End of the Year

The end of another year. Ah. I would like to congratulate Mark, Cory, Dakota, Sue, and Frank on their recent promotions. Excellent job one and all. We will reconvene The first Monday of the new year at the usual time. 'Til then, Merry Christmas to all. Stay safe, and share your love and time with your friends and families.

I tried to find a video that combined the Holidays with judo or jujitsu. No such luck. I found this one instead and--though it is a flagrant plug for the dojo--I liked the mix of techniques. Frankly, I can't understand most of the screaming in the music, so I can't guarantee it is appropriate for all ages. Turn the volume down before viewing...

Doctor Stuff

As I write, I'm at the American Academy of Family Physicians annual conference in Boston. I arrived today and will be here until Sunday. I spoke to both Joseph and Peter after class Monday. The ranking student in class will run class tomorrow evening (Thursday). I expect all my students to treat the covering instructor with respect, and with an eye towards being helpful in teaching the lower rank students.

I am postponing this Sunday's class for one week, which means we will have class a week from Sunday, and then again a week later. Please take a peek at the schedule on the calendar at the bottom of this page. I appreciate everyone's cooperation. See you next week.

Schedule Change

The fall schedule is upon us, and necessitates a schedule change. Amy, Sue, Frank and I spent some time at the dojo last Monday trying out different mat arrangements. We should be able to accommodate both junior and senior students in the same mat space, using a rotating station model. Effective immediately, the new schedule will return to the one we used last year: Mondays and Thursdays from 6-7, and alternating Sundays from 9-11 AM. Because of the Labor Day Holiday, the first Sunday in class will be September 20th. Sunday sessions will be for senior class students only. The new schedule is reflected on the calendar below. I am sorry if this poses a hardship for anyone, but it is unavoidable.

This video highlights two Brazilian techniques that closely match several of the techniques we do in Danzan. Though they sometimes seem to take undeserved credit for inventing the wheel, I think the Brazilian stylists do an excellent job keeping their art focused on applicable street techniques. They're so much fun to watch.

The News from Las Vegas

Hi everybody,
I'm currently at a conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. This post is mainly a reminder that Christopher will be teaching class tonight. Remember, the Junior Class now goes from 6 to 7 PM, with the Adult Class running from 7 to 8:30. Chris could use help, especially from colored belt ranks, when teaching the kids.
I will be back at the helm on Monday.

Martial Artist, or Magical Artist? You decide.

This is a National Geographic video of Sensei George Dillman performing one of his magic shows. There. I said it. Now you know what I think about it. To quote Carl Sagan, "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence." Be wary of any martial art that is only effective against those who believe in it--or people without big toes. Such nonsense!

Summer Schedule

I understand the AYC will be closed on Sundays through the summer. I am planning to compensate for this by extending class by 1/2 an hour on Mondays and Thursdays, but will check with Renshi Craig to make sure Sensei Mike's class is done for the summer.

I apologize for the mix up today. I thought the building was going to be open for us. Coffee afterward was nice though.

The new schedule is now reflected in the calendar below.

Tai otoshi: Video of the Week

This short clip highlights tai otoshi, the body drop. Very nice technique. Notice how quickly tori darts the leg across in each instance. Notice how quickly uke hits the deck.