In The Ki Of Im

Martial arts and the Journey to Islam

2011-10-07T00:28:00.000+08:00

I am honoured to have been mentioned in an article that my good friend, Daliah Merzaban wrote on martial arts and its intrinsic relationship to Islam. Thank you Daliah, it was an enjoyable process helping you in producing this article. The article can be found on Huffington Post here, and at Daliah's blog here.

Training at Shudokan Aikido Dojo, Seremban, Malaysia

Photo: Asma Faizal

A close friend introduced me to the idea that practicing martial arts has the potential to assist a Muslim in achieving a higher spiritual connection with God. Since I had always associated martial arts with Asiatic culture and Eastern religions such as Zen Buddhism, the connection with Islam did not immediately occur to me.

But after sitting in on one of my friend Imran’s Aikido and Karate classes at a dojo in the United Arab Emirates this month, the correlations began to unfold before my eyes. The mood was set when, just before starting two hours of rigorous and meticulous training, a number of students and the sensei assembled to pray Islam’s sunset prayer, known as maghrib.

Each technique they practised during the sessions that followed was precise, demanding mastery of the subtle movements of leg, arm, hand and back. Students of various backgrounds and faiths exhibited tremendous patience as they repeated these motions, striving to take any tiny step closer to precision of combat technique.

Basic Aikido movements. Shudokan Aikido Dojo, Malaysia

Photo: Asma Faizal

Aikido, which originated in Japan, is typically done in pairs and practitioners learn to defend themselves while protecting their attackers from injury. Karate emphasises hard training and precise movement using a series of punches, kicks, and knee and elbow strikes.

While learning defensive fighting skills is the core purpose of training, interactions between students were remarkably cordial. A deep sense of equality filled the room; no matter how advanced in skill an apprentice, young or old, happened to be, s/he made an effort to enrich the experience of peers. Whether the belts they wore around their waists were black, brown, purple or white, everyone appeared to derive some value from the session.

Sensei Gerard Ratnam with Aikido student at Shudokan

Photo: Asma Faizal

This was inspiring for me because of the commonalities I saw with Islam. Muslims at varying stages along the spiritual path share a common ambition: to forge an intimate bond with the one Almighty God. Islam embodies an undeviating path to peace of mind, attained by aligning one’s physical, mental, financial, family and community affairs to this primary goal, which we should help each other work toward.

For a martial artist, the journey of perfecting technique doesn’t end with a black belt, it demands continual dedication and training, Imran told me later than evening. “Karate is like a pot of boiling water, and constant training is the fire that keeps the water boiling,” he said, citing wisdom from a prominent Karate instructor that can underlie both martial arts and Islamic devotion.

The comment brought to mind the concept of Al Insan Al Kamil in Islamic theology, describing the perfect being who has achieved unity with God in mind, body and soul. Attaining this level of consciousness demands a series of traits, such as steadfastness (istiqamah), self-inventory (muhasabah), improvement (tahsin) and humility – each honed to perfection.

Such traits are at the heart of martial arts as well, although a practitioner need not be driven, as Imran is, by a desire to please God. There are, furthermore, a few martial arts practices that go against sharia which, for instance, discourages blows to the face and bowing to other human beings.

Sitting in seiza. Shudokan Aikido Dojo, Malaysia

Photo: Asma Faizal

To bridge gaps inherent in some martial art forms and supplement his training, Imran added an exercise technique known as Senaman Tua, native to his homeland Malaysia, to his martial arts regimen. Most-easily understood as an Islamic form of yoga, Senaman Tua requires that in addition to physical development, students take a journey toward self-realisation.

One who trains in Senaman Tua will eventually have all the core skills to learn and master Silat, a martial art practised in Malaysia and Indonesia, rooted in Islam. The goal of each Silat practitioner is to improve their art for the sake of God, explained Mohd Nadzrin bin Abdul Wahab, Imran’s Senaman Tua instructor, who has offered Silat training in Malaysia since 2003.

