November 21, 2010 2:35 pm Yakutsk time
Well, I had mixed feelings when I heard about the fight results back home. I am very happy that Mike achieved his second MMA victory and disappointed to hear that Jessee suffered a loss. These things happen.
Other than that, it has been a great birthday weekend for me.
On Friday, Olga, Polina, and I were picked up and taken to a city on the outskirts of Yakutsk. Once there, we met up with other international martial arts instructors here for the International Martial Arts Festival.
We were taken to the city of Pokrovsk, about an hour outside of Yakutsk.
Upon arriving, we were taken to the Lena River. The Lena is the 10th largest river in the world and is the 2nd largest in Russia. It flows into the Arctic Ocean. I have visited the Lena every other time I have been to Yakutsk, however, this was my first time in the winter.
The river was frozen and we were taken there to go ice fishing. We walked out onto the river. The host said that the ice we were walking on was only about 20 centimeters thick and that the river was about 5 meters deep beneath us.
We really didn’t do much as far as fishing goes. We just watched the process as the fisherman checked his lines at the 3 holes he had in the ice. The fish we caught were a type of catfish native to the area.
After that, we toured the city and were the honored guests at the grand opening of a martial arts school. We took part in the ceremony which had all of us drink horse milk from a traditional Yakut cup while an old Yakut shaman sang a song.
The students of the school did an exhibition of their styles and culture. It was very interesting. The kids that did the judo demo were especially outstanding.
We were also guests of honor at a crafts exhibit where we were introduced to local artists, including blacksmiths that make traditional Yakut edged weaponry. Like the Japanese Samurai swords, the Yakut swords are folded and hammered steel. The Japanese and Yakuts were the only ones of that era that made blades in that particular shape.
From there, we went to a local school and were given the honor of handing awards to winners of a children’s art contest. Going along with the theme of the martial arts festival, the kids were asked to draw something to do with martial arts. The artwork was impressive in all age groups.
We finished the day by going to the VIP room at the local restaurant for dinner and toasts. As is tradition here, we sat at a long table and each of us was introduced to the group. The introduction includes who we are, what our martial arts background is, and how we are involved in the event.
After the introduction, you give say a brief toast. After everyone at the table has been introduced, dinner is over and vodka bottles are empty.
On Saturday, the international instructors attended a press conference. We were asked questions mostly pertaining to the Festival.
Later, we went to the Festival and watched Muay Thai, San da, K-1, and MMA matches. There were also several demonstrations performed by the local martial arts schools in between watching fights.
I was very impressed with the skills of the Yakut fighters. Their kickboxing program has really become formidable. The Muay Thai tournament was between Mongolia and Yakutsk. It ended with 3-1 in favor of Yakutsk.
On Sunday, I attended the International Martial Arts Forum. While there, I did a short speech about the application of modern science to martial arts. The Mongolian instructor, Thailand instructor, and I were inducted into the International Martial Arts Federation.
That evening, we attended the Festival again. There were more Muay Thai matches. The final match of the night was for the Asian championship title. It was Yakutsk vs Thailand. The fighters got off to a slow start, but made it exciting later with dynamic sweeps and lightning fast combinations.
After the fights, we went to the awards banquet and received awards for participating in the Festival.
I made some valuable contacts including the Minister of Sports for Republic of Sakha, Eastern Russian President of Combat Sambo Federation, President of the Mongolian Kickboxing Federation, President of the Russian Kickboxing Federation, President of Eastern Russian Wushu Federation, Secretary of Federation of Wushu and Sanda from Laonihn, China.
I was asked to bring a team of MMA fighters to next year’s Festival.
November 25, 2010 1:42 pm Yakutsk time
Last night I visited the Budo Center and did a seminar for Sambo, Judo, Aikido, and Jujitsu students. It was a nice school with very attentive students. The instructor, Sergy was my uke for the demonstrations. He will be my uke again at Genshinkan this Friday when I go there for another seminar.
While there, I was interviewed by another local sports newspaper. The reporter was also interested in my Scottish heritage. It seems he is a big fan of the movie “Highlander” with Christopher Lambert. I must admit, it is one of my favorites as well.
