Mr. SMura told me during our basic practice, "You're only hitting, not cutting!!". That wasn't the first he told me that, before he told me that I swing my sword like swinging a hammer not a sword. Honestly, I don't understand the difference! I followed the instruction on how to raise my arms, use my left hand as pivot point as I swing down, etc... I can here the 'swoosh' sound of the sword and yet my swing isn't correct? It is quite difficult for me to grasp the concept of cutting like a sword vs hitting like a hammer when my weapon of choice has always been my shinai. Speaking of which, I think I will order a few more good ones online.
Mr. SMura does hit harder than most people in the dojo, but not too hard that it's unbearable. Is that proper cutting technique? Is hitting harder and not letting my bamboo sword bounce off the top of my opponent's head = proper cutting? I wish someone could enlighten me on this one.
On an unrelated note, in the middle of Jakarta's blistering heat, I was feeling fine during practice. I was able to last the whole session without feeling tired or sluggish as I did in the previous weeks. I found it strange since I have not been working out at all for the previous week. This made me wonder, could it be that my schedule and my work out actually goes against my Kendo? That I am over-training all these times and not realizing it?
Monday, April 27, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Meet the Rick James...
The Fear
For as long as I can remember, I have been haunted by a fear of the unknown. I don't know what caused it in the beginning, for I couldn't recall. The fear manifested well into my present form of adulthood. I fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of inadequacy, fear of possibilities... Perhaps it is the one single factor that has held me back in the past. Somehow, I have a feeling that this perhaps is hereditary...
The Doubt
I seriously doubt my ability in my everyday life. I often feel that I am not doing enough with what I have been given. Being too hard on myself, so to speak. I think this aspect has serious connection with The Fear. Along with being afraid, doubts also caused myself to be indecisive at times...
The Compassion
At times, I could show considerable compassion towards others. Especially friends in need. I don't know why... Maybe I was born this way. Perhaps also there were times in my life when I was in need when I had no one to turn to. However, more importantly was there WAS someone who helped me when I needed it... this could be my unconscious attempt in paying them back for all of the people who have played a part in my life. Speaking of which, I remember a long time ago... someone told me that my Kendo will not go far because of this... Maybe it's true...
The Rage
Well... we remember that one now, don't we? It just happened this past weekend. It used to happen more often, when it does... I didn't who's in front of me, will it be my parents, my boss, my teacher... I just go charging in like a rabid wolverine. Although I sometimes wish I have them retractable claws...
This is one aspect of my psyche I fear the most. Even though nothing physical has happened so far out of it... but it could easily destroy my life and everything I had worked for...
The Schemer
Now this one... Sometimes when I'm on, I'm ON! I can even analyze and predict events before it happens. Of course many people accused me of over-analyzing things. However, often times I could turn this trait to my own advantage. There are times that I was wrong with analysis, but then again I am usually right!!
The Trickster
I have great sense of humor, I know that, people know that... However only a few people know that I also have a warped and perverted sense of humor. I can think of the most perverted humor in many situations people regards as ordinary or even tragedy. I even do things to my own amusement... Sometimes at the expense of others... Of course so far I haven't done anything that did any damage to the other party just for my own amusement... at least, not yet...
For as long as I can remember, I have been haunted by a fear of the unknown. I don't know what caused it in the beginning, for I couldn't recall. The fear manifested well into my present form of adulthood. I fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of inadequacy, fear of possibilities... Perhaps it is the one single factor that has held me back in the past. Somehow, I have a feeling that this perhaps is hereditary...
The Doubt
I seriously doubt my ability in my everyday life. I often feel that I am not doing enough with what I have been given. Being too hard on myself, so to speak. I think this aspect has serious connection with The Fear. Along with being afraid, doubts also caused myself to be indecisive at times...
The Compassion
At times, I could show considerable compassion towards others. Especially friends in need. I don't know why... Maybe I was born this way. Perhaps also there were times in my life when I was in need when I had no one to turn to. However, more importantly was there WAS someone who helped me when I needed it... this could be my unconscious attempt in paying them back for all of the people who have played a part in my life. Speaking of which, I remember a long time ago... someone told me that my Kendo will not go far because of this... Maybe it's true...
