Ari-chan

“Give, and it shall be given to you. For whatever measure you deal out to others, it will be dealt to you in return.” Luke 6:38

Well, Miss Picoult, I hope you will waste the next few hours of your life. And by this, I do not dare instill the idea that Keeping Fate is a complete and utter waste of time, just that time would somehow prefer a more pleasant way of being spent.

1. Storyline: 6/10

I really do think that the story has been stretched out on way too many directions, and this for the simple wish of making it seem far more complex and complicated than it is. Fail. Maybe less pages, but more consistent and about what we really care would have been better,
Next, let’s see what the author has tried to do. So, some of us have read a few of really good detective stories, and others have at least heard of them. The evolution of the story. the “omg… so that’s how it was”. This is what Picoult also tries in her wondrous book. Fail again. What she actually does, is, in my opinion, murky the water. She just adds some stuff there in the idea that confusion will spread, although, let’s face it, we know the idea is so stupid it couldn’t be possible. Not even in fiction.

2. Characters: 5/10

Again, who was the main character in this book? Faith. Wrong answer. It was Mariah (in my humble opinion), and all the stress she is under and all the other ’stuff’ (in a politically correct language) that happens to her surroundings. And she is not a very good character at that. I find her, inconsistent at the very least. I myself could not identify myself with her; as far as the other characters go, they are all fairly weak ones, none of which could make me love him/her. Well, except for Faith. Maybe she isn’t that of a great character, but I do think she had potential. Not to revolutionize the genre, but to make the book much more pleasant. But apparently the author doesn’t think so, and thus doesn’t work so much on her.
Whilst threading through a blog, I found a very neat idea. “The Idiot Plot Device”. As the author describes it, and I myself agree very much, it’s the thing lazy/ untalented authors use to make their plots. It’s when characters chose extremely infidel choices (infidel to their personality) for the sole purpose of making the plot go further. There have been at least a few around here, and they merely make me think “what the hell is happening here?”. Like when Mariah takes her daughter to Kansas after Colin threatens her with a custody trial; Mariah never risks. But it was vital, wasn’t it? How else (unless with a complicated maneuver that requires skill) would she have fallen in love with Ian and another bunch of stuff.

3. Lasting appeal: 5

I do not like the ending. And i re-read it like 3 times, because I couldn’t believe that it wasn’t at least better. I think an ending has one of two purposes: make you want to read the continuation of the story, or gives you a sort of feeling of, accomplishment. Of “I’m glad I read this book”, or sympathy, or something that lasts even after the last page has been turned. No such thing here.
I also disliked another thing about the edition I read. At the end are “Book Club Discussion Questions” where the author, or the editor, or I really don’t care, offer these very idiotic questions book clubs should discuss. Just because your book has I don’t know how many copies sold, doesn’t not make you a smart person, Miss Picoult, nonetheless a smarter person than those that read them. I do think that writing talent does not necessarily mean you are necessarily very intelligent. You are good at writing books. Off course, please notice the premise (you = talent) is fairly wrong.

Perhaps other books are good, by this author, but personally I won’t try and find out by myself.

Final Score: 5/10

So, I said to myself, why not write reviews for the books that I read?  And then also write about the manga’s that I read. I can polish my english (yes, language is a weapon, so you polish it. Unless it’s a mace, and you just… i don’t know… dust it?) during the process of writing geniality filled stuff.

No, it is not the first book I read, it’s just the first one i’ll review. Red = number of book, blue = title of book, green = author (although I’m sure you could have figured this on your own. Unless you’re a troll. No offense intended)

Book # 1 - “Sourcery” - Terry Prachett

Oh, how I always tell others that being yourself is really the only thing one can do at a level of somewhat perfection (well, that and running away. Really, I have seen people that have created the Godly Level at that…) but yet again, I never managed to put it in a magi-war surrounding, with stuff flying all around and things warping into other things. Maybe that would have been more convincing.

So, getting back were we should be (or better said, as Pratchett would put it, we are already were we should be. It’s the rest of the world that isn’t here). This is the third(if you’ve read the books in order, cause’ else it could be first or fourth, or second, in any order…) book where we once again meet the pragmatical wizard (well, at least that what his hat says) Rincewind, who does a very good job at Staying Alive. And, once again, he must save the world. Because, if the world would die out, then he would do so too. And he really wouldn’t like that.