Sensei Thamby Rajah, father of Malaysian Aikido, instructing me on the finer points of Ikkajo

Photo: Asma Faizal

“The basic idea behind silat is softness is strength,” said Nadzrin, 34. Based in Kuala Lumpur, Nadzrin was drawn into Silat after seeing how Islam was woven into each lesson of his first guru, Muhammad Radzi Haji Hanafi. “Every other word” he uttered was an Islamic principle, related Nadzrin.

Silat teaches practitioners that they should dedicate their whole self, mind, body and soul to the intention of performing the art for the sake of God in order for the goal to be worthwhile. Apprentices should strive to be truthful, keep promises, and act with strong conviction without disrespecting their parents and teachers.

“Every martial technique depends on a preset, pre-thought movement of the human body,” explained Nadzrin, who has written extensively on Silat on a series of blogs. “A possible stumbling block to spiritual development is the practitioner's ascribing of his development or prowess to himself ... Thus, we are taught in Silat that all gerak(movement) belongs to Allah, The Mover, in every sense of the word.”

Children at play, Shudokan Aikido Dojo, Malaysia

Photo: Asma Faizal

While certain varieties of Silat became controversial because they deviated from Islam, most Silat styles in Malaysia are sharia-compliant, he said. Some schools, meanwhile, have modified techniques used in other martial arts like Aikido and Taekwondo to ensure they comply with Islam by, for instance, including bows that do not reach the level of sujud, prostration in Islamic prayer. Silat and Senaman Tua styles are now offered in many countries, including the United States, Europe, South Africa, Canada and Singapore.

Yet Silat on its own is no replacement for a Muslim’s intellectual training in religion. It is rare to find instructors who are also qualified religious scholars, which had been commonplace between the 11th-19th centuries, Nadzrin said.

“I have discovered that the only way to learn Islam is to learn Islam directly, not going through the goggles of a martial art. Some martial arts teachers aren’t qualified to teach or misrepresent it. However, in martial arts, you get to see the practice of Islam in muamalat (interactions),” he said.

Islam, Arabic for ‘submission to God’, embodies an entire lifestyle whereby followers integrate acts of worship into everything they do, such that expressions of gratitude to God become the goal of each activity, even beyond the five daily prayers.

In the area of fitness, we are encouraged to live in a healthy, beneficial way, consistently keeping our egos and impulses in check. In one Hadith, Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, advised Muslims: "Teach your children swimming, archery and horse-riding”.

International students gather for Karate seminar in Kerala, India

Photo: Asma Faizal

Martial arts help people attain these goals, according to Nadzrin, because with proper training they encourage alignment and coordination between mind and body. He said participants gain many benefits, including equilibrium, muscular strength, stamina, cardiovascular maintenance, hormonal balance, improved kinesthesis and their senses become more receptive.

When a Muslim’s body is healthy and fit, s/he is better equipped to, for instance, apply greater focus in prayer. In this context, one’s pursuit of fitness is not driven by a desire to feed one’s vanity and ego by attaining a toned figure or buff muscles, but rather to strengthen one’s body to be better able to practise faith.

Reflecting back to Imran’s training, I am impressed at how the mastery of combat techniques actually moves martial artists away from negative energies like anger and closer to the serenity inherent to the Islamic state of mind.

“Martial arts teach us awareness,” said Imran. “The more we train, the more aware we become. The more aware we become, the less likely we would get involved in a situation of conflict. So ironically, the more we train, the less use we will have for our violent techniques. We attain peace.”

Me training at Shudokan Aikido Dojo, Seremban, Malaysia

Photo: Asma Faizal

*Special thank you to my wonderfully patient wife Asma Faizal for sharing photographs for this piece.

Aikido Bootcamp!

2007-11-09T00:57:00.000+08:00

Sensei Noveen smsed a bunch of us on Wednesday and said there'd be an evening class if anyone was interested. My first couple of classes had gone quite well, so I thought why not. Little did I know what was waiting for me.

