budobabes's topics - tribe.net

NISHOKU: new line of weapons bags

2008-04-19T23:28:08Z

After almost 8 yrs making custom weapons bags, I've finally made up a line of premade bags. Perfect for folks who just carry a jo and a bokken to the dojo, don't have a tanto, but enjoy a little flair in their lives. Details at http://www.zanshinart.com/Sewing/nishoku.html

posted in budobabes - 0 replies

What do you think

2008-02-10T11:21:58Z

I remember Bruce Lee once said " No, a ninety pound woman with equal skill could never defeat a 200lb man of equal skill." Looking at some sports upsets like k1's super heavyweights Hong Man Choi angainst a welterweight openened. Nowadays I think some chicks got what it takes to prove that wrong. But then again size and strength can be a deciding factor in equally skilled opponenets. What do you girls think?

posted in budobabes - 13 replies

Inaugural Daughters of the Arts Forum and Meeting

2007-11-07T06:13:18Z

Inaugural Daughters of the Arts Forum and Meeting

Just a reminder, October 27th is the first DOTA meeting. Be a part
of your martial arts community by enjoying dinner and martial arts-
oriented discussion. This is a FREE event. All women are welcome, no
matter your martial arts experience – or inexperience.

One of DOTA's main goals is to create a community of female martial
arts practionars. Many of us have the experience of being the only
girl in the dojo. This is a great training opportunity; however, you
rarely have the chance to talk with other female artists regarding
your experiences. Please join us and gain that opportunity! Dinner
will begin at 5:00 on Saturday, October 27th, and a discussion
session will follow at 5:45. For those of you who have Halloween
party plans, come anyway! We will have you out the door by 6:30 –
plenty of time to enjoy your Halloween fun!

Check dotaorg.com for event details.

If you already have a prior engagement on October 27th, consider
becoming a DOTA member and benefit from what our organization has to
offer.

Hope to see you there!

Ginger Dunn and Jena Inay

posted in budobabes - 4 replies

Show about samurai swords

2007-10-12T02:39:08Z

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/samurai/

It was on kqed last night - I only caught it because somebody mentioned in on aikiweb.
My only complaints are very minor:
1. It had some silly filler in Ken Burns style of moving versions of old art
2. It was rather incoherent in throwing in stuff about samurai movies and Westerns influencing each other when they could have talked about militarism or something - its that "find a pop audience" thing I guess
3. I really wished it had identify the ryu of the folks they showed training

The most important and interesting thing was getting to watch the whole process from the making of the raw steel from iron and charcoal through the forging of the blade and the polishing - just WONDERFUL - and the footage/interviews w/ some scientists at Lehigh Univ putting it into the context of properites of metal and the atomic structure of the blade.

Keep an eye out for reruns.

posted in budobabes - 1 reply

things my Sensei told me

2007-09-19T04:56:47Z

Please feel free to add~

"Life asks us for moves often just a little before we think we can make them."- on telling him I had been invited to help teach by someone I've never met, let alone trained with! (you know who you are)

posted in budobabes - 3 replies

Introduction to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu/Submission Wrestling Seminar in SF

2007-07-31T10:06:41Z

INTRODUCTORY BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU SEMINAR

(BEGINNERS WELCOME!!!)

WHERE: K-1 Fitness, 2001 Van Ness Ave (at Jackson), San Francisco
WHEN: August 1st (THIS Wednesday!) at 7:00pm
PRICE: $20 for non-members, FREE to members of K1-Fitness

Professora Jessi Taran, (2 time winner of the US Open in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), 1st place winner of the Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic in BOTH Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as well as submission wrestling, and currently ranked by grapplers.com as the number 1, female BJJ heavyweight in the world) will be teaching an introductory BJJ/submission wresting seminar this coming Wednesday night, at K-1 fitness in San Francisco at 7:00 pm. For almost ten years, Taran has studied under and trained with some of the most well-respected BJJ fighters in the world today, including Ralph Gracie, Renzo Gracie, David Camarillo, Ricardo de la Riva, and Sergio Silva. She is one of only FIVE American women to have ever achieved the rank of Black Belt in the art of BJJ. She also holds a Master's degree in philosophy from the Katholiek Universitat Leuven, in Belgium. She wrote her thesis on 'The Role of Courage in Women's Moral Action'.

Often referred to as 'the world's most practical martial art', Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is grappling based, combative art. Primarily focused on the 'ground game', in recent years, BJJ has won substantial notoriety due to it's unparalleled success in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) venues such as the UFC. Like Judo (which shares a common history), no strikes or kicks are used in Jiu Jitsu. The object of a BJJ match is to achieve a dominant position and immobilize your opponent. This is done by trapping the other person in a submission hold, (usually a joint lock or a carotid artery choke) and applying just enough pressure in order to get him to 'tap out' or verbally submit.

Because of the enormous popularity of televised fight shows such as the UFC and IFL, many people think that BJJ and MMA are the same thing, or that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu's primary importance is it's functionality in winning MMA fights. While it's true that the study of BJJ is an integral element of any MMA fighter's education, it's important to remember that BJJ and MMA are NOT the same thing. Despite it's practicality and proven combat effectiveness, a BJJ match is NOT 'a fight' - it's a GAME, an ART, and a SCIENCE. Only when the art is viewed as a whole, and not just as a means to an end (i.e. : cool submission holds for MMA fights... ) can the beauty, complexity, and subtle, non-verbal, truths that lie at the heart of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, be fully understood and appreciated .

Professora Taran is the co-founder of the Open Door Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy in Oakland, California, where she has been teaching for the past four years. She currently teaches at both the Open Door Academy in Oakland, and also at World Jiu Jitsu in Marin. Taran's stated goal is to make the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu accessible to ANYONE who wants to train, regardless of age, fitness level, gender, or sexual orientation. According to Taran, 'Most BJJ instructors focus the majority of their energy on those students they think have the best chance at becoming tournament champions. Personally, I feel that if a student really wants to compete, that's fine. But if he doesn't want to compete...well...that's fine too! You do learn something from competing in tournaments, but honestly, I really don't see the karmic value of taking a bunch of really tough, athletic, guys, and turning them into really, REALLY tough, athletic, guys. Where's the challenge in THAT, you know? I myself am much more interested in taking regular people of average, or even sub-standard, athletic ability, and giving them something that they never had before, or even knew existed. Now THAT means something! I love seeing how people's lives change when they don't have to worry about feeling afraid anymore. You don't need to be 'tough' in order to be successful at Jiu Jitsu. That's the whole POINT. That's why it's so amazing!'

Aside from her many accomplishments, both as a competitor as well as an instructor, (Taran's students have placed in multiple high level BJJ and submission wrestling tournaments, including the US Open and the Pan American Games) what truly sets the Professora apart from other BJJ instructors, is her precise attention to technical detail, and her 'philosophy of control'. Says Taran, 'Despite popular misconceptions about the art, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is really NOT about injuring or hurting one's opponent; it's about controlling him. We know this because it's the ONLY martial art in which you can spar FULL FORCE, without necessarily getting injured or injuring your opponent. Of course, like any sport, injuries can happen sometimes, but only accidentally. You certainly aren't trying to hurt anyone! As a matter of fact, I believe that if you DO hurt the person you're rolling with, it's same as a loss. This is because both results are ultimately rooted in the same cause - a loss of control. In order to be able to physically control another person stronger or larger than yourself, you must first learn control of your own body. '

Professora Taran will be teaching at K-1 Fitness on a regular basis starting the second week of August.

For more information please write to: info@karate-one.net , or call (415) 474-3322

posted in budobabes - 0 replies

you may now koshi the bride...

2007-07-26T01:18:26Z

My friends Kjartan and Maria did it first, around 5 yrs ago probably, and I've seen the pix...but this couple actually got an article written up:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/baltimore_city/bal-md.wedding15jul15,0,2728722.story?coll=bal-home-headlines

Personally, I give K and M more credit: they did THEIR koshis in full Western wedding gear - white gown, black tie.

posted in budobabes - 3 replies

Cool seminar coming up in E Bay next wkend

2007-07-23T00:03:25Z

Hal Lehrman Seminar

From: Friday, July 20, 2007
To: Sunday, July 22, 2007
Cost:
$80 for entire weekend ($75 with prereg) or $20 per class
description:

Hal Lehrman Sensei, 6th dan and advanced student of Yamada Sensei Shihan (a direct student of O' Sensei) will teach a weekend seminar at Aikido of Berkeley.

