English Teacher

"I Wanna be a Teacher!" I made up my mind when I was in Jr.high and on my Jr.high-graduation, I promised with my respected English teacher Mr. Yasutomi who wrote a message "I hope you become a good English teacher!" on the first page of my yearbook.

Up to now, 7 years passed away. Do you think I despaired dream, being a teacher? No! Ah yes, no... actually yes, I have thought that I should give the dream up when I decided to enter technical college instead of going to university to study education to be a teacher. To be a 'official' teacher here in Japan, it's necessary to be educated at colleges or universities, not in technical college, that's damn regulation, I think! However, I've never thought that my dream has been shattered, yep I kept telling myself that "Be patient! I'll have a chance! (it's a quote from Mark's saying. Thanks Mark :D)"

Anyway, time is come! The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology started working toward making English education as a required-subject of 5 and 6 grades elementary school from 2011.


I checked about new English education system and now I'm strongly thinking about getting a license named "J-Shine," short for Japan Shogakko (Elementary School) Instructors of English, so I can teach English to the elementary school kids officially. YAY!!

In order to obtain this license, I required to take a course of the teaching of English at some organization which are approved by J-Shine committee and to pass some tests. After I finish taking all of them, I should be recommended by the organization I choose; once my paper work done, the committee judge whether I have enough knowledge to start teaching or not. I'm not sure how difficult this is, but According to rumor, not a lot of people fail in this stage.

Well, no matter the outcome, let's just give it a try!!

Extra Money!

定額給付金, teigaku kyufu kin, the Supplementary Income Payments, is a one-time payment that was aimed to support the life of inhabitants for the purpose of reducing the uneasiness of them under economic recession and to revitalize local economy at the same time.￥12,000 for each parson ( but 20,000 yen for those whom age of 18 and under and age of 65 and over). In Adachi-ku(ward), an application form had been sent to each registered person from the city office on March 23, and acceptance started. My family ann I finally got teigaku kyufu kin today! V(^∇^)o iiVIVA EXTRA MONEY!!

Co.KEIOH from Gakkou e ikkou

日本舞踊 (Nihon Buyō)

日本舞踊 (Nihon Buyō) is a traditional Japanese performance.
Since my grandma is 師範 (the master instructor), of 藤阪流(one of the dancing ways called Fujisaka)]; I do Nihon Buyo!


The other day, we had a exhibition. If you want to see the movie me dancing, check out my page on facebook or myspace, thank you!!

Mi familia de Mexico!!

Mi familia de Chi hua hua en Mexico- Familia de Ramirez- esata formada por (My family members in Chi hua hua Mexico -Ramirez Family- are) mi papa (my dad), mi mama (my mom), hermano mayor Carlos (older brother Carlos), hermana menor Yesi (younger sister Yesi) y Damaris (and Damaris) y por mi (and myself). Tenemos uno pero que sellama Niki (There are a dog name Niki).

Mi papa gusta leer, computacion, tocar guitarra, cantar y karaoke. (My dad likes to read, computer, to play guitar, to sing and karaoke). Mi mama gusto leer y costura (My mom likes to read and sewing). Carlos gusto anime, juego y Wii (Carlos likes anime, game and Wii). Yesi gusto leer y anime (Yesi likes to read and anime). Damaris gusto escuchar musica (Damaris likes to listen music). Ademas, hermanos las dos gustan baile. (And both sisters like to dance).

Shanghai

現在我在上海。有意思。

我想旅居在上海长的時間。
但是、明天、我回帰日本。

我再去中国口巴 o(o _o)○



I'm at Shanghai right now. Shanghai is very interesting place to me. Really!
People here is interesting too. They're speaking Chinese with Shanghai accent.

Although Mandarin, a common language in China, is understood in Shanghai,
a local people are very glad when I try to talk with Shanghai dialect.

I can understand what they say somehow or other even I've never learned how to speak it in school. So how... I acquire some expression naturally from shopping in Shanghai. Here's some↓

Fi ni guan lin‥‥Welcome
Non Yo Sa?‥‥Can I help you?
Ba sha ja‥‥(No) Thank you
De ba zee‥‥Excuse me
Da ga ji dee? ‥‥How much is this?
Ze Bi ni nie‥‥Can I have a discount?
Ta ju la‥‥It's too expensive
～Kui a ma?‥‥How about $～
No min chi mio‥‥I have no idea
Yo a‥‥ I want this

Rin(0) Yea(1) Ryan(2) Se(3) Su(4) Mm(5)
Lo(6) Che(7) Ba(8) Ju(9) Ssa(10)

I want to talk to Shanghai people more so that I can master more. YES!