The Rage
Well... we remember that one now, don't we? It just happened this past weekend. It used to happen more often, when it does... I didn't who's in front of me, will it be my parents, my boss, my teacher... I just go charging in like a rabid wolverine. Although I sometimes wish I have them retractable claws...
This is one aspect of my psyche I fear the most. Even though nothing physical has happened so far out of it... but it could easily destroy my life and everything I had worked for...
The Schemer
Now this one... Sometimes when I'm on, I'm ON! I can even analyze and predict events before it happens. Of course many people accused me of over-analyzing things. However, often times I could turn this trait to my own advantage. There are times that I was wrong with analysis, but then again I am usually right!!
The Trickster
I have great sense of humor, I know that, people know that... However only a few people know that I also have a warped and perverted sense of humor. I can think of the most perverted humor in many situations people regards as ordinary or even tragedy. I even do things to my own amusement... Sometimes at the expense of others... Of course so far I haven't done anything that did any damage to the other party just for my own amusement... at least, not yet...
The Outburst : Aftermath
Even though I don't feel I was at wrong for being upset/angry at Sergeant H for his behavior, a big part of me still wishes that whatever took place last Sunday didn't happen. I guess I have to be thankful to Mr. SMura for restraining me that day... I was flying hot at the time, even though I fully intended to voice my complaint through the proper channels, who knows what would have happened...
I haven't experienced the Rage for a long time... Thinking back, I think it has been at least a few years since it last happened. I remembered that I could control it even less back then, but the reason was almost similar...
I haven't experienced the Rage for a long time... Thinking back, I think it has been at least a few years since it last happened. I remembered that I could control it even less back then, but the reason was almost similar...
Monday, April 20, 2009
This Week's Kendo Update
Wednesday's Practice
I went to practice at our temporary dojo last week's wednesday. Mainly because a lot of my friends were coming as well. Which was pretty unusual for a week night practice. Since I'm in town and free, I decided to go.
The practice was alright... It was quite tough but I had managed to pull through. I think the highlight for me was not whether I was able to hit a point or found any breakthrough during the session. Rather, there was a point during the practice that I hit the mentality of "whatever happens! I don't care!" I didn't care whether I was going to win or lose, I just tried (and tried and tried and tried) to hit men on my opponents. Whether be it the strongest Senseis or my fellow students. I don't even remember if I 'won' the points or lost the points... I remembered that it was such a relief practicing that evening. Although, I think I came down with a slight headache the next day.
Sunday's Practice
Panic at the Dojo
When I saw Stephen's body slumped face down on the floor, I immediately rushed to take off his armor so that he would be able to breath easier. Panic immediately sets in on me. The last thing our club need is an incident like this. I called out his name loudly, hoping that he was conscious and that I would hear a response. Luckily he did, I helped him up and moved to the corridor where it was breezy so that he could regain his composure. After I gave him some isotonic drink so that he could hydrate himself, my panic turned into RAGE.
Everyone's no stranger to Sergeant H's training style which is overbearing, though, lengthy and often borderline sadistic. Even I have had my own share of run in with his training method. When I saw him training Stephen earlier that morning, I thought to myself, "wow poor Stephen". I never would have expected Stephen to pass out (or worse) because of this. I was EXTREMELY ANGRY at Sergeant H for what I regard as irresponsible behavior during training. Sure, Kendo training is tough, but his training was excessive and unnecessarily so. My main concern at the time was the safety of our members, who knows what kind of problem the club could face if anything had happened to Stephen or anyone else.
Even though I was planning on passing my complaints through the proper channels... Apparently Mr. SMura could see that something was amiss with me. After all, my face looked like I was about to turn green and grow into 9 foot tall muscular monster. After the practice Mr. SMura called me over, Jive Tongue came along too, perhaps he too sensed that I was ready to turn lycan or something... After some 'aggressive advising' from Mr. SMura, I decided to 'aggressively agree' with him that he will approach Sergeant H about this matter.
After the dust settled, I saw that Stephen was alright... Later on I apologized to Mr. SMura for my outburst. It was hasty of me, but still to this moment, I believe it to be the right thing to do.
I went to practice at our temporary dojo last week's wednesday. Mainly because a lot of my friends were coming as well. Which was pretty unusual for a week night practice. Since I'm in town and free, I decided to go.