Turns out it was to be the Aikido torture bootcamp class from hell. Multiple flips, running laps back and fort across the dojo, endless Kihon Dosa. Just when everyone thought things were over, it suddenly was time for sit-ups, back and abdominal exercises.

Now I'm not complaining, it was more concern for my fellow Aikidoka, I mean, they're kids. Just look at the immense pain and torture in their faces.

Hmm ok, Azim doesn't look so bad, but maybe it's the angle...

Ok ok, I guess he did quite ok, but then there's Daria, poor poor girl...

Hmm... (she actually did a whole extra session before the actual one, unbelievable!)

Ah hah! As I suspected, half dead! Ok ok, he's just pretending, I forced him to pose that way.

Anyway that's not the point. I think the kids are secretly grateful that they have an amazing senior like me. The pinnacle of fitness and determination. Someone they can always look up to for inspiration...

Ok maybe not.

Aikido: Finally, my first class after a while

2007-10-31T16:40:00.000+08:00

I finally went to Aikido class on Sunday morning. Pretty tiring, but worth it as we learnt new moves. Performed Kihon Dosa Renzoku, a combination of the six basic moves in Yoshinkan Aikido. Also practiced a couple of side entering throws, and some basic Judo take down and arm bar techniques.

My heartiest congratulations also goes to Sensei Thamby Rajah, who received an ANS (Ahli Setia Negeri Sembilan), at the Istana Seri Menanti on Thursday. It is recognition that is overdue, and totally deserved for his incredible list of achievements.

Yoshinkan Aikido International Senshusei Course

2007-09-25T12:12:00.000+08:00

International Senshusei Course

The Senshusei Course is a year long intensive aikido course for those who really want to dedicate themselves to Yoshinkan Aikido. The course is the only one of it's kind in the world having been originally developed in the early 1960's to train the Tokyo Metropolitan Riot Police in Yoshinkan Aikido as a traditional budo form. It continues to this day, with a small but elite group of men and women having had the distinction of graduating from the Senshusei course.*

*Excerpt from International Yoshinkan Aikido Federation website

Kendo Grading

2007-07-11T19:59:00.000+08:00

Some pictures from my recent Kendo grading :)

Registration and number assignment

Woot! Ready to go!

My turn! (2nd from the right)

Younger (and higher ranking) kids, grading in armour

Waiting for results

Lowest ranked amongst the three

Moral Support

Woohoo! My results just got announced! :)

777...7?

2007-07-08T02:38:00.000+08:00

On 07/07/07 I passed my Kendo grading... to 7th kyu :)

Kendo armour here I come!

Update: Just realised while looking at my photo that the number I was assigned also adds up to... 7! :)

Aikido: Hard Sessions

2007-05-21T15:46:00.000+08:00

Migi Kamae

Aikido session yesterday was intense, and tough. Spirit seems to be strong in the dojo all round. Body aching all over, but it's all good, just hope to be ok for Kendo on Wednesday.

Focused a lot on Kihon Dosa, or basic movements, with an extra half hour drill at the end of class. Technique wise, learnt a move invented by Sensei Soh Har, who was there on the day to teach us! At the end of it, my legs were ready to give way, and fainting seemed to be a pleasant option at the time.

All worth it though, as at the end, Abang Zaki treated us all to some good food, as a way to celebrate his son's (Azizi) great performance in the Japan Open International Taekwondo Championship in Osaka recently. He received a gold and silver medal as well as the Best Performer Award! Well done Azizi! (Click here)

Osu!

Sweet message from Awang

Thanks Abang Zaki!

Teachers, family, friends

Arrgh forgot to Photoshop my belt!

