Oh, my sister just had a baby girl yesterday...
Anyways, it seems like I have beginning to get into the 'zone' in the workout and Kendo department. I have been feeling healthy and have the time to train and work out semi regularly now. Mr. SMura though have been putting on the pressure for us to train as hard and often as possible, with an Indo tournament coming mid Dec and a big HK tournament next March.
My dieting and working seem to have bore some results as well, I am getting stronger and fit again. The downside to it is of course, this working out is EXHAUSTING!!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Surviving the Sergeant
Sergeant H has been with us for the past 2 years now... It's kinda hard to believe how fast time flies. Practicing with Sergeant H is something I dread, in fact I think it's something that most of the members at the dojo dreads as well. He likes to 'torture' the students with long practices with basics and hitting drills! As far as keiko with him, he's different... Even though he is a high ranking sensei, his style of Kendo is different. He seems to stick with the basic style of Kendo, and even though he is in great shape for a 55 year old man, he doesn't seem to be very fast... Although he hits really hard for sure, so hard that I can hear bells ringing everytime he hits me in the head.
Anyways, because of his lack of offense, I found it very difficult to get a good rythm when I am fighting him. Most of the time, the session turns out to be a long stale mate, with either contestant unable to get a steady rythm going. I think because my counter style thrive on the opponents (reckless) offense, it frustrates me when the opponent isn't creating the offense that I want. Does that even make any sense?
Anyways, I personally don't find my sessions with him particularly beneficial, other than increasing my stamina that is. However, I kinda view is my personal challenge to accomplish, a mountain to climb, sorta... I know it's going to be tiring as hell and perhaps a bit repetitive, but I gotta try anyways. It's part of Kendo after all...
Anyways, because of his lack of offense, I found it very difficult to get a good rythm when I am fighting him. Most of the time, the session turns out to be a long stale mate, with either contestant unable to get a steady rythm going. I think because my counter style thrive on the opponents (reckless) offense, it frustrates me when the opponent isn't creating the offense that I want. Does that even make any sense?
Anyways, I personally don't find my sessions with him particularly beneficial, other than increasing my stamina that is. However, I kinda view is my personal challenge to accomplish, a mountain to climb, sorta... I know it's going to be tiring as hell and perhaps a bit repetitive, but I gotta try anyways. It's part of Kendo after all...
Protein Junkie
As I was staring down on my half eaten tofu egg white omelet, I decided I've had enough and couldn't finish my plate. For you folks, tofu egg white omelet tastes exactly how it sounds. If you can imagine how a mass of tasteless white lumps taste like, 10 egg whites, with tofu thrown in the mix. Healthy, sure... the best tasting choice for dinner, it for sure ain't. However, I needed to food intake since I was feeling a bit disoriented after my work out...
I have been grinding away on my work out for a while now. After my chicken pox, I seem to have struggled with my conditioning and weight. I think I am starting to make some progress this week. I have been feeling better during Kendo and feeling quite strong at the gym. In fact, I realize that I am above average strength wise, compared to a lot of the guys who work out at my gym. I can lift around 200 lbs on my big muscle groups now.
I was feeling rather good today when I drove to the gym. After I was done with my session, legs training plus some light upper body, I started to feel woozy. I decided to hit the showers and grab some dinner.
My 5 minute drive home proved to be a challenge as well... I think the sugar level in my blood was a bit uneven after the super-sets circuit training. Perhaps going to the book store isn't such a good idea tonight. I guess tonight would be a good night for me to grab an early looong sleep.
I have been grinding away on my work out for a while now. After my chicken pox, I seem to have struggled with my conditioning and weight. I think I am starting to make some progress this week. I have been feeling better during Kendo and feeling quite strong at the gym. In fact, I realize that I am above average strength wise, compared to a lot of the guys who work out at my gym. I can lift around 200 lbs on my big muscle groups now.
I was feeling rather good today when I drove to the gym. After I was done with my session, legs training plus some light upper body, I started to feel woozy. I decided to hit the showers and grab some dinner.
