Holy cow, here I am. I was in blog hibernation, after only a few posts! That's not dedication. Anyway, what's new? Well, it's November now, still pretty warm out which is something I'll always love about living the island life on the west coast of Canada. I don't think I could handle the frigid temperatures going on east of me right now *shudder*.
So I've moved recently, a month ago, as it were. I live in the Saxe Point region of Esquimalt now, which is actually one of the nicer places I've lived. Funny, I never thought I'd say that about Esquimalt; but, it has it's nicer areas it seems. And, only a minute away from my dojo! I've also aquired myself a gym pass at the rec center only 4 blocks up the road, so I can walk there to limber up a little before my run!
Ahh the dojo, much hath changed for me, for the positive. I've taken up the reigns part time as a "sempai", helping out with the Adult beginners class on Tuesdays and the special needs class on Wednesdays. I really like it so far. It's a good learning experience for me as I've never really taught before, and it's a step in the direction I'd like to go.. one day having students of my own and a place to teach.
Anyway I guess that's all that's really new, I mean I'm sure there's more (people getting married and the sort, [congrats jerm, jodi, tasha and jer], the H1N1 flu [I will speak more on this], et cetera); but, without getting into too much detail on the outside world while I should actually be working, I better get back to it.. for now.
I'll make a point to update you on my rants and raves sooner than later this time!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Bamberton
I spent this last weekend in Bamberton doing a bit of camping. Most of my free weekends in the summer are taken up by this activity from which I've grown quite attached to. I don't know if it's the getting away, living in a forest, eating "camping food".. there are numerous reasons I'm sure, but it's where you'll find me in the summer, regardless.
I should mention though, prior to the trip though I took my dad down to Royal Athletic Park to check out a Victoria Seals game (Golden League Baseball Club). It was my first time to see them and it turned out to be a really good game, couple homeruns, lots of fans, good weather, and we beat those filthy Calgarians 5-3! Time well spent, I recommend checkin out a game before the seasons over.
Back to my camping trip though; I guess there's not really much to talk about, it was pretty chill, but, I guess I felt like writing about something and that's the only real news so far. The highlight of the trip was cutting wood (I know, not what you had in mind); but, me and one of the guys I was with were cutting wood and came across, probably the most stubborn, gnarled, and knotted log-beast from Hell that I've ever seen. Anyway we probably spend about 45 minutes ripping this thing up with two different axes, taking turns swinging. Lol. He ended up dieing a fiery death.
I came back early on Sunday and layed around at Gyro Park Beach (Cadboro Bay) workin on the darkening of the skin, which is slowly getting there. I'm not entirely see-through anymore.
As well I went downtown afterwards and picked up "The Book of Five Rings" by Miyamoto Musashi (to which I'm 1/3 done already!). It's something I'm going to read a couple times though.. It's not grossely long but it's a quality work that I recommend to anyone, especially those involved in any sort of martial art or cultural art. I also picked up Budo, Mind & Body to add to my pile of similarities (Karate-Do: My Way of Life by Gichin Funakoshi, and The Art of War by Master Sun Tzu).
I should mention though, prior to the trip though I took my dad down to Royal Athletic Park to check out a Victoria Seals game (Golden League Baseball Club). It was my first time to see them and it turned out to be a really good game, couple homeruns, lots of fans, good weather, and we beat those filthy Calgarians 5-3! Time well spent, I recommend checkin out a game before the seasons over.
Back to my camping trip though; I guess there's not really much to talk about, it was pretty chill, but, I guess I felt like writing about something and that's the only real news so far. The highlight of the trip was cutting wood (I know, not what you had in mind); but, me and one of the guys I was with were cutting wood and came across, probably the most stubborn, gnarled, and knotted log-beast from Hell that I've ever seen. Anyway we probably spend about 45 minutes ripping this thing up with two different axes, taking turns swinging. Lol. He ended up dieing a fiery death.
