Superman Returns!

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

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!

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!

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