Day 97

Saturday 

Karate today was what I needed in my life. I miss home and I miss everyone that's not here. A seriously sweaty class that completely pushes you to the breaking point and then pulls you back is what I needed in my life. Then lunch with Sensei. Seriously helped my situation. 

Then work tonight- taira Sensei and yogi Sensei (goju ryu) came to the bar! Got another signature (I'm on fire- and incredibly lucky this week!!) 

Getting some thought provoking life advice in my book too. 

I'll do a post at the end of the week of all the signatures and all my advice.

Day 95

Thursday 

Today I went to see Nakamoto Sensei to get him to sign my book- 

I got a private tour of his karate museum too- score!!! 

And his son came and signed my book so 2 in 1!! 

I also went with Sam to meet her teacher and get another signature this evening- 

These guys are probably the kindest people in the world. 

Day 94

Wednesday

today James went to London. 

I'm now beginning my mission of seeing how many signatures I can get in my book in a week!

Starting with gate crashing the advanced training seminar at the budokan; 

It's a brilliant start! 

Day 93

Tuesday 

So there's no morning karate today because Sensei has  to look after his brother. We did the morning workout and then I went and washed all my sweaty workout clothes and gi from yesterday. 

Not a very exciting day today. 

Then off to language dojo. We had a couple of new people today which is good. Kazu was brilliant as usual, I'm enjoying teaching because I can see improvements in his english, it's very rewarding! 

I also ended up working tonight because Sanae is sick. 

We practiced our faces for the karate masters portraits book: 

I think I'll have the master look going on soon. 

This book is becoming very special!! 

Day 92

Monday. 

Back to crazy hour workouts today. Sensei's brother is here from wakayama so we have training at 2pm and a party tonight.

Karate was hard and sweaty it's a very warm day here today!! 

I have the coolest Sensei. We have matching shirts. 

I have my new Eisa buddy and miltos. It was a lot of fun tonight.

Day 91

Sunday! 

Today james took me somewhere 'special' instead of our morning workouts. It was me and james and baby Kari. We went to the umi!! 

I got to snorkel for the first time in my life! Never done that before! Loved it- saw Dori fish! 

James has made my Sunday's something that will never ever be the same again. It was incredible to be able to swim in the sea like that and see real dori fish swimming right there by my feet!! 

Gonna be hard to beat that and now I'll never understand why we usually just run up and down the hill!!! 

Day 90

Saturday 

Today we did morning workouts, james and I ran to the park. I'm fitter than I was but still not fit enough. I need to eat bananas and drink more water when I wake up and then go I think! 

Handstands are coming along SO well though! 

Then off to morning karate after having cake for breakfast! (hisano's mum made it!) 

Sensei's brother is here from Wakayama so we got to train together again! He is good! He gave me a really cool Eisa DVDs and pictures of our grading together. Such a thoughtful gift! 

Then I did laundry again. Very very sweaty karate today. 

Working tonight so showered and cleaned my room a little before heading off to the bar. Went over to main place to see if I could find some leggings to stop the mosquitoes biting me, couldn't find any so Russell is being incredible and will send me some! 

Got Mochi too today. Not sure what to do with it. 

Day 89

Friday!

Today was a extra special day: got to be a part of the Matsuda Sensei karate masters portraits shoot.

I spent the whole day with James- we went to kira kira beach in the morning where the 100 kobudo kata will happen, we did some bo kata on the beach. It was beautiful. Actually a perfect morning. Being here in January in shorts and tshirt training kobudo on a tripical sandy beach. 

Life's perfect. 

Then we had lunch with Chris. We went to shakeys pizza buffet. I ate strawberry and marshmallow pizza for lunch. Because I can. I don't even feel bad about it! I'm excercising so much I think I'm okay! 

Then over to matsuda Sensei where I got to play sanchins and be a part of the photo shoot. 

He is the coolest guy ever. 

I got to be a part and have vip behind the scenes access of what will hopefully become a very useful piece of karate  history in the future!  

Happiest girl in the world today. I've found what I love in life and I'm getting to do it every day. 

Day 88

Thursday 

Today, morning workout again. 

