tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305399402011-11-27T18:27:28.448-05:00karate and stufffrotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.comBlogger971100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-90335407526421118592008-10-30T07:56:00.001-04:002008-10-30T07:58:11.867-04:00

There is nothing more fun than being thrown down to the floor. Except maybe throwing someone else to the floor. We did a lot of bunkai Monday night. We worked on Pinan Sandan bunkai also which I had only done maybe twice and over a year ago. It’s a lot of fun. There’s an excellent take down at the end when the attacker gets you in a bear hug from behind and you have to grab his/her hands,

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-78437175480008099142008-09-27T18:28:00.006-04:002008-09-27T19:16:22.357-04:00

Went to weapons today. We worked on nunchuck dai ichi and kama dai ichi. While I've been away, they have changed some things on each kata. Why? Well, I guess over time some things have been tweaked and tweaked until they are all of a sudden different than the original intention. So at some point, Kyoshi took a closer look and fixed them. One big change is what hand we hold the small weapons in

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-61787814261936467932008-09-22T06:14:00.004-04:002008-09-22T06:23:56.165-04:00

It feels really good to be back in karate. And by “really good” I mean very sore and bruised, but happy. I went to Monday and Wednesday class last week, both are taught by Kyoshi. Luckily for me, Kyoshi was not there on Monday, which meant he didn’t have to go thru the torture of watching me screw up royally. Sensei D and Renshi S taught class that night so it was a bit less bad-ass than it

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-81178719041585298382008-09-08T07:40:00.004-04:002008-09-08T07:46:27.560-04:00

I got an email from Kyoshi. I better do what he says....I'm in such bad shape right now, trying to do kata at home with weights on my arms and legs just isn't cutting it. Its been 6 months for crying out loud!

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-73161227397948869472008-05-01T06:32:00.002-04:002008-05-01T06:55:36.387-04:00

I have basically hibernated for the past 2 months. I am in TERRIBLE shape. It started when I joined the Shape Up RI thing thru work. We had teams, we wore pedometers and I had all these ideas of starting running again and more karate etc etc. Instead...I became the laziest slug on earth. Passive aggressive maybe? Seasonal Affect disorder? Too much stress? I don't know. All I know is that I

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-49922066659681775482008-03-24T08:29:00.004-04:002008-03-24T08:37:11.879-04:00

I found a couple other random things growing that I've dug up and brought inside. One is a baby Holly plant, and the other is a baby Azalea. I think I'll raise these as possible bonsai.

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-4712550360678178272008-03-24T07:56:00.005-04:002008-03-24T08:05:42.969-04:00

Ok, so I don't have anything interesting to say regarding karate because I haven't been. Just too busy with other aspects of my life. I'm jonesin' for it, though. Hopefully this week I'll get my dormant ass in there. Until then, i have some pictures. There are some crocuses...some lilies..and along side of my front walk there are tulips growing. I just planted those in the fall and I am so

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-78354834062482200292008-03-19T05:58:00.000-04:002008-03-19T05:59:11.170-04:00

I'm still here~I'll post soon :)

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-86021009652090640282008-02-19T06:53:00.003-05:002008-02-19T07:00:11.780-05:00

a couple crochet pictures for your amusement..(since I haven't been to karate in a couple weeks) the quality sucks because i took the pictures with my camara phone. The top left is a baby blanket I made for a co-worker, the hat on the bottom I made for my niece (its much more vibrant than it looks) and above is a hacky sack I made for my son. I wish I had taken more pictures of the things I

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-71813756917090621552008-02-01T06:22:00.000-05:002008-02-01T07:26:39.079-05:00

So, what do you and your friends do when they all turn/turned 40? I've got an idea, pack your sleeping bags and pillows, drive down to NY, have a sleep over at your dear friend's apartment, go down to St Marks Street and get some ink! I highly recommend it. Here's what I got-It means warrior spirit or essence of warrior. At first I thought it just meant 'warrior' but upon further research I

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-2373029891247857132008-01-14T05:52:00.000-05:002008-01-14T09:09:13.805-05:00

So I went to 2 classes on saturday (C and I, actually) First was weapons. There are 2 weapons classes that go on at the same time, one is all bo, the other is all small weapons. C went to bo class, I went to small weapons. I successfully passed Nunchucku dai ichi and got to start learning Kama dai ichi. So far, they are my favorite weapons. (i haven't learned Sai yet, though but thats next )

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-71966767759836669292008-01-07T07:44:00.000-05:002008-01-07T07:45:45.564-05:00

Saturday there was a 2 hour make up class. C and I went, of course, because I love torture. C went snowboarding on Friday night and was exhausted so if it was up to him, it would just be me going to this class. But it was not up to him. :) The class was packed. We all warmed up together and when it was time to touch your toes, Kyoshi said.."Kids, do you hear that "uuuuggghh" sound? Thats the

