid. Hot. Humid.
Kiyokawa-kun is, of course, totally on the ball. Niina-gosoke showed up some of that magical kenjutsu stuff that Kiyokawa already knew, like how you can always get the centerline, whether you move before or after your opponent moves. Something to do with getting 'on top of' the opponent's blade, and coming in a slightly steeper angle, but other than that I'm basically clueless and will require way more practice.
Starting working on the kata I'll need for the National Tournament in September, though I have little chance of beating Tanaka-sensei. Several folks got promoted this weekend so there will be at least 3 or 4 matches to make it to the finals. Hopefully I won't get knocked out in the first round like last year (hopefully no one will drop his sword into his foot, forcing me to compete in the remnants of a puddle of blood like last year.)
Woke up about...8ish, just as Hiroko was going to work. Had brekkie and took my time, made it to Honbu Dojo about 9:30, and trained with Kiyokawa-kun and Niina-gosoke for a couple hours. Hot. Humid. Hot. Humid.
Kiyokawa-kun is, of course, totally on the ball. Niina-gosoke showed up some of that magical kenjutsu stuff that Kiyokawa already knew, like how you can always get the centerline, whether you move before or after your opponent moves. Something to do with getting 'on top of' the opponent's blade, and coming in a slightly steeper angle, but other than that I'm basically clueless and will require way more practice.
Starting working on the kata I'll need for the National Tournament in September, though I have little chance of beating Tanaka-sensei. Several folks got promoted this weekend so there will be at least 3 or 4 matches to make it to the finals. Hopefully I won't get knocked out in the first round like last year (hopefully no one will drop his sword into his foot, forcing me to compete in the remnants of a puddle of blood like last year.)
lazy sunday
Woke up far too early because the delivery guy showed up with a package for the owner of our house. Who of course doesn't live here. Should've taken it, though, as it was ochugen, the traditional summer-greeting gift; a way of saying "My but isn't it hot...so here's a nicely wrapped box of beer (or cooking oil, or ham, or coffee beans, or towels, etc.) and I do hope you'll continue to consider us the next time you order a set of widgets."
About 11ish Saito-san from Suruga-Isho came by and checked out the bedroom and living room to get an idea of what kind of furniture-action we need. Table in the bedroom won't be a big deal, but the custom cabinet for the living room won't be cheap. Ah, but it will be oh-so-cool, and good furniture is generally worth the money, methinks.
Needing some supplies we walked over to National Azabu, which was (strangely?) really quiet and empty, and got mesmerized by the dude selling Welsh chicken pâté. We bought a couple, plus some crackers and other necessities, and hurried home for a minor feast. Damn but if Tequila and Cranberry ain't just the best tasting chicken pâté I ever done had me.
Needing to cool off, we walked up to Azabu-jyuban and got the first of what is to be many ujikintoki kakegori at Naniwaya, then bought a set of jimbei (my preferred summer unemployed loungewear.)
Back at home, Hiroko once again assumed the position:
About 11ish Saito-san from Suruga-Isho came by and checked out the bedroom and living room to get an idea of what kind of furniture-action we need. Table in the bedroom won't be a big deal, but the custom cabinet for the living room won't be cheap. Ah, but it will be oh-so-cool, and good furniture is generally worth the money, methinks.
Needing some supplies we walked over to National Azabu, which was (strangely?) really quiet and empty, and got mesmerized by the dude selling Welsh chicken pâté. We bought a couple, plus some crackers and other necessities, and hurried home for a minor feast. Damn but if Tequila and Cranberry ain't just the best tasting chicken pâté I ever done had me.
Needing to cool off, we walked up to Azabu-jyuban and got the first of what is to be many ujikintoki kakegori at Naniwaya, then bought a set of jimbei (my preferred summer unemployed loungewear.)
Back at home, Hiroko once again assumed the position:
omotesando part ii
After Miki-san came and checked out the balcony railing to assess necessary repairs, Hiroko and I took the bus to Nishi-Azabu and, following basically the same course as yesterday, ended up at Suruga-Isho to arrange for them to come out tomorrow and check out the house. We need a table for the bedroom, some kind of coat-rack thingy for the entrance, and a shelving-unit-type-thing for the living room. They did such a cool job on the sofa end-table last time, I figure why mess with greatness.
We continued wandering around and checked out a cool kanji store that does custom calligraphy for non-cheap prices. But it looks so cool.
Finally ended up in Harajuku and got some gyoza for lunch before walking back to Shibuya and grabbing the bus back home.
Hiroko is currently on the couch, in deep thought:
We continued wandering around and checked out a cool kanji store that does custom calligraphy for non-cheap prices. But it looks so cool.
Finally ended up in Harajuku and got some gyoza for lunch before walking back to Shibuya and grabbing the bus back home.
Hiroko is currently on the couch, in deep thought:
men of leisure
Ed came by about noon to check out the house, and then we required meat, so we walked through Azabu to Nishi-Azabu crossing and got some burgers at 7025 Franklin Ave.
We then walked up through Omotesando, checked out some cool furniture, hit the Starbucks for cool and refreshing bevvies, and parked on the Aoyama corner in front of Mizuho Bank. The breeze was light, the humidity mild, and the afternoon unhurried.
We swivel-headed for a while, taking in the local fashion and talking about not much in general, before walking back through Harakujuku to Shibuya and finally back home.
Got home in time to gather my stuff and head to practice. Still wasn't too humid so practice wasn't too bad, but the bugs have come out and I got a mosquito bite on the top of my balding head. That does, indeed, suck.
We then walked up through Omotesando, checked out some cool furniture, hit the Starbucks for cool and refreshing bevvies, and parked on the Aoyama corner in front of Mizuho Bank. The breeze was light, the humidity mild, and the afternoon unhurried.