Hal Lehrman, Sensei began his study of Aikido with Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei in 1964, he started teaching at NY Aikikai in 1971; and has been the principal instructor at Aikido of Park Slope in Brooklyn, NY where he has been teaching since 1981.

Concurrently he had the good luck to study ballet at the Ballanchine School, practice Zazen with Yasutani Roshi, and receive exposure to many great acting and voice teachers. All of these experiences have informed his lifelong study of Aikido.
Times:
Fri 6:30-8:30p, Sat 10:30a-12:30p, 2:30-4:30p, Sun 11a-1p

posted in budobabes - 3 replies

kalijin Women's Fan

2007-07-04T16:10:01Z

Tess using the Fan against Ken and Guro Genesis:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4rMIIIOBxc

posted in budobabes - 6 replies

gotta have it!

2007-06-15T02:13:19Z

OK, I;m not a fan of discussion posts with just a link in it. So Im making a thread for links to the most ludicrous of MA websites.Here's one on how to learn to defend yourself from a training dummy:
http://www.martialarm.com/

posted in budobabes - 3 replies

Chi Gung: Chinese Healing, Energy and Natural Magick by L.V. Carnie

2007-06-08T05:09:58Z

I've really been touched by this book and wanted to share a review with you. Lily of the Valley Carnie has written an informative and enlightening book on the study and practice of Chi Gung (Qigong) that brings a fresh perspective to this 4000 year old art. Also, I really dig the cover art... pine trees silhouetted at twilight against a sunset with the sky turning a delicious purple/orange with just a sliver of the moon showing... it's really awesome.

The first part of her book covers the fundamental principles and concepts needed for a training program in Chi Gung and includes topics like: Nei Dan vs Wei Dan training; Meridians and Cavities; the principles of Yin and Yang; the philosophy of the Five Elements; the Regulation on Mind, Body and Breath; and the Fire, Wind, and Water Paths of Chi Circulation. In addition, she presents a series of Chi familiarization exercises that provide a foundation for the exploration to follow.

In a departure from other Qigong books I've read, her book is arranged in a very “right-brained” fashion. You can open the book to virtually any page and find a lesson, exercise or discussion on Chi dealing with a specific topic such as focusing your awareness to enhance your sense of smell, or increasing your ability to feel the differences of colors, or becoming aware of your body movements and internal tensions while fly-fishing.

I love the way she encourages Chi Gung training in a wide variety of situations and this is what I feel sets it apart from other Chi Gung books. Since Chi is indeed a universal energy then one should be able to sense and apply it everywhere and Ms Carnie shows how you can bring the awareness of Chi to all manner of activities even reading a book or flying a kite. I like the way she encourages you to learn to apply Chi Gung to whatever activity you are engaged in, making the practice of Chi Gung an expression of you and your Art, whatever that may be.

The other thing I really like is the way she encourages the spirit of play when practicing Chi Gung. Since the flow of Chi through the body is hindered by tension and stress then being too serious in your training is a guaranteed way of limiting your potential. Ms Carnie recommends a fun approach to training that allows an awareness of the nuances and subtleties of Chi training to develop naturally.

She teaches in a conversational way that is both informational and fun and I highly recommend it.

posted in budobabes - 3 replies

new dojo pix

2007-05-25T07:44:07Z

http://www.aikidoofpetaluma.com/

My dojo just posted a bunch of pictures, including my 2nd kyu, brown belt test. Go to above, go to"gallery" and then to "11/06 test"

posted in budobabes - 3 replies

Suio Ryu Iai Kenpo (R) Study Group in San Francisco

2007-05-17T17:05:08Z

I have not been able to train in aikido due to multiple joint problems, but decided last month that my hands and wrists were ok to try weapons training. So I did the long, deep google searching to find a koryu art in SF....and hit paydirt!
Suio Ryu is a true koryu art with lineage to the early 1600s and a soke in Japan who travels to the US once a yr to hold a seminar. The San Francisco group is not a full dojo, but a study group operating under the auspices of a San Diego dojo, teaching basics.
I have found the art itself and the atmosphere of the local group to be exactly what I have been looking for and invite anybody else who may be looking for a classical sword art to check it out. A few notes:
Prior martial arts experience is NOT necessary.
The class is led by a man and a woman (a couple) and there is a good gender balance in the group.
You start with the wooden sword (bokuto or bokken), learning forms for drawing, cutting, sheathing the sword both in solo and in paired practice.
If you email them you plan to attend, they will make sure there is extra weapons on hand for you to borrow (you do NOT have to spend a bunch o money on equipment ahead of time)
The only cost is, for ongoing studies, a modest contribution all make towards space rent.
Meets Wed evenings Divisidero/Bush.
General websites on the ryu:
http://www.suioryu-usa.org/
http://www.suioryu-bu-rai-an-dojo.org/
If you wish to email the person who runs the local study group directly, swordscholars@yahoo.com

posted in budobabes - 0 replies

cynical rhetorical crap

2007-05-05T14:00:54Z

Just reading the tai chi tribe, somebody Again points out that the original purpose of tai chi was Spiritual Development.
And all these years I thought it was developed for self-defense.
Has there Ever been a Martial Art that was Originally developed for the Spiritual rather than the physical?
I was reading somewhere that the Chinese MAs were developed and taught in secret to the priveleged few.
and all these years I thought kung fu techniques were developed for peasants who could not afford weapons.
I unlearn something every day.

posted in budobabes - 22 replies

Neil Young aikido

2007-04-25T01:19:31Z

Over at aikido-l Larry (hi Larry!) posted that he'd taught a Neil Young aikido class, based on the line "though we rush ahead to save our time, we are only what we feel..."
and I laughed because it so clearly resonated as the essence of the training I was trying to do the last period of time I was able to train and so I wanted to share it here....
discuss :-)

posted in budobabes - 0 replies

Kalijin Women of the Blade

2007-04-01T14:17:59Z

Why the hidden blade? What is the cloth and the candle as it relates to the Kalijin Women of the Blade? Gura Michelle Bautista and Gura Cathy Macay will be co-teaching a Blade Self Offense Class for women only. We will be discussing ritual as it relates to the knife.

Life Master Joseph T. Oliva Arriola
Kamatuuran School of Kalijin

posted in budobabes - 0 replies

I DID IT!

2007-03-18T17:10:50Z

MARCH 10, 2007 -

AFTER NINE YEARS OF TRAINING, JESSI TARAN HAS BEEN AWARDED THE RANK OF BLACK BELT IN THE ART OF BRAZILIAN JIIU JITSU. THE BELT WAS AWARDED BY SERGIO SILVA OF THE OPEN DOOR BJJ ACADEMY IN OAKLAND, CA. MS. TARAN WAS AWARDED HER BROWN BELT IN 2005 BY BJJ LEGEND, MAESTRO RICARDO DE LA RIVA, AND IS CURRENTLY RANKED THE NUMBER 1 FEMALE HEAVYWEIGHT BJJ FIGHTER IN THE WORLD BY WWW.GRAPPLERS.COM . SHE TEACHES AT THE WORLD JIU JITSU ACADEMY IN KENTFIELD, CA, AND ALSO AT THE OPEN DOOR BJJ ACADEMY IN OAKLAND.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I still can't believe it. I have NEVER worked harder for anything in my entire life. Getting a black belt in BJJ isn't quite the same as getting a black belt in any other martial art. There are fewer than 20 female BJJ black belts in the entire WORLD. I never thought that I'd actually manage to be one of them. Wow....

Now if I can just find another job and a new place to live, I'll be FINE! ;-)

Jess

www.opendoorbjj.com

posted in budobabes - 4 replies

curious balking

2007-03-07T00:42:46Z

I've mentioned my teacher, Bill. Seventy-five year old yondan. Takes on the threee biggest guys in the dojo at once and doesn't break a sweat.
The other night we were working in hamni handachi and i absolutely could not attack him. A person I have been training with for 3 1/2 years. A person I know damn well couldn't touch unless he let me.
He just knelt there in the mat grinning up at me, he'd already taken me down!