I came back early on Sunday and layed around at Gyro Park Beach (Cadboro Bay) workin on the darkening of the skin, which is slowly getting there. I'm not entirely see-through anymore.
As well I went downtown afterwards and picked up "The Book of Five Rings" by Miyamoto Musashi (to which I'm 1/3 done already!). It's something I'm going to read a couple times though.. It's not grossely long but it's a quality work that I recommend to anyone, especially those involved in any sort of martial art or cultural art. I also picked up Budo, Mind & Body to add to my pile of similarities (Karate-Do: My Way of Life by Gichin Funakoshi, and The Art of War by Master Sun Tzu).
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Hajime!
I've been studying the art of Karate intermittently for 13 years, very recently in two dojo's.. the bulk of my training has been done in one dojo under a very skilled and respected 7th Dan Kyoshi. I've recently attained the rank of Brown Belt and in context with japanese martial arts, the transition from kōhai (trainee), to Senpai (mentor), the 1st kyu of mudansha.. one without dan. Next of course being yūdansha.. one with dan, and respectively, Sensei (teacher). Dan, of course, being the rank of black belt. Now, there are ten degree's of Dan. The first, and, on my doorstep, Shodan..
A common perception of earning your black belt is that you have reached your final goal in your chosen art. This may be the case for some, but not for all. I like to believe that I am not among those students. To attain the rank of Shodan, is to reach the beginning of your training, to master the basics, and really start to learn.. from there, the horizon is ever present, your ability to learn is continuous and never ending. Students commonly train abroad, under different instruction. Broaden there horizon to expand their current "arsenal" of knowledge.
I am at the point in my training where I am training to start perfecting my technique and mastering my basics.. other components I will be working on are self defence, one step, the ever popular kumite (sparring) and my personal favorite.. kata.
About Kata's. They are pre-arranged movements defending against "invisible enemies". They are a part of martial arts training, in my case, Shotokan Karate, a hard style (hard as in opposite of soft, not difficult.. although don't get the idea that it is not difficult - it's just not what I'm currently making reference to). There are "arguably" 27 different Kata's in this style.. I have read there are 26, so, I don't really know. I can do about 1/3 of them comfortably. It is my goal to continue my training, and learn them to a degree where I, and my fellow karate-ka believe that I am (in my mind) actually part of this "confrontation", by emphasising proper eye contact, kime (focus), breathing and realism mixed with traditional technique.
I've been doing a lot of reading and investigating other facets of information online regarding certain kata's that I'd like to learn. I have this interest to learn and master kata's that are less commonly known or practiced in my school. Not to show off, as that would naturally be counter productive at this level of kyu and generally I don't like it when others showboat around.. but still, I guess I just want to learn them all. Now I know if you do train with me and you're reading this, you're probably thinking "it's better to master one, than to be semi-proficient at ten", to which I agree; but, if I've adopted this lifestyle, why limit my training? "Fighters", and martial artists in all different arts who focus primarily on fighting and battle tactics constantantly work towards betterment of strategy and style; thus, I will do the same towards my kata.
I will certainly delve deeper into Kata, Kumite and especially Kime later, and how the mind changes after adopting Karate as a way of life..
As well, I'd like to talk about the difference in one's mentality from when one progresses as a white belt, through the rank of Shodan, and beyond..
Stay Tuned!
A common perception of earning your black belt is that you have reached your final goal in your chosen art. This may be the case for some, but not for all. I like to believe that I am not among those students. To attain the rank of Shodan, is to reach the beginning of your training, to master the basics, and really start to learn.. from there, the horizon is ever present, your ability to learn is continuous and never ending. Students commonly train abroad, under different instruction. Broaden there horizon to expand their current "arsenal" of knowledge.
I am at the point in my training where I am training to start perfecting my technique and mastering my basics.. other components I will be working on are self defence, one step, the ever popular kumite (sparring) and my personal favorite.. kata.