My 5 minute drive home proved to be a challenge as well... I think the sugar level in my blood was a bit uneven after the super-sets circuit training. Perhaps going to the book store isn't such a good idea tonight. I guess tonight would be a good night for me to grab an early looong sleep.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Bring on the Thunder!!
Coming back from my work trip in Sumatera last weekend, I made time for myself to attend Kendo practices during the weekend. Well, because there WAS a plan for the practice on Saturday to be covered by yet another TV station. However, it didn't work out in the end because the building management didn't give us shooting permission. Anyways, I think I already have 2 magazine interviews and 2 TV appearances this month for Kendo.. I think that's enough media coverage for now... I don't even care if I have used up my 15 minutes already.
There are a couple of things that stood up within my weekend Kendo practices. First was God of Thunder's decision to try the jodan kamae. Because of a recent minor left leg injury, God of Thunder decided to switch his stance so that he could continue practicing through this injury. Although, perhaps the fact that he's been watching some All Japan Kendo Championship videos might have something to do with it. The result, was surprising to say the least. He had tried it a while ago and found it to be difficult and not very effective thus decided to let it go. However, this time around, the result was rather different. His basic skills has improved and he has been getting stronger as well, even I was having some problems dealing with his first time jodan effort. God of Thunder is naturally strong, having played ice hockey a lot while he was growing up, gave him great leg and arm strength. He is also pretty tall for an Asian, but his secret weapon might be that he is actually left handed. I was actually surprised that he was already able to attempt kote-men, a 2-hit attack from jodan.
I am actually quite excited with the prospect of God of Thunder practicing jodan. Not only it gives more depth and variation to our team, but also it is good for us to practice against a jodan user from time to time. It is quite confusing and different. In fact, I am still trying to figure out how to counter his attacks. Since jodan is a one handed left hand attack, therefore all of his attacks will come from my right side. However since I am shifting my kamae to the right to protect my kote, it means my attack will sort of come from the right as well. Since jodan holds their shinai high, I am at a disadvantage, especially against a taller person, like God of Thunder. I was discussing with Dark Knight on the possibilities to counter this situation. His advice was being mobile, so that the jodan will not be able to focus on the target and have enough time to prepare. Well, perhaps I will try that...
This whole God of Thunder jodan though, it is not me being hit that worries me the most. God of Thunder, as strong and gifted as he is, isn't exactly the most committed person I know. I fear that when he hits a bump, he will start displaying his old traits again.
There are a couple of things that stood up within my weekend Kendo practices. First was God of Thunder's decision to try the jodan kamae. Because of a recent minor left leg injury, God of Thunder decided to switch his stance so that he could continue practicing through this injury. Although, perhaps the fact that he's been watching some All Japan Kendo Championship videos might have something to do with it. The result, was surprising to say the least. He had tried it a while ago and found it to be difficult and not very effective thus decided to let it go. However, this time around, the result was rather different. His basic skills has improved and he has been getting stronger as well, even I was having some problems dealing with his first time jodan effort. God of Thunder is naturally strong, having played ice hockey a lot while he was growing up, gave him great leg and arm strength. He is also pretty tall for an Asian, but his secret weapon might be that he is actually left handed. I was actually surprised that he was already able to attempt kote-men, a 2-hit attack from jodan.
I am actually quite excited with the prospect of God of Thunder practicing jodan. Not only it gives more depth and variation to our team, but also it is good for us to practice against a jodan user from time to time. It is quite confusing and different. In fact, I am still trying to figure out how to counter his attacks. Since jodan is a one handed left hand attack, therefore all of his attacks will come from my right side. However since I am shifting my kamae to the right to protect my kote, it means my attack will sort of come from the right as well. Since jodan holds their shinai high, I am at a disadvantage, especially against a taller person, like God of Thunder. I was discussing with Dark Knight on the possibilities to counter this situation. His advice was being mobile, so that the jodan will not be able to focus on the target and have enough time to prepare. Well, perhaps I will try that...