Any similar experiences? Someone /sometime you just can't attack?

posted in budobabes - 12 replies

Hello

2007-02-20T22:47:08Z

Hello,
I am a man in Fort Worth, TX... I have been in the martial arts 41 years or so.....Isshinryu....with Ed Johnson, one of the founders of Isshinryu in the US and in '76-'77 I was the senior student in the US with Grandmaster Dae Shik Kim, one of the founders of TKD and Judo in the US....also learned Aikijujitsu and Kyokushinkai from Dr. Kim (he was taught by the founders of the systems...Tomiki and M.Oyama) I do iron palm and soft fist Isshinryu.
Shot pistol (.45 auto) three years with Sgt. Billy Taggart who was pistol champion USMC and a world champion...back in the 70's.
I have also done
Rudra meditation with Stuart Perrin (google), deer tribe native american medicine and Quodoushka I with them...., Ayahuasca with Don Augustine Rivas, a shaman from the Iquitos, Peru area....and have been doing falun dafa for 2 1/2 years.....

Was wondering, is there a single woman in the N. Texas area that does Hsing-I or real Shaolin....Let's chat...
T. in N. Texas

posted in budobabes - 7 replies

Kamatuuran Kali

2007-01-25T16:20:28Z

Posting: Kamatuuran Kali Seminar
Topic: 3 Sectional Staff
Date: Feb 17, 2007 Saturday 10am-12:30
Place: Union City, California
Tuition $75

email: Josepharriola@sbcglobal.net

Presented by: Tuhan Joseph T. Oliva Arriola
Please view the following on 3 sectional staff:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejDrAF-CsyM&mode=related&search=

posted in budobabes - 9 replies

sweet jiyuwaza

2007-01-23T19:54:46Z

Today Qatana came by w/ a dvd of her 2nd kyu test. I was present for the test, but it was cool to sit and watch it separated from the moment, and to be able to discuss it together (it was her first viewing of it!).
I'm kind of a hardass, so I have some quibbles about things I saw throughout the several tests on the dvd. But I gotta say....her jiyuwaza with one uke that tranforms into a 2 uke randori was truly lovely. Not a single step back or hesitation, just continual and present blending.
Nice to have it captured on video!

posted in budobabes - 4 replies

looking for SF east bay schools in jo, kusarigama

2007-01-04T06:25:57Z

Wow, hey. :)

I haven't been on Tribe in a while, so I don't know how active this list is relative to when I last posted. I remember there were some cool people on here, though.

Last time I was here I was recommended to Aikido of Berkeley for weapons training, and I think to another place just down the street from me--I forget their name. I didn't check them out because I was still processing my negative experience with Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido. I don't really mean to make trouble for my old sensei, but my experience there, I see now as bizarre.

I'm getting to the point where I'd like to learn how to use a jo staff (jodo) and kusarigama (weighted chain). The thing is that I know that at least kusarigama is a practical folk weapon, not a landed aristocracy weapon--therefore I don't know that it would be very popular in the States. I've in the past played around with a (cheap, I admit it) metal bar, and I got the chance to try out a chain just recently. I realized that the movements are similar--swing it, move with the weight of it, keep it away from the body.

I want to learn how to use a weapon because I'm quite small. I have the potential to be fast, lithe, agile, but comparatively, not very physically strong. Having a weapon to use, even if it was only at home, would help me feel safer. With a jo or kusari, I would also be able to keep an attacker some distance away from me, which is attractive. Upon doing a short search on jodo (Shinto Muso Ryu Jodo/Jojutsu), I find that it is related to aikido, and kusarigama is sometimes taught at the upper levels. I did find an old post related to this on the IAIDO-L list that I'm on, but it was from four years ago.

I also feel that maybe I should take a -jutsu instead of a -do, having been somewhat disillusioned about the practical use of nonviolence and the honor code I grew up with.

Given that there are so many people here from the SF Bay Area, I would like to ask if there is a place in the East Bay (preferably between Berkeley or Emeryville and Pinole) where I could be taught jodo and/or kusarigama.

Thanks...

posted in budobabes - 8 replies

Kaz Tanahashi Workshop

2006-12-13T18:59:22Z

hello friends,

I will be attending a calligraphy and zen workshop from jan 5-7 at the Great Vow Zen Center in Oregon, about an hour from Portland. The workshop is being taught by Kaz Tanahashi, who was an aikido student of O'sensei in Iwama.

He is also, and more importantly for this weekend, one of the foremost authorities in the world on zen calligraphy practice.

It will be a great opportunity to see how O'senseis teachings have been translated into calligraphy arts, a template for those of us seeking to make the Art of Peace manifest in our off mat time...

please let your friends and dojos know that there are openings for this training-

the link is here:

http://www.zendust.org/brushcreativity.htm

The cost is $225 for non members of the zendo community (a year long member ship is $35, and will afford a $25 discount on this event. There are dozens of events like this annually, so it may be worthwhile to see if other events are of interest and pay a member ship fee for the benefit of this and future discounts).

I also have mats at the zendo, and though the free time is sparse, the abbots have been very accomdating in allowing me to share Aikido training during the 'off hours'.

If you would like to attend but are from out of town, airport transportation will be arranged.

~and the food they serve up is PRIMO!~

arigato,

SB

Deston Denniston
Cheif Instructor, Crooked Branch Dojo

posted in budobabes - 5 replies

post-test slump

2006-12-06T02:24:48Z

Its never happened to me before but I have heard of it and now I've got it. Largely due to timing-test the sturday before Thanksgiving and then have the next threee classes cancelled due to an "eating holiday", kinda contributes to entropy. I'm making it to Sensei's classes on Thursday evening (I INTEND TO anyway) and I'm making it to Saturday class before jetting down to San Francisco to do my shows, but I'm being awfully lax about picking my Monday-or-Tuesday night class back up.
Yeah, i'm busy with Dickens all weekend and then too exhausted to do Anything on Monday and I guess not having any work this week is also wearing me down, wheni"m not busy with something I tend not to do anything...
I guess I just want to be reassured that I shouldn't be beating myself up over this!

Just wish I hadn't loaded up om caffeine before realising I am just Not Gonna Make It!

posted in budobabes - 5 replies

ridiculousness

2006-11-27T18:58:15Z

Hey budobabes,

I just joined this tribe because the discription is ridiculous, and I was just looking for some more of that! As far as the arts go, I practice Tai chi and chi gung (the internal martial arts?). I'm also a Tui Na practicioner, so I like twisting people up on a table and rocking and rolling them side to side.

D

posted in budobabes - 3 replies

I so suck

2006-11-23T21:10:24Z

Training for second kyu. I am seriously thinking about asking Sensei to give me another year.Shomenuchi Ikkyo Omote. Every test it gets Harder.Every test theres more stuff to think about and then forget about thinking about. I get up to demo, Do it again. Do it again. Do it Again.
At least he hasn't yet told me I'm being too brutal, considering how angry I am these days its surprising. Funny, I took up a martial art because I had a lot of anger and learned that you really cannot apply anger energy to aikido. Kinda defeats the Purpose!
Suwariwaza. OY VEY. First, lets call me up to demo uke. Then lets practice for a while, and then lets call me up to demo nage while everybody else rests their knees. And then lets do the ura...my toes hurt and its only just begun.

posted in budobabes - 53 replies

so mplease tell me

2006-11-10T16:08:09Z

If there is ever anything worth reading on the MArtial Arts tribe. I am just so sick of the Mark person's sanctimony and condescension and of the Kester child in general. Yeah, I snapped. yeah, i played moderator in Moongoddess' tribe. But I really WAS sick & tired of opening up MA to find the interminable discussion going on.
Anyway, I still belong to threee MA tribes, and there's always aikiweb. I don't think I'm gonna miss anything, but I also know I cannot Blend with those two.

posted in budobabes - 0 replies

on posting stuff

2006-10-19T04:44:12Z

if you put any events in this tribe, please feel free to put a link here in Topics directing us to it. Some of us actually attend seminars once in a while! And as always, Janet is welcome to spam the topics section with Budobabe related self-promotion.
Just wanted to mention.

posted in budobabes - 3 replies

Trying To Start An Aikido Club In Hattiesburg, Mississippi

2006-09-23T22:45:47Z

Bobby's dojo was destroyed by Katrina and it was disbanded when most of the members moved away and did not return to the area. Now this college student and Shodan needs your help to start an Aikido club at a local fitness center. The Hattiesburg Wellness Center will allow Bobby to begin his Aikido club if he can veryfiy "nonprofit status." I believe this means that he must register as a non-profit. Can anyone from this group help with this? If so, please contact Bobby at <bobby58747@yahoo.com>. You can check out his posting for assistance at <http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/GLBTAikido/message/224>

posted in budobabes - 0 replies

way of the warrior

2006-08-29T19:23:53Z

why do we bother learning how to defend ourselves when we can take 'combat ki" and be able to just take full force hits to vulnerable soft areas.
yeah, thats the ticket. made-up american traditional martial arts...

wonder what other wonders I will see on this show?

posted in budobabes - 1 reply

to decide

2006-08-27T04:20:36Z

Do I want to be an adequate second kyu for the next year, or a really good third kyu?

