Shintaro Higashi

Summer has come.  Although the rain doesn’t put me in the best of moods, it is still summer and I am excited for the side effects of the seasonal heat.  Sweat, less clothes, tan and outdoor fun.  All great things the Earth’s angle brings upon us.

So many have asked me how goes my recent months.  Well, I am motivated and ambitious.  I eat clean every day and work out as hard as I can as frequent as I can while keeping in mind my recovery necessities.  Actually my knee has been bothering me since the Presidents Cup (I took 2nd) so I am sitting out fighting this week.  Still there are many other things I can do to improve my life, so I am on top of that.

When something a little more interesting surfaces into my life, I will let you guys know.  Thanks for reading!

It’s been a while since I’ve written and Big things have happened!  Although a long due brag fest would be most appropriate, I am not going to do that.  That is because I want to write about Chess.  Yes, chess.

I love the game.  I first learned to play at a young age.  My uncle taught me how and although I liked it, I didn’t have the patience to give myself the sit time to accel in the game.  Also, my progress was impeded by my severe ADHD.  I believe movement is medicine and since then have over-come that disability.  However, that is another post…  Chess.  I decided to trade private lessons with my friend and fellow judoka Chris.  He is an amazing chess player and I thought I can benefit my psychological aspect of judo through learning chess theory and tactics.  Here is what I have learned so far.

Advancement of the pawns= Grip fighting. (have to be strategical, placement crucial)

Developing your knight= ie:Uchimata you can hit from all angles.

Bishop=Diagnal attacks

Rooks=Straight back and forth, side to side

Diligent and strategical hand placement during grip fighting, can lead to the development of the ‘pieces’ to attack efficiently from many angles.

And queen…  Newaza?  Absolutely NOT!

Forks, skewers and pins…  Multiple combinations and threats to force check mate….

Anyways, it may seem stupid but I like it!  so That’s that, until next time.  It’s time to eat.