Then I spent the morning chilling at James' - I read a book all about the greatest science stories never told. 

Basically the people who invented things and other poor stole thier idea/ took the credit for it!

Then home to rest- I'm SO tired today! 

Working tonight so have to skip karate. Sad times but I love the bar too so can't complain.

I miss familiar people today. Dad, Brothers, Mum, Russell, Sensei, Dojo buds. But I am So happy being here. It's my perfect life. The only thing I would change is Oki not being quite so far away! 

Day 87

Wednesday 

Today we did the morning workouts and then I spent the day doing more laundry. I sweat a lot!  Bahaha!! 

Had a pretty usual day today- laundry and shopping and then off to evening karate. 

Started learning Passai tonight! 

Pressures always on as a black belt. It's hard to live up to expectations as a black belt. What even are people's expectations of a black belt?! Bruce lee?!

Maybe I'm setting my own expectations too high. Or I'm unfairly comparing myself to the other black belts who have literally been training as long as (if not longer!!) than I've been alive!! 

I can only do my best, and maybe it's a good thing to work hard on being better and better every single day. 

I want to become one of the best in the world and it's going to take hard work and time to get there!! 

Day 86

Tuesday 

Morning workouts again, then morning karate. I got the nicest nap in in between karate and working out this morning. Like actually one of those naps where your just so cosy and warm and happy. Then james wakes you up. ;( 

だい さき じゃない！

えやだ！！

だまえ！

Karate turned out to be a lot of fun though and again. Sweat. 

Home to wash all my karate clothes today and then off to teach Kazu at the bar. 

We had fun today. I'm working on japanese and he English so we are helping eaxhother. 

I actually love him. He loves sweets and cake and he is so neat and tidy with everything. 

Off home to bed around 10pm. Yea I'm in bed by 10pm because I wake up at 5.30. So not normal for a 22 year old. But what's normal anyways?! 

I'm happy and that's all that matters. 

Day 85

Monday: 

Back to morning training today. I trained then went home and had to do laundry. I swear since I've started these mornings I've got sweaty workout clothes coming out of my ears. みみ 

I studied a bit today. I really need to learn how to speak the same language as these guys- I want to talk to them but I can't!!!!! 

Then I went to karate this evening. 

It was just me and Sensei and Toshimune- San and Miyagi -San.

Sweat. Sweat. Sweat. 

Day 84!

Sunday. 

Today we went to Nakijin castle to see the cherry blossoms. 

I'm still feeling rubbish with my cold but I really wanted to go and see the cherry trees all lit up in the dark so off we went:

Candy floss <3

Day 83

Saturday 

Today I went to karate this morning, it was early today because Sensei had a thing to go to. 

Got that done, went back to the guest house- did my laundry and fell asleep until lunchtime. This cold is really taking it out of me! 

Pasta and Mikan for lunch and then read my book for a bit and watched some cool japanese language videos. 

わたしわ べつか です、はじまえ まして、よろしゅく おなえがします。

Off to work this evening. Was a fun night. Not manic but not empty. 

Day 82

I missed training because I was asleep because I feel like death warmed up.

Sanae got me because we went to check everything went well with her application and got some soba for lunch. Noodles and Soup should help my hana mizu issue. 

We decided to go south for the afternoon. As long as it doesn't involve too much moving or bright lights I'm okay! 

We found ourselves at Okinawa world and the caves. 

The first time in my life I've held a snake. 

So then we did it again. 

We saw the most amazing habu and Python and cobra snake show. 

Traditional Okinawakan dress. We felt like princesses. 

Then into the cave:

It was incredible. 

We saw a brilliant eisa dance show too. 

Such a incredible afternoon, such a shame I feel so crap with man flu. I'm sure I would have loved it SO much more if I was feeling the usual me! 

Day 81

Thursday もぅよび

Today I am tired. Full of はなみず (hana mizu- nose water aka snot haha!!) 

Think I'm getting a cold and feel crap but we said everyday training so I'm going. 

Turns out today was basically my best day. 

It's amazing how happy the small things can make you. After weeks of trying to do this and getting stressed and everyone telling me to be patient because it will happen. 

Well, today it happened. 