He really manages to make the story interesting (as a main character should, except if you’re a few certain author(s) and believe that you’re character simply oozes geniality just because you make it a sparkly vampire or other such nonsense), and while he tumbles (and stumbles) in love with Conina, the female protagonist of Sourcery, he is followed by the loyal Luggage (which, in my opinion, is one of the most brilliant characters of belles-lettres and reality alike) and remains the same old witty wanna-be-wizard that we all know (or are about to drastically find out).

The main “evil-dooer” of this book is the Sorcerer, that is controlled by his father-staff (which, as you could intelligently catch on, is his father’s soul in the staff that all wizards should possess). He doesn’t talk that much, being much more the “warp the world more, talk less” type of guy. Well, he does talk, but his lines aren’t all that interesting, so I won’t lodge them into the dark parts of my brain (and I do have many of those). See, I already forgot them.

Now, much more cannot be said without ruining the future delight any more. A book with wanna bees and queen bees (the peachy Conina being the aforementioned queen), gods (although they play a very small part), and the short but extremely expensive appearances of Death. A definitely must read.

“Conina said, ‘All right. I’ve always wondered what a harem looked like.’”

Another busy weekend passed (well, it actually started Thursday morning, at 5:00), as the KP Beginner Nationals passed. I was appointed a sort of “instructor” for the teams from Cluj (which were 4), and we successfully got to Slanic - Moldova, without contracting swine flu. I mean really, what is it with all the stress about swine flu? I think it’s very overrated.

Well, no team from Cluj managed to get in the quarter-finals (and me, myself and the teams blame the judges… really), but at least I judged in most matches, even in the quarter, semi, and the might FINALS themselves. I managed to never give my vote for teams from Moldova (and, although I’m quite certain that everyone thinks it’s a conspiracy, and even if I myself would amuse myself if it were, it wasn’t). There was a comity of 5 judges, led by Ana Trofin.  So congratulations Muntenia for winning! I really had fun I guess. There aren’t that much to say (because I decided that what happens in Slanic, remains in Slanic, so no gossip).

Oh yea, I finally got my sentence, and I got juridic personality! Wo-hoo! Busy days will come, busy days.

Currently reading: The Nürnberg Trial

And last but not least, the motto of the nationals (or at least our motto), brought to you by our collaborator Ale Neag:

“Dar doamna Craciun, spiridusii!”

These last few days were full of excitement (with the appropriate amount of quarreling, panic and chaos, all necessary ingredients to a fun, experience-full weekend).

After spending a whole night on the train (and, most evidently, not in the sleeping wagon because I buyed the tickets on the day of departure) I arrived in the wonderful, canal smelling capital of my country (perhaps it’s a model for Ankh-Morpork; the smell, at least). A refreshing feeling, at last. I got on as a simple man, and got off a most important parliamentary - clothes and all (I am quite sure my compartment colleagues felt akward seing someone taking classy clothes from his lugage and changing).

The Parliament of the Young was a project coordinated by the “Pro Democratia” association. It was basically a simulation of the parliament for three days. I ended up in PSD (social-democratic party), and I must say I am proud of that, because we were the only ones that had a strong ideology - based on honesty, free voting and honor - as opposed to the others that fully embraced political games, and that actually suppressed free voting in the favor of “color voting”. I was also in tge Work and Social Protection Comity, and lost the presidency by one vote (there was some backstabbing and stuff here, but ended up as secretary at least - and by a majority of votes).

I really do think that this was a enlightening experience, managed to polish some of my different skills. Oh, and the parliament looks reeeeally pretty.

Then, on Monday, I went (to the very edge of the world I must say. I really don’t like Bucharest. It’s so… depressing) to take my LNAT exam. It maybe my brain all squishy. I don’t know if it was good or bad, just hope for an acceptable score because I want to get out of here. Please, London, adopt me!

Spent a lot of money at the Anthony Froster library (it was worth it tough; and it is Alexandra’s fault - definetly and totally). Colour of Magic, Equal Rites (Terry Prattchet) and The Time Travelers Wife now adorn my little but stunning library at home.

So, as the title of the previous article  suggested, there is such a thing as  “the breath of life” (actually, it is not quite called this way but this is what I call it and I will explain why), but first I have to introduce (in the case people don’t know yet) the terms of “Katsujin ken, setsujin ken”.