I passed my Life Test two weeks ago, but my technique may be just good enough to pass by a squeak.I know my entire test is going to be based on my jiyuwaza, and I know it still sucks. Will someone please come over and swing a bokken at me repeatedly so I can practice losing my flinch response and start to ENTER?

posted in budobabes - 6 replies

gi golly....

2006-07-31T20:00:51Z

over on aikido-l, question got (re)asked re correct term for what in the states we shorthand "gi"--usually keikogi or judogi or dogi elsewhere--and I was very pleased to come up with a new term: "pedagogi" which is what the 4th kyu shihan wears when walking about the mat correcting his seniors :-)

posted in budobabes - 0 replies

training with kids

2006-05-24T20:05:28Z

First John started bringing Tegan. Now we have threee father/kid combos trining in the basic class. I have very little patience for kids, cuz I never had any and haven't really spent a lot of time around a lot of them at once. I thought tonite I wouldn't be able to deal, i"m all stressed out from car shopping and really needed to just train hard. Ended up working with the kids all night after first giving them the bad impression of going over and closing the window that got opened before we even started Warm-ups, but since I didn't actually get into the Argument with the Dad who opened it I guess I didn't scare them too bad.
It is very alien to me to train with someone smaller than myself.While I'm technically not the smallest adult member of the dojo, she only trains a couple times a year. So I havent had the opportunity of having to fit technique to a smaller body, which all my dojomates have been doing with me from day one.Now I really sympathise with out largest student, who is close to seven feet tall. Can't wait to try shihonage with them. We did some ushiro stuff tonite, that was fun. They got to throw us over their heads.
And after little Audrey explained to our teacher how to move from center he accused me of being a good teacher.
Gotta watch out for the little bastids. I might get Nicer from working with them.

posted in budobabes - 7 replies

new deadly aikido techniques!

2006-05-12T15:39:35Z

I didnt have the heart to put this in the aikido tribe...

http://www.underground-training.com/sp/a1.php

posted in budobabes - 12 replies

New Tribe -- Strong Women

2006-04-17T02:44:31Z

I've been looking for a place to discuss, celebrate, and support female strength, physical and otherwise. I couldn't find just exactly what I was looking for, so I decided to create it. Hope to see you there!

tribes.tribe.net/strongwomen

posted in budobabes - 0 replies

Austin Aikido (cross post)

2006-04-02T04:00:25Z

I expect to find myself in Austin sometime in April, overworked and stressed. Does anyone here train in that area, or know of a good Aikido dojo nearby?

posted in budobabes - 3 replies

SCARY!

2006-02-27T18:53:32Z

When every roll that Sensei threw me out of tonight got me either a "good" or an "excellent" and every technique Sensei took ukemi from me got me either a "good" or an "excellent".
NOt to mention whatever I said when we went around the room "sharing" what we Got.

I didn't know I could do shomenuchi ikkyo with one hand....

posted in budobabes - 5 replies

babes?

2006-02-24T22:43:53Z

no, not in this video. but other than that its pretty neat.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6509898498587420820&q=aikido+duration%3Amedium

posted in budobabes - 1 reply

arent you glad someone told you?

2006-02-12T19:14:40Z

weve all been told they are sharp.
arent you glad you know they are not toys?

http://www.killsometime.com/video/video.asp?ID=246

posted in budobabes - 2 replies

morning in the dojo

2006-02-04T21:42:14Z

Only two of us showed up for energy class. i won't even beging to try to explain/describe this class, suffice to say when we do this outside in the summer people driving by stop & stare at the strange people waving their arms around..It was good though. Any of you who have trained with Bob Nadeau has a hint about it!
Then Nobody showed up for Taichi, so it was me & Sensei alone for 45 minutes. Instead of making me do push hands all that time we played sticky swords and I followd him through the sword form a few times.
Gods, I want a weapons class!!!! And more kata, more kata, more kata.
Then aikido. I got to be the first demo uke of the class. Morotedori tai no henko forward throw.Always a fun one. And then he said, for those of you who want to, yu can do THIS and BOOM breakfall! And then one on the other side!!I am amazed that with the little breakfall practice that i get, I didn't feel a thing.One of the kids asked me, didn't it hurt? Nope, not a bit!We did two person throws,lotsa variations, and a randori that starts with a two person throw and I ended up with Sensei & another of the instructors, could only manage to get one of them thrown ,but held up in the randori.
I had a lovely morning!

posted in budobabes - 0 replies

Spam & the New Tribe

2006-02-02T02:42:51Z

Hey budobabes & boys

How many of you have the page for your tribes set to "show all" as opposed to "topics"? I'm at a loss what to do about any listings you may post, cuz lots of us won't see them.Personally I'm set to "Topics". I hear we'll be able to set our homepages the same way soon, so I'll be getting my listings there, but if you have something you think the whole tribe should see, send it to me and I'll approve it, or just write "spam" or "promo"in the subject line or something so I know its not a discussion topic.
which is not to say it won't become one...
Thanx

Q

posted in budobabes - 0 replies

great seminar coming to Concord CA!

2006-01-27T00:09:18Z

Dennis Hooker, Rokudan, Chief Instructor at Shindai Aikido in Orlando, Florida (a very senior student of Saotome Sensei and a really gifted instructor) be teaching a weekend seminar March 31st to April 2nd, 2006 at Aikido of Diablo Valley in Concord, CA.
Everyone is welcome, regardless of affiliation or style. I have had the opportunity to train with Hooker Sensei a few times over the past 8 years and have always come away with much to ponder. And the folks at ADV are GREAT to visit and train with!
March 31 - April 2, 2006
Fri. 6:30 - 8:30 pm - $20
Sat. 10:00 am - 4:00 pm - $45
Sun. 10 am - Noon - $20
Whole Weekend $75

posted in budobabes - 2 replies

Coming Home

2006-01-26T23:50:26Z

My first dojo was more of a home to me than any house I lived in during those years, and my training partners were my family. I've just recently moved and joined a new dojo, and while the people are great and the training is in many ways better than what I left, it always felt like something was missing.

Yesterday as I stepped onto the mat, I had this feeling like I was coming home --the same feeling I always got coming to class at my old dojo (and still get when I visit). Feeling that sensation come over me, I realized that it was exactly what had been missing.

