Friends - As you read this missive, I am either getting ready for or on my way (via ground transport or air) to Japan for martial arts training.
The training venue, as in years past, will be in Katsuura, a town located on the southeastern coast of Japan about 1.5 hours from Tokyo via train in Chiba Province (also, apparently, the home of the second largest fish catch in Japan). We will be there for 4 days, after which we will move back to Tokyo for the remainder of our training.
I know what you are thinking: "Given the year you have had - moving, re-orienting your life, already taking a pretty big vacation last year to Turkey, and (frankly) a drop in income - is this really the best idea right now?" The sensible answer, of course, is "no" - but sensibility seems to have abandoned this vessel some months ago (if it helps, the flight was purchased with points).
I had not necessarily planned to go this year, given all of the items that above. But then the e-mail came out and thinking through, the answer became "Why would you not?" For all of the reasons that I listed, the facts remain that my Headmaster is growing older and opportunities to train with him are rare enough that any opportunity to train directly with him should be sought out as much as possible.
When I say "train", it is exactly that: we will training 7-8 hours a day Monday through Wednesday, likely Thursday morning and afternoon (after the training ride to Tokyo), 6-8 hours on Friday and Saturday, and a trip on Sunday to the Japanese Old Martial Arts demonstration (Old in the sense of being founded before A.D. 1600) . I reliably get a little "free time" on Monday in the morning following, before we have to fly back.
I say we. The Ravishing Mrs. TB, finding herself between jobs, is flying out with me. She will meet Nighean Gheal who is coming in from South Korea (it is the equivalent of their "Summer Break" and they will spend the week in Tokyo.
As per usual on these things, I have provided a series of posts but responses will likely be delayed.
Enjoy life, and be good to one another. See you on the other side.
Your Obedient Servant, Toirdhealbheach Beucail
I'm really happy you get to go! And for Mrs. TB to come with you is so much the better. Have to grab these opportunities when we can.
ReplyDeleteThanks Leigh! I am glad too on both accounts. As you imply, you never know when the opportunity will no longer be there.
DeleteIf I were free and nearby, I would join you in a heartbeat. Have fun training and spending time with your family someplace other than your apartment.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ed! We are looking forward to the trip (he says, trying to manage his travel panic).
DeleteAll things considered a good move to make especially the age of your Headmaster and your age as well TB, that's what points are for. Having your esposa along with meeting your offspring, excellent! Looking forward to that AAR on the training and family times....:)
ReplyDeleteNylon12, there is never a bad time to train. We are very fortunate to have the points.
DeleteThe Ravishing Mrs. TB and Nighean Gheal will undoubtedly have a grand time.
Be safe and God bless.
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda!
DeleteAwesome! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThanks T_M!
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