About Kata's. They are pre-arranged movements defending against "invisible enemies". They are a part of martial arts training, in my case, Shotokan Karate, a hard style (hard as in opposite of soft, not difficult.. although don't get the idea that it is not difficult - it's just not what I'm currently making reference to). There are "arguably" 27 different Kata's in this style.. I have read there are 26, so, I don't really know. I can do about 1/3 of them comfortably. It is my goal to continue my training, and learn them to a degree where I, and my fellow karate-ka believe that I am (in my mind) actually part of this "confrontation", by emphasising proper eye contact, kime (focus), breathing and realism mixed with traditional technique.
I've been doing a lot of reading and investigating other facets of information online regarding certain kata's that I'd like to learn. I have this interest to learn and master kata's that are less commonly known or practiced in my school. Not to show off, as that would naturally be counter productive at this level of kyu and generally I don't like it when others showboat around.. but still, I guess I just want to learn them all. Now I know if you do train with me and you're reading this, you're probably thinking "it's better to master one, than to be semi-proficient at ten", to which I agree; but, if I've adopted this lifestyle, why limit my training? "Fighters", and martial artists in all different arts who focus primarily on fighting and battle tactics constantantly work towards betterment of strategy and style; thus, I will do the same towards my kata.
I will certainly delve deeper into Kata, Kumite and especially Kime later, and how the mind changes after adopting Karate as a way of life..
As well, I'd like to talk about the difference in one's mentality from when one progresses as a white belt, through the rank of Shodan, and beyond..
Stay Tuned!
Where the Water Flows
I just got back from delivering 25 flats of water to a couple local schools for their "dry grad's".. Esquimalt High and Vic High (knowing those schools, dry isn't likely how they will end up, hahaha). Pretty much wrote off my morning though(which is good, obviously I'd rather be eyeballing 18 year old high school girls as opposed to wasting away in the shop.. agree? Of course you do). It is getting harder to tell ages these days though, I must admit. When I was in school, I don't remember anyone looking the way they do now. Likely they're all jacked up on cow hormones... A wise man once said.. "MILK, was a bad choice".
I could see half of these chicks in the bar and have noooo idea they were 16 or 18 years old. Kinda scary. But, I guess it is the bouncers job to enforce proper entry; so, one can only assume whilst parousing your local watering hole, that the local stock is of proper age.
Something to think about I guess. Well, not for me. For you. Some of these "youth" try and grow up too fast in all area's aside from just looks. How many girlies do ya see pushing the baby cart down the street? ..You know what I'm talking about it - Don't be on the other end of that noise.
PEACE
I could see half of these chicks in the bar and have noooo idea they were 16 or 18 years old. Kinda scary. But, I guess it is the bouncers job to enforce proper entry; so, one can only assume whilst parousing your local watering hole, that the local stock is of proper age.
Something to think about I guess. Well, not for me. For you. Some of these "youth" try and grow up too fast in all area's aside from just looks. How many girlies do ya see pushing the baby cart down the street? ..You know what I'm talking about it - Don't be on the other end of that noise.
PEACE
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Evening Crashes Down
Heyyy Hey.
So, turns out I ended up sittin around the house.. haha somewhat as suspected. I did do some laundry, and dishes, made some dinner and watched good ol' Seinfeld. Doesn't sound too exciting, but good to get all caught up on the household duties now and again. Anyway I'ma float around a bit more, I may work out a little bit then probably head to bed. Night!
So, turns out I ended up sittin around the house.. haha somewhat as suspected. I did do some laundry, and dishes, made some dinner and watched good ol' Seinfeld. Doesn't sound too exciting, but good to get all caught up on the household duties now and again. Anyway I'ma float around a bit more, I may work out a little bit then probably head to bed. Night!