Any other transition stories or similar experiences out there?

posted in budobabes - 4 replies

If you leave tribe

2006-01-23T17:47:35Z

We lost Ghostcat yesterday. She couldn't stand looking at the layout, so she unsubscribed. I don't want to start yet another flamewar on the Change but also I don't want to lose membership due to it. So if you feel you need to Go, I sure don;t blame you, but some of us may want to keep in touch, so let us know your myspace ID, or give us an email or join Aikiweb. Yeah, its Aikido based but people from other MAs hang out there as well, sometimes really helps keep things in perspective to have other views presented.
Ghostcat is on Aikiweb as gi_grrl, I am -you guessed it-Qatana. Janet & Devin use their real names.
So if you're on aikiweb, please give us your handle.
Also Qatana on myspace but I ain't going there till I absilutely cannot stand this anymore.

posted in budobabes - 1 reply

the window Issue

2006-01-20T21:39:50Z

It is cold in the dojo.I am Always cold. Our "warm-ups" are minimal, more like passive stretching than a warm-up, and the human body just is not made to stretch in the cold, not to mention it Will Not get warm from stretching.
After threee winters of training the dojo as a group essentially let me keep the windows closed until after ukemi practice, when we get aerobic enough for the bodies to get warm, and I feel I have No Business complaining about the cold by that time in class.
Of COurse somebody will always just walk into the dojo and open all the windows without asking if everybody is OK with that. Sensei has given me permission to go shut the window if it is before rolling, and usually that is fine with everybody. Then there are the times when someone who isn't even training will open the window. Why do they feel that they can decide for the people On the mat what the temperature level should be?
So Last night one of my kohai opened the window before we even started warm-ups, while I was frantically doing barre exercises to try to get warm enough to stretch. I closed it. He said- "HEy, you can't just shut the window, this is supposed to be a Democracy."

Does anybody else see the fallacy in that statement?

Just ranting, move along, move along...

posted in budobabes - 9 replies

save date

2006-01-20T20:15:54Z

Hey local budobabes
one of my favorite instructors will be back in SF this spring:
Kato Sensei will be teaching at Suginami SF Sat., & Sun. April 1 & 2
I've attended several seminars at Suginami over the yrs and always found them a very welcoming bunch, nice to train with. http://www.suginamisf.com
I will have to check my schedule, but hoping to make the Sat classes.

posted in budobabes - 0 replies

Troo Fax

2006-01-19T05:39:17Z

...in the Mooveez, at leest:

If you are heavily outnumbered in a fight involving martial arts, your opponents will wait patiently to attack you one by one by dancing around you in a threatening manner until you have defeated their predecessor.

Anyone got any more?

posted in budobabes - 3 replies

I'm Back!

2006-01-08T21:47:21Z

Last night, eight wks postop and after being able to walk 1.5 miles and do some exercise biking and light Pilates, I went to the dojo, got into my gi, and bowed in for class.
My goal was modest: to see if I could do basic nagewaza; that is, connect with a partner, move in straight lines and pivots, take balance, without knee pain. My training focus is on small movements, natural postures.
I did all that, plus some simple backfalling. And one of my favorite training partners was visiting, so even got to do some off-the-curriculum soft jiyuwaza/reversals when we were supposed to be doing iriminage :-)
Wed I will meet w/ one of my aikido instructors, who is a Feldenkrais practitioner, to examine how I am on the ground--going down and getting up--and hopefully soft forward rolls will follow.
And, yeah...It felt great!!!!

posted in budobabes - 18 replies

testing blog

2005-12-11T20:40:28Z

May as well keep up a running commentary!

Charlie's class is Test Prep. He usually forgets this a couple of months after the latest test cycle and goes back to his big, swoopy, Frank Doran-style techniques with ten different changes of direction which leave you asking, couldn't I have just done something easy like Yonkyo?

NOw, however we are cramming for Rich's Shodan and I get the benefit of piggybacking along. We all always train for the highest level being tested, its the only time I get to do koshinage or knife take-aways. Most of the techniques we worked on tonight were on my test-Ikkyo-Yonkyo, both variations. I really only need to Get the Ura's on Nikkyo & Yonkyo and polish up my Sankyo. I have do do it from shomenuchi both standing and kneeling and it hurts my broken toe.

I got to work with Charlie quite a bit and he wouldnt let me take ukemi, just wazawazawaza most of the class. How am I ever going to be able to do magnificent ukemi if nobody gives me practice?

My jiyuwaza/randori is better than I expected. Of course my ukes were taking it real easy on me but I ran away much less than on my last test. And I actually didn't practice jiyuwaza for my last one so its no wonder I sucked! At least I remembered a couple of techniques!

So I feel pretty good about this test. Naturally my life has taken this sudden turn and I'm Busy as all hell, just when I expected to be twiddling my thumbs for the next 2 months!

Anyhow, if any of you non-aikido poeple want to know what I 'm talking about, just ask. Maybe I will be able to try to answer before somebody who Knows it Right! I have trouble verbalising aikido in my own dojo but it will be part of my practice to try to explain the techniques, or even just adequately translate them from Japanese!

posted in budobabes - 31 replies

I smell tests

2005-11-09T19:50:23Z

I've been smelling it for weeks. Hoping that if sensei invited me to test that I could beg to wait till February. Then my plans changed, suddenly I don't have to give up my Saturdays. Started feeling like, hmmm, if he asks me I don't have to whine about time.
Well, he ain't asking any of us this time around. Just went ans scheduled Richard's shodan-which will be the Test From Hell since his first kyu was harder than our standard shodan test.I've always tested on "Rich's schedule" and strted getting nervous.
So when we bowedout Sensei says, "Rich's test is the second Thursday in December, anyone else who thinks they're ready, let me know".
So does this mean he doesn't think any of us are ready ordoes he want us to be brutally honest with ourselves. I have most of my test techniques. The nikkyo & yonkyo are my nemeses,Sankyo I think I can do. And if I can do it standing, I can do it kneeling. I"m pretty comfortaboe with the iriminages & kotegaeshes. So hmmm, do I test or do I wait? I will go take Bill's class Monday night and we will have The Talk.

I got to demo uke for Sensei for a really gnarly kaitenage tonite, it was hard to roll out of.Sensei explained that generally this particular variation calls for a breakfall and I guess my eyes lit up cuz he asked me to attack again and he gave me the first breakfall I have gotten "in public" as a demo uke.
Nice way to end class.

posted in budobabes - 15 replies

cheap commercial plug

2005-10-29T21:14:04Z

Hi, a one time self promotion for my budobabe tshirt/print and related graphics

http://makeashorterlink.com/?C66A2111C

posted in budobabes - 2 replies

ALL FEM FIGHT CARD! 11-19-05

2005-10-27T04:47:33Z

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Submitted by: The Event Promoter
Posted On 10/25/2005

HOOKnSHOOT
2005 Women's Grand Prix
November 19, 2005

Since 2002, HOOKnSHOOT has been the hotbed and advocate of women's Mixed Martial
Arts. Even the event promoters themselves said they would never do a women's show after
a spectacular event in April 2002.....but they did.

In November 2004, the women topped themselves with yet another show. 'Evolution' far
surpassed the first event with more skilled and faster-paced fights that still has people
talking.

On Saturday, November 19, HnS takes another monumental leap. For the first in North
America 8-women will step into the ring but only one will become the 'Queen of the Ring.'

'I'm not a fan of tournaments. You run the risk of athletes who fight long fights versus an
athlete who got a :10 second win. I guess it adds to the excitement' says Jeff Osborne.

'I asked the women what THEY wanted. 15 out of 17 of the women asked said they would
rather do a tournament than just a single fight. They don't get the opportunity to fight but
maybe once or twice a year (if they're lucky). This may be the reason.' continues Osborne.

Not only will fighters be paid per fight (the two finalists get considerably more) but there is
an even bigger prize. A championship belt that has been hand crafted by legendary belt
makers Reggie Parks and Ed Chuman. The belt has been appraised at over $3,200 and the
winner takes it home as the ultimate trophy.

'I wanted to give an opportunity to the new women or women who maybe jumped into
things a little too early and have a few loses. If all goes well, I'll run a tournament with
Howe, Montoya, Modaferri, Fuji and some of the others who've achieved success. But for
now, I think this tournament could produce several new female stars' says Osborne.

As of press times, these are the current tournament pairings:

- JULIE KEDZIE
- GINELE MARQUEZ

- MYSTEE BLACKWOOD
- JAN FINNEY

- LISA WARD
- KELLYN HEUHN

- DIXIE VOLKMAR
- MISSY KARR

The promotion recently signed with a major marketing firm who will be sending up a
Universal Studios film crew to chronicle the entire weekend's happenings.

Also scheduled are four men's bouts featuring: DARRON MORSE vs. COURTNEY RAY, JORGE
SHELBY vs. TONY WHEET, SCOTT HENZE vs. RICK SEXTON and STONIE HAYHURST vs.
JASON BRYANT.