Seriously love James and Miltos for teaching me to climb the rope and lift the weight. I feel like I can do anything. 

Now onto the next challenge. 

Yea. I'm getting strong. 

I absolutely love it. 

Day 80

Wednesday 

So I did morning training as usual and then I met Sanae. No calligraphy class today because shisho しいほ is sick. 

We went for lunch ごはん and then spent the afternoon working on her applications to uni and my language dojo profile. 

Then I worked tonight because I covered for Yuri ゆりい i finished at around 01.30 and then got home around 2. Woke up at  05.30 to train. I'm tired. 

Day 79

Tuesday. 

Such a early morning. えやだ！！

We worked out. There was a dead mouse that looked just like Stuart little. Mildly amused me, not because it's dead- that's sad. Just because of the way it was there. I was going to give it a funeral but james said we should let a mongoose come and eat it. 

Then home for breakfast and straight off to karate. It was really hard today! I did a lot in 6 hours before lunch!!

Then home to shower (again!) and over to the bar to work with Sanae さない and to teach kazu かあず they are being amazing with me too. They are really helping me to learn my japanese and I just need to study and practice now! 

Another day in paradise gone.

It's going so fast but I love it. I'll find a way to stay. 

A year simply isn't enough. 

Day 78

Monday- 

Today we worked out at 9am again because it was a public holiday and so no school for the children which means no early wake up! 

We worked out- just me and james again because miltos had a lesson he had to be at for 9.

We worked kinda hard- not our hardest because it is a public holiday, Monday and we are tired! 

I stayed at James' for most of the day and got to spend some time with kari かぃな and Seli せぃな. We played Spider-Man, washed James' car and read books. I made it to nap time with Kari- she is actually the cutest かわいい thing ever. 

Home for a nap. It's a tough job playing games all day long. 

Dinner, shower and bed- we are back to 6.30am tomorrow. 

しにそう！！！

Day 77

Sunday. 

We worked out at 9am today as neither me or james got home until 3am. 

Miltos didn't come today because he has a tea party thing he had to go to. 

Then I went home じたく to wash my sweaty clothes, I then went to meet Sanae さない at the bar どじょ so we could work a bit more on her uni application. 

Miltos and the girls came back after Thier tea party- the girls looked beautiful!

I want a kimono. 

Staci is obsessed with my fat arms. Still if I keep on with these crazy ばか morning あつさ workouts, I'll be okay! 

Sanae さない and I went for some dinner. Loving the noodles. 

Day 76

I'm catching up here- this was Saturday. 

We worked out in the morning, we did a 8.30 start because it's the weekend! 

Then we had some breakfast and went over to karate. 

We went to this really good place for lunch, just down the hill from Sensei and we had katsu pork today. Apparently pouring sauce over the rice is not good etiquette! I'll stop doing that then! 

I worked in the evening, baked some scones for breakfast tomorrow (cones!!!!!!) 

Didn't finish until around 2.30am because there's a bunch of Australians on a trip here.

It was fun though.

Day 75

So usual early morning workout. Then back home for breakfast and to do laundry. I literally have needed to wash my entire collection of clothes because I've used them all. 

Everybody needs a laundry day and today had to be mine. 

3 loads of laundry later and I'm done. I got to have small naps in between each because I am feeling SO tired! 

Then I had a afternoon session of teaching English and then off to the bar to help Sanae with her application to art colleges/ universities in London. 

Exciting times. 

Got some dressings for my hands too, hopefully given a few days I can do everything properly again! 

No pictures for the last few days because my phone died and I had to get a new charger because mine has broken. 

Hopefully I'll get going again in the next couple of days with the pictures and exciting stories. Life is SO busy and most of it, I'm spending time on improving me- I'm trying to workout twice a day everyday, eat well, study Japanese and see stuff too. Im doing new things and pushing myself harder than ever before - my current challenge is to lift the 30kg deadlift weight. I can't do it but Everyday I'm getting closer. I'm having the best time just working on fixing me at the moment. 

Day 74

I was SO tired this morning- I made it to James' on my bike and then as we started the hill runs down the hill I completely lost my balance and fell down some of the hill. Managed to fall directly onto my hands- got some seriously sore grazed hands and my hip and knee- my knees aren't too bad because I had leggings on but there was quite a bit of blood from my hands. 

