Happy end of Nablopomo. We made it. Now do you think we'll all take December off? Speaking of off, I'm an hour away from leaving on my trip. So, gots to go!

or days--the end of November and the day we leave on our trip. That's no coincidence, but it comes in handy for me. Otherwise, the hubby would be posting by proxy and he'd have a bit of a hard time. I'm having trouble thinking about karate or anything other than the trip because I'm really nervous about flying/especially driving in a place that's far north and thus snowier than here. Of course almost everything is related to the trip because I've got to get it done before we leave. Except karate… Continue

By people who aren't mean, aggressive, or show-offy. How to handle it? Be a wimp and ask them to tone it down? I have got to resume lifting weights. Even when blocking during prearranged sparring, (which is supposed to be a strike, but gee) this girl was coming at me before I would come at her. I am definitely wearing pads next time. Wearing pads and staying the heck away.

New techniques for various belt levels:

Purple: Rear naked choke escape: Tilt opposite shoulder sharply. Turn into them (away from the hand clasps). With other hand, feel for notch below jaw and push. End up with compress elbow or armbar.

Green (I think): The short side by side from an armbar [to spin to the knee] brush, grab, strike--armbar. Place top hand in the crease of their arm and keep a good grasp on wrist pressure points. Bend their arm back to do takedown. Turn (toward

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A friend of mine is going to take her black belt test soon. I thought about what I could get her as a present. I've thought about getting my black belt a lot, about how happy and proud I'll be. But gee, getting a black belt would be a cause for celebration. A nice dinner at least? Something for me to think about!