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-34294036138976650312007-12-22T06:01:00.000-05:002007-12-22T06:54:27.062-05:00

I need to vent. Our school has had a "dress code" forever which is T-shirts (instead of gi tops) are allowed on saturdays(all year) and every day during the summer months only (June thru September). And they have to be karate-related t-shirts. The rest of the year, full gi is what you wear. I don't think thats unreasonable. But lately at the dojo, I've been noticing some students wearing t-shirts

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-54888790294041710262007-12-16T07:51:00.000-05:002007-12-18T06:28:53.072-05:00

So, Saturday was Spar Wars. My son and I were signed up for the 1pm time slot. We got there in time to watch some other matches and we stayed for a while after to watch some more. I had never seen Kyoshi spar seriously before yesterday. He is a big man. He is also very fast and very powerful. He teaches while he spars and if you're paying attention you can learn a lot. If you're not paying

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-28227995916080375072007-12-03T06:13:00.000-05:002007-12-03T15:38:53.573-05:00

So I went to 2 classes on saturday. First was weapons. I brought my big girl nunchucks and had some refresher training on Nunchuku Dai Ich. By the end of the class I could get through the kata without help so that means...next week is Kama!!! I'm very excited. I have to say, though, I'm really enjoying the nunchucks. Anyway, after that class I had regular class, where we did a lot of partner work

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-50065436228808795472007-11-29T05:42:00.000-05:002007-11-29T05:51:14.556-05:00

Sorry its been a while. Not much to talk about, Thanksgiving was good, started out at 6am with the annual Thanksgiving Cardio Kickbox "so you can have extra pie" class. It lasted for over an hour and was pure torture..I loved it. There was no class that weekend because of a inner school Tourney. I didn't participate in that one. I really need to get to class tonite.

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-49652549208434819362007-11-11T07:38:00.000-05:002007-11-11T09:11:22.542-05:00

so QQS was fun. I came home feeling pretty good about things. Sore and exhausted, but good. The run went fine. We had to run for 1/2 hour on the bike path across from the dojo. I almost did 3 miles. Its weird how even if you haven't run for almost a year, your body doesn't forget how to do it. Not like I had forgotten how to actually run, but the pace and the breathing just fell into

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-70517294167169570932007-11-07T05:24:00.000-05:002007-11-07T05:45:44.925-05:00

QQS is on saturday. I need to go. QQS is 3-4 times/year and is for black belts only. I think I've mentioned it before, it lasts about 3 hours, starts with a 3 mile run, then sparring and kata and weapons. QQS means Quality, Quantity and Spirit testing. I am so out of shape right now the run will probably wipe me out, but its important to go and do your best regardless. It is fun, too.

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-47836797283260939172007-11-05T05:42:00.000-05:002007-11-05T05:50:17.880-05:00

Well, I've already blown the NaBloPoMo daily blogging thingy. Why? cause I forgot, thats why. I have no good reason. But, I will continue to blog daily thru the month just because I said I would. DOH!

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-32885582654065280112007-11-03T19:03:00.000-04:002007-11-03T19:09:18.159-04:00

We're getting the remnants of Hurricane Noel today. Its incredibly windy and rainy. My kids and I stayed in our pajamas all day. My husband had to go to work so he had to get dressed and face the storm. But the rest of us lurked around the house all day. I watched HGTV and crocheted. It was excellent.

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-8268179013408565552007-11-02T06:24:00.000-04:002007-11-02T06:34:28.672-04:00

This saturday is Black Belt Spectacular-(graduation to BB). It was a pretty large group this time going up in rank and most of them are going to 2nd, 3rd and 4th degree. I heard the practical exam was challanging. After their 3 mile run, they came back to the dojo, got in their gi's and began to spar. Not challenging enough for Kyoshi just "as is" though, and he turned off all the lights.

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-3542840860480453722007-11-01T16:01:00.000-04:002007-11-01T16:30:26.178-04:00

I'm taking on the NaBloPoMo challange. Thanks for the invite BBM! I'm certainly not a daily blogger but I am up for the challange. Yikes! who knows what I'll be talking about...

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-9480452699790025382007-10-31T08:26:00.000-04:002007-10-31T06:29:10.068-04:00

Please click the link every day to help!