Katsujin-ken and Setsujin-ken are the two opposing visions one can take upon his martial art; they come from the Japanese swordsmanship, and literally mean “life-giving sword” and “killing sword”, but can be adapted also as “life-giving fist” etc.  Some would explain these two as following:

Katsujin-ken is literally the “Life-giving Sword” and embodies all that is righteous: protecting the weak, destroying evil, and cultivating one’s own spirit. Conversely, Satsujin-ken is the “Murdering Sword” which takes the lives of the weak, propagates evil, and eventually destroys one’s humanity

But I disagree. The two are merely a preference of whether you want your techniques to immobilize, to defeat your opponent without harming them (severely) or if you wish quite the opposite, a more destructive martial art, a “one-kill” skill. So, let’s say you choose the way of the life giving fist (although everything can be adapted the same for the other choice as well). The Breathe of Life means being able to control one’s technique and empower it with ki so that an “ultimate” version is formed. Kokyu is important here (I’m sure you can see this thing everywhere, breathing in a very “serious” way before doing some kick ass attack), because by breathing one can calm his body and release the ki channels. This is why it is called the breathe of life. I guess (I’m trying to sound all professional and stuff, but I think I’m epically failing).

Returning to the terms of katsujin and setsujin, there are no martial arts that are strictly of one of them, although it’s teachings could be prone to one of other. But it is essentially the choice of the practitioner. Also, there is no “right” or “wrong” way, they are merely different perspectives; truly, setsujin ken is somewhat blamed by society by being bad, but yet again, we chose as right and wrong whatever we want.

What is ki?

Anywhere you look, you will see that there is no clear definition of what ki actually is. Some say it’s a type of energy, some say it’s the very primordial energy of life, some say it’s a state of mind (or, better said, something induced through the mind). Maybe it’s just a feeling.

As Reiki puts it, there are several centers of ki in our body, and that it flows through our body. This theory (the flow of ki) is sustained by many martial arts. Thus, the many round moves, that does not disturb the flow. Reiki also suggests that ki channels, the flow, can be blocked, causing the whole system to feel its repercussions.

The first use of this term was by Mo Di, who used it to describe a sort of vapor that raises from a corpse if not buried deep enough. He also associated it with housing and good nutrition (topics on which we will discuss a bit later on). Next was Confucius, using it with the meaning of “breath” (gonna get on this subject a little bit later as well). Third, and first to use it with the meaning of “life force” was Meng Ke.

Also, to be noted is the fact that the ideogram changed from the “steam” coming from rice (氣) to this one 気, in 1946.

Types of ki

Everything can be separated into types, and so can ki. One of them is the variation of passive ki and active ki. The passive type means that the use of that certain ki is (more or less) constant in time, being mostly always used, continuously. Active ki is based on burst, or spikes, of ki. It uses much more in a short period of time that passive ki.

Then it can be separated in 3 types. Aggressive, defensive, and control type ki. It is just like the three symbols in aikido. The triangle stand for aggressive type ki. This means that it is used in order to aid attacks, to create internal damage - by transmission of energy into the enemy’s body, to cut - it is well known that the great swordsmen of Japan (or at least it is rumored) could cut things even with a stick and had a thick aura surrounding them that could cut leaves in two. That is aggressive ki. The defensive type is the one that helps you empower you muscles for impact, endure pain, regenerate faster (yes, this sound a little bit all science fiction, but it’s everyone’s choice what he believes or not). In Musashi’s “Book of five rings”, the void represent the ultimate ki, where one can negate the aggressiveness in others (and many other things). This is the circle. Then there is control type ki. This helps you raise your flexibility, your speed, concentration, but can also permit control over others. Ninja use this type of ki in their hypnotic techniques, impersonation etc. This is the square.

At first, most usually one will have only one type of ki that he can use (for example, passive defensive ki), but in time, one should master the ability to use all three kinds of ki (as well as both passive and active types).

Ki can also generate auras (which, at their own turn, can be seen using meditation techniques). But auras is a whole different (and big) story.

Creating ki and using ki

How do you gather ki? Well, thing of yourself as a bowl. You fill yourself with it by just standing there. Just like… pancreatic juice. And just like pancreatic juice, you can do things to fasten the rate at which you create this life energy. But this is different from person to person. Some relax, other meditate, others need to become all active and pumped up.

Feelings, as well, can have the ability to empower your ki. But this also means it can weaken it, or it could just make you go berserk and have power but to lack control over it. Genetics (although I hate using this word) also have a role. While some people are fast learners, some can make muscles very fast, there are also people who can create ki, stock it and use it better than others. But all of this can be trained (course, talent is always a big help).