Tickets are on sale right now at http://store.yahoo.com/fightworld2/ FIGHT WORLD
CATALOG

posted in budobabes - 0 replies

Coming out to the Dojo

2005-10-20T18:06:32Z

After a 10 year hiatas I have rejoined a dojo in Tennessee. I feel very much at home there; it is an Aiki family and I feel comfortable as a member. As such there is interest in each other's personal lives. I have been asked several times if I am married or seeing someone. I reply, "Yes, I am seeing someone". But I do not mention that I am seeing another man.

After two months, this is starting to bug me. Aikidoka seem to be more open-minded than most, but what if *this* dojo isn't? There are the occasional gentle homophobic comments/jokes, which are gently laughed at. These make me slightly wary of "coming out to the dojo".

Now, it's not like I'm actively lying or hiding. Hell, I have an HRC sticker on my bumper. At first I thought the wiser dojo members were asking gentle questions in order to allow me to fess up, but I have come to believe that they don't even recognize the symbol. Again, this doesn't cause me to fear, but it does cause a certain amout of wariness, in that it implies that they don't have many (if any) gay friends of their own. (Of course, it may be that noone has examined my bumper that closely as well).

So..Suggestions? Comments? Thoughts? My primary goal here is self-honesty, a close second is to maintain my place at a new dojo. Self-honesty doesn't necessarily mean telling everyone I am gay; it doesn't even mean honestly answering point-blank questions about my sexuality (though personally I really avoid that whenever possible). In many ways I think the longer I wait the more they will know me as "Jim", rather than "The New Gay Guy". What say you more experienced ones?

LostBoy
jim

posted in budobabes - 31 replies

growing up & moving on

2005-10-17T16:22:17Z

I've been senior student in the Basics class at the dojo for quite some time now. And I have really loved it;I adore Bill, our instructor, and being his uke has been both ejoyable and humiliating,sometimes simultaneously.
But its starting to feel like its time to move along to the Tuesday night class and concentrate on technique. And I just don't have it in me to do the two in a row. And there are suddenly several things happening on Monday nights that I really want to do.
I have an opportunity to practice with one of the best Grateful Dead cover bands in the Bay Area, and would give me a chance to dance to live music that I love once a week. There are monthy bondage workshops in the city and a new friend who likes to play with rope( though thats the entire extent of the relationship-bondage with no strings!). There's Irish dancing in Berkeley. Like I can even think about dancing right now cuz
I was getting thrown last night and my toe got stuck in something and I'm all taped up now and hobbling about with a stick and ain't dancing or training for a week. Good thing I danced for Hours Sunday & Monday! And I'll watch class tomorrow night...
But I digress-
The Monday night class is very small and Bill drives a fair way to get here to teach, so needs a minimum number of students, and I'm afraid if I'm not there to keep numbers over two he'll give up teaching the class entirely and that wouldn't be good, we Need a basics class!
Got a couple of weeks till I need to start making Choices. Don't wanna.

posted in budobabes - 13 replies

relaxation

2005-10-02T21:15:57Z

Sensei just got back from a seminar with Abbe Sensei, 92-year-old Tenth Dan. They appaerntly worked on this technique for three days: Uke grabes wrist. Nage pops fingers open and uke falls down. With all kinds of energetic stuff that I can't describe in the process, of course.
The catch was, nage had to be absolutely relaxed to be able to do this technique, and many of you know how stressed and out of control I am right now.
Somehow, feeling like there were boards across my back and several knots in my stomache I was not only able to frop Sensei (dmittedly a very sensitive uke) but also the two highest ranking guys in the class! As well as suddenly being able to feel my partners body better than I ever have-something about digging your big toe into the mat enhances the feeling of connection amd I could feel my partners lags and backs!
The othr very interesting thing abut last night was that I have spent several days afraid to leave the house due to my being out of control and fear of randomly attacking anybody that doesn't Know me or looks at me funny. And there were Three people at the dojo last night I've never seen before and I trained with all of them and it was fun!
I Love Aikido!

posted in budobabes - 6 replies

astonishing revelation

2005-09-25T01:14:35Z

There's an Arm attached to that Wrist!

You may all laugh now.

posted in budobabes - 8 replies

ouch dammit

2005-09-23T22:32:02Z

I have had to defer training, and a lot of other things, the past 10 days in the run up to upcoming peace demos. And what I'm noticing is that I'm in a lot MORE pain than when I train. Muscles ache, chronic low-lying soft tissue stuff flares up, body is stiff. Guess I need that movement and endorphin jolt more than I knew!

posted in budobabes - 5 replies

Editorial Oui

2005-09-22T18:59:54Z

Just to say that nobody needs to ask my approval for posting anything that may be On-topic, to the poster,regarding their chosen lifestyle in regards to Martial Arts.
Thats why I built this tribe, after all.

posted in budobabes - 0 replies

MA Fiction

2005-09-22T18:30:00Z

God I hate it when I pick up a new book and get disillusioned in the first paragraph. The book:Deshi byJohn Donohue, of theJournal of Asian Martial Arts. You think he'd know better. The third sentence in the book stated:
"THe Buddhists say desire creates illusion, which is the source of all suffering.

Well, he may know his Martial Arts but in 16 years of Buddhist practice & instruction I've been under the impression that it was ILLUSION that created Desire, not the other way around. You don't start wanting something ambiguous and then creat an illusion of what you want;you imagine that something OUt There is what it is you need, and than you suffer for the wanting of it. Or the wanting of whatever is making you suffer to Go Away. Still desire, still suffering...

posted in budobabes - 3 replies

women to write....

2005-09-20T01:00:44Z

My buddy up in Canada, wooden weaponsmith extraordinaire and online publisher of free m.a. journalism writes:

> Looking for women in the martial arts who want to write about it for
> EJMAS.
> http://www.ejmas.com/jalt/jaltsplash.htm
> If you're interested drop me a line at kataylor@ejmas.com

I have had two pieces on knee injuries in aikido at ejmas. No money. Just cool thing to do.

posted in budobabes - 0 replies

Hal Lehrman, 6th Dan, at Aikido of Berkeley

2005-09-16T18:43:12Z

Great news for the bay area!
Hal is a longtime student of Yamada Sensei, has been the chief instructor at Aikido of Park Slope for years and years (where I train at on visits to NY), and with a background in ballet and Zen is a truly wonderful and gifted teacher.
(personal bad news: it is the weekend of the Mendocino County Fair, which I have a longstanding annual committment to attend, so I'll be playing calendar games like crazy to fit in pieces of both!)
Fri Sept 16 through Sun Sept 18 at Aikido of Berkeley, which is of course in Richmond.
Flier at http://aikido_of_park_slope.tripod.com/berkeleyseminar.pdf

posted in budobabes - 4 replies

aikido and sexual connection

2005-09-09T19:30:20Z

Alone In Hawaii's post on the "aikido and bondage" thread made me think of this, and I didn't want to hijack Qatana's topic.

I've only had a few lovers who were also aikidoka, but they were as talented in bed as on the mat, and it leads me to wonder if being a dedicated and receptive training partner in Aikido translates into being a more sensitive and responsive sexual partner as well?

Think about it: both activities require energy, stamina, breath control, timing, and sensitivity to your partner's body and the way s/he responds to you.

Does anyone else have any ideas/experiences to support or detract from this theory?

posted in budobabes - 8 replies

gig for girl grapplers

2005-08-31T19:36:37Z

saw this on Craigslist:
Seeking extras for Carmen Opera (san rafael)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to: see below
Date: 2005-08-31, 8:56AM PDT

The Golden Gate Opera is seeking two professional or semi profession female wrestlers to appear onstage in the upcoming performance of George Bizet's Carmen.

You should attend several rehersals, 2 dress rehersals and the two performances on September 23rd & 24th.

This is the opportunity to live your dream and perform onstage in a fantastic performance. This is a non paid position.