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-59864151352833203352007-10-21T06:28:00.000-04:002007-10-21T06:54:40.179-04:00

I knew I was going to fall behind. Apparantly, its been all about bunkai the past couple months. Kyoshi has been teaching Passai Sho bunkai. I've only seen this done a couple times, never actually did it myself, though. There are a couple really vicious takedowns in this bunkai-one of which you end up flat on your face. We've also been working more on Pinan Sandan bunkai. I've only done

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-77112140486324540782007-10-17T06:09:00.000-04:002007-10-17T06:32:22.345-04:00

So I finally got back to class on Saturday. It felt great. I went to weapons class and reviewed the 5 bo kata I knew, then to regular class at noon. The warm up alone almost knocked me on my butt. We did mostly kata after that which was fine by me. We did all 5 kihon kata as a group then broke into smaller groups by rank to work on whatever kata we needed to. I worked with another shodan

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-18394268291885473712007-10-12T17:26:00.000-04:002007-10-14T09:10:48.841-04:00

So, I've been tagged..by Supergroup7..Here are 7 random facts about me...1. I have 9 1/2 toes2. I used to be a hair colorist on Newbury St in Boston3. I hate asparagus.4. Both of my children have ADHD (without the hyperactivity)5. My favorite things to occupy my time are karate (no, really?) gardening, and crocheting.6. I love power tools7. My birthday is on Halloween (turning 40 this year! eeek)

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-32655474140752683922007-10-08T09:48:00.000-04:002007-10-08T10:13:13.502-04:00

I saw a cool movie last night. It was called Karate Bullfighter and it starred Sonny Chiba. I love Sonny Chiba movies. I have a collection of them. Streetfighter, Return of Streetfighter, even Streetfighters last Revenge (horrible movie) Also, Sister Streetfighter which stars Sue Shiomi and Sonny Chiba. That one is my favorite. Shiomi is amazing. One of the best things about these movies

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-83587278531261842312007-10-03T06:28:00.000-04:002007-10-03T06:43:09.134-04:00

I have been away from the dojo for about a month. Its killing me. Because of family issues and the need for me to be a presence at home I've had to prioritize. And of course family comes first. However, things are getting better, and Frotoe needs some karate in a major way. I feel like a blob. Mentally and physically. I haven't even been practicing much at home until this past week. (

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-35086888187188154832007-09-17T06:15:00.000-04:002007-09-18T06:20:51.664-04:00

I know I haven't posted in a while. Things have been busy. But for your viewing pleasure, here are some things I'm crocheting.here's my first (successful) hat. its crocheted out of some sort of shoelace type ribbony stuff.here's another one.and another one. I think I should get someone to model these for me next time..ear warmer..a (very lopsided) scarf. Although I think i hid the lopsided part

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-91852845734545044992007-09-01T06:34:00.000-04:002007-09-01T06:39:44.125-04:00

You may have noticed that I have deleted my last post about nunchucku. That is because an "anonymous" idiot left this long, rude, freakish comment that has NOTHING to do with martial arts and somehow made it impossible for me to delete. So that no one else would have to read the crap that he posted, I felt I needed to just delete the whole post. I have also turned back on the comment

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-74815834832660127402007-08-06T07:12:00.001-04:002007-08-06T07:32:01.456-04:00

This is the 2nd year for the Black Belt Challange, my first one. We have one month and these are Kyoshi's challanges.Run- 50 milesKata-practice 1 either Naihanchi kata or Chinto or Jion~ 100 times. I don't know Jion, so I'm doing Naihanchi Sandan. Weapons- practice any weapons kata~ 100 timesCrunches- 3000Spar- 20 rounds-2 minutes eachPower kicks- (must be against a pad or target) Front kicks,

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-73585813955372143872007-08-05T07:53:00.000-04:002007-08-06T07:11:29.506-04:00

We had sparring on wednesday. We also have it for the next couple weeks. I'm kind of glad. I need to get myself back and comfortable with sparring. I need to get my cardio level back up to where it should be. I would also like to get rid of these arm guards. I love them, I feel safe wearing them, but they also retain a lot of heat. I think this week, I'll bring them but leave them to the side.

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-58006698248474307842007-07-28T07:11:00.000-04:002007-07-30T06:33:43.577-04:00

Ok, its been a week and I finally have time to post about this. First of all, it was my first Association summer camp and I am hooked.Friday, classes started at 2pm for the local students-class was out on the quad at the university. We started with basics, moving basics, blocking drills etc while waiting for the students from out of town to arrive. The usual dojo stuff. Next it was a bo class.