Soh Har Sensei

Thamby Sensei, Father of Malaysian Aikido

Kendo: I <3 Kiri-kaeshi

2007-05-16T23:12:00.000+08:00

Went to my second Kendo class since I got back from London today. First class last week was a bit slow, as I had to train with total noobs, doing basic swings (zzzz....) Today was soo much better! Trained with the seniors, met my old dojo mates, and got to do practice drills (waza-geiko) with the seniors. Did my fave drill, Kiri-kaeshi (see vid below) I like! Still kinda rusty, missing the target a few times, and need to focus on proper posture and form.

Still, was a good session, looking forward to next class.

Aikido: Yoshinkan Aikido demonstration

2007-05-13T13:20:00.000+08:00

Aikido Yoshinkan (養神館, Yōshinkan, lit. House for Cultivating the Spirit) is a style of aikido founded by Gozo Shioda (1915-1994) after World War II.

Yoshinkan Aikido is occasionally called a "hard style" because the training methods are a product of the grueling period that Shioda spent as a student of Morihei Ueshiba. It is also generally closer to aikijujutsu than so-called "soft styles" of aikido, and has sharper, more angular movements. The unusual emphasis placed on correct form rather than correct flow and timing further contributes to its image as a "hard style." However, the merit of such terms as "hard" and "soft" is generally believed to lie on the superficial level of describing a style's "feel", rather than saying anything about the heart of the style itself.

Source: Wikipedia

Aikido: Sokumen Iriminage

2007-05-07T13:35:00.000+08:00

Second class since I came back was good. Still feeling a bit slower and more sluggish than before, but much better than last week. Class also seems a bit more intense now, more drills, rolls and flips, which I love. Did a few techniques as usual, but concentrated on sokumen iriminage throws and a few variants. All in all, very satisfying, and can't wait for next class.

Osu!

Aikido: It's good to be back! :)

2007-04-29T13:57:00.000+08:00

Aikido: Yubi Dori

2007-03-16T20:03:00.000+08:00

Yubi Dori (Finger Lock)

Coming back soon and looking forward to resuming my Aikido training. A short clip of a practical use of Aikido for self defence, in this clip, controlling an agressor using his fingers.

Sensei Joe Thambu of Shudokan Aikido Melbourne
www.aikidoshudokan.com

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Kendo: UCL Kendo Club Pt 2

2007-01-18T05:47:00.000+08:00

More Kirikaeshi practice (see Part 1), and head, hand and body strikes practice. Then today moved on to uchikomigeiko practice...

Uchikomigeiko*

Uchikomi (single-step striking) practice is designed to allow students to attack a passive receiver. The receiver typically makes a target available to the student, who strikes and follows through just as if it were a real match. It is in uchikomi practice that the student perfects the coordination of sword stroke, body movement, and intent. The goal is to bring all one's physical and mental powers to bear upon the target at a precise moment in time.

Hiki-men

Interesting, and more challenging. Lots of work still to be done, on everything from footwork to strikes and timing. Also learnt Hiki-men, attacking while moving backwards from a tsubazeriai (stand-off). Not as easy as how the senseis make it look tho.

Hiki-men (vid of kids as I could not find any better ones)

Stuart 'Gibbo' Gibson

Oo also found out that I actually have the privilege of training under Stuart Gibson, who is currently 4th time national champion and 2nd time British Open champion. He was also awarded the Fighting Spirit award at the World Championships in Taipei December 2006. Whoaaaaa! If even a little knowledge rubs off on me, I am very lucky indeed.

Stuart 'Gibbo' Gibson (tallest guy in the middle, standing)

Some useful phrases

Hiki-men - Strike to the head while moving backwards
Tsuba - Sword guard
Tsubazeriai - Sword guard against sword guard (stand-off before attack)

*Definition taken from http://www.yamatanidojo.com/kendo_practice.htm

Kendo: UCL Kendo Club

2007-01-09T09:04:00.000+08:00

Did Kiri-Kaeshi, the staple of Kendo practice. Involves hitting another person, which was a first for me. Only did basic solo practice swings before this. Felt weird at first, but I got into the swing of things (groan) towards the end.

