Two truths and a lie

I went to a training day where “Two Truths and a Lie” was the ice-breaker.  We were terribly unprepared in the beginning, but by the end people had good lies to mix in and the rest of us had good guesses.  But it got me thinking that perhaps I could make a bunch of random facts and mix in a lie, then my readers could comment with what they think the lie is.  Let’s play!

• I have had surgery
• I have flown a plane
• I have not visited Newfoundland
• I have not visited New Brunswick
• I have not visited Nova Scotia
• I have not visited Prince Edward Island
• I have watched more of the Rio 2016 Olympics than any other Olympics combined
• I coach high school students in Freestyle Wrestling
• I do not have a family doctor
• According to my future goals, I have a lot of learning ahead of me.  A LOT.
• I have eaten kangaroo
• I have visited family in the hospital
• I have visited the ER for myself

So, you have 12 truths and a single lie.  Which is lie?  Comment with your thoughts!

–Kiyoshi “The Prototype”
Your #1 Canadian eh?
Respect the Technique, Triangle Army

Updates, but a little late

The winter semester was quite demanding on my time, and I spent most of my down-time being a lazy potato.  Then I had the summer semester — shorter, but no less demanding as it was a completely different subject — and up next is my wedding.  So I haven’t had a lot of time to think about topics to write about; my contributions to my sponsor’s blog have dropped as well.  But let’s look at the goals we set down in January:

• earn my purple, brown, and black belts in BJJ
• research the time and cost for becoming a Registered Massage Therapist (to supplement BA and MA)
• earn my Sport Science diploma, Kinesiology specialization
• obtain my PDP from SFU UBC
  
• graduate from the BPEC program
• continue coaching the NWSS Hyacks
• complete rough draft of paper on BJJ for peer review and editing
• learn how to properly skip rope for cardio
• improve skip rope technique and increase intensity

In six months, what have I crossed off?  Well,

Earn my Sport Science diploma, Kinesiology specialization: I didn’t actually receive my diploma because I had heard that getting your diploma required you to reapply to the BPEC program.  Two pieces of paper seems nice, but I’ll still be able to obtain the Kinesiology specialization with the degree.  However, I did complete all the requirements for the diploma, and posted my well-loved “report card” on my Instagram.

Learn how to properly skip rope for cardio: thanks to some friends I’ve been able to not only start skipping, but maintain it in a decent rhythm.  I’ve also added in the cross-over, though it needs a bit of work.  Perhaps once I get a more properly-sized rope, or get more reps in, I’ll be able to hit the next bullet point about improving technique and intensity.

Next we have some modifications:

Obtain my PDP from SFU UBC: I’ve modified this from SFU to UBC.  SFU has their requirements laid out in a fairly neat and tidy package, but they require a declared minor in a Science type (Math, Physics, Chemisty, etc.) or French.  While re-learning French is a great option to take, at this point in my time at college it will mean at least another year; my competency isn’t enough to challenge an exam.  On the flip side of this PDP coin is UBC.  I actually hadn’t done any research for the Professional Development Program because I (incorrectly) assumed SFU was the only school that offered it.  Imagine my surprise when a Google search turns up eight school in B.C. from the Island to the Okanagan.  UBC does not require a declared minor, but their site is a bit more finicky to navigate and find the requirements.  I do have an “inside track” by way of a friend who recently got a job teaching at the same school I started my fieldwork, and so far UBC has been fairly prompt and decently informative with e-mails.  I’ll have to look in to attending an info session as well.

While I continue to complete my classes in my upcoming third year of the program, I take a long look at one of my more serious goals:

Complete rough draft of paper on BJJ for peer review and editing: My initial thought was to write something more sociology-based even though there is a bigger shortage of peer-reviewed articles based on physiology and psychology for the sport.  I got in contact with a fellow Redditor who was running a poll to collect data for non-research ends; the man is looking to do a full proper study starting in the fall, and I have asked to be a part of this process in any fashion.

Research the time and cost for becoming a Registered Massage Therapist (to supplement BA and MA): To be honest, getting my RMT status may be a bit too much.  The best programs are a full-time four-year process, with a cost equal to a Bachelor’s degree.  Being able to supplement my services with massage therapy is a wonderful idea, but I may have to look at alternate massage certifications.  It stays on the list, but will likely be modified before the year’s end.

