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June 2004
"When change is necessary, not to change leads to disaster."
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June 8, 2004
Today was a real cool day, but before I get to that, I have some bad news. My grandmother was recently diagnosed with Cancer, and she was being treated and such, and appeared to be getting better. I believe she was, but that she was just so tired of all the work. Unfortunately, she passed away around noon. I felt it too. I knew something wasnt right. Even though she is in Florida, I've been around enough dying people to know when the innevitable would happen. I actually came home relatively early, well, the time I'm supposed to come home if I come straight from school. As I walk down the street, i noticed my aunt on her cell phone and was pacing around my yard. My impression was that she was some how locked out, even though she has the key. So instead od walking across the grass from one side of the gate (i live in a corner house) I walked around to the usual entrace. It was at this time I see my moms car, my dads, my aunts (naturally, she was there) and one of my uncles. So I KNEW that something was up and/or down.
After being told of what I previously felt, I decided that I wouldnt even dwell on it, so I went outside to train. I grabbed both myself and James' Boken-do, and I doned my Gi pants, a tank top and my green belt. My cous asked, so I agreed to train him. That was cool, I taught him some excersises he could ever use if he attained his own training tool. I was having him switch between the Heavy and Lighter Bokens and i was constantly on the move with him. After a while, my other uncle that lives in New York arrived with his lady and two of my cousins. At this point, we were just rough housing and generally chilling. After I wrestled them, I was getting itchy from rolling around on the grass in just my tank top, so I turned on the sprinkler for them and took a shower. I was basically done with training for today, but then Charles came by with his brothers girlfriend to see what was up.
I told him what I did, and he asked if I was willing to go outside again. I told him that I would if he wanted to train, so there was no problem. He comes over about 30 minutes later, and I teach him the same things I taught my cousin Shaheed earlier. It was at this point that my dad came outside and shared his knowledge with us. He taught Charles, and my three cousins the proper way to roll, break falls and to land. He explained that in Judo, all they did was to essentially "put you in the air" and that since many people"fall improperly" they hurt themselves on the landing.
He also demonstrated how a Sai Sword (think of Raphael from the Ninja Turtles) can be used to disarm someone. Since I currently had my sword out, he demonstrated with me (Thank goodness I thought twice about sparring with him 10 minutes earlier). He basically explained that with a longer weapon, I had an advantage, this was very true. It was evident in that while i slashed at him, he was forced to dodge and look for an opening. When he got one, it was basically done for me, and i saw the move coming, but was powerless to stop it.
This is the strong point and weak point of smaller weapons. For one thing, all weapons can be used very efficiently in the right hands. My father is still very proficient with the Sai even though he hasnt had to use it for quite some time. Since his Sai was probably about 1/4 or 1/3 the length of my sword, he could not go directly at me. But once I had to commit to the attack, he was able to parry my weapon and guide it so that my own strength ended up hurting me.
The wealth of knowledge my dad has is amazing. One day I'll sit down with him and tape and record all of his movements and thoughts. I cannot simply let the world not know of what my father knows. For one, he showed how a New York Times could be used as a VERY deadly weapon, he told us how an entire train of people working together can simply intimidate a few thugs try ing to take over, and he told me stories of him and his friend Rico and their exploits. Their teamwork reminds me of James and I, except we both dont live in a type of world where there is the possibility of people testing us in life-or-death matters.
I was very impressed with my fathers skill in Martial Arts. He showed us SIMPLE throws that are strongly effective; simple counters; holds... My goodness, it was ridiculos. Needless to say, I feel strongly for anyone who see's my 5' 8" father on the train and tries to mug him.. Assuming that there is someone who DOESNT know him. I swear, my father is teaching the children, of kids he taught, that were the kids of his friends. Sometimes he may seem a little too strict in matters concerning my school work (he took my PS2 because of a less-than-stellat math grade), but I realize that what he has done has in fact saved me somewhat, and I appreciate that.
Wow, this journal has gone on for quitea bit. Let me end quickly the. James rode by and was shocked to see us in the yard training and exchanging info. He was even able to trade moves with my father. Now, THAT was interesting. But in any case, James picked up his sword because he wanted to spar. Let this be known that James and I were strongly equal in our Swordsmanship. It has been quite some time since we sparred though, and I have learned a lot of things since that time. Needless to say, i had to work to beat James, but he was able to realize that my training pays off.
Today was a much appreciated break and a chance to just be with friends and family. With Finals this week (most of them done) there is no homework to be found. In addition, I can get home around 2:30 and have to possibility of staying out until about 9, or whenever it gets dark. I love summer. Perhaps I WILL be able to be a black belt by the time I graduate High School, well, that summer.. long story. I'll tell tomorrow |
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