Kiri-kaeshi: Basic strike to the head, followed by alternate left/right strikes to the head while moving (4 strikes forward, 5 strikes back).

"Relax your shoulders!"

"Shout louder!"

"Control with your left arm!"

"Footwork! Footwork! Footwork!"

All this and more on Day 1, and I think this was one of the lighter days. Looks like some tough classes coming up, but that can only be a good thing :)

Photo: http://www.kendo.uclu.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php?n=Gallery.Gallery

Outing with me cuzzies

2006-11-29T13:30:00.000+08:00

I heart my cousins, and they heart me :)

Raya Pics

2006-11-06T23:30:00.000+08:00

Hi all!

Lazy to write as usual, so this is gonna be short and sweet. Summary of Raya in pics.

Enjoy!

Brothers...

Cousins...

Friends...

Some bunga api...

Treats...

Woooo duit raya! (So happy, still got some this year woohoo!)

And finally, back to this... yeay!!

Selamat Hari Raya everyone!

Kendo: Beginnings

2006-10-19T15:57:00.000+08:00

A short but informative piece on Kendo. Classes have been good so far, learning basic swings, kata, and footwork. Good news is my gi and hakama (see picture below) have arrived woohoo! Can't wait to put it on. I dunno, wearing a t-shirt and loose pants reminds me I'm a beginner, seems to take the fun a bit out of things hehehe.

Gi and Hakama

Hmm, I guess I better learn to put it on. This will come in handy.

Aikido: International Shudokan Aikido Gasshuku

2006-09-20T11:51:00.000+08:00

I had the privilege of attending the International Shudokan Aikido Gasshuku the whole of last week. International not in location (Seremban, KL then Port Dickson), rather, international in that the participants came from Australia, UK, Indonesia, and some from Iran, Vietnam and Libya.

The programme itself was rather simple, training hard everyday, morning and evening, under amazing Senseis or Masters of Aikido, especially Sensei Joe Thambu who I have mentioned before in an earlier piece. Had to work extra hard as I was the only representative from Seremban Dojo (Birthplace of Shudokan Aikido), and me only a white belt! Woooo pressure.

Met loads of people, who were all very nice, and not all from our style of Aikido. Aikikai students from Singapore and Phillipines also attended.

In between training there were demonstrations in Seremban, KL and Port Dickson. During the whole thing, I had to MC a dinner (of 200!), sell t-shirts (what the??), take a midnight stroll on the beach (nice), roti canai at 1am (yum), and loads of other stuff.

Anyway learnt a lot, met people, had fun. Nuff said. I'll update this piece with pictures once I've got them all from various sources.

Update: Photos added

Seremban Dojo

1. Enrica, Nicole, Me
2. Sensei Thamby Rajah with Aikidoka from all over
3. Phew, training's over!

Tiara Beach Resort Training

Ow! Ow! Ow! Ow!

1. Aikido Chicks
2. Indon Crew
3. The 5 Roommates

Port Dickson

The Senseis

1. Senseis from Indonesia, Australia, Malaysia, and UK
2. Sensei Gerard doing what he does best
3. Sensei Mark, Sensei Damon, and Sensei Jeremy

The Amazing Kids

1. Seremban Dojo kids woohoo!
2. Dhuha the Amazing
3. Awang the Awesome

Misc

1. Syuhada and Salihah
2. Salihah kicking ass!
3. Sensei Joe Thambu
4. Sensei Mark, me! (The one pulling his stomach in mwahahahaha)

Merdeka!

2006-08-30T23:14:00.000+08:00

Happy Merdeka!

Have passion. Strive to be the best, to constantly learn, to constantly improve and to keep pushing beyond your comfort zone. Ultimately, be a leader among men (and women).

Being a great Malaysian will lead to a great Malaysia.

Have a good one!

