Dojo Film Review: 'Ip Man'

Finally got around to seeing this film directed by Wilson Yip. In 'Ip Man', Donnie Yen pays a fantastic tribute to the man that has to this point been best known as Bruce Lee's Master. If you are even remotely interested in Martial Arts, this is a must watch. It also further proves that Donnie Yen kicks some serious ass. This film gives viewers a look inside Ip Man's legacy that ultimately changed to face of the martial arts world.

This film is a bit on the long side, but it has fantastic acting, great cinematography, and amazing fight sequences. I give this film 9 ninja stars out of 10.

Green Tea

Whenever I can, I try to start my day with GreenTea. It is a superfood that is from Asia and it is probably the reason why Asians are so good at martial arts :) Seriously..

Now that the secret is out, us Asians have one less advantage over the rest of the world, but I like sharing so I don't mind.

Here's why it's super (in super technical lingo):

* It's naturally green

*It's been proven to fight cancer

* Proven to manage weight

* Reduce heart disease

* Super Antioxidant

* WAY BETTER THAN DRINKING COFFEE

You can practically buy it anywhere now so you have no excuse. Drink the stuff. Live longer, and become better at life.

Attacked by Ninjas!!!... of the green variety.

I was attacked. By Ninjas. Green Ninjas. Teenagers. Turtles. Best acting ever!!!

Dojo Challenge

Here's a challenge for you. I dare you to do this in a public place. You WILL get a strange look or three, or a hearty laugh out of someone. You will also get a great workout and strengthen your body!

One of the most basic stances in Martial Arts is the Horse Stance (AKA Middle Stance). You stand double shoulder width with your toes facing forward and your knees bent over your toes. Keep bending your knees until you can no longer see your toes while keeping your back straight. Here is a picture from Jackie Chan's "Drunken Master" -- Great flick by the way.

Back to the challenge:

How long can you hold this stance?... PROPERLY! This means without straightening your knees, slouching, or falling on your bum.

WHITE BELT ------------ 10 seconds. Put down twinkie.
YELLOW BELT------ 20 seconds. Okay, for this I can't tease you.
GREEN BELT------------- 30 seconds. Not too shabby!
BLUE BELT---------------40 seconds. Feel the burn!
BROWN BELT------------50 seconds. I'm Impressed.
RED BELT--------------- 60 seconds. You've done this before...
BLACK BELT----------- 90 seconds. High five.
JEAN CLAUDE VAN DAMME BELT-120 seconds. Muscles from Brussels
CHUCK NORRIS BELT- 3+ Minutes. Do you know karate? Cuz your body is Kickin'!

Keep in mind these milestones are for NON-Martial artists... So if you are really a black belt... these milestones should be doubled!!!

How'd you do?

Obama- Mr. Miyagi Incarnate???

Okay. So less than an hour after I said Daily Dojo is closed, I am posting again. Just check this out:
Impressive

Daily Dojo is closed for the weekend

Top 10 Things to do this weekend:

10) wait eagerly for my next post on Monday

9) Go on a run

8) Throw 100 punches

7) Buy a ninja suit

6) Buy smokescreen bombs

5) Go on a busy streetcorner

4) show off your best ninja moves

3) spin a sign that says dailydojo.com

2) talk your way out of getting arrested

1) Drop smokescreen and escape back to DailyDojo

IRON GYM!!!

For the past year I have been working out at Bally's Fitness in Culver City. Wow. That place is not very nice. Not that I need a luxurious health club where guys named Gunnar help spot me and women named Athenia yogacize me, but Bally's was not... what's the word- SANITARY. AT ALL. Picture this: Sweaty sweaty people without towels. No spray bottles or anything. I decided I didn't want to pay for that anymore. So I'm not.

Enter the Iron Gym. I'm sure you all have seen the infomer

cial. I found one on ebay for $20 bucks. It was a great deal considering you can buy one at target for $30 and the lady I bought it from also threw in the free ab straps that you usually have to pay $10 extra for. I only went to Bally's to use the bench press and do pull-ups so I figured the Iron Gym would cover half of that. As for the bench press replacement goes, I am just going to do a lot of push ups. I mean who needs all those weights and machines. Cavemen were pretty buff and they didn't have all that stuff.

Anyways- The Iron Gym is great. Easy to put together (so easy in fact I did it all myself!), and it works on any doorway without having to screw anything in. Just good ol' fashioned leverage at work here ladies and gents. You can do pull ups using 3 different grips, set it up on the floor of the doorway for sit ups, use it for a push-up bar and also do dips (dips are not very good on this though).

9 Ninja Stars out of 10

Pulling My Sweet Tooth

I wouldn't call myself a crazed healthnut but I do like to take care of myself. As I get older I am becoming more conscious of what I put into my body as it can have a huge effect on the way you look, feel, and act. For a few months now I have been really cutting back on sugar. And boy is it tough because I have a sweet tooth. Here are a few (146) reasons to cut back:

http://rheumatic.org/sugar.htm

When I was a kid, I unknowingly poisoned my body on a daily basis with loads and loads of sugar. It might sound unbelievable to you, but I actually drank sugar water when I was a kid. I craved it. I would mix in a few spoonfuls of sugar into cold water, mix it, and then gulp it down. Gross/weird huh?? It makes me sick to my stomach just thinking about it now. That's probably why I am not as tall as I'd like to be, and why my teeth are so susceptible to cavities now... among other things :)

Now I am trying to make up for it by cutting back. Although it's hard, it's only food and I still treat myself once in a while. I can attest that I have had more energy and feel healthier for doing it. I'd say it's been a good trade-off. What aspect of your eating habits should you cut out? The more important question is: What aspect of your eating habits are you willing to cut out?