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-66089186534880956872007-07-24T06:05:00.000-04:002007-07-24T06:24:44.038-04:00

Basics Kata Sand angels what do you do if you catch on fire?stop..drop..rollcommando crawlssaiza-before bow out- we covered Z with sand..heehee

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-42607875242446832792007-07-24T05:59:00.000-04:002007-07-24T06:05:23.488-04:00

It was a bad weather day-thunder/lightening, pouring rain. Apparently, 102 people called the dojo to see if class was still on for later that day. Foolish!! (and I was one of them, too)Punishment? 102 pushups~

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-7788683068914590692007-07-20T06:13:00.000-04:002007-07-20T06:22:19.455-04:00

Not much time to type so I'll just sum up. Beach class was LOTS of fun as usual, luckily the rain stopped just long enough for the beach class picture and the class itself, then as soon as it was done, it downpoured. I have a lot of pictures and I'll post some or link to them maybe on sunday. Today starts Association summer camp so I will be all karate from 2pm-8pm tonite, 8:30am-10:30pm

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-6466716728332327712007-07-10T05:39:00.000-04:002007-07-10T06:17:47.005-04:00

So next week is fun week. I love fun week! Monday is picture day. We have class pictures taken as well as individual photos. Its chaos in the dojo on picture day although each age group has their own time slot to show up for. They are always behind schedule. There is also competition camp for the kids all week. Tuesday they have a special guest instructor. Any one heard of Daniel

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-19842478788711422852007-07-01T08:27:00.000-04:002007-07-01T08:53:01.173-04:00

So next week, Kyoshi, Sensei T, Sensei D, Sensei B are going to Vegas. To some sort of martial arts thingy and expo. They are going to see Penn and Teller. They are also going to go see Ka. Kyoshi has seen it once already and says its just amazing. I've only been to 1 Cirque Du Soleil show up in Boston and it was unbelievable. I would love to see this one. We were standing around after

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-89313956021265684842007-06-28T06:18:00.000-04:002007-06-28T06:35:59.606-04:00

Last night was the black belt pretest. 35 people took the test. 35!!! and most of them were going to nidan or higher. One of the adult students is going for 4th degree. There are at least 6 or 7 adults testing for 3rd degree, a bunch of teens and a couple of adults going to 2nd degree, 4 youths going to 1st and only 1 adult going for 1st (G). I'm totally routing for G. she has an awesome

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-52379019421813398372007-06-18T09:07:00.000-04:002007-06-18T09:26:11.369-04:00

Ok so I've just finished learning my 5th bo kata. Here's what I know. Taiso Rensu ukeShushi no kunTaiso Rensu kogekiTen ryu no kunTokemeni no kunso its time for nunchucks!! First kata is Nunchuck dai ich. lots of figure 8's. Lots of repetition. A couple weird one legged stances. I'm not sure about those. I have a hard enough time with all the crane stances in Chinto, but whatever, I'll

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-26634422262842791322007-06-03T06:43:00.000-04:002007-06-03T07:16:54.193-04:00

So last week, we got a new bunch of blackbelts. The ceremony and show went well considering we only had half a gym. Apparently, the huge door that divides the gym was broken so they had to perform in one half. This caused a HUGE vein to bulge on Kyoshi's head for most of the day while setting up. But everything went well, M kicked ass on her demo! Congrats to all of them. AND all the black belts

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-64062783589864328982007-05-20T06:08:00.000-04:002007-05-20T06:59:49.777-04:00

Becky tagged me!1. WAS YOUR FIRST PREGNANCY PLANNED? Yes2. WERE YOU MARRIED AT THE TIME? Yes3. WHAT WERE YOUR REACTIONS? Excited and freaked out a little.4. WAS ABORTION AN OPTION FOR YOU? It wasn't a consideration.5. HOW OLD WERE YOU? 246. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT? I took a pregnancy test.7. WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST? I told my husband8. DID YOU WANT TO FIND OUT THE SEX? Nope9. DUE

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-6244779231998967782007-05-09T06:05:00.000-04:002007-05-09T06:30:25.041-04:00

I love the fact that we're in the self defense portion of our curriculum. Last night, my son and I went to class together-it is a teen/adult class. They used to separate the classes, but theres a new bag class with Kyoshi at the same time so the classes are now combined. M is assistant teaching this class. I don't know how she does it. Some of those kids are royal pains in the arse and they

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-54078346844387785912007-04-30T12:27:00.000-04:002007-07-10T15:37:01.993-04:00

So the black belt practical test was last Friday night. It was not a good night. Although no one broke any bones, and there was no blood, it was ugly. And why did it get ugly? Because people were WHINING! Not my friend M, she’s not a whiner. Big rule regarding the practical test. DON’T WHINE! Renshi-(or Kyoshi now) HATES it. It makes him very angry. These kids and CB were complaining even before

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-36230168520093920012007-04-17T06:21:00.000-04:002007-04-17T06:33:21.410-04:00

So how cool is this... Our very own Renshi was promoted to 7th Dan over the weekend! Not only that, his title has now been changed to Kyoshi! I wish I could have seen the promotion. A few of the adult students took a road trip down to NJ to watch. I hope someone took video of his demo. They said it was quite impressive. At class last night, he was presented with a framed group of pictures

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-18078822790259070522007-04-16T09:03:00.000-04:002007-04-16T12:13:46.059-04:00

yes, I know I'm fickle. I tried to understand Wordpress language because the templates are so pretty. But I can't do it. I can't fake that I understand it. So I am back at Blogger because its in a language I understand. It speaks to me like I'm 4 yrs old and that is just what I need.Sorry- thanks for following me. :)

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-11163467060661758572007-02-01T14:20:00.000-05:002007-04-16T08:52:05.804-04:00

I'VE MOVED!! come by and visit me at my new spot.