Multilingualist

Right now, I'm in a great enviorment where 20 or more languages are flying one after another, which is great!! haha I told you, I shall be a multilingualist!!

I'm going to miss LA

I have been here LA for only 10 days, but now I have kinda warm feeling now...

But..., I'm sure I'm gonna miss LA!!






I'm gonna miss Honbu Dojo!
I'm gonna miss Obata Kaiso, Mrs, Obata, Saito Sensei and all those who practice together!


I'm gonna miss Little Tokyo, Miyako Hotel, Super Mitsuwa and people there!
I'm gonna miss Down Town LA and jerry-built food booths, shops and stuff like that!
I'm gonna miss very complicating but useful transportations, DASH and Metro!


I'm gonna miss strong sun light!
I'm gonna miss Spanish!
Anda, I'm gonna miss USC! YAY!!







Oh, I will even miss Mexican foods that I ate everyday say tacos, burrito, bocadijo(kind lika sandwich, not sure about the spelling though) and etc... Can you believe that!?? You never thought I'm gonna miss hot Spanish food, right? Oh yeah, someone who couldn't eat even mild hot stuff misses ultra hot food! Wow, just amazing!!

Yes, Yes, Yes I'm gonna miss everything except street people who ask me for money, traffic jam, as well... I think I'm not gonna miss Yumi and Noah. lol

Thanks and I promise I will be right back to LA again!!

Wasting time and money!

Today, I watched the budgetary discussion 2007 on House of Representative Internet TV.

-->http://www.shugiintv.go.jp/en/index.cfm



It was ridiculous! Politicians are not talking about important stuff! It was so boring that some of them especially underlings are not listening, talking with person who sitting next to each other, yawning, or even taking a nap instead of paying attention to speakers. Bullshit!

What they were doing was a completely useless effort… phew, they were trying to avoid wasteful spending, but I would say that the salaries for the idiotic politicians are actually prodigality of tax, which is our money, my money!

No hope for future of Japan… ヽ(´～｀；）

Kobe

Yes, Kobe is a great player!! Now, who will stop Kobe is the question? Or is it better to say, who can stop Kobe? Hmm... I need think about that.

Vista

Vista is Nice!! I just finished updating to "Vista" gahahahaha, and that's cooler, faster!! I feel like using Mac computer!!

ALL STAR 2007

NBA ALL STAR game is one off the fun event, in fact I think ALL STAR games are just as exciting as Finals... Anyway what even better was it was held in "Vegas" this year that made me look forward much much more... why Vegas doesn't have any NBA team and it's pretty unusual actually under this kinda situation was the first time. Hmm must be exciting ever!!

Here's that list in my order of preference (best to 50th):
Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, George Mikan, Karl Malone, Julius Erving, Elgin Baylor, Bob Cousy, Bob Pettit, Hakeem Olajuwon, Moses Malone, Shaquille O'Neal (the only active player on the list), Jerry West, John Havlicek, David Robinson, Kevin McHale, Charles Barkley, Isiah Thomas, Walt Frazier, Patrick Ewing, Willis Reed.
Dolph Schayes, Dave Cowens, Billy Cunningham, Elvin Hayes, John Stockton, Rick Barry, George Gervin, Earl Monroe, Pete Maravich, Nate Archibald, Paul Arizin, Dave Bing, Sam Jones, Clyde Drexler, Robert Parish, Scottie Pippen, James Worthy, Lenny Wilkens, Wes Unseld, Bill Sharman, Nate Thurmond, Bill Walton, Jerry Lucas, Dave DeBusschere and Hal Greer.