Deadliest Celebrity #1- AFTERMATH

The Winner is: Jack Black

After taking a "superbad" whipping from Michael Cera's rapier (Fencing sword), it almost seemed as if Jack's Panda Kung Fu had no shot of getting even within striking distance of Cera's gangly body. Cera added cynical insult to injury and Jack was about to throw in the towel.... All of a sudden, Black takes a mysterious item out of his back pocket and dons the lucha libre mask from his oft-forgotten film! "NACHOOOOO LIBRE" he cries as he flies into the air and lands a triumphant bellyflop onto Cera! Michael cries out: "Ju-NO!!!!!!!"

Congrats to Jack Black for being the first winner of "Deadliest Celebrity." Comment and let me know who you'd like to see battle next time.

Deadliest Celebrity #1

Have you guys seen the show "Deadliest Warrior". If you haven't, it pits warriors from different eras and countries (ninjas, pirates, mafia) and analyzes who is "deadlier." Ever wonder what would happen if your favorite celebrities deuled in an epic martial arts battle? I do. In fact, if you know me, I have probably sized you up and imagined how well you'd do in hand-to-foot combat.

Our first duel is inspired by the upcoming flick: "Year One."

Jack Black vs. Michael Cera

Scouting our Warriors (rated on scale to 10):

JACK BLACK:

Style: Kung Fu

Power: 9

Speed: 4

Offense: 7

Defense: 8

Stamina: 2

Intelligence: 3

Special Move: Wuxi Finger Grip (Originated in his film: Kung Fu Panda)

MICHAEL CERA

Style: Fencing...?

Power: 3

Speed: 6

Offense: 4

Defense:3

Stamina: 6

Intelligence: 9

Special Move: Cynical Insult

Who will win this epic battle? Comment on who you think would win, and why. Find out who wins tomorrow on.... (cue theme song) Deadliest Celebrity!

Get Flexible!

J.C. Van Damme in Bloodsport (and awesome turquoise pants)

I have been preaching the importance of being flexible to my students lately. Physically, that is. I mean, improving flexibility is one of the top reasons people start training in the martial arts. So I did a little reflection on my own stretching habits and realized I need to practice what I preach a little better! Now that I am not 18 anymore I can't get away with throwing kicks and flips without warming up and stretching a little. Not only that, but adults lose flexibility a hundred times faster than they gain it (I'm starting to notice that myself!) So I am making it a goal of mine to stretch everday for at least a few minutes every morning and every night. I challenge you to try this for 5 days and see how it affects your life. Here's a little motivation:

Benefits of Flexibility:

* Increased physical performance and reduction of injury risk. How many times have you pulled or strained something? And especially for something rediculous. Remember that time you pulled a hammy reaching for your remote?? Eeesh.. Sit n' Reach often??

* Increase the number of people you'd be able to roundhouse kick in the face (blast you tall people!!!)... only kidding kids. Adults, I used this color because only you can read this and I just want to say that this is a GREAT benefit. Pictured below: Flexible Cat.

* Get taller (or at least appear to be). This one alone motivates me. For years I have been spiking my hair to give me an extra few inches. Maybe stretching will give me one more?? Eh? Don't judge me.

* Reduced joint pain (knees,ankles) and lower back pain. I can attest to this: Two years ago I strained my back and it took FOREVER to get better. If my back had been more flexible (BRIDGES!).. it probably would'nt have been the bane of my existance for months and months.

* You won't be "That guy" or less commonly (but equally embarrassing) "That girl" that doesn't participate in a rousing game of Nintendo Wii due to a nagging muscle strain. If this is you, stop reading and stretch RIGHT NOW.

There are many more reasons but I think you get the point. So all I ask is 5 days of stretching. I bet you it will make you feel better and happier and a few minutes a day is well worth it. I will report back in 5 days to track my progress. For those of you that don't know how to stretch (you must be homeschooled) here is an online guide to stretching complete with pictures: http://www.mydr.com.au/sports-fitness/stretching-an-illustrated-guide

Oh, and while you're at it... feel free to get flexible in your life too! I'll make this quick. The dictionary says: "Blah blah blah.... "Flexible" : characterized by a ready capability to adapt to new, different, or changing requirements. In these uncertain times, you have to be ready for anything. Don't let unexpected change ruin your day or attitude. Expect change. Be ready for it.

Kimchi (Korean for... Spicy fermented cabbage)

Welcome to DailyDojo!

Hello and welcome to the launch of Daily Dojo! Ever since I was a kid I always wished I could be a master of martial arts like the Ninja Turtles and Power Rangers and be a hero to all mankind... Well, a few decades later I feel as though I am on my way to mastering the martial arts part, but I am not quite the hero I would have liked to be.

This blog is my way of trying a be a hero by sharing my thoughts and tips of how to live your life like a Black Belt-whether you are a true Master yourself, or your experience in Martial Arts consists of flailing your arms and legs about while making funny noises (See Below)... But for my sake and the others around you, please do not immitate ;)

Martial Arts is my passion and there has not been one day since the day I took my first lesson that I have not thrown a kick or punch. As a 4th degree black belt in TaeKwonDo myself, even I struggle everyday with living my life by the tenets of a martial artist in the midst of this hectic world. I hope that by reading this blog you learn something, or at least crack a smile at my attempted humor. Check back often for updates and let me know if there's anything you'd like to see on DailyDojo.!

Gamsa (Korean for "Gratitude")