This whole God of Thunder jodan though, it is not me being hit that worries me the most. God of Thunder, as strong and gifted as he is, isn't exactly the most committed person I know. I fear that when he hits a bump, he will start displaying his old traits again.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Battle Weary Comrades
On a rare occasion last Sunday, a few of our senior Indonesian members showed up for our Sunday morning practice. For the longest time I could remember, it was pretty much myself and God of Thunder who showed up with any regularity. As much as I value my lesson with our senseis, I do miss the camaraderie we had. Sure, there are other students, but they are usually my junior by far, thus it's quite difficult to build the training relationship that I had with my peers. Dark Knight, Master Djedi and Speed Demon showed up along with myself and God of Thunder, it was a rare occasion. Even though we didn't have the energy (mostly) and time to practice amongst ourselves, I felt a different atmosphere and energy when everyone's around.
The only people missing were Jive Tongue and (pedophile) Limping Tiger. I hope we can get them back, in due time...
The only people missing were Jive Tongue and (pedophile) Limping Tiger. I hope we can get them back, in due time...
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Media Coverage
Following my few weeks worth of break from Kendo, I am trying to settle back in with a good rythm. Perhaps fitting in one or two practices a week, to prepare myself for the Hong Kong tournament in March and our national tournament in December.
I have made some progress in getting back into shape and preparation training for the Hong Kong tournament.
Our October tournament made some splash in the media, we were covered in some TV stations and made it into an article in a national news magazine. I was interviewed a few times, but I only read the magazine article... I don't feel the need to see my own self on TV. However, it seems the media frenzy isn't over just yet.
Another TV station wants to cover our practice this coming saturday and make a program out of it.
We'll see how that goes...
I have made some progress in getting back into shape and preparation training for the Hong Kong tournament.
Our October tournament made some splash in the media, we were covered in some TV stations and made it into an article in a national news magazine. I was interviewed a few times, but I only read the magazine article... I don't feel the need to see my own self on TV. However, it seems the media frenzy isn't over just yet.
Another TV station wants to cover our practice this coming saturday and make a program out of it.
We'll see how that goes...
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
"... but I really hope we can still be friend..."
I think the full sentence goes somewhere along the lines of, "I'm sorry I can't be with you, but I really hope we can remain friends"
I have been on the receiving end of that line for a few times during my lifetime and let me tell you, if it's meant to be some sort of a consolation line, it doesn't work at all. I have always thought that line to be a selfish and mean statement from someone that feels you aren't good enough to be their significant other, yet they want you to be your friend.
Little did I know that I almost said that line myself, or at least thought about it.
After a couple of months of confusion and hesitation, I decided to take a step back and trying to look at things in from a different perspective.
You know I have never been a person who decides on anything because it's possible or easier for me, instead I always go after the things I wanted, regardless of the success probability.
This being said, now what actually happened was...
About a month ago, I called BellyDancer on the phone, because it had been about a week or so since we taked, at the time...
I found her in the midst of her crying... about what, I don't know... but I am guessing perhaps I had something to do with it.
I tried my best to console her and dancing around the issue at the same time, plus she didn't want me asking about it at all... I feel bad that for the fact that I may have seriously hurt someone's feelings, a position that I never wanted to be in. Yet I found inadvertantly doing it...
I wanted to say something along the lines of "we can be friends" However I realize how stupid and selfish that be and stopped short of it.
BellyDancer was hurt, perhaps due to my (in)action, she has every right to hate me if she wants to. I understand and I will take the responsibility...
I have been on the receiving end of that line for a few times during my lifetime and let me tell you, if it's meant to be some sort of a consolation line, it doesn't work at all. I have always thought that line to be a selfish and mean statement from someone that feels you aren't good enough to be their significant other, yet they want you to be your friend.
Little did I know that I almost said that line myself, or at least thought about it.
After a couple of months of confusion and hesitation, I decided to take a step back and trying to look at things in from a different perspective.
You know I have never been a person who decides on anything because it's possible or easier for me, instead I always go after the things I wanted, regardless of the success probability.
This being said, now what actually happened was...
About a month ago, I called BellyDancer on the phone, because it had been about a week or so since we taked, at the time...
I found her in the midst of her crying... about what, I don't know... but I am guessing perhaps I had something to do with it.
