In October, Prof Enson Inoue is coming to Grizzly Gym to give a seminar (he was supposed to come this month but had to postpone because he’s in some upcoming Hawaii 5-0 episodes and they’re currently filming), so I thought I’d read his book so I could talk with him about something off the mats. Also, if you know anything about “Yamato Damashi’s” fighting career, or life philosophies in general, you’d know that he is one interesting dude.
The book covers his whole life from growing up Japanese in Hawaii, to being a professional racquet ball player, to fighting, to helping the homeless from the 2011 Tsunami / Fukushima Daini Nuclear Power Plant disaster. I’ve heard him on Joe Rogan’s podcast a couple of times, and the book sounds like he’s talking to you as you read it. I won’t say it’s a classic piece of literature, but it is very interesting and kept me wanting to read the next chapter. I’ll definitely add it to my list of books that I think every BJJ practitioner should read.
Last night at work I finished editing my Whistler video footage. I’ve watched it about 79 times today. 🙂 It’s only been 2 weeks and all I can think about is when I’ll be able to ski a mountain again. Sigh…
I’d love to share the video with y’all, but the music I added to it is copyrighted. YouTube takes it down. Any suggestions of how I can shere it? It’s about 500MB and 15 minutes in length.
Every year around this time, my mind wanders to thoughts of frosty mornings and deep snow… I know, right? It’s only August. I can’t help it. When you are as passionate about something, you want it all the time. So it can be expected that when the season’s ski movie trailers start to come out, I’ll be walking around with my hand covering my crotch in an attempt to hide my boner. Here’s a few of this years films that are causing the erection.
“The weightlessness of youth: every breath radiates opportunity and hope; every sense thrives on the wealth of the present; every thing whispers of brilliance and awe. When you’ve seen the season’s first great snow through the eyes of a child—you’ve known true happiness. But what happened to that simple joy? Where do we find the freedom that time and wisdom stole away?
Valhalla, Sweetgrass Productions’ fourth feature film, is the tale of one man’s search to rediscover the freedom of his youth. Feeling the distant heat of it’s fire still burning in the mountains of the frozen north, he goes in search of those tending the flame—the untamed, the wild, and the outcast dwelling on the fringe.
Weaving narrative-driven style with award-winning, face-melting backcountry ski and snowboard cinematography; Valhalla is a vivid explosion of color, character, snow, and nostalgic soul.” — http://www.sweetgrass-productions.com/films/valhalla/
“Every skier knows what it’s like to call a few friends, pack up, and head out for a trip. Rather than spend another winter chasing storms, five of the top pros and their closest pals embark on their own interpretations of a “trip of a lifetime,” taking them deep into new and uncharted territory. Sean Pettit ventures further in his home turf of British Columbia. Watch as he trades the comfy lodge for a glacier camp – finding unexpected sources of fun in the backcountry. Logan Pehota pinpoints a remote Alaska lighthouse to use as a home base, where he launches a helicopter expedition and finds fresh terrain to attack. Karl Fostvedt takes urban skiing to a whole new level by spending his time searching for the perfect jib, drop and jump amidst the concrete jungle that is Detroit. Pep Fujas leads the backcountry in pure essence. Julien Regnier is found trekking the grueling 100km (62 Miles) historic high alpine route between Chamonix, France and Zermatt, Switzerland. Finally, Bobby Brown brings the crew back together for a spring session to wrap a season that won’t soon be forgotten. Tracing Skylines follows these five skiers on several incredible adventures. Where will you be inspired to go next?” http://www.poorboyzstore.com/dvd/tracing-skylines
“McCONKEY, a much anticipated feature-length documentary, is a heartfelt examination of the legacy one athlete left to the progression of his sports, and the path he paved to conquer his dreams. Shane McConkey is revered as a pioneer of freeskiing and ski-BASE jumping, and through his talent and ability to use his trademark irreverent humor he inspired countless lives. In a film from Red Bull Media House in association with Matchstick Productions, McCONKEY celebrates the life of one of the world’s ultimate innovators. Proceeds from the film will go to a trust set up for the McConkey family.” http://www.skimovie.com/index.php/dvds/details/mcconkey
Mountains to Mats 