Friday 31 October 2014

Day 5

Today was the first day of the seminar. 
This morning was Arakaki Sensei's session and then in the afternoon it was Taira Sensei teaching. That in itself makes it an amazing day. 

We worked on Fukyugata Ichi, Pinan Sandan and bunkai and Pinan Shodan and Bunkai. It was another sweaty day and a lot of training. 


We must be crazy, but after the entire day training Arakaki Sensei invited is to train at his house. We gratefully accepted  got on the bus and trudged up the hill to train some more. It was great although I am really starting to feel every single muscle tell me to stop. I am so looking forward to getting the grading on Sunday done and being able to relax a little. 
Still, between sessions there was the Most beautiful sunset, reminded me of how lucky I am to be able to stay here and keep training and doing what I love. 
I don't want to sleep because life is good right now, sleep seems to be a waste of time!! (My body would definitely disagree, then again, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger!) 

It's an amazing place to be, I can see myself being very happy here. 

I am currently laying on the floor in the laundry room washing my gi. I wore a fluorescent pink bra to training at Arakaki Sensei's house and sweated enough to make it transfer through onto one of my new Shureido Gi. Let's hope it washes out or I'm going to have to dip into the savings for another gi as it will be impossible to survive with less than three gi here.  Lesson learned- pick a different bra next time- or don't sweat as much. Considering number 2 isn't a option it seems I have to go with the first option. 

apart from feeling like I'm going to die, today was another really good day. :) 

Day 4 - continued

This evening we went to Taira Sensei's Dojo. The first achievement in this post was finding the way there all by ourselves, I'm feeling a lot less anxious about being here by myself after this. It's the small things that count eh! 
Then we had to actually make it through the class, Taira Sensei is known for hard work! It was very hard work and very sweaty but I'm happy overall with how it went. 


We went to the dojo bar afterwards to celebrate - Sensei got me a 'sentinashi' - it means survival is victory! 


We're spending a lot of time at the dojo bar- I have a lot to learn and that's where everyone goes to socialise and chill after training. 

All in all, another good day. :) 


Thursday 30 October 2014

Day 4

It's between sessions at the moment, we have trained with Shinzato Sensei this morning and are off to Taira Sensei's dojo tonight. 
We just went and found some lunch, 'beef noodles' the noodles were fine, the beef was an experience. Still it was the first proper Okinawan dish I've eaten since I've got here. 

Then the others had coffee and I went for  a ice cream after my dismal Starbucks experience yesterday- chose the toffee pudding frappucino, turns out the pudding here is a bit odd. It was like jellied custard. 

Today though, 'red devil' limited edition ice cream: 

We found the tug of war rope on the way back to the hotel: 

This is just a small part of it, and it was huge! 
Sensei and Sal showed us the linen shop that does karate towels, turns out the manager is a cat called Michael. He is gorgeous, treated like a king. His pictures are on the walls and on the business cards and it seems he just sits around all day. I'll have to go visit Michael again :) 



 





Wednesday 29 October 2014

Day 3

Yesterday we were warriors. We did 3 training sessions, the first with Arakaki Sensei, then Tome Sensei and finally Arakaki Sensei again. I'm beginning to feel the muscles seize up and tiredness start to kick in, but I love it, if I pass this grading I'm going to really feel like I've earned it. Arakaki Sensei showed me that I'm Third on the grading list so at least I won't be waiting about to do it for too long. 

We're beginning to become pro's at selfies! Although it seems the button is getting harder to press! 

We popped into the dojo bar just after midnight for some food and to organise some kobudo training (can't wait for that!) we made our way to bed just before 3am. Now we're back up and ready for our next training session this morning, with another 2 planned for today. 


So, James told me I start work next Friday. I even got my first staff tshirt! 
(It's a small! It's still so cool that I'm no heffalump anymore) 
and its a 100 kata for karate day tshirt- this one I really feel like I've earned, 100 kata is more of a challenge than it sounds! 
The plan is to be a cocktail master by the time I leave. Exciting times. :) 
Nothing's changed in 2 years, James still has a strange photo face. Then again, who am I to speak, I look like a clown.