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-23467264221787127012007-01-27T07:38:00.000-05:002007-01-27T08:22:14.365-05:00

So- some good news on the pretest. M passed (i knew she would), the crying one passed, and the adult arm-breaker did NOT pass. There IS justice in the world. So right now, they're all at the track freezing their butts off running 4 miles and doing crunches and pushups. aaaaahhhhh fun.So, since our dojo has a new space for pilates and yoga, they've also started offering belly dancing class.

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-75932260602035133222007-01-23T07:38:00.000-05:002007-07-10T15:33:57.530-04:00

Last nights class was excellent. Renshi's classes are always good. The BB pretest is tomorrow night so we are still reviewing kata kata kata and all the bunkai that can go with it. Tomorrow I am going to go to the dojo before the pretest to help out M. There will also be another woman testing for shodan. This one concerns me. She's quite a crybaby. Seems to always have one injury after

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-67957865717765130442007-01-20T06:55:00.000-05:002007-01-20T07:30:17.606-05:00

Not too much to talk about. I've been getting back to class on a regular basis finally after the holidays. right now we've been focusing on lots and lots of kata. This is because the pretest is coming up next week for the new black belt candidates. The lesson plan is set up this way to help the 1st kyus practice and fine tune what they will be expected to show next week.I AM SO GLAD ITS NOT

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-21613721835549558742007-01-05T07:16:00.000-05:002007-01-05T07:34:04.320-05:00

Well, I went to class last night. I did not spar, though. It was a great class anyway, mostly working combinations with a partner. Then they did regular sparring towards the end of the class. They combined the teen class with the adult class so it was pretty crowded. I worked with a woman who just got her green belt. I love seeing that there are more and more adults taking karate. My dojo

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-77568541548802820732007-01-01T07:15:00.000-05:002007-01-01T07:22:57.963-05:00

Happy New Year!I hope its better than last year. :) We have sparring this week~ I'm hoping to be brave enough to go.

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-51147984813904604642006-12-23T05:53:00.000-05:002006-12-23T06:02:44.408-05:00

No karate this week. Too much holiday stuff to take care of. I did get myself a christmas present, though..http://www.centuryfitness.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10051&storeId=10051&productId=84190&langId=-1&product_parentId=13628&crumb=13501&categoryId=13628&parent_category_rn=13519just try and break my arm!! (i got the pink ones :)Happy Holidays everyone!

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-28648930499389221562006-12-05T07:27:00.000-05:002006-12-05T07:38:59.459-05:00

Its kind of funny to me that after I achieved Shodan many people (including other karate students) ask me "whats next?" Like thats the end of the road or something. I guess it is for some people. I do know of students who after they got their black belts considered their goal accomplished and quit karate. It makes you wonder why they even began taking it to begin with. It seems like an awful

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-67742563847647658262006-12-03T07:01:00.000-05:002006-12-03T07:31:04.385-05:00

Well, I went to 2 classes this week. It felt good to get back into a normal karate routine. We've been working on Pinan Shodan bunkai-which is different than Pinan Shodan OYO bunkai which most of the students are used to. I've noticed that they seem to be raising the bar on what the students should know and I think its great. I love learning new things. I had done this bunkai a few times so

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-77898516233596604482006-11-24T13:43:00.000-05:002006-11-24T14:10:41.583-05:00

so I learned kusanku dai. pretty cool kata except that there is a lot of turning and spinning. We worked on it at QQS. After the 3 mile run I went with the other students who weren't sparring while everyone else sparred. So I learned it there on the track, and later we all did every kata and then went into groups and worked on our new kata. And we did it over and over and over anad over. I

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-49090570809149243522006-11-11T06:21:00.000-05:002007-07-10T15:30:59.649-04:00

So I've only had this black belt for 3 weeks and I have to go thru a new test. I haven't even been to class because of the arm. But today, is QQS-which is black belt testing. Since the black belts don't go thru regular belt promotions like the underbelts they have this event which takes place a few times /year. It is a 3-4 hour test, very similar to my black belt practical test (except I

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-6372300222494630642006-11-02T18:08:00.000-05:002007-07-10T15:30:59.650-04:00