The practice was alright... It was quite tough but I had managed to pull through. I think the highlight for me was not whether I was able to hit a point or found any breakthrough during the session. Rather, there was a point during the practice that I hit the mentality of "whatever happens! I don't care!" I didn't care whether I was going to win or lose, I just tried (and tried and tried and tried) to hit men on my opponents. Whether be it the strongest Senseis or my fellow students. I don't even remember if I 'won' the points or lost the points... I remembered that it was such a relief practicing that evening. Although, I think I came down with a slight headache the next day.
Sunday's Practice
Panic at the Dojo
When I saw Stephen's body slumped face down on the floor, I immediately rushed to take off his armor so that he would be able to breath easier. Panic immediately sets in on me. The last thing our club need is an incident like this. I called out his name loudly, hoping that he was conscious and that I would hear a response. Luckily he did, I helped him up and moved to the corridor where it was breezy so that he could regain his composure. After I gave him some isotonic drink so that he could hydrate himself, my panic turned into RAGE.
Everyone's no stranger to Sergeant H's training style which is overbearing, though, lengthy and often borderline sadistic. Even I have had my own share of run in with his training method. When I saw him training Stephen earlier that morning, I thought to myself, "wow poor Stephen". I never would have expected Stephen to pass out (or worse) because of this. I was EXTREMELY ANGRY at Sergeant H for what I regard as irresponsible behavior during training. Sure, Kendo training is tough, but his training was excessive and unnecessarily so. My main concern at the time was the safety of our members, who knows what kind of problem the club could face if anything had happened to Stephen or anyone else.
Even though I was planning on passing my complaints through the proper channels... Apparently Mr. SMura could see that something was amiss with me. After all, my face looked like I was about to turn green and grow into 9 foot tall muscular monster. After the practice Mr. SMura called me over, Jive Tongue came along too, perhaps he too sensed that I was ready to turn lycan or something... After some 'aggressive advising' from Mr. SMura, I decided to 'aggressively agree' with him that he will approach Sergeant H about this matter.
After the dust settled, I saw that Stephen was alright... Later on I apologized to Mr. SMura for my outburst. It was hasty of me, but still to this moment, I believe it to be the right thing to do.
Monday, April 13, 2009
The Story so Far (part 2) : Hong Kong Tournament (No Hablo Ingles)
Even though we were hoping for a bigger turnout, it came down to :
Mr. KKawa
Mr. SMura
Mr. Concord
myself
Solid Snake
who came through for the Hong Kong Kendo Tournament trip this year.
Coming into the whole tournament weekend, I didn't really have an expectation to win it all or anything like that. I wanted to try to do the best Kendo which represents myself. Of course I didn't really expect the size and magnitude of this tournament. There were literally hundreds of people there from various Asian countries mostly, one or two whiteys slipped in there somehow.
As far as my performance goes, I think I rate myself a C+ or a B-... There were a couple of instances there when I thought it was plainly bad calls by the judges. However, there were also a few times when I thought I should have been able to do better. I think give the circumstances, I didn't do too badly. Hoping that next time we would be able to give a better showing from other Indonesian members as well.
So... whenever we are not waiting to fight or testing, in between events, me and Solid Snake usually just cracking up jokes and amused ourselves for a good part of the day. I think that's pretty much business as usual as far as Indonesian Kendo behaviour is concerned. I don't really knows how this mentality came about in the first place, and I think I MIGHT have something to do with this somehow. Compared to other country's Kendoka who mostly seemed reserved and... well... polite and well behaved. Indonesian Kendokas are known for their rowdiness, especially while fighting in a foreign surroundings. While we may rowdy and enjoying ourselves, we USUALLY never forgets our first mission when we travel, which is Kendo. However, SOMETIMES things do get a little out of hand...
Mr. KKawa
Mr. SMura
Mr. Concord
myself
Solid Snake
who came through for the Hong Kong Kendo Tournament trip this year.
Coming into the whole tournament weekend, I didn't really have an expectation to win it all or anything like that. I wanted to try to do the best Kendo which represents myself. Of course I didn't really expect the size and magnitude of this tournament. There were literally hundreds of people there from various Asian countries mostly, one or two whiteys slipped in there somehow.