Tuesday 28 October 2014

Day 2

Our training sessions started officially today- we had the morning session with Arakaki Sensei and the Afternoon session  with Shinzato Sensei. They are two of the nicest people you could meet. After nearly being late because the taxi driver got us lost, we had a very sweaty yet brilliant session. We went for Starbucks as a bit of a reward: 


After that I managed to get some laundry done -lots of sweaty clothes already! 

Then onto the next session with Shinzato Sensei. It was just the three of us and was quite possibly the most fun  karate class I've ever had. All this whilst working hard, sweating a lot and practicing for the grading. 


Finally we went for a Burger King- and in the spirit of trying a new thing every day I went for the 'kuro' burger.

Think it was literally just all dyed black - tasted no different to any other burger I've ever had. 

All in all a brilliant first day training. Shame I've caught a airplane cold. Still I'm not wimping out just yet. 






Monday 27 October 2014

Everyone's here :)

The team is complete.  so we decided we would go to the bar...

This time though I've decided I need to be Able to actually fit into my size 4 gi I've ordered and decided to try James' 'spinach and lime with chilli and stuff' salad. Was a lot nicer than I was expecting. I also tried some green bean things, turns out they're nice too. Maybe this isn't going to be too bad after all! 


I had to go for my favourite thing about the dojo bar (the cocktails and cool outfits) had a pinan, naihanchi and a chinto. Oh and a hulk smash. 


With a fist this size, I'd have no worries. 




Day 1

No, it's highy unlikely that there will be a post for every single day, more than one on exciting days is possible though! :) 
when the novelty wears off I may just dissapear for a bit. 

Today we found the town hall where I need to register my address when I move to the guest house. We then found the guest house where I will be living and the sweet shop where I will be working. It's all close to each other which is great, I'll probably still get lost though! 


We went shopping at lunch time, turns out the trolleys are smaller than the baskets!! 


And we found some chocolate that may fit into fat club rules!! 


On the plus side, we got bananas and oranges/ tangerine type things so there will be some nutrients in my diet! 

We also ordered our Shureido gi. 
Turns out I'm a size 4- half of what I was 2 years ago.  Nice. 

:D 


Sunday 26 October 2014

We're here!!!

So, after what felt like a million hours on the plane we finally arrived. 
I made some friends (they were very very drunk) on the flight from Tokyo to Okinawa though, I got given some sake (Smelt and tasted like white spirit) and some hot dog cheese things (they were vile!!) in return I gave them a chocolate orange - trying to explain it was food and to 'tap and unwrap' entertained us for a lot of the flight!! 


Then one of the other guys gave me a impromptu lesson in Okinawan whilst trying to understand my flash cards sal made me. 


It was a lot of fun!! 
Maybe I'll bump into them in my time here! 




I'm Actually ON THE PLANE!!! :o

So as I'm writing this I'm on the plane: 
in the dark (it's a night flight and everyone's asleep except me- I watched a Stephen King film about coconuts eating people and a time lapse on a plane- really freaked me out! I feel like I shouldn't sleep -just in case,but eventually I will) 
Anyhoow- I'm just hours away from touching down in Tokyo. This is the start of a whole new me. A chance to show everyone I can do it and I will!! It's exciting at the moment (I swap between excited and completely freaked out in minutes so be prepared for that to change any moment!) 


I had a burger at the airport as I needed some real food to last me until I hunt down food that isn't eel or octopus on pizza. SO worth airport prices. 

A couple of hours in and the air ladies brought the food to us. We had already eaten (see burger above) and were going to kindly decline- until we saw ice cream. It is simply rude to refuse Hagen daz, hence: 


Right now though- I'm bored. I've watched 2 films and am not ready to sleep, so I'm just chilling. 
Thinking of all those times when I'd love to have 12 hours just to sit. Yea I never really meant it. There just isn't enough room for my large bottom (even if it is 11 inches smaller than it was 10 months ago). 


Still a LOnG way to go. 
Seems if I do want to come home early I had better have a good reason eh!! 



Tokyo!

We have landed in Tokyo and are awaiting the connecting flight to Okinawa. It was a LONG flight but we've done it and i have been through the customs here at Tokyo and have recieved my residents card- I am now officially allowed to stay! :D 

The descent into Tokyo was beautiful. It's apparently 5pm in the afternoon here - I'm not sure where my body is at, still nothing a few Pringles and some chocolate can't fix!! 


