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The Classical Three Section Staff
I've played with a lot of weapons in my day, but the three section staff is a scary one. Does any other weapon scream quite so clearly "hey, hit yourself in the head!"
That's why I decided to check out "The Classical Three Section Staff" by Rick L. Wing.
I had my reservations about the book at first because it seemed like a normal color-by-numbers martial arts text (show a couple pictures, explain some foot positions, call it a day).
Although "Three Section Staff" does follow a pretty standard setup, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the content. The author provided excellent information about the history of the weapon and wrote in a very approachable manner. At no point did Wing try to sound like the master of all things staff.
One of my favorite parts of the book was in the beginning when Wing discussed the hand positions used with the staff. Seeing his pictures and examples of how the postures could be used was very enlightening.
Example of a Three Section Staff
Rather than trying to pass on a whole "Style", Wing geared the bulk of his book around a single two-man form. The form is a sample combative engagement of the three-section staff vs a spear. As Wing explains it, the techniques contained in this single form allow the practitioner to understand the core principles of the weapon. Therefore, the methods used here can be used anywhere.
The pictures contained in the book are very well taken and the angles help demonstrate what is happening. Although I personally haven't learned the form contained in the book, I have gleaned a lot from the ideas discussed.
Right now in my training I am not trying to become an expert at three section staff. If I ever did want to significantly increase my proficiency, I would certainly use this text as a highly valuable resource.
Overall, Ikigai108 gives "The Classical Three Section Staff"…
Would you like to purchase this book? Check it out here!
In the Dojo, by Dave Lowry
I have over 15 post it notes sticking out of In the Dojo, reminding me of important things I need to reread.
That's a hint about how I feel about this book.
Dave Lowry is easily one of the most accomplished martial arts writers of our time, and he adds another highly valuable text to his resume with In the Dojo. Focusing on rituals and etiquette surrounding Japanese martial arts, Lowry touches upon points that could very easily fade away into the ether as martial arts become more about business rather than culture.
Many students of modern arts don't realize it, but etiquette (or reishiki) surround every aspect of classical martial training. From concepts as varying as dojo design to proper bowing, reishiki embodies what it means to be a classical warrior. Lowry tries to grant us a peak into the different methods of manner that he has discovered over his years of koryu training.
As jonesed as I am about In the Dojo, I have one important caveat – it's not for everyone. Lowry really digs into the minutiae of etiquette and does not dole out a lot of training advice. People looking for Samurai Secrets or Ninja Techniques have definitely come to the wrong place.
This book is more suited for those unfortunate individuals who find themselves captivated by the arts and all the history, culture, and quirks behind it. For these budo nerds, In the Dojo is a playground of 'did you know?' and 'ahh ha' moments.
A young Dave Lowry
In the Dojo is separated by concept as opposed to having a story arc like Autumn Lightning or Persimmon Wind. Should the reader be so inclined, he/she could jump around to different topics, including: proper behavior for a teacher, proper behavior for a student, the origins of the hakama, the involvement of Shinto in martial arts, and more.
As tends to happen with Mr. Lowry's books, if you buy In the Dojo, have a highlighter and post it notes nearby. There is about 10 pounds of information here crammed into a 5 pound bag and you'll need to come back from time to time to refresh.
Overall, Ikigai108 gives this book:
Would you like to give this book a shot? Buy it from the bbm store.
Squishables
Alright. I'm stepping outside my box today. You may remember me from such tough guy reviews as Power Training and Black Belt Karate. Well today I'm here to help you in a different department – a much more adorable one.
Squishable.com is a website that provides a very specific service – they import fluffy, lovable stuffed animals into America from Hong Kong. Yes, it sounds like it should be illegal – but it isn't. The creators are crazy smart folk; they didn't jump onto a fade, they spearheaded one.
(In case you're wondering why squishables are getting so popular, have a peek:)
Statistically speaking, 88% of female viewers just erupted in 'awws' and 'that's so cute!' (and 14% of male viewers did too, but then went and lifted weights.) Which brings me to the main reason why I write this review – fellas, make it happen.
Over the course of the holidays I was searching for a fun gift for my sig-other. I was coming up a little blank when I remembered my sister telling me about these cute stuffed animals she saw at an anime convention in Baltimore. She sent me the website, and I realized almost instantly that this was a winner.
The sheer size of the squishables is what really makes them different. Consider this comparison:
This is only a slight exaggeration created through the magic of Microsoft paint. Real squishables are indeed large.
Another neat thing is the wide variety of animals they have to offer. The webpage contains dozens of different styles, and also some weird alternatives (think cupcakes and carrots).
After spending way too long agonizing over what creatures I wanted, I put in my order. Upon arrival, I was very pleased with the quality. These things were designed to absorb impromptu hugs from anyone who happens to be within arms length.