Entrance Scene
WELL, I've created a Blog, as it were. I guess I just felt it was time.. after reading other peoples blogs, generally during my work day, I've often wondered if anyone would read mine. Do I have enough on my mind to ramble on each day and entertain others, as they've entertained me? I guess we'll find out.
35 minutes left until I can leave work.. I guess I could leave earlier, there's not really anyone here and its super nice out. I work in a warehouse/head office of a vending machine company. I basically manage about 5 different warehouses, directly and indirectly throughout British Columbia. I buy all the different snacks and drinks that you would find in your local vending machine, from manufacturers and suppliers like Coca Cola, Pepsi, Hostess Frito-Lay, Nestle, Old Dutch, Mars Canada... etc I'm sure.. there's about 65. Yeah... I have them shipped to different warehouses on Vancouver Island and in the mainland. My job in a nutshell.. strange saying, all too common.
33 minutes. What should I do tonight? I could go to karate.. but I probably won't. Not to get the idea in your head that I dislike it, in fact it's quite the opposite. Simply though, I go to two different dojo's, and the one offering a class tonight is my alternate one which is quite far away from where I live. I go there because when I lived with my parents and as a kid, I lived about 2km away, so most of my training was done there. Now I train at a different dojo; which, fortunately, is affiliated somewhat with my original dojo.. run by the sister of my original Sensei, who is now a Kyoshi (teacher of teachers, I'm told). SO anyway, back to the fact of the matter. Tonight. I feel I must spend some time outside.. but where, and with who? A lot of my friends have gone off travelling for the summer, or are in the Navy and away at sea (I don't miss that...). I'm sure I'll talk about my "navy days" at some point, but that's a different story. Carrying on..
I'm actually quite impressed with myself now that I look back and see that I can, in fact ramble. Ending paragraphs with no resolution and just jumping into something totally new and different. Or stopping, as I have now to admire previous thoughts. I hope you're enjoying this too, haha.
Well anyway, I'm getting no where with my contemplation of what to do tonight, and more importantly, I'm going home. I guess you'll find out tomorrow the awe and inspiring adventures of RANDY Adam Bowman! Stay tuned!
35 minutes left until I can leave work.. I guess I could leave earlier, there's not really anyone here and its super nice out. I work in a warehouse/head office of a vending machine company. I basically manage about 5 different warehouses, directly and indirectly throughout British Columbia. I buy all the different snacks and drinks that you would find in your local vending machine, from manufacturers and suppliers like Coca Cola, Pepsi, Hostess Frito-Lay, Nestle, Old Dutch, Mars Canada... etc I'm sure.. there's about 65. Yeah... I have them shipped to different warehouses on Vancouver Island and in the mainland. My job in a nutshell.. strange saying, all too common.
33 minutes. What should I do tonight? I could go to karate.. but I probably won't. Not to get the idea in your head that I dislike it, in fact it's quite the opposite. Simply though, I go to two different dojo's, and the one offering a class tonight is my alternate one which is quite far away from where I live. I go there because when I lived with my parents and as a kid, I lived about 2km away, so most of my training was done there. Now I train at a different dojo; which, fortunately, is affiliated somewhat with my original dojo.. run by the sister of my original Sensei, who is now a Kyoshi (teacher of teachers, I'm told). SO anyway, back to the fact of the matter. Tonight. I feel I must spend some time outside.. but where, and with who? A lot of my friends have gone off travelling for the summer, or are in the Navy and away at sea (I don't miss that...). I'm sure I'll talk about my "navy days" at some point, but that's a different story. Carrying on..
I'm actually quite impressed with myself now that I look back and see that I can, in fact ramble. Ending paragraphs with no resolution and just jumping into something totally new and different. Or stopping, as I have now to admire previous thoughts. I hope you're enjoying this too, haha.
Well anyway, I'm getting no where with my contemplation of what to do tonight, and more importantly, I'm going home. I guess you'll find out tomorrow the awe and inspiring adventures of RANDY Adam Bowman! Stay tuned!
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