Aikido: Short Piece on Yoshinkan Aikido

2006-08-29T13:46:00.000+08:00


Sensei Joe Thambu (Nephew of Sensei Thamby from Shudokan Seremban) - 6th Dan Black Belt in Yoshinkan Aikido features in this story from Body & Soul

Kendo

2006-08-24T21:07:00.000+08:00

October's sooo far away. Soon my babies... soon. Sigh!

A Session with Tajuddin Ismail

2006-08-11T21:18:00.000+08:00

Strong pieces of art need no hype, they are able to stand on their own, and need no aid in telling their story

I had the privilege and honour of meeting Tajuddin Ismail for a chit chat today at his art gallery. The wonderful thing about meeting someone of such high accomplishment, is that even the briefest of meetings leave you refreshed, inspired and totally motivated.

Listening to him speak, while surrounded by his art, gave me a lasting impression. To go off the beaten path requires courage, and drive, but above all, a healthy dose of self-belief and conviction. Do something because you believe in it, remain honest and true to yourself throughout, and the rest will pretty much take care of itself.

"Success is when I wake up and still feel like painting". An easy statement to dismiss, except for the fact that he has been painting for over 40 years!

Surely if we inculcate this drive and passion within ourselves, to constantly push and explore, to expand our boundaries, will we break the shackles of mediocrity, to achieve our dreams, and ultimately... to find ourselves.

Aikido: 1000 Flips

2006-07-29T00:04:00.000+08:00

Oh my achin' back! Really need to work on my rolls and flips. Just got to keep at it. Training is the key, do it enough times earnestly, and something's gotta improve, no shortcuts to it. 1,000 flips, 1,000 rolls. Did a lot of them in class today, which I'm happy about.

Forward roll

Ukemi (Receiving the throw/attack) is almost as important as the actual defense techniques in Aikido. Kinda satisfying when you do a roll, and you give the mat that loud thwack as you land.

I wanna do this! (Nope, not the guy on the right, the other one, on the left, hehehe)

That does it! Extra practice after the next class. Can't wait!

Illustration 1: http://www.aikidofaq.com/bilder/drawings/or_mae-ukemi.jpg.html
Illustration 2: http://www.soton.ac.uk/~aikido/

Aikido: Sunday Demo

2006-07-25T18:37:00.000+08:00

Sunday was great. Our dojo participated in a demo in Seremban, for Hari Kecergasan Kanak-Kanak.

I came to help out, as the performance was done by the kids. First up was a dance routine, followed by a Judo performance. Then came our turn, followed by wushu and a lion dance.

After Judo, came my performance. I was simply amazing. Such grace, and power in my movements. Actually, I was just the mat layer, better known as stage kuli hehehe. Still you can't blame one for taking pride in his job :)

Anyway, after the mats were laid, the real heroes came out. Our juniors came out and started their performance. What a show! Kudos to them for giving 100% and impressing the crowd.

Whoa! Sometimes in Aikido if you wanna see how something should be done, go and look at how kids do it. Now I know who to go to when I want to correct my flip rolls. Don't be fooled, these kids can teach any adult a thing or two.

They performed Kihon Dosa, which is a basic kata or movement in Yoshinkan Aikido. This was followed by some rolls, flips, and even somersaults! Next, came some techniques performed in slow motion, then at normal speed. The crowd was very appreciative, and gave tremendous applause.

Next, Dayang came up. Phwoarrr! She performed Jiyu Waza (closest to freestyle sparring in Aikido) on Noveen Sensei, and man did it looked brutal from where I was standing. I think I heard some gasps from the audience, looking in amazement. Very impressive. Dayang is only 14, which is probably why hehe. Jealous! I want to be a Shodan too! Patience Imran, patience! Arrghh!

Anyway, took some photos with my camera phone. Waiting for some other photos, and a stunning video of Dayang and Noveen Sensei in action. Oo also I just started using Tabblo, this new photo service. Click below to see the pictures, comments and criticism are welcome. Enjoy!

See my Tabblo>

Aikido: Sensei Francis Klyne

2006-07-06T00:47:00.000+08:00

Sensei Francis Klyne, Aikido teacher of my childhood days was highlighted in The Star yesterday. I had just woken up when my dad came in and gave me the papers, showing the article.