But using ki and creating it are two different meals. To be able to use it you must have enough will power and to have the body to withstand it. Overuse of ki has effects both on the body (primarily) and the mind. It leads to trembling, stomach sickness and difficulty in breathing (things that I myself have felt). Maybe even more. To use it, you must have precision and a lot of training. No, you cannot move stuff with your mind (but if you can, please do tell me). You most probably wont be able to lift an elephant. But you will be “better, harder, faster, stronger”.

You can also create ki pressure on others (but that would mean to have much more than the person you’re aiming at). Also, there are several techniques than can be used to disrupt the flow of ki on others, from hitting pressure points and ki points, to causing pain (thus loss of concentration) and even using ki based techniques.

I’ve considered talking about religion, about Shintoism and Buddhism, but then I changed my mind. And I wanted to talk about Aikido (again). About my aikido. About how there cannot, there shouldn’t be two identical styles. Because I consider that at one point on your path, you will inevitably have to choose who you are. What you like, when you are strong and when you are weak.

I actually think that there are a very few people that are capable of creating their own (aikido) style. Others simply remain at a very simple basis, or, even worse, copy other styles. Aikido, in truth, means learning from life and applying to aikido, and vice-versa. It’s not about the techniques, it’s about how you time them, what you put accent on. It’s about how you feel them.

Copying is the worst thing one could do. Because by copying someone (and I’m not talking about trying to copy a techniques, but about copying a wholesome style, way of feeling) you deny your own style, your true way of doing things. And by doing that, the flow of ki, the flow of the technique itself is disturbed. Unless one finds his own path in life, his own set of principles in which he can firmly believe, he cannot progress and live fully. The same thing applies in aikido. One can never believe with his entire being in something that he merely copied. In something that he continuously tries to maintain as his own thing.

If I were to talk about the path that I choose at this moment (because, in fact, I started this post so I do have a little bit of a burden), it is enough to say the three thing by which it is guided. Sincerity, loyalty and lack of mercy.

So, I thought for a change, what’s with all this cryptic messages coming from everywhere? Saying one thing but trying to say something totally different.

1. I say No but I mean Yes

Ok, I’ve met a lot of situations like this one, and did the same thing dozens of times. But I’m not gonna talk about the “You’re right, we should do this” but he/she actually wants to situation, because you can read about this in million of places. I’m gonna talk about something else.

For example, what does it mean that your friend is angry at you? Although he/she might not actually notice himself (ok, so you can fill in the “herself” part cause its tiring), but most of the times people get angry at others because they actually want more attention. More love, friendship etc. It’s not about having different opinions, it’s about no showing that you care for their opinion or just care for them. Being angry is a very good way of getting attention, but if the other one isn’t very perceptive, things might not go the right way.

On the other hand, being mad at someone might also show that you have been hurt. And this case need more than attention, it needs apologies and insurance that he won’t do that again. “I hate you” shows not actual hate, but a lot of hurtfulness… also, try to be tolerant. If your friend really does tell you he is mad at you and hangs up the phone, call him back. Run after him if he storms out of the building. Hit it while it’s warm, and red… don’t let anger cool off because it might leave some nasty marks.

2. The difference between man and woman

Man has this interesting thing called pride. He can get hurt because of it, or he can not act when someone is hurt because of it. But in my opinion, if someone can’t step on his “manly” pride for a friend, that just means he doesn’t care enough. The are no good excuses for not being sensitive.

Women, in my opinion, are much better at social skills. Of course, they usually expect much more out of relationships (of whatever kind) than men, but I think that’s good. Just don’t forget that women also rarely show their problems in other ways than the subtle ones. Careful analysis is needed.

So, I guess that wraps it up for today. Yep, nothing makes sense, but hey, at least I try. That, I hope, is at least commendable.

“I mean, what all this bowing for? And greeting in japanese? Too hard for me…”

If you’re one of the persons that think like that than you should highly reconsider your position in a dōjō. Traditionally, martial arts are not all about kicking ass, nor are they about physical exercises. Philosophy is very important, and in Japanese culture respect and discipline are one of the most revered values. “When in Rome, do as the romans”. When in a dōjō, do as the japanese.

Bowing

This is one very important aspect, and a complicated one nonetheless. There are various types of bows; they can differ according to whom you are bowing, and can differ according to the amount of respect you wish to show.

When entering a dōjō, one should always slightly bow in order to show respect to the place that they are training. In aikido (I do no dare to say about other martial arts, so if you know for sure, please add), when entering the tatami you also do a “dogeza”, which is the bow from the sitting position (meaning, you are in “seiza” and then you bow).

