Shitoryu Karate Association 55th Anniversary Dinner

Representing our club Ken Shin Kai Club and collecting a token of appreciation

I have been involved in Karate for well over 20 years ; My first exposure was with the Shotokan club at YMCA in Palmer Road from 1972 till 1976 and subsequently I came back and trained as an adult from 2002 till present with the Shitoryu school Ken Shin Kai under the tutelage of Hanshi Chia Kwek Fah (8th Dan Black Belt).

Recently the Shitoryu Karate Association in Singapore celebrated its 55th year of existence. Founded by Hanshi Wong Tuan Sing and  the current President of the Association is Sensei Riki Young.

We had a great time reminiscing old times, meeting up with long time associates and club mates and much merriment was had watching the singers, dancers and even Elvis impersonators giving their all ! 

with Ken Shin Kai club mates, Hanshi Chia Kwek Fah (orange) in foreground

          L - R :   Filipe Cunha,Woo Kwang Sun,Alan Sim,Loh Kheng Leng,Leck Chye 

                                    Chuan,Johnson Wee and Jason Chua.

Oss !

0 - 0 but several really good chances not put away

Wolves 0 Man Utd 0 

Several very good chances saved wonderfully by their goalkeeper and Wolves John Ruddy was extremely lucky that Rashford's and Mata's efforts did not end in the net.  

Milan and Florence - 2 Unforgettable HIghlights

The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci ; at the Chapel of Santa Maria del Grazie 

Leonardo da Vinci's last Supper was and is one of da Vinci's 2 most famous works, the other being the "Mona Lisa" situated at the Louvre in Paris.

This painting was not done in the 'fresco' or wet painting style so common of the 15th century but (pardon my ignorance) but rather it was done in a more painstaking tempera and oil on gypsum before mounting it to the wall. The painting is kept in a climate control room whereby the humidity is kept purposely low to prevent moisture from causing damage to the wall (fungus etc.)

If you do go to Milan, do book this tour early as the number of people allowed to view the Last Supper is very much kept to minimal so as not to cause damage to the wall. 

The painting depicts Jesus of Nazareth seated at the centre and having the last supper with his 12 disciples before he is betrayed by Judas and even his own dearest Peter.

Michelangelo's David in the Accademia de Belle Arti (Fine Arts Academy) in Florence. 

Another must visit site is Michelangelo's David (of David and Goliath story). This 6 meter marvel of engineering and sculpting brilliance is a must see by anyone who visits Italy. Michelangelo himself said that he saw the people inside the rectangular blocks of marble and  his job was to free them from the blocks.

There are numerous blocks showing semi completed works where the people seem to be struggling to get free from inside the marbe block. 

Such was his genius which still resonates till today.

Accamedemia in Florence. 

Carpe Diem.   

Being Alive every morning is Awesome and I am grateful

My Rain Shower for the last 18 years 

In the last few years, I have routinely made use of the rain shower in the 3rd floor of my house. 

The feeling of cold water rushing down your body while you look up into the morning or night sky is indescribable.

I would like to share it with my readers. If you ever get the chance to shower - try it.

I feel so indebted to my parents, family and my past that indeed life can be enjoyed by the simplest of acts.

Good Morning 4th Jan 2020 !  

Be Thou My Vision

My late father Geoffrey's favorite hymn and this will be one of the first hymns I will endeavor to learn and master.

2020 New Year Resolutions - Simple ; Easy ; Step by Step

My Son Andrew's 22nd Birthday Recently 

Here are my New Year Resolutions ; No Fuss, No Excuses Just Set them out for the world to see.  So if I miss them and fall flat on my face. The world will laugh at me with no mercy. 

1. Say "No" more effectively.
2. Be On Time ; no later than 10 minutes late  (need to count this and compare)
3. Honor what I say ; Less empty promises.
4. Lose 3 kg and keep it there
5. Be a better swimmer
6. Be a better piano player.
7. Manage $ better

Say "No" more Effectively and when Necessary

Say "No" more effectively - I need to be more assertive in saying "No". Saying "Yes" when not considering the the consequences can turn out bad in the future. So I need to do this NOW.

Be On Time

Time management ; if I agree to meet someone or there is an agreed time to meet for class, a meeting or scheduled doctor's appointment. I MUST plan better time management to ensure there is X minutes plus +15 before that appointment to be there on time.

Honor What I Say

Deeply personal and a committment for me by me and a core value.

Lose 3 kg and keep it there

The battle is a daily one where I have a concious effort to eat less and exercise more. Sounds easy ? But one of the most difficult things I have encountered in my life.

Be a Better Swimmer

As my running is winding down and I am running less due to wear and tear on my joings and tendons, I will swim more and a target of 20 laps each day 3 X a week is my goal

Be a Better Piano Player

Take lessons, Youtube and others and play 20 songs in time for our 60th gathering sooner than I would expect. 

Manage $$ better 

Eat wisely, spend less on the dining and be happier for it. Make the profit from  really high expectation year with provisions for savings, donations, and myself. Starting today.  

3 goals seal an amazing comeback win against 10 man Man City

This game of football is so unpredictable ; I actually woke up at 3.30 am to watch the game between Wolves and City ; at half time I had switched off the TV and went to bed, convinced that there was no justice in the football world, with Wolves conceding a very dubious (hardly any intended contact) penalty taken twice by England international Raheem Sterling before the goal was accepted.

Wolves were down 1 - 0 against a 10 man city side ; To make matters worse, they went down 2 - 0 after Sterling lobbed the ball over Patricio in the 55th minute to make it 2 - 0. 

It was as if a script out of the Twilight Zone ; then came this man Adama Traore ; an unstoppable and unmarkable player - the stuff of nightmares for opposing teams. Incredibly fast, skillful, strong and a good footballing brain to boot.

He rounded off a brilliant Wolves counter, Neves stealing the ball off the careless Sterling and Adama unleashed a thunderbolt from 25 yards leaving the City goalkeeper Bravo no chance. 

1 - 2 ; Game On !

In the 81st minute, Adama again stole or bumped off a tiring Mendy making a mockery of his International standing, nutmegged Brazilian Fernandinho and passed the ball out of reach of Rodrigo for Raul Jiminez to slot home.

2 - 2 ;  We have a Game !

In the 89th minute, an enlightend Matt Doherty did a neat 1 - 2 with Jiminez, rounded off 1 desperate lunge from Gundauan and curved the ball passed the hapless Bravo.

3 - 2  ; Wolves.

Needless to say, the top blew off Molineux that evening, with people hugging, crying and just plain drunkedly happy with the wicked win over the Champions.


Wolves, you have arrived.