By this point I'm awake and full of adrenaline so I just keep running (imagine dory here "just keep swimming, just keep swimming") did 4 hill climbs as opposed to the usual 5 because the downs were much more cautious! 

Then washed my hands and did my best for the rest of the workout. 

I got to go with james today to teach a karate class to the children at a local school. It was a lot of fun! There was 2 hour long classes - they are learning Fukyugata Ichi, it was SO cool. These guys are the future of karate. 

Then we had lunch and went to Nishihara beach - it's nice there. On the way back we stopped by Gaja Sensei (uechi ryu) and got to see his dojo and he signed our books. We also got some rope for our makiwara tree. He is one of the nicest guys I've ever met. His dojo was amazing too. 

#signaturenumber3 

Then off to karate where my hands are now seriously painful. Even holding my handlebars on my bike really really hurts. We worked on a lot of kata and bunkai and then I worked with Sensei on Rohai and Gojushiho. I love it but again dripping with sweat. Ecstasy of sweating and hard work and all that, I'm feeling pain and hard work but so accomplished too- making progress. I love it. Amazing day. 

#sweat 

Day 73

Training again today- we changed the running route slightly and my feet are suffering because tabi have No support whatsoever- amazing grip but no cushion. I'm having to run like a complete numpty so it doesn't hurt up and down the hills. The rest is same old - think I've conquered the rope. Just to get faster and better now! 

Then off home to shower and change ready for calligraphy class. 

I had fun today. I really need to find time to practice. I won't get anywhere just doing my 2 hours a week thing. It needs to become a priority in the next couple of weeks, at least another hour or 2 at home.

 Then I went back to Sanaes house where we had lunch together and I started helping her to apply for universities to study art in London. 

I know how to do a UCAS application lol!! I remember the stress of it all!

Then back home to get ready and go to karate. Worked on bunkai tonight. Sensei was cold so we trained with the heater on-  I leaned a new meaning to dehydration today- seriously thought I was gonna pass out at one point- cycling everywhere and doing so much- finding time to eat and drink is hard! 

Must have drunk nearly 2 liters of water when I got home and didn't need to pee till the morning- must have really needed it!! :o 

The next goal is to really up the water, especially now I'm using so much more energy. 

Off to bed- the alarm goes off at 05.30. This month is like bootcamp. One that I will be SO proud of if I make it to the end -we are halfway!! 

#gambatte 

Day 72

So I'm a bit late with catching up with the past couple of days- it's been SO crazy! 

Today we had morning workouts again- not so good as yesteday but still 10.11 for the hill runs so I'm pleased. Overall I am getting fitter- especially considering this is all happening at 6am!! 

Then I headed back to the guest house where I had breakfast and then straight off to karate- life is getting SO busy now. I love it because doing what I love is my job but it is really pushing me to my limits!! 

Karate was great and Sensei signed my book- quite apt in the advice he has given me- basically translates as work hard play hard and keep moving forward. 

Signature number 2 and probably the advice I will learn to live by! 

We got to have lunch too- 

Really lovely Okinawan vegetable and meat stew type dish- Mrs. A is a brilliant cook! And Mochi and warm sweet beans for pud! I'm learning to actually like this food. 

From there it was over to the bar for language dojo with Kazu. 

We had a really good 3 hours and he is really improving with his English. He also surprised me with a gift- a book all about my favourite japanese cartoon- hanakappa, a young monster who has plants blossoming from his head- it keeps changing though and won't settle with one until he grows up. It follows his adventures and defeating the bad guys who want to steal the plant from his head. It's a little odd- but i realy like hanakappa and I need to learn to read fast!! 

A really good day, I'm competely exhausted but love it. 

Day 71

Today was THE day!! It was day 10 of our workouts and the best yet!! 

I did 5 hill climbs in 9.55 - really pleased with that as I was SO not feeling it today and my toe is still really really sore. 

Then onto the rest of the workout- I so NEARLY managed to lift the 30kg weight today too- proper weightlifter style, give it a few more days and I should be on it! 

