Owned.

Today I learned my true state of Kendo physical and mental affair. A beginner more beginning than I performed decisively better at an alarming geometric rate. His rookie technique looked more like an experienced seasoned rookie. His form was impeccably perfect. His kiai and right foot deadlocked at the highly sought-after sweetspot of rythm and timing. Man he put us to shame no doubt. I taught him well what little I know. And so I learned, my true state of kendo skills.....I still suck at it.

Aikido smakido

They say it takes years and years and years to learn Aikido.
Judging by what I've seen and learned, their teaching methods are completely flawed. If it were any more flawed the whole thing would border on being criminal. It's way too flawed to be frustrated about it. It's beyond that. It's so flawed that the only thing you can do is shake your head and laugh about it. And that's what I'm doing while getting by butt kicked. Aikido smakido es muy muy stupido. No wonder it takes a lifetime to learn it.

Two fellow kendokas practicing basic fundamentals. I don;t know what this is called, but I'm guessing it's to practice timing, rhythm, technique, amongst all the fundamentals, like ayumiashi, aka footwork.

My Kendo on the other-hand is being honed by excellent methods by 1st class instructors. I'm far from where I need to be, but like all things good, this will take time. I got a new hakama that fits me slightly better and is nearly wrinkle free and much easier to fold and care for. It's the latest craze in Japan this fabric. Before I know it I'll be in the stressful position of shopping for the armor, aka bogu. Stressful because it's $500 for a set (average). Stressful because it needs to fit the body very well. And all that's going to be tough and painful since everything will need to be ordered online.

I'm a fighter, not a lover.

Three hundred, but better known as 300. It's what in my opinion is the big movie of the year.
And it's movies like these that inspire and stir our imagination, makes us think and rethink, about bloodshed, war, politics, religion, humanity. Tomorrow, bright and early in the morning, I report to my first day as a student of Aikido - the secret of self-defense and inner power. How appropriate that 300 came out this year of 2007, the same year I got acquainted with the warrior within me. I've got so much to catch up to. Because life, in the end, is our own, and it is what we make of it. Oh wonderful life, you are short and precious, sweet and harsh. It is time I start to walk again upon the earth with bare feet.