November 29, 2010 2:46 am
Well, we are flying from Yakutsk to Moscow later this morning. So much has been happening in the last several days that is worthy of writing about, yet, I haven’t had time to write. Anyway, I have a lot of big news for the dojo when we get home.
Leaving Yakutsk is always hard for Olga. She doesn’t get to see her family very often and gets to see her homeland even less. This is the first time she has been home in the winter since 2001.
Leaving will be especially difficult for little Malcolm. He has had a wonderful time here with his family. He adores his little 4 month old cousin Olga. He clowns around for her to make her smile and laugh. When someone brings her into the room, he stops whatever he is doing to go see her.
Also, every day, he makes it a point to spend time with his 98 year old great-great grandmother. He does this totally on his own, just because he loves her.
Living in the apartment with all these family members has kept him entertained (or entertaining) constantly. He will miss that for sure.
Anyway, I just wanted everyone to know that while I am looking forward to coming home to the states, leaving Yakutsk isn’t easy for any of us. We are looking forward to seeing our family and friends back in Oregon, but we will be leaving others behind here in Russia.
See you soon.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
November 18, 2010 3:11 pm Yakutsk time
On the 12th, we celebrated Malcolm’s birthday with the family. His real birthday is February 12, but since we won’t be with the Russian family at that time, we had a birthday party for him.
Vitya’s birthday was on the 13th. So, we woke him up with flowers and the traditional “Congratulations” cheer.
We have been very busy visiting friends and fellow martial artists. A few days ago, I met with the president of the Russia’s International Martial Arts Federation. This weekend will be the International Martial Arts Festival. It will run Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. At the festival, I will be inducted into the International Martial Arts Federation. I will be the first American to receive such an honor. I have also been asked to do a speech on Sunday. The topic for the speech is the use of science in martial arts. I’m looking forward to it.
Last night I taught a “master class” to junior Judo and Sambo students at the Gerisamov dojo. I also spent some time with MMA hopefuls.
While at the dojo, I was interviewed by a local sports reporter named Alexander. He was the same reporter that did the special on our guys back in 2006. Two years ago, he was involved in a terrible car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Fortunately, he is able to continue working in the profession he loves. I couldn’t help but admire his optimistic outlook on his own life.
Sadly, the medical community here is not advanced enough to do much for him. He has had a difficult time finding funding to support physical therapy. We hope to find some kind of helpful information for him in the states upon our return.
Tonight, I will visit Gerisamov’s banya. I will be sure to take the camcorder with me to give perspective.
I haven’t had a chance to randori again. I will next week for sure, as it will be our last week in Yakutsk. I will also pay of visit to Shihan Silistein at the Genshinkan dojo.
...more video coming soon.
On the 12th, we celebrated Malcolm’s birthday with the family. His real birthday is February 12, but since we won’t be with the Russian family at that time, we had a birthday party for him.
Vitya’s birthday was on the 13th. So, we woke him up with flowers and the traditional “Congratulations” cheer.
We have been very busy visiting friends and fellow martial artists. A few days ago, I met with the president of the Russia’s International Martial Arts Federation. This weekend will be the International Martial Arts Festival. It will run Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. At the festival, I will be inducted into the International Martial Arts Federation. I will be the first American to receive such an honor. I have also been asked to do a speech on Sunday. The topic for the speech is the use of science in martial arts. I’m looking forward to it.
Last night I taught a “master class” to junior Judo and Sambo students at the Gerisamov dojo. I also spent some time with MMA hopefuls.
While at the dojo, I was interviewed by a local sports reporter named Alexander. He was the same reporter that did the special on our guys back in 2006. Two years ago, he was involved in a terrible car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Fortunately, he is able to continue working in the profession he loves. I couldn’t help but admire his optimistic outlook on his own life.
Sadly, the medical community here is not advanced enough to do much for him. He has had a difficult time finding funding to support physical therapy. We hope to find some kind of helpful information for him in the states upon our return.
Tonight, I will visit Gerisamov’s banya. I will be sure to take the camcorder with me to give perspective.
I haven’t had a chance to randori again. I will next week for sure, as it will be our last week in Yakutsk. I will also pay of visit to Shihan Silistein at the Genshinkan dojo.