We swivel-headed for a while, taking in the local fashion and talking about not much in general, before walking back through Harakujuku to Shibuya and finally back home.
Got home in time to gather my stuff and head to practice. Still wasn't too humid so practice wasn't too bad, but the bugs have come out and I got a mosquito bite on the top of my balding head. That does, indeed, suck.
time
The cool thing about being unemployed ("on vacation") is the time. Lots of it. On daboo's recommendation I read "Jennfier Government" today. The whole book. Very groovy. Not sure what I liked more; reading a good book, or reading a whole book in one day.
In the morning ("the time before noon") I dragged a pile of old PC parts to Softmap in Akihabara and got 25,000 points in credit. Akihabara is dead before noon. I'll probably use the points to acquire an iBook, or maybe some new PlayStation2 games...
In the morning ("the time before noon") I dragged a pile of old PC parts to Softmap in Akihabara and got 25,000 points in credit. Akihabara is dead before noon. I'll probably use the points to acquire an iBook, or maybe some new PlayStation2 games...
so long and thanks for all the code
Last day at Morgan Stanley, uneventfully spent cleaning out my desk. Distributed many of my toys to various former co-workers, then took the rest of my crap home.
Came back to Ebisu for my Farewell Party, had some Hawaiian food, got some very cool flowers, and then sped away into the night on the Mightier Steed.
Closing the chapter in my memoirs called "Morgan Stanley" and starting the next chapter called "One Month Off".
Came back to Ebisu for my Farewell Party, had some Hawaiian food, got some very cool flowers, and then sped away into the night on the Mightier Steed.
Closing the chapter in my memoirs called "Morgan Stanley" and starting the next chapter called "One Month Off".
live365:aperture in wired news
Jeremy sends us this update about a Wired News article about web radio.
Aperture is, of course, Jeremy's station (where DJ Tranzlucent, udderwise known as Oliver Power, used to spin.)
Aperture is, of course, Jeremy's station (where DJ Tranzlucent, udderwise known as Oliver Power, used to spin.)
hot in honbu
John, Ojima-chan, and Komacchan came to practice tonight. It was, as expected, hot and humid and generally unmotivating. We spent the whole time working the basics; timing of the draw to get the sword out and into cutting position so that the hips could provide the follow through, minimizing arm swing, etc.
The Indian curry I had with Todd for lunch wasn't sitting well all night, and between the heat and the tightness of my uniform, I had a couple of pitstops to sooth the rumble. No more cheap curry lunches, especially during the summer, especially on nights I have to teach.
The Indian curry I had with Todd for lunch wasn't sitting well all night, and between the heat and the tightness of my uniform, I had a couple of pitstops to sooth the rumble. No more cheap curry lunches, especially during the summer, especially on nights I have to teach.
last shibuya
My final Shibuya practice as leader of said. From July I hand it over to Kiyokawa-kun to kick everyone's ass into shape. After practice he and I and Otsuka-san went down the street to grab some post-workout bevvies and brain dump. Trying to figure out what we need to do to make sure NPO Hougyoku-kai survives into the next decade, and scales well from a couple hundred to a couple thousand members. Ideas kicked about: we need a proper, professional accountant, for sanity as well as legal reasons. We need a professionally hosted website and member database, mainly for security reasons. We need to a proper instructor's curriculum to make sure that everyone gets fair and even treatment. We need a fair and simple method of reimbursing instructors; travel expenses paid straight out but capped, plus a small payment depending on the level of the instructor.
As a Non-Profit Organization, we're no different than any other business (for profit or not) and we need to be organized well and run efficiently. As a group dedicated to traditional martial arts, we need to separate the structure from the content; we need to ensure the arts persist into the next generations by providing a stable framework for this modern age.
And mostly, we need to make sure the structure is stronger than any few morons who want to screw it up; the whole must be greater than the sum of the parts.
As a Non-Profit Organization, we're no different than any other business (for profit or not) and we need to be organized well and run efficiently. As a group dedicated to traditional martial arts, we need to separate the structure from the content; we need to ensure the arts persist into the next generations by providing a stable framework for this modern age.
And mostly, we need to make sure the structure is stronger than any few morons who want to screw it up; the whole must be greater than the sum of the parts.
tokyo ain't cheap
Once again Tokyo is the most expensive city in the world. So no, I am NOT overpaid.
more is not enough
After the stunningly painful gyoza-overdose, I managed to get up about 9:30 and get down to honbu dojo about 11am. Practiced for an hour or so, then came home. Had some targets soaking so I prepped them and, in the interim, went with hiroko to D2 to get some flowers to put in the planter box next to the mailbox. Don't know anything about flowers, so I just picked interesting colors and we'll see how soon they die.
Did some cutting before dinner; went reasonably well on the yoko-icimonji (horizontal) cuts. Amazing how being relaxed helps. Still need to work on accelerating and following through with swinging the arm wildly, but it'll come with time.
Did some cutting before dinner; went reasonably well on the yoko-icimonji (horizontal) cuts. Amazing how being relaxed helps. Still need to work on accelerating and following through with swinging the arm wildly, but it'll come with time.
yet another gyoza party
Lots of gyoza. Lots and lots of gyoza:
Beef and tomato, chicken and corn, shrimp and komatsuna, tofu and bell peppers, fried tofu and bean sprouts, pork and cabbage, chicken and mushroom, pork and eggplant.
Beef and tomato, chicken and corn, shrimp and komatsuna, tofu and bell peppers, fried tofu and bean sprouts, pork and cabbage, chicken and mushroom, pork and eggplant.
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