Assuming the next official NBA all-time team will be the top 75 players for the league's 75th anniversary, here are the active players I believe already have clinched spots (in order of my preference): Tim Duncan, Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Kevin Garnett, Jason Kidd and Gary Payton.
Other active players who are well on their way to making the top-75 list: Steve Nash (a third MVP award would be the clincher), Dirk Nowitzki, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Tracy McGrady. Dwight Howard, Vince Carter, Ray Allen, Jermaine O'Neal, Gilbert Arenas, Elton Brand, Amare Stoudemire and Chris Bosh have more to do but can't be discounted.
Five retired players who didn't make the 50th anniversary team but will deserve consideration for the 75th anniversary team are Dominique Wilkins, Bob McAdoo, Reggie Miller, Alex English and Connie Hawkins.

Well, the game result was that West beat East by 153-132...

LeBron James, who had 29 points and 6 rebounds for the East was recorded the youngest ( 21years old) MVP in the history last year, led the East with 28 points!! What I was surprised was his shooting ability... man, he's good! Make sure, don't let him open! I bet he will be big like MJ, haha, he needs a champion ring though....
Carmelo Anthony from the Denver scored 20 points and 9 rebounds, was nice!! He's entertaining us by playing hot!!
Amare Stoudamire who from Suns, he got 29 points and some rebounds, was cool as well.

But, compare to Kobe Bryant from the LA Lakers, eventually those players are nothin' he scored 31 points which was the highest, oh man that was hot!! you know, he also got 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 6 steals!! Wow, he's incredible!! No wonder he was chosen as the MVP!! WOOT!!
And, I was hoping to see Steve Nash from The Suns but he didn't play because of injury... Rokcets's Yao Ming or Naggets's Iveson also; I always like to see Kidd's play so I was kinda dissapointed about that!
Ultimately, however,, it was not as good as I expected actually... well I hope next year wherever it will be held is going to be better than this year!!

Cheers!

Lost confidence

I watched Full House (I guess 4th or 5th season) on TV today... and I couldn't catch what just Michelle said... I only heard "dude" at the end of her comment. That means my english level is same as or could be lower than 5 years old kids....

Teaching!!

Now I have been difficult time to find a job for future... I'd like to do some kind of teaching job, a Japanese teacher would be the best, but that might be hard for me since I don't have time and money (to become a Japanese teacher, I need to go school for it first)... hmm, spending money for studying right now is not what I want... yes, I need to save the money for going study abroad. However, today I found out that teaching English to kids is one of the my desires that I can do without any licence, that's cool! So I will probabry send a reseme to some schools where I can teach Englidh to kids. Hope some of the company will hire me.

How can I concentrate?

“I can't concentrate while I’m studying” is one of the difficult tasks of my life. Even though we all have the ability to concentrate; yet most of the time, it is quit difficult for me to keep my mind upon one thing. However, I do concentrate sometimes, without realizing it though. For this reason, it is impossible for me to tell you that my most successful study techniques. Nah, we can’t say impossible never…, but now question is when I’m concentrate or not. I think it is much easier to find its answer from going over when I can’t get back on the truck.

When I’m not concentrating, there are always my friends around; yes, in my case friends are the worst PEST for me; yes gadgets are not so destructions as compare to the friends. Therefore, I won’t never concentrate as long as friends distract to me. In other words, I should be alone when I need to concentrate. Next, I think when I’m giving attention to things, I’m listening to music, my favorite one are even better though. For me, it’s a really factual, even though to listen music would be distraction for some people. For another point here, as I deliberate, I need to sleep, do some excises and eat well first. When I’m sleepy, of course I can’t stand against sleepiness, only I think about is that ‘I’m try not to fall asleep’…. ‘I won’t nod’… zzz… die ultimately… zzz, so I never get into a mood at all…. How about an empty stomach, is it bother my study time? Oh yeah, it is troublesome! Temptation for appetite is one of the things that I really can’t control unless I have some snacks. To end with some excises, I could keep my mind on study more when I was playing basketball, which data tells that I need some activity in favor of studying. Oh, wait… I almost forgot to mention about a depression, an anxiety and a stress, I would add negative feeling about something else also; because to deal with them are pain in the ass really, yes they are the one lose my enthusiasm. Even supposing some say it’s not good way to solve the problem, I consider that we sometimes can depend on alcohol for concentration, I didn’t say drug, only by drinking proper amount though. According to Asahi daily newspaper, some liquid make us relax both physiologically and psychologically.