Sensei Francis Klyne

My early teacher of Aikido

Sensei Francis taught me, as well as my brothers as children. Back then he was a towering figure to us kids, but somehow we were never intimidated, as he had a very gentle and kind demeanour about him.

What I remember most was how he made classes fun for us kids, and how he put up with our antics in the dojo (Used to always go for the weapons, and hurt ourselves, or fight with my brothers heh heh).

Still going strong

He would train alongside the kids, and take amazing falls, with the most amazingly loud slams on the mat I ever heard. I really believed I was this powerful kid, being able to throw a person of his size, which I guess led me to learning to love Aikido, heh heh.

Thank you Sensei Francis, and hope to see you soon.

Here's the article from The Star:

A guru’s kick in life

At first glance, Francis Klyne may look like any other senior citizen. But don’t be quick to judge this martial arts guru as he can still take on younger opponents with just a twist of his hand before hurling them into the air. The 65-year-old has almost five decades’ experience as an Aikido practitioner and received his early training at the martial art’s headquarters in Japan. Despite his credentials, Klyne has always maintained a low profile until recently when his disciples “coaxed” him to agree to some publicity. The father of two was the first student of illustrious Aikido master K.Thambirajah who was the first Malaysian to be graded the rank of “Shodan” (1st dan) in June 1957 by the Japanese Government. Thambirajah, 82, has also been endorsed as the Oldest Practising Aikido Instructor in the country by Malaysia Book Of Records. Klyne repeatedly praised Thambirajah for teaching him the martial art. “I am indebted to him for parting with his skills that eventually moulded me into what I am today,” he said. Born in Seremban, Klyne devoted most of his life to martial arts including Judo, but was intrigued with Aikido because of the pain inflicted on opponents by the locks and grips. In the late 1970s, he had received several awards from the Negri Sembilan Government for thwarting crime in Seremban. Klyne has also formed his own martial arts centre in Taman Bukit Blossom, Seremban, where he trains almost 50 students. “My soul is devoted to martial arts and I will continue to teach until my last breath,” he added.

Superman Returns!

2006-06-26T12:17:00.000+08:00

My first sketch in years!

Superman Returns

I'm so excited about this movie, and that hasn't happened in a long time. Superman has been an old friend, reading his comics since as early as I can remember. Love the fact that Bryan Singer is at the helm. He seems to have a knack for excellent casting, and hopefully this will continue to be the case. In any case, I think the film will live up to all the hype.

Imran Returns... to drawing

Started a new pastime at last, sketching and drawing. Well, not actually starting, rather, going back to an old hobby. Used to draw all the time in secondary school. Actually wanted to start again a while back, but I guess the inspiration wasn't there. I guess, being bombarded with Superman posters everywhere, finally gave me the inspiration to start drawing, especially since it was comic characters I used to draw back in secondary school in the first place. Perfect!

Couch Potato to 5km Runner

2006-06-20T21:54:00.000+08:00

I love running!

6 months ago I would have laughed at this statement. Coming back from UK I realized I was very unfit. Read around, googled stuff, and tried a few things to achieve my target of getting back into shape.

What a sorry state I was in...

I started Aikido, joined a gym and started working out. Aikido was great and I plan to continue as long as I can. Gym however, was a different story.

Wasn’t particularly focused in the beginning. I did a bit of this and a bit of that. After a couple of months I realized that not much was happening. After a lot of prodding from a friend, I hit the net again, and started researching running. Found a few articles and decided to follow one that suited me.

...just look at me now! Hehehe

Amazing! When I started, I had a maximum running time of 3 minutes. It’s been about 2 months now, and I’m running for half an hour!

A few things that helped me:

1. Have a strong desire

Tell yourself what you want to achieve and why. In my case, I'd much rather prefer being called hot, not fat hahaha. Someday... someday.

