weblog :: the.rumpus :: archives

Tuesday, November 16, 2004

We All Fall Down

I'm teaching Aikido again. How cool is that? I taught briefly at the University of Kentucky and Seattle Pacific University Aikido clubs, but that was over 13 and 10 years ago, respectively (PS: I am old). I love teaching and I love Aikido, so I couldn't be happier.

My friends Matt, Phil, and Ryan are in the class. We're training three days a week, for about two hours per session. Our 8th session is tomorrow night. So far, training is going very well. We're progressing at a very slow pace and sticking to the fundamentals, which you can never get enough of. The guys seem open to the training and are approaching it with an open mind. Other than the typical "Why do we do it this way?" questions of beginning students everywhere, they are a very easy-to-teach bunch.

After I moved into the new apartment, I discovered I had a good-sized living room that would perfectly fit 8 tatami mats, yielding a 12 foot by 12 foot training area. So I splurged and bought the mats as the first step towards a combination Aikido space and asian-themed living area. Next on the shopping list: a kotatsu-style tea table, cushions, and a Japanese step-chest for storage.

The natural tatami is great to train on, being both firm and soft at the same time. I may need to invest in a canvas mat-cover in the long run, though, to protect the tatami surface from the friction of sliding feet. But so far they're showing no signs of wear and tear.

I'm keeping a journal of the teaching process. Maybe I'll start posting some excerpts on the ol' blog. Stay tuned.


:: 4:20 PM :: :: link to this post ::

Wednesday, November 03, 2004

Screw You, Ohio

And the rest of America. You ignorant bastards re-elected George W. Bush. What does it take for you to see incompetence and greed? How much will you be lied to before you get a friggin' clue? How many civilians can an administration murder for no good reason (other than greed and power) before you put your foot down?

No, you'd rather look the other way. Make excuses. Talk about "freedom" and "security." It's all bullshit, and deep down, a lot of you know it. The rest are the same poor, deluded, bigoted assholes that make up most of this god-forsaken country.

Shame. Shame on all of you.


:: 12:13 PM :: :: link to this post ::