Gymnastics practice

Kojo from Capoeira invited me to come along to practice at the Gymnastics academy in Seattle. It was entertaining to say the least! We worked on some basics such as round-offs, rolls, handstands and then moved on to more advanced techniques. We all improved in some areas. I learned the wall-flip and got better at hand-springs. Kojo landed a wall-flip outa nowhere and did some wicked spins and Ian landed 540s kicks, flips and other tricks. This will really help with Capoeira for better balance and improved aerials. Watch some videos I took here. At the end is an incredible trick by someone we met at the academy. It's a front wall-flip, executed like a wall-flip but running towards the wall, planting a foot and two hands, then flipping over forwards. Truly incredible!

Till next time!

Friday media

Hey all, here's yet another compilation of media for your Friday viewing pleasure.

540 kick tutorial: I'm learning these in Capoeira. To train I've been wearing weights and doing a lot of jumping. My legs are getting quite a bit stronger which helps with the pop. I find that leaning forward helps. I'd also like to learn the sideflip.

Crash at Pacific Raceway: With the warmer weather marks the start of the 2007 track-season. Scroll backwards through the photos to see what happens. Both parties are okay. The track was cold and this was only the 3rd lap of the day. The rider that went down first had cold tires and was probably going in a little hot. Here's some discussion from the rider of the yellow bike.

Fireworks factory explosion: This guy survived with some injuries. Apparently these factories blow-up all the time. Not my choice of a place to work.

Friday vids

It's Friday! Time to share some videos.

Kiteboarder getting blown away: can wind really lift a boarder? maybe

Capoeira Ne Veia: capoeira trailer with good tunes

BMW M3 on Isle of Man: insane driving

Capoeira Samba: crazy muscle control

Got any vids to share? Post a comment!

Victoria Batizado 2007

Last weekend Cam and I travelled to Victoria, BC for an Axé Capoeira event known as a Batizado. Cam has a pretty good summary of the event and training here. The highlights were training with Mestres from all over the world and parcipating in the Troca de Cordas, which literally means changing of the cords. Cam and myself were promoted to Azul and this comes with further responsibility such as playing more instruments and helping the less experienced students in our academy. I'd like to thank Matt who let a bunch of us crash at his place and drink his beer. Without him the trip would have been a lot more difficult. We used to be roomies back in University. I also got to spend some time showing Cam around Victoria and we ventured out for a few hours at night. It was just like old times! I partied at the same bars, saw some of the same people, and felt genuinely 21 all over again.

PICS you ask? Well there's not many since I've lost yet another battery charger but we do have some videos:

1) Advanced students performing Maculele and solos at the Batizado
2) Myself, Cam, Mike and Brian during the Troca de Cordas in that order

And to help you finish off the week here's my youtube video of the week:
Terje with a sick line in First Decent.