I tried my best to console her and dancing around the issue at the same time, plus she didn't want me asking about it at all... I feel bad that for the fact that I may have seriously hurt someone's feelings, a position that I never wanted to be in. Yet I found inadvertantly doing it...
I wanted to say something along the lines of "we can be friends" However I realize how stupid and selfish that be and stopped short of it.
BellyDancer was hurt, perhaps due to my (in)action, she has every right to hate me if she wants to. I understand and I will take the responsibility...
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Kendo Intermezzo
Well, the most recent exciting Kendo news is that Kenji Shodai won All Japan Kendo Championship. He's probably the most unorthodox and exciting top player in Japan today. I didn't expect him to have won so soon, but anyways...
I have started to get back into Kendo practice after the tournament last month. I didn't realize that I must have missed around 2-3 weeks of practice. Coupled with my own weight gain, etc... I was running short of breath during our basic practice session.
I have since went back into working out, dieting and Kendo... but still, I found myself short of breath during Keiko. Perhaps because of the cold I have yet able to shake off... I am already cutting down smoking, etc for good measure.
I have started to get back into Kendo practice after the tournament last month. I didn't realize that I must have missed around 2-3 weeks of practice. Coupled with my own weight gain, etc... I was running short of breath during our basic practice session.
I have since went back into working out, dieting and Kendo... but still, I found myself short of breath during Keiko. Perhaps because of the cold I have yet able to shake off... I am already cutting down smoking, etc for good measure.
Friday, November 14, 2008
You Gotta Know When to...
So, the last time you all heard from me was...
Well I was confused! All this BellyDancer, EvenStar, and at one point, even Freaky K jumped into the mix! This may be a blessing to a lot of men I know out there, but believe me, I am taking no pleasure out of this.
I decided perhaps I needed to take a step back to look at things from a different angle, not adding unnecessary pressure, etc... After all, if I can't get them... oh well, what can I do, right?
So, focusing on other things in my life for a while... At one point, I found that EvenStar is the one that I liked after all... However, many uncertainties and external factor have confused me.
Sure, she's not the surest bet out of the bunch, but it's the one that I want... and I got to try!
Just when I thought I learned the Gambler's lessons... I found myself going on my gut feeling.
You gotta know when to hold 'em
Know when to fold 'em
Know when to walk away
Know when to run
You never count your money
While you sittin' at the table
There be time enough for countin'
When the dealin's done
Well I was confused! All this BellyDancer, EvenStar, and at one point, even Freaky K jumped into the mix! This may be a blessing to a lot of men I know out there, but believe me, I am taking no pleasure out of this.
I decided perhaps I needed to take a step back to look at things from a different angle, not adding unnecessary pressure, etc... After all, if I can't get them... oh well, what can I do, right?
So, focusing on other things in my life for a while... At one point, I found that EvenStar is the one that I liked after all... However, many uncertainties and external factor have confused me.
Sure, she's not the surest bet out of the bunch, but it's the one that I want... and I got to try!
Just when I thought I learned the Gambler's lessons... I found myself going on my gut feeling.
You gotta know when to hold 'em
Know when to fold 'em
Know when to walk away
Know when to run
You never count your money
While you sittin' at the table
There be time enough for countin'
When the dealin's done
Long Time Away...
I know, I know...
I have to apologize for being away for far too long. In fact, my October posting isn't something to brag about either. It's just that, a lot of nothing happened in my life that kinda made me lazy to post... Plus, my laptop had some problems that it needed to be re-installed... I think that will happen sometimes next week.
In the meantime, I will try to update of what has happened in the past month or so, piece by piece... Not so chronological, perhaps whatever comes to my mind.
I have to apologize for being away for far too long. In fact, my October posting isn't something to brag about either. It's just that, a lot of nothing happened in my life that kinda made me lazy to post... Plus, my laptop had some problems that it needed to be re-installed... I think that will happen sometimes next week.
In the meantime, I will try to update of what has happened in the past month or so, piece by piece... Not so chronological, perhaps whatever comes to my mind.
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