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-2790609132044974912006-11-02T18:04:00.000-05:002007-07-10T15:30:59.650-04:00

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-60961121699152072932006-11-02T18:03:00.000-05:002007-07-10T15:30:59.650-04:00

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-19025084395960891932006-11-02T18:02:00.000-05:002007-07-10T15:30:59.651-04:00

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-64408674819616349652006-11-02T17:59:00.000-05:002007-07-10T15:30:59.651-04:00

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-48652987997998534282006-11-02T17:57:00.000-05:002006-11-02T17:58:58.062-05:00

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-87575440989328362462006-11-02T17:54:00.000-05:002007-07-10T15:30:59.651-04:00

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-69351360163172555472006-11-02T17:51:00.000-05:002007-07-10T15:30:59.652-04:00

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-23199554382817297762006-10-29T05:51:00.000-05:002006-10-29T06:29:53.913-05:00

Just a brief word about my graduation. Although I had to do everything with a big honkin cast on my arm, I had a blast. We were all ready for this night. We had to be at the gym at 2pm that day (the show wasn't going on until 7) but we all were there either practicing or helping to set up or keeping the little kids in check so they wouldn't annoy Renshi. They were WIRED. and i don't blame

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-28382544277538204682006-10-24T05:58:00.000-04:002006-10-24T06:00:27.312-04:00

I'll post pictures soon!! I'm having computer troubles at the moment.

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-37716613009728316932006-10-21T06:55:00.000-04:002006-10-21T07:14:45.033-04:00

today is my last day as a 1st kyu. tonite I will get my beautiful blue gi with my name embroidered on the back and my cool new belt-also with my name embroidered on it along with the kanji of our style of karate . all the demos i will be in will be one-armed. despite the fact that I now have a removable splint on my arm, i will have to wear it because my arm is too weak without it. oh well

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-29389263761551263462006-10-03T15:07:00.000-04:002006-09-30T06:36:10.742-04:00

we had another practice friday night for our graduation. my group of co-candidates gave me a great get well soon card. so cool of them. big apologies from the 16 yr old arm breaker.our demos are coming along nicely-although its hard w/o my rt arm. the 3 adults moving to 1st dan are doing chinto as a group for one of the demos. for any of you who know this kata-try it w/your rt arm immobilized.

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-77409191946950241542006-09-23T09:46:00.000-04:002006-09-23T10:05:41.984-04:00

i'm gonna keep this short because i'm typing with my left hand. my arm was broken last night by a student with no self control. i wasn't more than 5-10 minutes into sparring when i was kicked full force in my arm. (and it wasn't even a good technique) so i yelled an obsenity in front of small children and left the floor. we put ice on it, but i eventually was taken to the hospital and x

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-15619428295099199772006-09-22T15:21:00.000-04:002006-09-22T15:28:42.293-04:00

I'm wishing lots of luck tonightWhen you go to your big class.I know you'll do your kata wellAnd really kick some ass.You've worked so hardYou've come so farYou're a tough and feisty lassSo tie your beltAnd yell KIAI -I know that you will pass.heehee

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-46717599289176034792006-09-22T06:11:00.000-04:002006-09-22T06:28:49.151-04:00

I had a nightmare about my practical test. I couldn't get to my dojo. I had the wrong socks for the run (one of them was a knee sock). my nose was stuffy and I had no decongestant. it was 8 o'clock and I was an hour late. It was halloween-there were freaks everywhere. (like people with no legs and oddly shaped heads falling onto my porch-kind of like a zombie movie) There were people

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-65380164096512985252006-09-16T14:37:00.000-04:002006-09-16T15:05:06.469-04:00

We had our first official candidate practice last night. One of the sensei's who is helping to organize the graduation ceremony/show got us all together to kind of give us an idea how it will all happen in October. Our school puts on a big show the night the candidates receive their black belts-lots of demos by the demo team, storm team and candidates. Its really an awesome show. So we

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-32441428337416308832006-09-08T06:10:00.000-04:002006-09-08T06:28:52.957-04:00

We had sparring wednesday night. Since the weather is sooooo nice right now, Renshi is not putting on the AC in the dojo, only opening the windows and the back door for ventilation. So basically its like a sauna. Especially with sparring gear on. It was a huge class-we partnered up and first did slow motion sparring to warm up. Then we worked on some defense drills-one of them being for a

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-35228985717774065202006-08-30T15:05:00.000-04:002006-08-30T15:36:38.865-04:00

That physical test kicked my ass. I had been fighting off some sort of virus all last week and it finally caught up with me. It was bad enough that every single muscle and bone in my body was sore from Saturday, but then i developed chills and a fever and swollen glands. i don't think my immune system could fight it off any longer. So I was in bed most of the day sunday, all day monday and