2. Visualise

Visualise how you would like to look, or your ideal state. This isn’t easy, before long, the mind gets distracted, just go back to your target when this happens, later you will be able to hold your image longer and longer.

3. Music

Somehow, running seems shorter with music than without.

Anyway, here’s the program that helped me get to half an hour running. Hope it helps you!

The Couch To 5k Running Plan. Click here!

Article from http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml
Couch potato illustration from http://comedyindc.com/couch.htm
Smallville illustration from http://www.avantecmedia.com/superman/images/smallville.jpg

Aikido: Wow!

2006-06-12T12:17:00.000+08:00

Woohoo!

Had my Aikido class yesterday after quite a while. Missed last week's class, due to my sprained ankle. So, when I arrived at my dojo yesterday, I was feeling really happy.

It was to be a double joy however, due to me spotting a celebrity in the dojo. Sensei Joe Thambu! WOW!

Sensei Joe Thambu

Sensei Joe Thambu flew in from Australia to take classes and give seminars to a few dojos in Malaysia and Indonesia. He is currently the Chief Instructor of Aikido Shudokan, Melbourne. Starting training at 11 years old, and awarded Shodan in 1978! He has many achievements under his belt, and was also actually the last student to be tested by Soke Gozo Shioda (The founder of Yoshinkan Aikido).

Sensei Joe Thambu

Class

Class went on as usual, only difference that it was led by Sensei Thambu. We did some Yokomenuchi (Side strike) and Shomenuchi (Front strike) techniques. Also did some Nikajo (wrist pressure techniques, I really need to work on mine, a long way to go sigh).

Sensei Noveen, my excellent teacher. Makes sure we truly understand the mechanics behind perfection of techniques. Fantastic!

After class, waiting for my ride, some of the students remained in the dojo, for some extra practice. Sensei Thambu then performed Jiyu Waza (techniques against non-stop attacks). Wow! Realised there and then I needed waaaaay more practice. I have a long way to go, so much to improve and to learn. I really have to start thinking hard about making time to attend weekday classes now.

Sensei Thambu giving some extra practice to some of our juniors after the class

Anyway, Sensei Thambu will be coming again in September. Thank you for the class, Sensei! Osu!

Sensei Thambu and me

Please click here to check out a video of Joe Thambu Sensei from the 50th All Japan Yoshinkan Aikido Demonstration.

Aikido!

2006-06-09T21:16:00.000+08:00

Started Aikido earlier this year, and loving every lesson. Actually did it for about 2 years 15 years ago. I had to start from scratch, so now I'm practically outranked by everyone in the dojo (even the 10 year olds hehe). It's fine though, as Aikido is all about self development, and not competition.

Aikido has been described as moving yoga by some. Emphasis on inner power, breath, and perfection of technique. Similar to yoga, there is an emphasis on a tension free body, as well as the priority of correct technique negating the need for brute strength.

Morihei Ueshiba (O-Sensei) Founder of Aikido

Classes are intense, about one to one and a half hours. I'm normally pooped after the classes, but tired with a very satisfied feeling. I guess that happens when you're learning new things, especially when you manage to understand (or partially understand) how something is done. There's just something about it that makes me come back for more.

Soke Gozo Shioda Founder of Yoshinkan Aikido

Will try and write some more about it as time goes by. The style of Aikido I'm learning (Shudokan Yoshinkan), about Sensei Thamby (legendary in Malaysian Aikido history), and the dojo.

Sensei Thamby Founder of Aikido in Malaysia

Next class Sunday, can't wait!

Pictures: http://shudokanmalaysia.com/history.htm

First post

2006-05-29T22:17:00.000+08:00

Been wanting to blog for a while now. Thought a lot about what I'd want to write about, the mood and all that. In the end, I still couldn't decide. Well, nothing to it but to do it as they say. I'll let time and experience help me shape this blog instead. Wait for perfection and I'll never get this thing started.

We'll see how it goes.