...more video coming soon.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
...catching up
November 7, 2010 5:44pm
Today Olga and I went to Gerisamov’s dojo. He asked me to come there and do a “master class” for some of his 12-16 year old Judo and Sambo champions. We spent about 2 hours going over grip fighting techniques and then another hour on grappling. The students worked very hard and displayed the discipline that is what champions are made of.
We took a lot of video, so I will put together a highlight video to post on youtube. The camcorder battery went dead before we finished the grappling portion, but there is still a lot of good footage.
Tomorrow I will go teach another “master class” for adult Judoka at a local university. I will probably go over some of the same stuff as I did with the juniors today. I have been told that tomorrow I will have some people my size to practice with. This makes me happy.
Gerisamov invited me to his banya tonight at 7pm. He has one of the best saunas I have been to here. Usually a Russian Banya experience means eating, drinking toasts, and sitting in the sauna with a group of peers. Many Russian business deals are done in the sauna. It is tradition as a way of showing that you are not hiding anything and everything is out in the open…literally.
Speaking of business, Gerisamov and I have begun plans to bring a Russian Judo/Sambo team to visit and train with us in the states, as well as getting things started for our 2012 Judo team coming to compete in the International Games of Asia.
When I return to the states, we will begin our tryout and training process for athletes and coaches.
Well, it’s off to the banya…
November 8, 2010 1:19 am
Wow…I should have taken the camcorder with me to Gerisamov’s banya (sauna). Tonight’s banya was not like the previous experiences I have had in the summertime. Tonight, it was -30 degrees Celsius, so this was a “winter banya”. The process went like this. First, we stripped down to nothing but a wool hat. Next we entered the heated up banya where we sat and discussed Judo, Sambo, BJJ, MMA, and future plans. Then Gerisamov beat us with eucalyptus branches (as a form of massage and exfoliation). After that, we went outside to the 30 below weather and rubbed snow all over our bodies. Then we return to sit in the banya for several more minutes. After cooling off and a quick shower, we got dressed and went into the dacha for dinner and more conversation.
At dinner, Gerisamov put together a schedule for my next few weeks here. I will teach Judo/Sambo “master classes” to the teens 2 days a week, to the adults 2 days a week, and train some MMA competitors on the weekends. I was also invited to help coach at an international Sambo tournament that is scheduled for later this month. Exciting stuff.
November 8, 2010 8:15 pm
I managed to go to the gym today. While I was running on the treadmill, Olga came over to me and asked, “Is the smoke in here coming from your machine?”
I thought, “surely I am not running so fast that I’m buring up the treadmill.”
About 10 minutes later, the treadmill stopped. I thought I had accidently pushed the stop button. I was only about 3 minutes short of finishing my run, so I decided that I would just be finished.
A couple of minutes later, a local came over to Olga and me and asked us if the machine was broken. Apparently, I had run the machine into the ground. I felt a small sense of pride along with my sense of guilt for breaking the treadmill.
Later in the day, Olga, Vitya, and I visited the “Sport University” where I taught a “master class” (seminar) to senior Judo students. I was amazed at how quiet the class was when I was demonstrating techniques. I am also always impressed with the work ethic of the Judo/Sambo students here.
We spent about an hour working on cross sleeve grip techniques and then about 45 minutes on groundwork. I found it ironic that I ended segment by teaching leg locks. I mean really…leg locks to the Russians?
Anyway, it was fun and I am looking forward to doing some randori with them tomorrow and then visiting Gerisamov’s banya again.
November 9, 11:12 pm Yakutsk time
Wow, I’m tired. We walked to the gym today and got in a pretty good workout. We then went to the big dojo in town for randori with some of the top talent in the area. We arrived too late for me to take part in the grappling randori.
Instead I got to do some 5 minute matches of tachi-waza (standing techniques) with some very tough opponents. I’m pretty sure I either broke or dislocated my middle finger while grip fighting with my first opponent. We’ll see how it feels tomorrow to decide whether I will see a doctor or not.