Give it another 2 and a half hour flight and we will be on Okinawa. Considering we arrive at half 7/ 8pm we want to try and get on Okinawa time and not go to bed too early and so The plan is to  check in, shower, change and then hit the Dojo Bar! :) 
Exciting times!! 


100 Kata Challenge- Ananku

So as the title suggested we chose Ananku as our 100 kata. To coincide with  Okinawa so we all did it simotaneously we started at 10pm our time- 6am Okinawa time. (Cake was waiting at the finish line!) 
Turns out this was much more of a 'challenge' than I was expecting!! We did it in a hour and a half and all ended up quite sweaty- which rendered one gi useless before I even arrive on Okinawa! Still Shureido- here I come!! (To blue the embroidery or not is another question for another post!!) 

I thought a group selfie after the kata was necessary. :) 

Inge and Karen definitely earned cake!!

I'm very proud of achieving 100 kata in that time- at a good standard and if I forget Ananku now I will have to eat a shoe. (I have got to stop saying I'll eat shoes!!) 

Still- off to catch a plane to Okinawa today- I feel like I've been waiting for this day to come for a long (long) time!! Let's hope it's as amazing as I hope! 

Friday 24 October 2014

Chessington- world of adventures

Today was a inset day for Janey so, the three of us (Tanya, Jane and I) went to chessington. Having not been there since i was really young it was a really nice thing to do. 
We did quite a lot of rides- Ramses Revenge was a first for me- a whole new experience! Still undecided as to whether I liked it or not! I was NOT prepared for the very wet foot the zoofari gave me! 
It was fun, really cool to spend some time with Jane and Tarn before I'm off on my jollies for the year!! Fun fun fun!! 




Next on my list today is the 100 kata for karate day 2014 and then tomorrow is the big day!! 


Thursday 23 October 2014

The Day After Tomorrow

Yesterday was another goodbye day- I really didn't realise how many people I have In my life that I love so much! This time, the gorgeous little Jay and my fat club guys. 
Jay is my only nephew and is the most gorgeous boy. We spent the whole day together,  mostly playing in the leaves :) 


SOO much love for this little man. I'm lucky he knows how to facetime!! 

Then onto my fat club guys, I'm amazed at how much love and support I've got from them in the last 10 months, and with how much I've achieved with thier support and guidance- I would never have had the confidence to do something like this a year ago when I was 6 stone heavier! 
I've made friends for life. 
Massive thank you to Shona for my 'present' - your AMAZING and probably my lifesaver when I'm starving!!! I'll really miss you guys, but I'll be back after my adventure! :) 

What with me leaving for Eastbourne today, packing for a year In one suitcase has been a nightmare! I'm very tempted to do a 'joey' to the airport!:  
Still, I've done it except for a few gifts, let's hope I'm not overweight!! Think I'll be close but should be okay! 
Off to Eastbourme today ready for the 100 kata challenge for karate day tomorrow and then Saturday is the big day. It was hard saying goodbye to the boys as they went off to work today but I know how good this is going to be and how they're always here for me to come home to <3 





Saturday 18 October 2014

Sayonara, Boys...

With less than a week to go, the boys and I went out for dinner last night. It is something we should do more often, but don't! 
I love spending time with these boys, they are my world and after all their help and support In getting this far, to go to Okinawa, do this and show them I can do it, is going to be so worth all the hard bits. Without these guys I wouldn't be where I am today, for that I am very grateful.  I'm being given a chance to live my dream. 


(L-R: Luke, Me, Ceri, Dan, Dave, Patrick) 


Ceri's reaction to my ice cream sundae!! :D

I had better start packing with just 6 days to go now- but just 4 days until I go to Eastbourme and leave everythimg here- it is so surreal!! I feel like someone is going to come along and wake me up!! 

Bye for now, Buildbase

Yesterday ended up being my last day at Buildbase. We decided to go for a drink after work which was so nice as everyone's so chilled outside of work.
I had the most fabulous time even though I kept getting the strange looks what with being the only girl in such a group of guys.
Got a bit too drunk but loved every second. It is so nice to know that I have actually had such an impact on them and that I can get a job when I come back if I need it. It's great to have so many of them that care and want the best for me with this opportunity. 
I've now got a army of support, which is incredible. 