At the begging of the practice, everybody sits in a straight line (or more, in case there are many people). A very important aspect which is not respected by many is that the order is not random. You sit accordingly to your grade. If two have the same grade, then you sit accordingly to who has practiced for a longer time. The sensei will afterwards sit in front of everybody, facing the kamiza. There is another “rei” (although, again, it is a dogeza) - also called “O-Sensei ni rei” (which means to bow, to show respect to O-Sensei), then the sensei will turn his body towards everybody else and you salute the sensei, again, with a dogeza, and you say “Onegai shimasu”.

Wondering what “onegai shimasu” actually means? It’s literally translation would be please (onegai) do (shimasu). What it is considered to mean is more like “please show me”, “please train with me”. The second one would be a more appropriate meaning.

During the training, when you are shown a technique, you must sit in seiza. Some dōjō’s admit sitting in the semi-lotus position in case you are hurt and cannot stand in seiza. Any other way of sitting is considered rude. I consider even sitting in the semi-lotus position while being shown a technique to be rude. Even if it hurts, one must show respect. At least, my opinion.

After the showing of the technique is over, you will do a dogeza again, and then search for a partner (unless the sensei says that the same partners remain until the end of the training), and, after meeting one’s partner, you will bow (“rei”). The depth of the bow shows the amount of respect. Usually, you are to bow deeper if your partner is a “senpai” (somebody whose grade is higher), but can bow lesser when meeting a “kouhai” (somebody whose grade is lower). So it should no necessarily be a big shock if you bow deep and the other one, being a senpai, merely nods his head. This is considered acceptable in Japanese etiquette if you are much lower in grade than the other. Again, “Onegai shimasu” would be even more respectful, but it is not necessary.

“Should i do a dogeza when I meet someone?” Well, a dogeza when meeting someone, unless you are already in seiza, should be done very rarely. A dogeza is considered extremely respectful (and, if you ask me, it can be a useless consumption of time), so you are not obligated to ever do it in a dōjō. Unless you’re in seiza.

When you finish an exercise with someone, you bow again and can say one of the following three:

1) “Doumo arigatou gozaimasu/gozaimashita” - it is the most formal way of saying “thank you”. “Doumo” is translated as thanks, and can be said all by itself. “Arigatou” also means “thank you”. “Gozaimasu” is the very polite form of the verb “desu” which means “to be”. “Gozaimashita” is simply “gozaimasu” in past tense.

2) “Doumo arigatou” / “Arigatou gozaimasu” - is a less formal way of saying “thanks you” (as you can see, the less word you use here, the less formal it is).

3) “Arigatou” - this is already informal, and should only be used with people that you know better or with kouhai.

Also, if you are not sure of the pronunciation (because my brain is scratched everyday when I hear it spoken wrongly), please address a senpai.

You might also hear you sensei saying “otagai ni rei” (mostly during the exam). This means “mutual respect”, and means saluting your fellow “nakama” (nakama means companions, so to speak).

Off course, there are still some more dōjō etiquette rituals left unspoken of, but time is short, so, perhaps, later.

So, another attempt of a so called blog. Will it succed? Will I become famous and world renowned, get hired and trained by NASA and be sent to conquer the World of Blog? One never knows…

So, as a grand start, I thought of starting with one of my many hobbies… manga. Yes, another one of those freaks. Anyway, today i was ravaging my library in the search of manga’s that contain aikido (because yes, i am one of “those” freaks as well), and wondered why the internet does not have a comprehensive list of manga’s that contain aikido in it. So let us complete the Almighty Internet.

List of manga that contain Aikido

1) AIKI -> the main character, Kizuki, is said to be an aikidoka, but personally I don’t see that much aikido in this manga.

2) Change123 -> ah, a lot of ass-kicking aikido here done by Izuru Hino.

3) Evil Heart -> this manga is mainly about how the main character, Masaki Umeo, that starts learning aikido.

4) M.C. Law -> Not very much aikido here, but Mamoru’s cousin (whose name I have possibly forgotten) does some aikido techniques on the street and says she’s a black belt in aikido.

5) Monster -> Anna Liebert, one of the main characters, can be seen once during an aikido training session. That’s about it for this manga and aikido - although I do remember another bit here and there.

6) Rough -> Another name that yet eludes me, the one of the old man that took care of Ninomiya Ami and Yamato Keisuke. He had an aikido dojo - which is shown in the memories of the children.

Still in search for more aikido-manga’s. Will come back with a few pictures of the aikidoness in the above mentioned manga’s.