Just random thoughts/tips on rather mundane items that have crossed my mind: —Gi’s…please don’t forget to let me know if you want to order a new or extra gi. Nowadays, the cost is pretty reasonable to obtain a heavier gauge (better for “snapping”) 12 oz gi. Depending on the size, most run somewhere in the $35 range. Most of the white/blue/green belts prefer the lighter (8 oz), inexpensive (about $20) gi’s, but as one moves up into the purple belt level on up, most prefer the heavier gi. Most beginners will complain that the heavier gauge makes for hotter, sweatier, less comfortable training. However, once you make the switch, you get used to it, makes for a more effective workout, and most important…the snapping sound gives one positive audible feedback that their technique is being executed at a minimum speed. —Belts…At this moment, Sempai Doreen is the only person in the world who wears a black belt embroidered with the New Hope Pearl Karate kanji (in gold) on one side, her name on the other side. What an awesome thing, identifying herself as an NHPC Karate Ministry member (to those who can read Japanese). Sempais James and Wes are also [...]

The NHPC Shotokan Karate Gallery is now up! Members and friends of the ministry can now view the photos from our 2005 Christmas Party and miscellaneous pictures from our training sessions. The photo galleries are password-protected to preserve the privacy of our members; therefore, you will need a username and password to view the photos. Click on the Photos link on the banner above for more information on accessing the photo gallery and requesting a username and password.

As I’ve said before, I really enjoy the Christmas season, a time to reflect not just on the waning year, but upon the tremendous gift all mankind received…eternal salvation through the ultimate sacrifice of His son, whose birth we celebrate at this time. I like this time of year because despite the commercialism, the hectic pace, etc…people, friends and family especially, seem happier and closer to each other. The 3 Wise Men: Senseis Peter, Wayne and Wes NHPC Shotokan Karate Christmas Party @ Krazy Karaoke, December 24, 2005 Today was a great time spent in fellowship and karate-camaraderie during the morning, followed by more fellowship and karaoke-camaraderie, not to mention consumption-camaraderie. I think everyone really enjoyed the time spent together…I know that I certainly did. I gotta apologize because, although I’ve only been to a karaoke place a handful of times, I enjoy singing so much…I think I can be a mike-hog at times. Please forgive me…we should have forced everyone to sing into the mike at least once (good for building mental/emotional/physical fortitude, haha). I want to thank everyone for the terrific karaoke mike you folks gave me for Christmas…yes, I opened and tried it already. I was at [...]