Finally, I add a special goal to honour a friend of mine who is taking his learning to the next level:

Make it Raf’s Place to Challenge Him! Co-host of the MMA-comedy podcast “Verbal Tap Cast” (find, subscribe, and rate them on iTunes!), Raf Esparza and I have forged a relationship that consists mostly of trash talking each other and a certain Kevin T. Phillips.  I have vowed to meet with Raf on our field of battle: the mats of North Hollywood (or whatever sub-section of the sprawl known as L.A. Raf resides and/or trains in).  Perhaps Kevin Phillips can make it to town, where I can avenge my loss from our time on Over/Under Kevin.

And now, the new list:

• earn my purple, brown, and black belts in BJJ
• research the time and cost for becoming a Registered Massage Therapist (to supplement BA and MA)
• obtain my PDP from SFU UBC
  
• graduate from the BPEC program
• continue coaching the NWSS Hyacks
• complete rough draft of paper on BJJ for peer review and editing
• improve skip rope technique and increase intensity
• meet with, challenge, and defeat Raf Esparza of Verbal Tap “fame”
  • knee-bar or heel-hook Kevin if he’s in town

How are your goals progressing?  Let’s chat about them!

–Kiyoshi “The Prototype”
Your #1 Canadian eh?
Respect the Technique, Triangle Army

 

New Podcasts

Almost one year ago today, I published a post about some favourite podcasts of mine.  Well, now I have a few more to add to that list.

The Fighter and The Kid: Uncut, Unedited, and sometimes just Ridiculous.

Hosted by former UFC heavyweight fighter Brendan Schaub, and actor/comedian Bryan “The Kid” Callen, these two discuss a plethora of topics and have a wide range of guests.  Being friends for so long, they pull no stops with each other, or the material currently being discussed.  As a listener, you get to know your hosts almost better than you do your actual friends!  They update twice a week, and have a host of show sponsors to check out with some cool deals.  TFATK.com!  We’re out!

Eye of the Storm: Part of the Sucka Radio Network.

Hosted by musician/BJJ-enthusiast Justin Pierrot and BJJ brown belt Christiaan “The Coyote” Allaart.  These two talk about the recent fight cards and have interviews with notables such as Robin Black (former Fight Network fight analyst), Tommy Toe Hold, and local products such as Josh Jauncey and “Mitey” Micah Brakefield.  They relate their experiences with martial arts as fathers — Justin is now the proud father of a second beautiful child — as competitors, and in Christiaan’s case as a former MMA fighter.

You’re Welcome! With Chael Sonnen.

After his retirement from fighting, host Chael P. Sonnen — Gangsta of Oregon — started his podcast that quickly rocketed to the top of the charts.  He translates the inside scoop of fighting and wrestling (both amateur and professional) for his listeners, and has some amazing guests from around the world.  Unapologetic, unashamed, and easily amused, join Chael and his musings every Wednesday!  You’re Welcome!

And don’t forget to check out my other favourites that I have previously mentioned: Verbal Tap, Chaos Theater, and Gundamn! @ MAHQ.

–Kiyoshi “The Prototype”
Your #1 Canadian eh?
Respect the Technique, Triangle Army

An Over/Under Segment

This past week I did an interview/challenge with Verbal Tap Podcast hosts Raf Esparza and Kevin T Phillips for the “Over/Under Kevin” segment.

The segment consists of Kevin and a chosen guest selecting who they think will win each bout on the upcoming UFC PPV card.  In this particular case it’s regarding August 1st’s UFC 190: Rousey vs. Correira, and the guest was none other than myself.  It all started with a call-out directed at Kevin, which resulted in Raf reaching out to me and getting the ball rolling.  Without spoiling what is to come, check out Verbal Tap Episode 127 here, and don’t forget to subscribe and rate them on iTunes!

–Kiyoshi “The Prototype”
Your #1 Canadian eh?
Respect the Technique, Triangle Army.

The third dimensional optics

3D!

Remember when it was a pair of paper glasses, one lens red and one blue?  The times have certainly changed, but my frontal lobe has not adapted.  Perhaps my eyesight is part of the problem, or perhaps it’s the sensory overload for my poor optic nerves.  Regardless, 3D movies and I don’t get along so well these days.  I think the way I enjoy a movie has changed over the past several years, the same with my level of caring about spoilers; I feel as though with the quick schedule from theatre to DVD release, it won’t matter in the long run if I don’t see it in theatres.

It certainly is a different vibe and energy level when you watch a new release in theatres with people excited to see the movie, but it doesn’t make or break a movie for me.  Normal “flat” vision is the way for me for the foreseeable future.

–Kiyoshi “The Prototype”
Your #1 Canadian eh?
Respect the Technique, Triangle Army

P.S. Look, a post not about school!