Happy Halloween

Have a very Happy Halloween!

The Importance of Practicing Katas in Shotokan Karate

I wrote this little article for the FMK newsletter, I spent so much time compulsing over it.
I had to slap it onto my blog. Enjoy!

The Importance of Practicing Katas
James Richtsmeier

Kata review is the most effective method of improving technique. No matter what you have achieved, there is always room for improvement. As students advance, we often forget parts of Katas that we have already learned. Everyone needs to review. Continual practice is essential and should be a part of everyone’s routine.

Set aside some time at home or anywhere outside of the dojo, to practice your Katas. The first few should be slow and even to emphasize technique. The last one should be performed quickly. Make sure to make it as fluid and full of emotion as possible. Reference and study the many resources that Sensi has made available to double check your technique. Some examples are the tutorials and .mpeg movies on the school website, and Sensi’s Kata Dvd’s.

When time permits before or even after class, find a partner and practice. Take turns leading a Kata, help each other out as you go along. If you are leading a kata and can’t remember the next move, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There is no reason to feel ashamed or embarrassed. It’s better to make mistakes and learn from them then not to try at all.

Kata practice should be carried out with the same intention as homework. That is to test, reinforce and extend knowledge of karate. Our goal as martial artists is to strive for perfection. Have faith in yourself. Remember that practice makes perfect regardless of the color of your belt.

We definitely live in a very twisted world.

I was and am still a big Nirvana fan. I can never forget seeing them in Dayton Ohio. Apparently since Kurt Kobain’s death, his music sales have skyrocketed. He now has surpassed Elvis Presley, as generating the most income as a result of his or her death. Its really amazing Kurt had to actually shoot himself in the head to get his music through to some people . You really don't know how good something is till it’s gone. We definitely live in a very twisted world.
At least we still have his music......and the Foo Fighters.

The headless horseman’s final resting place

As Halloween approaches, I wanted to share a picture of the headless horseman’s final resting place. He his said to be buried in the open spot in the center of the photograph. (Please note, there is no gravestone.)

According to local sources the Hessian soldier saved a child from a fire that took place near the town. Although the soldier had killed many during the course of his life, he was buried on holy ground by the family of a child that he had saved during a fire. It is believed he was decapitated by a cannonball and was known as the headless Hessian. The rest of the clues to story also can be found here in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.

If your in Sleepy Hollow go see it for yourself.

Long day.

Long day today. My head hurts from not nearly enough sleep. I am going to struggle through advanced class tonight, athough I think I should be fine. The weather is getting colder each day and there is less light available in the morning when I wake up. The fish in the tank are getting larger and I wonder where I may be in the next year. Seems to be kind of a mystery. Hmm...
I was supposed to take a road trip today but there was an early change of plans. Hopefully more sleep is in store and the week will close itself out quietly.

Pfunk show at Oneonta State

Went to the Pfunk show at Oneonta State this past Saturday. The music was fantastic, and if you've seen the Pfunk before, they put on quite a show. The wooden Indians were in attendance, and were one with the funk. Connor shook hands with George Clinton and was deeply moved by this experience. Things will never be the same.

Much hanks go out to the Pfunk for a great night.

The Indians invade myspace...

The guys put up a myspace page to show off some of their stuff, including some scary pics.
Check it out. If you are under 10 or are easlily offended by people in masks, check with your mom first....

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=116213350

The Wooden Indians Rock Taylor Place!

Stress is Bad.

Stress is bad. Been a rough morning. Had way to much to do and not enough time to do it.
Put in some new cabinets this past weekend which make life a bit easier. Now I have a place for my socks and underwear. Ahh. I'm thinking positive.

On a brighter note here is Ray Park going through some of his fight choreography for the phantom menace. Cool Wu Shu stuff, http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4568665999118643253&q=ray+park&hl=en