Then all the other excersices were pretty standard- just as hard as ever. Then we reached the rope- today was MY day!!! i made it to the top- all the way to the very last knot and grabbed the rails. I didn't even really freak either which is the best part! So amazing how far we are all coming in such a short amount of time- if we can do this in 10 days imagine what we can do in 2 months!! 

James got a picture before he had to be ready to catch me! 

It's the little things in life- today this was my thing and it made me SO happy. I've conquered another monster and realised that just because its scary and you might not be able to do it at first you just gotta keep on trying. It took me 10 days to do this. 

I went for lunch with Miltos and Moi- we had the nicest burger! Avocado and Cheese. Yea- we earned it today. 

Got home around half 4 and fell asleep. 

Now it's 10pm and I'm about to go back to sleep again. Early start again tomorrow, karate starts again too. 

Shinisou. 

Day 70!

Workouts again- I actually tried up that hill today and did it in 10.04- so close! 

I cycled from James' South towards the sea but my toe is still causing me problems- it seems to heal a bit and I jump or step wrong and have another few days of proper pain etc. I've started these workouts and don't wanna stop now so just gonna power on through. I've made friends with Eve (the painkiller brand here)- even if my toe is broken there's nothing the hospital and doctors can do anyway. 

So I cycled back and will keep going to the caves and peace park another day. 

I got back to the guest house and did a load of laundry and cleaned my room a bit- these morning workouts have upped my sweaty clothes!

Went to the 100 yen shop to find a case for my book today so I can take it everywhere with me (you never know who your going to bump into!) but it's protected! 

I'm feeling SO tired recently- I think I need some more fruit and veg and water in my life! 

Day 69

Today was amazing. Another early start, got 10.15 on the hill climbs so slightly slower than yesterday but still pretty good! To top it off- I made it to the top of the rope!! For the first time today, i actually made it to the top and touched the rail all by myself- I didn't even really freak out- certainly not like I was last week!! Progress, slow but progress! :)

Then I watched 'the book of life' with Kari- a fantastic film, and then the first half of 'the boxtrolls'- looking forward to finishing that one! 

Then we went for lunch- I had some amazing chicken and rice- and i tried the giant pickled radish thing they eat here- wasn't too bad! 

We finished off at the park- I played with the girls for a couple of hours- we played on all the climbing frames, I was the Shark! Then we played hide and seek- I actually had fun. Yea- I still love playing children's games. 

That left just enough time to cycle home and shower ready for work. 

Just as we were getting ready the parcel man came- it was my book!!! 

It couldn't have been a more perfect shift because Taira Sensei (Goju Ryu) was in the bar tonight and I have my first signature!! 

His Makiwara hands are incredible. This guy is amazing. It's the start of my own quest- one that will become a big part of my journey here- leading to a treasure at the end. 

A bit of a late night after a busy day today. We are training from 9 tomorrow so I don't have to leave until 8. At least I'll get 5 hours sleep. 

#iloveit 

Day 68

So up early again this morning, I didn't feel too bad because we got to have a rest yesterday and I got to have a early night! 

So day 7 of training today- I smashed my time for the hill climbs and have got it down to 10.05 minutes now! That's pretty good considering 7 days ago I was at way over 12.30 - just to maintain and or improve it now! 

The rest of the workout was good- we stepped up the box jumps to 2 tyres and I managed to get up to 20 press ups today. It's good that we are making progress. Hopefully soon, this workout will be a walk in the park! 

I cycled home (after playing with Kari for a bit- I actually love that baby) 

I went up to Shuri castle this afternoon to see their New Year Celebrations. It's Cold here today!!! 

It was busy but again, there's such a wonderful atmosphere at these things! 

There was free hot Sampin Cha (jasmine tea) and the show of traditional Ryu Kyu Dance was brilliant. 

There was a few different dances and a dragon too! 

Then I found parts of the castle and trail we've never seen before! 

This is the view from the woman's quarters. 

And the lookout post. Even though it's cloudy and cold it's still the most beautiful place in the world to me. 

Going to have a relaxing evening tonight as there is another early start tomorrow- yea I'm becoming the one that's in bed by 10pm.