While on vacation (holiday to you, Europeans) in Japan last week I brought along my dogi and an introduction letter from my Branch Chief, the intent being to train Kyokushin a couple times. Well the first night I showed up it turned out that I screwed up and that night they were training at a satellite dojo, the second night at a different dojo didn't work out either cause it was a national holiday and no training. Well as the saying goes the third try was a charm. I met Yamaguchi Sensei and he...

smoothsake

So a month ago I started afresh at white belt again... this time in Judo. I was never much of a grappler, never having committed myself to an art for any real given period of time, so I was excited to embark finally on this separate journey. I think judo can only compliment my karate and I am looking forward to applying the two if given the chance and the understanding of the two arts. I must say, judo is a very refined, well thought out, and intellectual pursuit. I am very happy to be learning...

smoothsake

It's been a little over 3 years since I've started down the path which today takes me to my next challenge, the brown belt 2-kyu test. I think it is quick by our dojo standards where several adults tend to stay at green belt for years, but given my dedication, maturity, and apparent understanding of the material as determined by Sensei I have been given the green light to take the test. Of course I am confident, but that's the way I feel about most tests. I will give it 100% today - I am ready....

smoothsake

We had our annual park training and bbq yesterday. It's a pretty relaxed time where we get to don our gis and take the training outside. We got a lot of interested onlookers which is kind of cool, because it reminds me how foreign some of what we do must look like to the masses. A good time. Afterwords we grubbed on kalbi, hot dogs, and a pot luck of American and Japanese cuisine. We capped off the afternoon with a suikawari - blindfolded breaking of a watermelon with a bokuto for the kids. Here's...

smoothsake

Old news, but still brings a smile to my face when I think about breaking that bat during my wedding reception. There's something about doing your first successful tameshiwari break in front of an audience that will forever be special. Oh yeah, I got married that day too - that was pretty awesome too!

smoothsake