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-38467241456725525952006-08-27T06:31:00.000-04:002006-08-27T06:54:14.678-04:00

I passed my physical test. I am SO glad that it is overwith. especially the run. My time was 27.52 for 3 miles-almost 1 minute off last weeks time. (and Renshi passed me even though i didn't make 24minutes) I did my 50 pushups without any struggling. When we do the pushups, its with a partner who counts for you and who also has to put their fist on the ground in front of you so that your chin

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-1156589224524860292006-08-26T06:36:00.000-04:002006-08-26T06:47:04.536-04:00

Today is my physical test. I can't wait till this is over. I wish it was in the morning. I seriously doubt I will run 3 miles in 24 minutes. Even with the adrenalin rush that will supposedly make me fly around the track. We'll see. I will do my best regardless. I can say, though, that I have successfully done 50 push ups (in a row) 3 times this week. So I'm pretty confident I can do it today too.

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-1156075056244163142006-08-20T07:30:00.000-04:002006-08-20T09:04:12.460-04:00

We had such a fun time at the track yesterday. (yes, i'm being sarcastic) We had our usual 4 mile run -good news is that for 3 miles, I'm down to 28.50 minutes. Bad news is that i have 1 week to shave 4 minutes and 50 seconds off my time. (??)After our run, we had endurance training (aka torture) 1st, commando crawls across the freshly cut grass of the football field (not the length, the width

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-1155638587272303182006-08-15T06:24:00.000-04:002006-08-15T06:43:07.336-04:00

Last nights class was fun- not the usual kind of sweaty hard core kick your ass kind of fun that it usually is, we did a lot of moving basics (with a partner) with different counter attacks at the end of each drill, and then we learned "empi waza" (empi=elbow) We don't do a lot of waza in our classes so it was a nice learning experience. Renshi then had us try and figure out ways to apply all

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-1155472637235704482006-08-13T08:17:00.000-04:002006-08-13T08:37:17.246-04:00

2 weeks until my physical test. My running has gotten progressively better, yesterday I was timed at 29.20 for 3 miles. And I think that a lot of that had to do with the air being really dry and cool. I have 5 minutes and 20 seconds to shave off in 2 weeks. I don't think its physically possible, but I'll keep plugging along. I'm starting to realize that I have SO MUCH TO LEARN to get this

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-1154789449565223722006-08-05T10:34:00.000-04:002006-08-05T10:50:49.590-04:00

Being right after all. After 4 people of higher rank and one of equal rank but younger age told me it was a closed hand , the highest ranking of our dojo/owner/Renshi/6th dan told me that I'M RIGHT!HA! Now I'm not normally this way when it comes to being right about something. But I KNEW this kata. This open hand move was DRILLED into my head by my instructor (who unfortunately isn't teaching

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-1154687587808525562006-08-04T06:19:00.000-04:002006-08-04T06:33:07.823-04:00

I hate when i've been working a kata for a long time, and then another student tells me that one of the moves is wrong. And then-gets one of the sensei's (granted-a young, new nidan sensei) to agree with her. This move is in Matsumura Passai (or Passai Dai) and i SWEAR it is an open hand supported block (that comes after a crescent kick and before 2 closed handed strikes that look like

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-1154262393301143372006-07-30T07:59:00.000-04:002006-07-30T08:26:33.313-04:00

So yesterday it was 8am at the track as usual. It wasn't as humid as its been but it was still very hot. We ran 4 miles, then we had to do an extra half mile (2 laps) but this time, sprinting the straight parts and lightly jogging the turns. I almost threw up. I almost had to go over to the fence and hurl. I came as close as clamping my hand over my mouth. But I didn't-thankfully. After

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-1154169762684385272006-07-29T06:00:00.000-04:002006-07-29T06:42:42.700-04:00

We had a group run on thursday at 5 and it was freakin' hot. For the first time during this cycle i had to walk the last half mile (out of 4) because there was NO MORE AIR. It was like breathing in steam. AND after I got home- which was around 5:45ish, i took a shower, but then continued to actively sweat until around 8pm. Can someone explain this to me? Where was it coming from?I have to be at

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-1153823373620584342006-07-25T06:14:00.000-04:002007-07-10T15:29:17.914-04:00

My written test went well. I think. We were given a packet of information, lineage, names, definitions etc to study from last month when we took our pretest and were told to know everything in that packet because it would all be on the test. They were not lying. I'm glad I had been studying since the winter when my son was testing for Nidan. The worst part of this test for me was the essay.

