Well Now, Isn't this interesting?

So, I happen to stumble across this "Blog" which I started in 2009... four years ago? I vaguely recall even writing that post. A lot has transpired personally, professionally, emotionally, and from a Martial Art's perspective. I think I would like to revisit this "blog" approach to documenting my happenings- my thoughts- my feelings- the events in my life. Therefore, this post will be a catch up post- zooming to the present from that day in 2009. Here we go.

I did finish my Shodan, and have been steadily working to maintain my credibility as a Karateka- which has not been the easiest thing to do. We don't live near any particular Shorinkan Dojo. Our home Dojo is in El Centro, under the instruction of Hachi Nanadan Noujaim Sensei. We're very lucky to be under his tutelage, and when the time is right, we shall progress to Nidan. I am content at the pace in which I am progressing in Karate. I see a much more blended understanding of Martial Arts now than I did those years past. But more on that in future posts.

I did finish my Shodan in Kobudo as well. I feel particularly bad about this one- I used to be so pationate and consumed by Kobudo as it was a hallmark of the Martial Artist- the Yin and Yang- open and closed hand Karate. But again, I see things differently. I will resume my Kobudo, but in time. There are other passions brewing that I must tend to first.

When we moved back to San Diego from the Temecula/Murrieta area, we settled into Eastlake of Chula Vista. It is in the Southeastern corner of the city and we are quit happy. We decided to make our garage into our own home dojo. The floor is 100% matted, wall to wall, all of our training aides and gear is stored there. We use it for Yoga, Karate, Weights and Cardio, as well as Zumba and Jiu Jitsu.

Yep- Jiu Jitsu. I remember I used to have such disdain for the mentality of the Jiu Jitsu practitioner. They were always such a rag-tag bunch, dirty and or ragged gi, patches all over the place, sloppy belts. Roll around on the floor. I would never want to do something like that and get my clean, bright white gi dirty.

Now, nearly three years have passed since I began to actively train Jiu Jitsu. I train with the Gracie Humaita Academy in Eastlake- I love it. Though it has been a physically exhausting experience, one that has taken a significant physical toll on my body- I am very much in love with the Art. Now I have the new Yin and Yang- the stand up and the ground. In that Yang of the Ground, it has it's own Yin and Yang- the guard player or the top player- there are so many facets to so many aspects of so many things. To see things as single dimension is to rob yourself of the beauty that is all around us.

Coming Topics:
Reflections on Jiu Jitsu
Progression and the Martial Artist
Goals in Jiu Jitsu