The Buildbase version of Okinawa!! :) 
I have SO much love for these guys I have a feeling we'll end up as the A-team again soon: 
(L-R: Rick, Me, Craigy Cupcake, Boss Man Dan) 
I'll miss these guys so much, I'll be back and will definitely keep in touch. :) 

Tuesday 7 October 2014

Bye Dad...

Yesterday was a bittersweet day. It was great as I got to spend it with dad doing some exciting stuff but it's difficult knowing you are going to have to leave soon. We spent the day in London again, this time Madame Tussaud's and HMS Belfast. 
Was good fun! 



It's always difficult saying goodbye. What with being on the other side of the world and only seeing each other once or twice a year, it doesn't feel like enough time.
Yesterday really brought home the fact  I won't see dad for at least another year- the goodbyes are going to be the hardest part of this whole thing. I'll miss you dad.  ðŸ˜ª


What better way to feel better and cheer up than to do my favourite thing ever, went off to karate and worked on all the kata from Naihanchi upwards, kote kite and then yakusoku kumite mainly focussing on making it more dynamic. 
It's amazing how you can do a kata and shut the whole rest of the world out, you are just right there doing those moves and that is all that matters. A great way to clear the head. 

"The big secret in life is that there is no big secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if your willing to work" 




Saturday 4 October 2014

3 weeks today...

So in exactly 21 days I will be on a plane ready for the biggest scariest thing I've ever done.  

I was listening to a new audio book the other day and one part really caught me:
"As for the judgement you put on yourself if you fail, that's also bull***t, in truth by taking a risk your stronger and braver than most. The only true failure is not trying". Totally hit a chord that I really need to stop putting so much pressure on myself, if it goes wrong thats okay because i tried. 

In exactly 2 weeks I will have finished work. I will miss the people I've been working with at Buildbase, I have learnt an incredible amount in 6 months and have had a fantastic team take me under their wing. It's a job I'm happy at, its not my passion though which is why I have to leave and give what I love a go. 

I was talking to a customer about what I was going to do in Okinawa the other day and a colleague grabbed me when he had left and told me how my love and passion for karate is so obvious- he says I come alive and my eyes sparkle- he said he wishes he had something that he loves like i love karate. It made me feel very lucky. 

It makes me sound crazy, I probably am, and that's okay but I'm excited to be able to do what i wake up thinking about everyday. I want to be one of the best karateka in the world. To some it may seem like a farfetched ambition but if i shoot for the moon i can only fall among the stars. 
I remember our trip to Okinawa in 2012 and at the end how much i didnt want to leave, how i would have loved to stay more than anything- It seems 2 years later, that's exactly what I'm going to do- that's what is actually crazy!! 


This is Something I wouldn't even have contemplated without my Sensei's and Tanya. i'll never forget that saturday morning the opportunity came up. They are the complete reason that in 21 days my life might just change forever (hopefully in a incredibly good way!)


Friday 3 October 2014

Longleat safari park and Stonehenge

Day 2 with Dad:
So today was a complete new day for me, I had never been to longleat and never stopped at Stonehenge! 
We started the day early as it is a bit of a trek! We stopped at Stonehenge first, it's SO much bigger than I ever imagined! What hard work that must have been put into making something that now is a mystery as to why it is there. 

After Stonehenge we headed right on to Longleat, I was very excited about this as I so wanted to see the giraffes, elephant and lions! I certainly was not disappointed and had a day I will never forget and enjoyed a lot!! Monkeys and lions coming so much closer than I ever imagined. Totally brilliant. 


One of my favourite parts of the day was feeding the lorikeets!! I attracted 9 of the 10 all at once! 
What a great day. :) 


London Town...

So today I spend the day in London with Dad. We got to do the View from the Shard (shame it was a little cloudy and grey!): 


After that we got some lunch at a lovely Italian cafe before the highlight of the day- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the thatre!! A brilliant, very well executed show. 

Apart from still feeling a bit grotty with this cold that's hit my chest I had a fantastic day. One I will remember for a long time.
We went for cake after the show- I had a giant profit roll! 


More exciting adventures in store for tomorrow!! :)