To put it briefly, for focus on studying, I necessitate staying away from friends, luck of sleep, food, excises plus worthless emotion, in addition, enlist music or things whatever help me to concentrate like alcohol as my friend, then no problem, victory will be mine!!

THE SAMURAI AND THEIR USE OF BUSHIDO

In Japan the warrior class was known as samurai, also called bushi. They formed a class in and of themselves during the 9th and 12th centuries. They appeared from the provinces (area, region) of Japan to become the ruling class (the class that controls country) until their decline and later total abolition (ending) in 1876 during the Meiji Era.

The samurai were fighting men, skilled in the martial arts. Samurai had extensive(wide) skills in the use of the bow and arrow and the sword. They could just as likely have killed you with their bare hands. Samurai were also great horsemen.
These warriors were men who lived by Bushido; it was their way of life. The samurai's loyalty to the emperor and his overlord (lord=reader), or daimyo, was unsurpassed. They were trustworthy(dependable) and honest. They lived frugal(economical) lives with no interest in riches and material things, but rather they were interested in honor and pride. They were men of true courage(spirit). Samurai had no fear of death. They would enter any battle with no hesitation. To die in battle would only bring honor to one's family and one's leader.

Samurai usually would rather fight alone, one on one. In battle a samurai would call out his family name, rank and accomplishments(successes). Then he would seek out an opponent with similar rank and do battle. When the samurai has killed his opponent he severs his head. After battle he takes the heads of his enemies back to show proof of his victory. Heads of generals and those of high ranks were carried back to the capital and displayed for the officials and others. The only way out for a defeated(win against) samurai was death or ritual(ceremonial) suicide, which was seppuku.

Seppuku or Hara-kiri is when a samurai stabs a knife into his abdomen and literally disembowels himself by cutting out his guts. After the samurai disembowels(take internal stuff out) himself another samurai, usually a relative or friend, slices his head off. This form of suicide was "performed under various situations: to avoid capture in battle, which the samurai did not believe to be dishonorable and degrading(shaming), but generally bad policy; to atone(make up for) for a misdeed(wrong) or unworthy act; and perhaps most interestingly, to admonish(reprove) one's leader". A samurai would rather kill himself than bring shame and disgrace(shame) to his family name and his leader. This was considered an act of true honor.

The samurai became the ruling class during the 1400s and the 1500s. In the 1600s there was a time of unification(fusion); warring in Japan had ceased(finish). Then toward the end of the Tokugawa Era (the late 1700s), Japan began to move towards a more modernized and Western way of life. There was no need for fighting men, for warriors, for samurai. The samurai and their way of life was officially abolished in the early 1870s, but it was not forgotten.

Baby-making machines

It has been current topics on everyday news are about Hakuo Yanagisawa, who is a Japanese health minister, described women as "baby-making machines" also requested women to "do their best" to prevent a trouble that the birthrate in Japan is going down and down.
That was ultra impolite!!
I believe that he needs to take responsibility for this problematical statement and resign. Let me add this…. Even though someone who like, Shinzo Abe, the prime minister of Japan, should force him out of government, Abe has been standing up for him rather than make him to leave that I can't understand!!

Cool stuff

Haha, awesome, this is really cool ever I have done (='c'=)b
Yes I created my own playlist!!

Aww...

My family is a bit gibberish sometimes haha... you know, that's why I am also.
At Yamada-denki, an electrical appliances store, near my house; they are trying new machines that moving is like riding on horseback... silly; however, I heard these are hit products right now with buildup "slim down," hahaha, hmm... let's see if lose weight or what... just curious.

20years....

I became 20, that means from now on I will be regarded as an adult, wow!!
This is a picture of me wearing kimono for the coming of age's celemony yesterday.

Kinchan's Kaso-Taisho

Kinchan's Caso-Taisho has been one of my favorite TV program since I was a little girl...hehe. Here is the homepage for it --> Kinchan no Kaso Taisho, also you can see some winning collections here --> Kako no Sakuhin. Kinchan, Kinichi Hagimoto is famous Japanese comedian is its MC, also Shingo Katori, one of the members of singer group SMAP. Basicly, participants give a performance and contested by 10 judgers(famous people; actors/actresses, entertainers, athletes... etc). Each of them have two points to evaluate performance, so perfect score is 20p, and over the 15p is pass, under the 14p is failer.... Last they announce each prizes and champion!!