Contact Golden Gate Opera at 415-339-9546

posted in budobabes - 0 replies

aikido & bondage

2005-08-27T07:07:07Z

Seems to be the biggest crossover demographic. Why do we like to train and also play with rope? With me its about giving away control. and suddenly its also about not abusing control. I was just thinking in the dojo tonite, wondering when I will have achieved the ability to always be thinking of uke, and uke's needs, rather than "how do I do this?"
I don't top in bondage. I'm not into topping in particular, and have always preferred ukemi to performing technique. Also I tie knots for a living so its just not something I think of as recreation or foreplay.But I really like to get tied up!
But then tonite I was really getting into technique. Findind that place of absolute relaxation that bottoming in rope can bring but applying it to toppiing in aikido.And having the presence and ability to take care of my partner, even though he outweighs me by 100 pounds, instead of just being able to drop him.
We notice the beginning of a blend between nage/uke that feels like the blend between top & bottom where things get a little blurred.
But still, I don't switch with rope...

posted in budobabes - 12 replies

Need New Knee News, Nu?

2005-08-20T03:57:09Z

Sorry, couldn't help it...so I'm set for an arthroscopy Oct 6 looking at three possible causes for my pain
1. due to screw in tibia that secured the acl graft (which no longer needs the screw): so will remove the screw
2. due to ongoing meniscus damage: so will look at meniscus and possibly remove more of it
3. new xrays show small bone spur (which is typical of osteoarthritis/deg. joint disease) protruding from femur down into joint space: so will look at it and maybe shave it down
Probably a couple wks on crutches, 6 to 8 wks off training doing intense rehab.

posted in budobabes - 3 replies

Cops and martial arts

2005-08-15T20:11:59Z

For those of you who are in the police force, or know someone, perhaps you can shed some light. I guess this would go for those in the military as well.

I've had a few experiences in martial arts classes with law enforcement attendees. Maybe this is a broad generalization, although I have heard this before at other martial arts places, but what's the deal with their attitude at martial arts practice? Here's a few of my experiences.

1) The Dumb-ass
I had one guy struggling to get out of a cradle pin (the one generally applied after kotegaeshi - or at least that's what I've been taught to do for testing purposes). So I said, "Why don't you just tap out?" His reply was, "I just want to see if I can get out of this?" I replied something like, "Dude, I'll just let you go. If this was real I would've wrenched your arm out of its socket."

2) The Homophobe
I'm not homosexual and I wasn't trying to hump his ass but one guy got a little rattled with me when I bear-hugged him from behind (I think it's called ushirotori) and had a difficult time shaking me off. Once I let go he turned and made to punch me with one of those frustration grunts. I suggested that we go slower so that he could successfully practice ushirotori kokyunage rather than get bent out of shape. He claimed that he acted aggressive because part of his job was to avoid being put in compromising positions.

3) The Whiner
A friend of mine was sparring at a taekwondo (no contact) tournament. Her opponent (who happened to be in the city police) couldn't get the best of her, so the cop kept on going at it even harder and my friend kept on blocking her out and counter-attacking to win the match. At the end, the cop complained that my friend used to much contact and had bruises all over her shins where her hard kicks were being blocked. My friend, by the way, had little, if any, bruising.

Yeah, I know I'm judging the entire police force, but I have found that I don't like training with the ones that I have trained with in the past.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?

posted in budobabes - 3 replies

not fallin down

2005-08-11T18:14:00Z

Right after the body "remembered" how to roll, the knee acted up more. Falling down doesn't hurt. Getting up repeatedly DOES, even using hands and great posture. So I'm now on the "sorry, can't take ukemi" plan except for maybe a couple falls/rolls per class to keep them in the body.
I had trained this way about 5 yrs ago, when I was in a knee brace before having surgery. I also didn't throw my partners, because the knee was so unstable that I was nervous about THEM falling near me. So we trained with intent but slowly enough to just find the balance point, no further. It was fascinatiing then and, given my increased understanding now, even more fascinating to return to.
At yesterday's noon class, for the first 1/3 it was just the instructor and me, then another student showed up. In reply to "what would you like to work on?" I said "not falling down....and overall my focus is on economy/efficiency of movement and adapting large stuff into small stuff." So we mostly worked on openings based less on getting off the line, more on redirecting the attacker off the line. It was very interesting!

posted in budobabes - 6 replies

of rolls and knees

2005-07-27T16:20:37Z

So during early July I went a full 9 days without training because of various happenstances...during that time, I visualized a forward roll on the left side, and darn if it didn't seem like "it was there." So when I finally got back on the mat, yep, there it was.
Unfortunately I havent had a chance to really test in in training because the right knee is acting up. While often all it takes is a misstep, at home or on the street or on the mat, it is clear that a major stressor is getting up following rolls or falls--not the rolls or falls, the getting up. Even with attention to body mechanics, the frequent repition is just too much.
Last couple of classes, could train about 15, 20 minutes. So I have a plan....
1. I was reminded by a sr student that I can indeed chose to train w/o taking rolls and falls (doh! I only spent 6 months doing that back in 1999...how soon I forget) so I think I will do a COUPLE of rolls and falls per class if I can, to keep them "in my body" but revert to tapping out at balance taking long before pain signals me there is a problem.
2. See orthopedist/PA next wk to review options and possibly schedule arthroscopy for the fall
3. ramp up stationary bike and pilates to get legs stronger AND help drop more weight; give myself a serious chance to reduce the wtload on the knee and get the muscles stronger so maybe I can avoid/cancel the arthroscopy (which assumes that ongoing meniscus damage is the cause of the pain, which is likely but not 100%)
So that's the news from this puppy......

posted in budobabes - 11 replies

social dojo

2005-07-20T21:17:26Z

Do you socialise with your dojomates outside of training? Seems like everybody in my dojo rushes right home, no after-school beer/tea/conversation. I guess i'm feeling a little like an outsider still- I'm still the only unpartnered member, and I feel like i"m missing something. And this is the third year in a row that nobody in my dojo has attended my party.

This really should reassure me- its when I stop feeling like an outsider and begin to feel like a "member" that I end up getting invited to please go away and never come back...

posted in budobabes - 8 replies

ouch!

2005-07-11T23:06:21Z

the sound of training delayed once again....
worsening heel pain tells me that planar fascitis is in full progress, despite 20 yrs of using shoe inserts, doing stretching, etc. Last night I had to do a good taping job on the foot, and I know that REST is the other key component of getting over this acute inflammation. and that REST means minimal necessary walking which means not training.
O fuck why is it always SOMETHING?!

posted in budobabes - 15 replies

'Get a Grip'

2005-07-08T04:28:01Z

Foundation Statement

‘Get a Grip’, a women’s empowerment program currently being established through the Open Door Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy, is founded on the principal that the measure of control every individual has over his or her own life is, in part, based on the measure of control they have over their own body. No matter how wealthy, educated, or intelligent you may be, if other people are able to control you physically, the choices you make in life are only available to you so long as no one stronger chooses to take them away. As a result, the decisions you make cannot but be influenced by a desire to placate those more physically powerful than you, in order to ensure that this will not happen.

Women, by virtue of being 'the weaker sex', go through life with a constant awareness of the fragility of their own emancipation. At some level we know that the only thing standing between ourselves and the kind of domestic/sexual enslavement seen throughout history is men's voluntary adherence to the established laws of 'civilized conduct'.

It is the aim of ‘Get a Grip’ to teach women how to be physically aggressive from a place of joy and passion, rather than from a mind-set based in fear, hate and anger. We strive to give our female students the skill and confidence to defend themselves. Yet because we do so in a non-threatening, supportive, 'play-based' environment, wherein men and women work together as partners and train as equals, male physicality no longer becomes identified with something that's 'bad', 'scary', or even 'intimidating'. And because of this, the women who train in our Jiu Jitsu/submission wrestling/self-defense classes will be significantly less subject to the influence of male intimidation in whatever future choices they will make throughout the rest of their lives. It is only by gaining real control over their own bodies; only by having the ability to say 'no' or 'yes' and mean it, can women truly achieve that thing which defines each member of the human race as a 'moral entity'. And that idea which is the true foundation to all claims to equality, and which, in turn, defines the measure of respect awarded to every individual; can be summarized in two words - Free Choice.