The grip fighting skills and grip strength of the first guy was amazing. Especially considering I probably outweigh him by 40lbs. Anyway, I got in some semi-good throws throughout the matches. I will post some highlight video. I might even include a couple clips of myself being thrown.
I felt really slow and sluggish on my randori today. However, I do feel that I did pretty well considering I was going against national champs that are 10 and 20 years my junior. Hooray for us old guys!
Even though I was looking forward to the ground work, it was the stand up that I truly needed. I will most likely go back for more this Friday.
I didn’t make it to Gerisamov’s Banya tonight. Instead, I will hit it on Saturday and Sunday this week. I will be sure to take the camcorder with me to get some film of what a Russian Banya looks like.
Today Olga and I went to Gerisamov’s dojo. He asked me to come there and do a “master class” for some of his 12-16 year old Judo and Sambo champions. We spent about 2 hours going over grip fighting techniques and then another hour on grappling. The students worked very hard and displayed the discipline that is what champions are made of.
We took a lot of video, so I will put together a highlight video to post on youtube. The camcorder battery went dead before we finished the grappling portion, but there is still a lot of good footage.
Tomorrow I will go teach another “master class” for adult Judoka at a local university. I will probably go over some of the same stuff as I did with the juniors today. I have been told that tomorrow I will have some people my size to practice with. This makes me happy.
Gerisamov invited me to his banya tonight at 7pm. He has one of the best saunas I have been to here. Usually a Russian Banya experience means eating, drinking toasts, and sitting in the sauna with a group of peers. Many Russian business deals are done in the sauna. It is tradition as a way of showing that you are not hiding anything and everything is out in the open…literally.
Speaking of business, Gerisamov and I have begun plans to bring a Russian Judo/Sambo team to visit and train with us in the states, as well as getting things started for our 2012 Judo team coming to compete in the International Games of Asia.
When I return to the states, we will begin our tryout and training process for athletes and coaches.
Well, it’s off to the banya…
November 8, 2010 1:19 am
Wow…I should have taken the camcorder with me to Gerisamov’s banya (sauna). Tonight’s banya was not like the previous experiences I have had in the summertime. Tonight, it was -30 degrees Celsius, so this was a “winter banya”. The process went like this. First, we stripped down to nothing but a wool hat. Next we entered the heated up banya where we sat and discussed Judo, Sambo, BJJ, MMA, and future plans. Then Gerisamov beat us with eucalyptus branches (as a form of massage and exfoliation). After that, we went outside to the 30 below weather and rubbed snow all over our bodies. Then we return to sit in the banya for several more minutes. After cooling off and a quick shower, we got dressed and went into the dacha for dinner and more conversation.
At dinner, Gerisamov put together a schedule for my next few weeks here. I will teach Judo/Sambo “master classes” to the teens 2 days a week, to the adults 2 days a week, and train some MMA competitors on the weekends. I was also invited to help coach at an international Sambo tournament that is scheduled for later this month. Exciting stuff.
November 8, 2010 8:15 pm
I managed to go to the gym today. While I was running on the treadmill, Olga came over to me and asked, “Is the smoke in here coming from your machine?”
I thought, “surely I am not running so fast that I’m buring up the treadmill.”
About 10 minutes later, the treadmill stopped. I thought I had accidently pushed the stop button. I was only about 3 minutes short of finishing my run, so I decided that I would just be finished.
A couple of minutes later, a local came over to Olga and me and asked us if the machine was broken. Apparently, I had run the machine into the ground. I felt a small sense of pride along with my sense of guilt for breaking the treadmill.
Later in the day, Olga, Vitya, and I visited the “Sport University” where I taught a “master class” (seminar) to senior Judo students. I was amazed at how quiet the class was when I was demonstrating techniques. I am also always impressed with the work ethic of the Judo/Sambo students here.
We spent about an hour working on cross sleeve grip techniques and then about 45 minutes on groundwork. I found it ironic that I ended segment by teaching leg locks. I mean really…leg locks to the Russians?
Anyway, it was fun and I am looking forward to doing some randori with them tomorrow and then visiting Gerisamov’s banya again.
