ZOll

The holidays have been a bit too restful. Cabin fever isn't really acceptable in the absence of sub-zero temperatures, yet I managed to catch it over the past few days. Japanese variety TV at new years is, as an aesthetic experience, probably akin to being stung by a scorpion. You go somewhat numb and the intervention of others is required in order to be roused. Time turns fluid and slips by as a boy band is grilled over 3 hours of viewing. They're made to improvise skits, weigh in on various and ...

Today while attempting to get back into the swing of things in practice, I was struck simultaneously by both a shinai and an idea.

Call signs. I mean, we already look like bloody pilots. Demented pilots, albeit, but pilots none the less. We strap cumbersome equipment on and carry our helmets by our sides as we saunter off to do battle. The fact that the battle doesn’t happen to be airborne is a peripheral detail.

Imagine it though. Discreet, tastefully stitched into ...

Don't worry if you can't nolly kick-flip or nose-manual all the way to the supermarket ( http://www.metacafe.com/watch/311783...t_nose_manual/ ) - a simple forward push on a skateboard is enough to show you the difference between leaving your back foot behind & bringing it with you, so to speak.

Try this: stand on the deck with your front (right) foot pointed straight forward, as it would be in kamae. With your back (left) foot on the ground, also pointed forward, push ...