Erin

Oh where at in Japan...I been to Okinawa for a while but not to much in japan, I think I spend two weeks in japan, Kyoto to be exact. Traymond, we'll be in the far north of the main island, In the Aomori Prefecture. A little town called Misawa. Lots of farmland, little country towns and one US military base.

I am currently a teacher for a Pre-Kindergarten class in a private school. I was the assistant director for a time, but because of the impending move, I went back to teaching for a little while. I love teaching, it's all I plan to do. Once my husband leaves the military and we're more settled, I plan to teach middle school or high school level English.

Steve and Barrys was the best. Lost ours right after Christmas. My latest favorite for clothing has been the Ed Hardy by Christian Audinger. I am in mad love with tattoo flash so it's the best. I prefer Levi jeans, Doc Marten shoes and a long sleeve Ed Hardy shirt. That's the best.

Originally from Iowa, live in Virginia right now for a few more months, and then relocating to Japan courtesy of the US Navy.

I currently know: (Shorin Ryu by the way) Empi Ropu Pinan Shodan Pinan Nidan Naihanchi Shodan Rohai Jitte I like kata. I have fun with them, I like the patterns and movement.

Very cool! My daughter is 5 and I love watching her out on the floor, trying to put on a serious face and all that. It's awesome.

Just a little brag. We had a tournament this weekend. It was so great! My 5 year old daughter (orange belt) took first place in her division, and was highly praised by the judges. I also took first in my division. It wasn't a big division but still I am pleased with how I did. Our team demo took grand championship regardless of the fact that we had to switch a few things around. One of our girls (black belt) was sparring in the grand championship. She got hit in the headgear, and decided to charge with 2 seconds left in the match. She fell, and broke her arm pretty badly. So, our team had to patch the hole where she was....but we were still rocking it. I am going to download videos of the tournament to youtube and will provide the link if anyone is interested in looking, just let me know. Thanks y'all!

I watched a pretty good portion of it. I wasn't surprised Heath Ledger won for Dark Knight. While he did a great job and it was deserved, I really question.... would he have won the award if he was still alive?

I do ours. We're not homeowners, and we're active duty military, so it's fairly simple for us. Whoohoo.

Awesome, Kez! Sounds like everyone had fun! Good job!

That sounds WONDERFUL! Enjoy the experience. Working with children in any capacity is something to be admired, not all people can do it, nor do most WANT to. Good for you!

I havent' seen her since, but considering how well she took the injury then, I am sure she still does the sai. She was VERY good with them as well, regardless of whacking herself with them. I have whacked myself in the back the head with my nunchuks a few times, that hurts. I have smacked my ankle with them, left a bruise for weeks. I have not hurt myself with the bo yet, but I did nearly put it through a mirror in the dojo at one time.

At a tournament back in October I watched as a brown belt girl poked herself in the forehead with her sai. Her back was to the judges at this point in the kata, and when she turned around, blood was just POURING. I have never seen 3 black belts move so fast to end a routine. Thing was, the girl didn't want to stop, she just kept going.

Thanks all I appreciate it. I just sort of assumed it would be the easiest to use, it's just a big stick! Whole lot more awkward than I could've imagined. I'll keep at it and ask for help whenever possible.

This morning: It's still early, and we got new carpet in the school, so I have been working my arms moving stuff and hauling stuff to the dumpster. At lunch I plan on taking a nice brisk walk to get my heart pumping. Going to find an empty classroom to work my kata for upcoming tournament.