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-1153564476282389842006-07-22T05:51:00.000-04:002007-07-10T15:32:23.086-04:00

Beach class did not disappoint. I'll post pictures when i get them. My sister came and took over 400 pictures on her new fancy digital camera so there'll be plenty to post. Thursday night was the Projectile weapons seminar. Oh my god i need to get me a blowgun. Our guest instructor was a very nice man, 7th dan, and a couple of his students were also there to assist. He gave us a bit of

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-1153305289315469372006-07-19T06:04:00.000-04:002006-07-19T06:34:49.326-04:00

My written test is next monday night. I also have to hand in an essay. i hate writing. Our choices for essays were to either write about what "earning a black belt means to me" or to detail the life of an important figure in karate history. I'm still not what i'm going to write about. I have been thinking I will do something on Anko Itosu. I don't know. I feel like i'm back in school again.

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-1152875055955497072006-07-14T06:41:00.000-04:002007-07-10T15:29:17.915-04:00

We had our 2nd group run yesterday. thankfully, it was after the freakin monsoon passed. This time we did 4 miles on the bike path. We have a section right across from the dojo that has been measured at 1/2 mile, so up and back is 1 mile and we do that 4 times. I don't know how, but i did it without any walking. Actually, i do know how- i set short term goals and it really works. That

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-1152707318287964642006-07-12T07:34:00.000-04:002007-07-10T15:32:23.086-04:00

Next week is the annual Karate Fun Week. There are no regular classes during that week until saturday. Monday is picture day. They have class pictures, individual pictures, demo team pictures etc. You can buy different packages like trading cards, a plaque, mouse pad and other specialty choices. Purchasing these packages is not required, but they do encourage going at least for your class picture

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-1152647739677257522006-07-11T15:53:00.000-04:002006-07-11T15:58:14.746-04:00

the radiator that bit me

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-1152617356900958152006-07-11T06:33:00.000-04:002006-07-11T07:45:48.920-04:00

Last night was my first night assistant teaching. It felt very strange to be in front of a class. I didn't do much this time except stand there and help with some kata and blocking drills. Next week they will have me do a little more. maybe take the class thru basics. I don't know. After that i went to my class. I love monday night class. It is so crowded-i think there were at least 36 students,

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-1152442824478487562006-07-09T06:25:00.000-04:002007-07-10T15:29:17.915-04:00

I'm surprised at myself. I ran for 3 miles yesterday at the track. We did a pre-physical test to see where we all were as far as the run, the pushups and crunches. Renshi gave me permission to stop/slow down during the run because of the foot and I was grateful, but i didn't take advantage of it. I didn't slow down or stop. I ran the whole 3 miles, everytime i felt like walking i would tell

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-1152355228679964142006-07-08T06:30:00.000-04:002007-07-10T15:29:17.915-04:00

This morning it is 8:00am- at the track for group run/pushups/crunches/torture, then 9:00am at the dojo for candidate class, mostly focus kicks i think, then home from 10-12 to shower and whatever else i can cram in, then noon class at the dojo, then 12:45 weapons.

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-1152267893877460292006-07-07T06:12:00.000-04:002007-07-10T15:25:36.763-04:00

So I survived sparring. It was quite enjoyable actually. Michelle was in class and that was fun. I was surprised at myself. I didn't really think that I would do as well as I did. I told our Sensei that I might have to just work on defense this time to baby my foot, but I didn't. It was impossible to not use my feet. And it was fine. I whacked a classmate in the eye with a ridge hand. I

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-1152182395366017872006-07-06T06:26:00.000-04:002006-07-06T10:42:10.833-04:00

Back to regular classes tonite. the dojo has been closed for the holiday weekend. Sparring is on the schedule. I'm not sure if i will participate or not. I'm still nervous about my foot. I'm feeling as though i need to get back to where i was with power kicks before I should attempt sparring another student. I don't know. Backround- in february I was in a home improvement accident where a

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-1151881035124949122006-07-02T18:32:00.000-04:002006-07-06T08:15:45.946-04:00

Running was way better than i thought it would be. beth and i ran/walked about 3 miles and my foot held out ok. My shins didn't even hurt. If we can get together once or twice a week that would work out great. I have to be running 4 times/week, 4 miles each time. Twice we run as a group, saturday am and thursday pm. This week i'll find out what class I will be assisting teaching. I'm hoping it

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30539940.post-1151836339511695512006-07-02T06:16:00.000-04:002006-07-06T08:19:19.356-04:00

because I just passed my black belt pretest, and i want to make a record of my testing cycle. I am a karate geek. I am not ashamed. Today is my first run since my foot injury. My testing cycle goal is 3 miles in some ridiculous amount of time ..maybe 24 minutes? I'll post the physical test requirements later. Today, I just hope I don't fall down or break anything. I'll be running with Beth

frotoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05229341195876947860noreply@blogger.com5