When I ultimately gave one to my girlfriend (it was a panda), she was very pleased. First at the unlikelihood of receiving an oversized stuffed animal, and second at the cuteness of it. I also secretly bought one for my sister (a raccoon) knowing she wouldn't expect it.
In addition to girlfriends or wives, there's one other demographic to consider – kids. Parents, aunts, uncles, etc. who need to find something fun for a small child should add squishable.com to their list of must-stops.
Squishables are an unexpected, outside-the-box gift for a price that's very reasonable. If you're stuck for a birthday, Valentine's Day, or any other Day, I'd say this might be your answer.
Ikigai108 gives Squishables…
Power Training by Morio Higaonna
I recently had the pleasure of watching "Power Training" by Morio Higaonna. It gave me a lot of food for thought when it comes to classical karate training.
"Power Training" is all about the different methods Higaonna uses to create strong and powerful karate practitioners. Higaonna himself is renowned worldwide as a skilled karateka and strong individual. Many people marvel at his archaic methods of training and wonder how he has achieved his famed abilities.
The video begins by exploring Higaonna's stretching methods. Although this sounds pretty mundane, it is interesting to see the the ways he integrates karate style breathing into his routine. Sometimes odd looking and sometimes a bit confusing, Higaonna's stretches leave you with something to add into your own workout.
Furthermore, Higaonna shows us how to do two man warmups and exercises.
This is probably just the westerner in me talking, but these drills are a little too up close and personal with your partner for me. Higaonna is practically climbing on top of his student half the time when helping him stretch. Personally, I prefer a little breathing room.
Next in the video is something for which Higaonna Sensei is famous – Hojo Undo. Hojo Undo is the usage of old style tools and methods in order to make the body tougher and stronger. Bells, rocks, and iron bars are just a few devices used to turn the body into a fighting weapon.
Shown here are ishi sashi, nagiri game, ch’ishi, and kongo ken.
This portion of the video was very interesting, and anyone who has dabbled with the idea of including Hojo Undo in their training would benefit from seeing Higaonna Sensei at work.
Shown next is kata and various two man drills. Higaonna and his assistant Tetsuji Nakamura show different ways of using pads to improve strikes, but also demonstrate ways of using body-to-body contact as yet another way to strengthen the body.
One drill I found particularly interesting was called Kakie. This is something I have trained a bit in the past, and Tai Chi practitioners would recognize it as quite similar to "push hands". This is an excellent drill to practice spontaneity and different strikes and joint locks.
Overall, I thought this video was very well produced and contained great information. Many martial arts dvds lack a certain production quality – "Power Training" does not follow that mold. Interesting, well edited, and insightful, I would watch this again to gain further insight into Higaonna's methods.
Ikigai108 gives "Power Training"…
Incubus – Light Grenades
I've never been an Incubus fan. Until now.
Incubus is a band that has been extremely popular since 2001, but for me they've been invisible. My brushes with them have been brief and cursory. Things would have stayed that way if it wasn't for a radio play of "Love Hurts".
Driving home one day last week I was flipping through radio stations as I normally do. A song came on that had a very intriguing melody. I let it ride for awhile and didn't pay full attention until the chorus. The hook was powerful and unique; it pulled me into the song immediately. I sat on edge until it was over, hoping the DJ would say the name of the song one more time. Luck was with me and I scribbled it down, knowing iTunes was only a few short minutes away.
Once I got home and located the song I realized it was by Incubus, a band I had essentially written off. Intrigued, I listened to the sound bites of the other tracks on the album and found myself captured by most of them. Even for bands that I know I like, it usually takes a few listens for me to get into the album. This was just sound bites and I was already on board. I decided to go for it and buy the whole thing.
After in-depth analysis, I'm very glad I took the $10 chance. A few of the tracks are hit-material all on their own – Dig, Love Hurts, Anna Molly, Oil and Water, Diamonds and Coal, just to name a few. Furthermore, the album as a whole brings a lot of complexity and diversity that caught me happily off guard.
Some reviewers online accuse this album of being a bit of a sell out to radio friendliness. There are certainly radio friendly songs here, but I don't attribute that to a selling out of quality or depth. Instead, I just think they are really well written songs with undeniable hooks.
Listening to this I get a sense of Foo Fighters combined with Coldplay, two bands anyone would be happy to be compared too. There is delicacy in songs like Oil and Water and Love Hurts, but power in songs like Dig. There is also a little trippy, conceptual action in tracks like Quicksand (and since I'm a huge fan of Led Zeppelin, this always grabs a few points from me).
Don't be like me. Give Incubus a go right now, and don't wait for the music gods to strike you down via radio.
Ikigai108 gives "Light Grenades"…
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