November 9, 11:12 pm Yakutsk time
Wow, I’m tired. We walked to the gym today and got in a pretty good workout. We then went to the big dojo in town for randori with some of the top talent in the area. We arrived too late for me to take part in the grappling randori.
Instead I got to do some 5 minute matches of tachi-waza (standing techniques) with some very tough opponents. I’m pretty sure I either broke or dislocated my middle finger while grip fighting with my first opponent. We’ll see how it feels tomorrow to decide whether I will see a doctor or not.
The grip fighting skills and grip strength of the first guy was amazing. Especially considering I probably outweigh him by 40lbs. Anyway, I got in some semi-good throws throughout the matches. I will post some highlight video. I might even include a couple clips of myself being thrown.
I felt really slow and sluggish on my randori today. However, I do feel that I did pretty well considering I was going against national champs that are 10 and 20 years my junior. Hooray for us old guys!
Even though I was looking forward to the ground work, it was the stand up that I truly needed. I will most likely go back for more this Friday.
I didn’t make it to Gerisamov’s Banya tonight. Instead, I will hit it on Saturday and Sunday this week. I will be sure to take the camcorder with me to get some film of what a Russian Banya looks like.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
November 3, 2010 3:24 pm Yakutsk time
Today, Olga and I walked to ProFit. The temperature was somewhere around -20 Celsius. At that temperature, you can feel the moisture in your nostrils freeze when you inhale.
After we got back from our workout, we loaded onto a “bus” with the rest of the family and headed out to see the annual ice sculptures. As traveled further out of town, I recognized the terrain as the route we usually take in the summer time to get to the Lena River. We go camping on the beach at the river. The Lena is the second largest river in Russia.
Anyway, this time our destination was not the river, but instead some old retired mine shafts. The mine shafts had been converted into a type of “frozen museum” of ice sculptures. We had a guide that led us through the tunnels and explained each piece of art as we got to them. We took some really good pictures and video. I will post something soon.
The roads here are horrible in the summer time. In my opinion, they are actually better during the cold season. However, our bus still managed to get stuck twice while on our way to the mines. After we got unstuck, Olga reminded me that I had the camcorder, but I was too late.
What’s funny about getting stuck is that once it was on a turnout part of the road that the driver really didn’t need to travel on in order to get where we needed to go. Another funny thing was that it was on large loose gravel. There was a water truck spaying down the gravel to make it freeze and therefore easier to navigate through. Whatever works!
Malcolm really enjoys the snow and actually seems to like the cold. He has a blast walking and listening to the sound of the snow crunching beneath his feet.
I also think he is having a bit of a growth spurt while we are here. He has been eating anything we have put in front of him, including beef tongue (yuck!). He still isn’t interested in caviar or fish, but give him time.
Today, Olga and I walked to ProFit. The temperature was somewhere around -20 Celsius. At that temperature, you can feel the moisture in your nostrils freeze when you inhale.
After we got back from our workout, we loaded onto a “bus” with the rest of the family and headed out to see the annual ice sculptures. As traveled further out of town, I recognized the terrain as the route we usually take in the summer time to get to the Lena River. We go camping on the beach at the river. The Lena is the second largest river in Russia.
Anyway, this time our destination was not the river, but instead some old retired mine shafts. The mine shafts had been converted into a type of “frozen museum” of ice sculptures. We had a guide that led us through the tunnels and explained each piece of art as we got to them. We took some really good pictures and video. I will post something soon.
The roads here are horrible in the summer time. In my opinion, they are actually better during the cold season. However, our bus still managed to get stuck twice while on our way to the mines. After we got unstuck, Olga reminded me that I had the camcorder, but I was too late.
What’s funny about getting stuck is that once it was on a turnout part of the road that the driver really didn’t need to travel on in order to get where we needed to go. Another funny thing was that it was on large loose gravel. There was a water truck spaying down the gravel to make it freeze and therefore easier to navigate through. Whatever works!
Malcolm really enjoys the snow and actually seems to like the cold. He has a blast walking and listening to the sound of the snow crunching beneath his feet.
I also think he is having a bit of a growth spurt while we are here. He has been eating anything we have put in front of him, including beef tongue (yuck!). He still isn’t interested in caviar or fish, but give him time.
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