Aspen – training @ Rocky Mountains Martial Arts

We trained at Rocky Mountains Martial Arts (Aspen) last night and assisted with the kid’s Gup class by helping the red belts with their hyungs.  The Gup class ended with the kids performing jumping kicks.  Their kicks were FANTASTIC!!!    

Afterwards we had an excellent “Philosophy in Action” class with Moonitz SBN.   We learned about the application of receiving and giving through the elements based on a 4 and/or 8 directional “Um and Yang” exercise.  Moonitz SBN provided us with notes to share the exercise with you at training when we return.  

Our night finished off with the Sa Boms and E Dan performing hyungs for us.  We felt honoured and totally spoilt.

The dojang is located at Aspen Airport Business Centre just across the road from the airport.  So if you come here you can pretty much get off the plane and train straight away.  If you want any more information you’ll have to come here and see it for yourself – it’s worth the visit!!!

Please see website: http://rockymountainmartialarts.com/

Thank you Moonitz SBN, Gibbons SBN, Tai SBN and the students at Rocky Mountains Martial Arts (Aspen) for their very warm welcome.

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P.S. It’s a bit hard to breathe here... LOL... the altitude is affecting us.  After about a quarter of an hour into the training session with the Gups we had to ask for a break.  Desiree couldn’t breathe whilst instructing...  

Las Vegas (6-7 November 2010)

As soon as we stepped off the plane we were surrounded by poker machines.  They’re at the airport, so no wasting time with the gambling.

Our first stop was our hotel.  We pre-booked a room at Bill’s Gambling Hall & Saloon (BGHS).  There was a bit of drama there.  Our reservation looked like it had been cancelled.  Fortunately it all worked out well and the manager of the hotel transferred us to a sister hotel (i.e. Flamingo which thankfully was right next door) due to no room availability at BGHS (we apparently got an upgrade).  It was all very pink inside the hotel.

Las Vegas is certainly colourful ;O).  It has many themed hotels/ casinos and by night it’s cool.  The lights on the strip are endless and the shows are amazing.  The Blue Man Group is a must see – awesome music, art – a very interactive show.  You’ll come out laughing, dancing and wanting more!!!   

The casinos are massive.  In case you’re wondering, yes we tried a few bets.  We gambled on black at the roulette wheel but to no avail... it was good fun though!  :O) 

Downside to Las Vegas: People smoke everywhere – in and outdoors, they haven’t yet caught on to the “nobody smokes here anymore” tune.  My airways were definitely feeling it.  

Notwithstanding, there were many highlights to Las Vegas, one of which was our visit to the Grand Canyon.  It’s massive and goes on and on!!!  We travelled in style on a Maverick jet and toured the north rim of the canyon.  Although the tour was pricy it was worth it! 

H

San Diego - training @ Miramar Martial Arts Academy

We have created history today.  We're the first foreign SBDMDK visitors to Miramar Martial Arts Academy San Diego.  Woohoo!!  Kick ass training session.  Training went on for about an hour and included punching exercises, Il Soo Siks and Hyungs just to name a few.

If you're planning to train in the USA definitely keep this dojang on your list as a must to train in.  Be warned drink breaks are limited (if any).  I think we almost died.  

Website: http://www.miramarmartialarts.com

Dojang is indoors, air-conditioned, super equipped and has cool floors (not concrete) perfect for take downs. 

Head instructor and students are super friendly too.

Thank you to Thomas Thai SBN and the students at Miramar Martial Arts Academy for making us feel so welcome.