As far as my performance goes, I think I rate myself a C+ or a B-... There were a couple of instances there when I thought it was plainly bad calls by the judges. However, there were also a few times when I thought I should have been able to do better. I think give the circumstances, I didn't do too badly. Hoping that next time we would be able to give a better showing from other Indonesian members as well.
So... whenever we are not waiting to fight or testing, in between events, me and Solid Snake usually just cracking up jokes and amused ourselves for a good part of the day. I think that's pretty much business as usual as far as Indonesian Kendo behaviour is concerned. I don't really knows how this mentality came about in the first place, and I think I MIGHT have something to do with this somehow. Compared to other country's Kendoka who mostly seemed reserved and... well... polite and well behaved. Indonesian Kendokas are known for their rowdiness, especially while fighting in a foreign surroundings. While we may rowdy and enjoying ourselves, we USUALLY never forgets our first mission when we travel, which is Kendo. However, SOMETIMES things do get a little out of hand...
The Story so Far (part 1) : Jason Mraz
So, it's been a while, I know... but I actually have been busy with work etc, that I neglected to update this journal. Work travels mostly... plus trying to keep up with my schedules of work out and Kendo, etc.
So what has happened in the past 2 months or so?
Honestly, I don't think I remember most of it... For some reasons, things were going so fast that I kinda blanked out most of them... I think it's mostly a blur working, working out, Kendo, dating, rinse, wash and do it again type of deal. Nothing too important that really stood out, trust I would've let you all know if there were.
Oooh, there was this thing.
I was able to get my hands on some Jason Mraz concert tickets about a month ago. I realize that Jason Mraz isn't the typical genre of music that I am usually into, however I first got into Jason Mraz when he had this song called "You and I Both". That song was from a while back, for some reasons the lyrics kinda... hit close to home for me. Since then, there were a few songs of his that I kinda dig, but I never payed too close of an attention. When I heard that Jason Mraz was coming to Jakarta for a concert, I wasted no time to pre-order a ticket... mainly, just to be able to listen to him sing "You and I Both" live!!
For the concert itself, I realize that he's famous for a reason. He did a great show!! All the songs, the sounds, they were all great! He even inserted parts of "Wonderwall" by Oasis in between his songs, to get the crowd going. Even though it was merely a little over an hour, I think I got my money's worth. He sang all the songs I wanted, I even got to hear some new songs which I eventually downloaded.
One thing that bothers me throughout the concert though... ALMOST EVERYONE was trying to take a picture from the stands. All the movements and hands and cameras raised in the air were just too much of a distraction and movement. No matter what camera you use, cell phones, digital cameras, penis envy lenses, YOU ARE NEVER GONNA GET A GOOD SHOT!! ALL YOU DO IS JUST BOTHER PEOPLE AROUND YOU!!
So what has happened in the past 2 months or so?
Honestly, I don't think I remember most of it... For some reasons, things were going so fast that I kinda blanked out most of them... I think it's mostly a blur working, working out, Kendo, dating, rinse, wash and do it again type of deal. Nothing too important that really stood out, trust I would've let you all know if there were.
Oooh, there was this thing.
I was able to get my hands on some Jason Mraz concert tickets about a month ago. I realize that Jason Mraz isn't the typical genre of music that I am usually into, however I first got into Jason Mraz when he had this song called "You and I Both". That song was from a while back, for some reasons the lyrics kinda... hit close to home for me. Since then, there were a few songs of his that I kinda dig, but I never payed too close of an attention. When I heard that Jason Mraz was coming to Jakarta for a concert, I wasted no time to pre-order a ticket... mainly, just to be able to listen to him sing "You and I Both" live!!
For the concert itself, I realize that he's famous for a reason. He did a great show!! All the songs, the sounds, they were all great! He even inserted parts of "Wonderwall" by Oasis in between his songs, to get the crowd going. Even though it was merely a little over an hour, I think I got my money's worth. He sang all the songs I wanted, I even got to hear some new songs which I eventually downloaded.
One thing that bothers me throughout the concert though... ALMOST EVERYONE was trying to take a picture from the stands. All the movements and hands and cameras raised in the air were just too much of a distraction and movement. No matter what camera you use, cell phones, digital cameras, penis envy lenses, YOU ARE NEVER GONNA GET A GOOD SHOT!! ALL YOU DO IS JUST BOTHER PEOPLE AROUND YOU!!
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