Until we are able to joyously take control of our own bodies, and act in the world without fear of physical violence, only then can we fully exist as equal members of society. We must be able to act with a courage not founded on men’s good will or peaceful intent, but in our own knowledge and skill so that as individuals we can respond appropriately to physical danger if and when the need arises. Because in order for it to be respected and acknowledged, equality, like freedom, must be taken…not granted.

For More information contact Jess:

vonmott@gmail.com

or check out our website at:
www.opendoorbjj.com

posted in budobabes - 0 replies

WOMEN'S SUBMISSION STYLE WRESTLING CLASS in OAKLAND

2005-07-08T04:15:41Z

In January I posted a notice on the 'Women in the Martial Arts' tribe message board about a wrestling seminar I was conducting. Several women showed up for the training and I promised everyone in class that a regularly schedualed women's submission wrestling class was immanent. Unfortunately things didnt happen as I had planned. (Sigh)

I've been waiting and waiting for the chaos in my my life to sort of settle down before commiting myself to something like this, but you know what? Life just doesn't work that way. Screw it. Let's do the class anyway! That was my whole motivation for wanting to start my own Academy in the first place darn it! To get more women involved with submission wrestling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu!!!

If those of you reading this havent attended any of my classes or seminars in the past, the thing about the way I teach the women's classes is that the focus is more on technical precision, getting a good work out, and above all, HAVING A GOOD TIME. 'Winning' is defined by everyone in class walking off the mat at the end of the training in a better state of mind and body than when they first arrived. I think of it as being more along the lines of 'Fitness Wrestling' rather than the kind of training geared towards competition or tournaments. If that's what you're looking for I can steer you into the regular classes once you get comfortable on the mat, but what I've found is that most women really just come to class to get a good work out and have fun. The fact that they can do this and also learn some self-defense skills as a side benefit is just an added bonus.

* This is a no-gi (no uniform), submission wrestling class for beginning, female, grappling students.

* All ages and fitness levels are welcome.

* Price: $150 per five week session.

* Date: Women's Class starts AUGUST 1st

* Times: Monday and Wednesday evenings from 8-10pm

For more information about our school, please visit our website at www.opendoorbjj.com

For more information about the art of submission wrestling or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu check out www.bjj.org .(Please feel free to check out my credentials while you're there!)

If anyone has questions, please feel free to post them here on this message board, or write me directly at vonmott@gmail.com .

Thanks!

Jessi Taran
2x US Open BJJ champion

posted in budobabes - 0 replies

Laundry!

2005-07-07T18:58:58Z

I just picked up a leaky bottle of nail polish off my desk & it got on my hands & then it got on my gi pants. Its a lovely turquoise & I sure hope it comes out.
Think just dousing it with nail polish remover is safe for the fabric? I'm sure we all could use good info, for some of us nail polish stains are as common as blood...

posted in budobabes - 7 replies

this magic moment...

2005-06-24T06:51:16Z

...the ones that come unbidden, cannot be sought, and keep us training. Had one tonight.
Middle of a class doing techniques off of grabs from the rear, instructor had us slow it down, take the grabbing hand in front, find sankyo grip and, without cranking it, use it to connect center to center and slowly explore ways to affect different parts of partner: shoulder, hip, toes, etc.
I was partnered with a visiting black belt, very nice fellow, good flow and connection kind of partner. So after we went back and forth a few times, I decided to play with an aspect the instructor had not demo'd or discussed. My favorite. Being heavy. Being down. I am a badger (smile), low round and happy in burrows.
I find sankyo. I find his center. I move as we already have: up and back a little, tiliting hip out....then I get still and settle. and settle. Not moving. just being down.
Slowly he sinks to his knees.
I laugh and laugh and laugh.
so...what are YOUR magic moments?

posted in budobabes - 11 replies

Buttons get pushed

2005-06-24T06:41:31Z

Last summer/fall I started having trouble w/ forward rolls that start left foot forward (the side of the good knee). It is just like a horse balking! I didn’t know if the base problem was psycho/emotional or physical/mechanical. By now a feedback loop has developed that involves both.

In December, an instructor who is a Feldenkrais practioner, and an
excellent observer of bodies on motion, noted that my lower body and upper body are disconnecting from each other, so that I don't know/feel my legs. Partners have noted that I step really far forward with my left foot, leaving the rest of my lower body behind, and also don’t get low before rolling. There is NO physical basis that I know of for this: I am perfectly capable of sinking my center, flexing knee and hip. It is consistent with noting in my Pilates sessions that I really lack a good awareness of where my body is in space (limbs go off on tangents), and how often I have to ask an aikido instructor, “what IS my body actually doing?”

I asked Nadeau Sensei if he had seen this problem with rolling before. He said a couple of very interesting things:
1. "Nobody gets worse. A person gets old, a person gets injured, but
nobody just gets worse." He talked about baseball players suddenly
dropping their batting averages and how there is always something else going on, that a skill once there cannot disappear.
2. "You're getting ready to go to a deeper level." He reads my problem as being that my reaction to this is that things seem to be too far up. Sensei sometimes talks about people clamping down or getting smaller or rising and getting ungrounded because they are not able to handle all the energy that is being tapped. So I take it to mean that I'm afraid of or can’t quite handle the deeper level.

So what IS a deeper level? “If you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.” (Friedrich Nietzsche) When I stand left foot forward, with nage standing off behind my right, it is as if I expect to see a huge hole open up before me. Rather than staying focussed on my partner, I am focussed forward and down in a starkly lateral and linear way. On the opposite side, I find it much easier to stay connected with my partner both emotionally and physically, not concerned about what is “out there.” I had been approaching this as “the problem is with left foot forward,” but I’ve reframed it as a case of “the problem is with something on my right.” Not the foot position, the connection with the other.

An interesting thing, that I’ve just realized as I write this, is that
while I’ve never been injured taking ukemi, the big knee injury
happened when I was nage but with my partner off to my right.
Why the hell do these things take so long to show up?

Last month I let a senior student I was partnered with know I’m having a problem. When she tried the technique as a projection, I felt I was being cast away and I disconnected, could not roll. Whe I asked her to hang in there with me, she held on longer and took me downward and I was able to stay with her and take low rolls.

I realized, mulling things over later, that I have stated the problem
succintly without realizing it: “I feel I’m being cast away.” That is
the feeling I have when I even VISUALISE a forward projection on that side. It is NOT at all the feeling I have when visualizing, or doing, a forward roll on the other side.

The next time in the dojo, I asked a peer to work w/ me between
classes: to simply be present, standing on my right, holding my wrist and being connected and supporting but not actively projecting me. I go low and round, maintaining eye contact as well as connection, and roll. Over and over. Without my asking, he begins to put energy into the process, but keeping it low. I never have to walk out. Partnered with a less predictable partner, who cannot consistently connect and support through the throw, I am sometimes able to self-generate the rolls ok and a couple of times not.

Yesterday I simply could not roll on that side when partnered. If I stayed close, the upper body/lower body disconnect made me topple; if I distanced myself to try and get into a rolling position, I advanced so far ahead of my partner that I disconnected and he could not support me at all. Another student stayed with me after class, watching me roll solo, again noting the high stance, while I felt the upper/lower body disconnect. He also pointed out that my rolls on that side were fairly horizontal, a lot more so than required by the “layout” ending my other knee requires, and that I am not able to stay on a straight line with rolls on that side (my awareness of that problem adds to my disinclination to even try forward rolls on a crowded mat at this point). He encouraged me to go lower and lower, and really aim for proper verticality going over. It helped.

What he really wanted me to do is get the knee and shoulder on the mat the way beginners are taught at this dojo. But that is not how I’d learned as a beginner, and since it is an unfamiliar posture with
shoulder/head down and I haven’t kneeled in years, it remains a very alien feeling for the whole body. So to me it makes more sense to “regress” to what actually were my familiar first rolls, very low to
the ground. I did a bunch before I bowed off the mat and will make sure to begin and end each session on the mat that way.

So I’m back in kindergarten when I “am supposed to be” preparing for my first kyu test.
I have figured out that this rolling problem (assuming I don’t have
some undiagnosed neurological problem in the right hemisphere that only manifests in the dojo) has something to do with staying committed and not bailing under stress so I’m sure the timing is not coincidental.
The mind is a motherf****er.

posted in budobabes - 12 replies