New Year’s reservation of 2007

Following a Japanese traditional custom, I have to set a new year’s reservation on January 2. And, today is January 2. Well… I know I really need to set a new goal because I always give up on the half way; I have never completed things…. What a week will I have...

Anyways, I have to figure out what is the most important thing I will need to be done in this year. Let’s think about what I couldn’t be done during past years….

First I was less communicative entire my life… oh yeah, I need to talk more, but I'm losing confidence for speaking English right now…, it will be very difficult for me to achieve that; maybe impossible??... Oh, I already make ready to run away… not good…. Hmm… I need to communicate well in any case, eh? Now… how can I overcome this shyness. Donno…

Okay, I decided one! My goal this year will be… “Make others happy!!” hahaha how’s that??

Christmas Illumination

Last night, I went to Fuchie Park 15min from my house with my grandma. As soon as I finished videotaping all the light turned off for some reason... Oh year, I was lucky!!

Cute!!

I love this!! I found them near Daiba station (Yurikamome), Tokyo!!
I hope everybaby will have a happy Christmas!!

Upwords

I played 'upwords' against Kevin, John and Ryan the other day.

Here are the results...

Of course I fell... I need to build up my vocabulary, you know that...

UPWORDS No.1

C

　　　　O

GIRDER

D

FLOORS

Z E V T

MAW S ALA

OX N

C BA D

SHANTY

UPWORS No.2

BUNTING

L 0

A F

N RE LAYS

C I O I QU

H SC O PES A

E H OR W

DEF I N ES L

R OT

ME

What??

What't wrong with my mom... she got crazy about playing new game "wii" by Nintendo.
Here is mom playing golf, really makes me laugh... hehe.

Ciao Christmas Party 2006

What the fuck going on?

Santa Baby... ? Me...? Oh NO!!

Santa baby
Just slip a sable under the tree for me
Been an awful good girl
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight

Santa baby
A 54-convertable too, light blue
I'll wait up for you, dear
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight

Think of all the fun I've missed
Think of all the fellows that I haven't kissed
Next year I could be just as good
If you'll check out my Christmas list

Santa baby I want a yacht and really that's not a lot
Been an angel all year
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight

Santa honey
One little thing I really need, the deed
To a platinum mine
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight

Santa cutie
Fill my stocking with a duplex and cheques
Sign your X on the line
Santa cutie, and hurry down the chimney tonight

Come and trim my Christmas tree
With some decorations bought from Tiffany's
I really do believe in you
Let's see if you believe in me

Santa baby
Forgot to mention one little thing, a ring
I don't mean on the phone
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight
Hurry down the chimney tonight

Hurry
Tonight

Whtch your...

Watch your thoughts;

they become your words.

Watch your words;
they become your actions.
Watch your actions;
they become your habits.
Watch your habits;
they become your　character.
Watch your character;
it becomes your destiny.

hehe...

Enjoy studying "Japanese"

Must be kidding

Are you sure? It's amazing!!

Ridiculous!

I was robbed by two men...

lol

I took some picture by using distance

I took some pictures by using distance, so enjoy them!

I like this one. Yummmy is going to eat Yo.

No.33

This is for practice game, so I could choose uniform number this time. I would like to tell you why I chose no.33. In fact, it was hard for me to choose this number, because there were many choices I wanted; for example no.5 (Jason Kidd), no.6 (Dr. J, Bill Russell), no.7 (Pistol Pet) no.11 (Isiah Thomas), no.12 (John Stockton), no.31 (Reggie Miller), no.32 (Magic Johnson, Karl Malone, Shaq) no.33 (Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Patrick Ewing, Scottie Pipen), no.34 (Charles Barkley), no.44 (Jerry West) and more (I cannot say everything). In spite of I decided no.33 as final decision lastly; I was suffering between no.32 and no.33 till the last. No.32 and no. 33 is famous for symbolical basketball uniform number and many basketball players in the U.S want to get them for showing respect and admire for many great basketball players like player who are written above.(I just heard, so I do not sure about it is right or wrong), One I know is about Jason Kidd. Because he had great respect for Magic Johnson, he put no.32 for uniform when he was in high school.
Well…there were two big reasons that I chose. One reason was Larry Bird. Compare to Magic Johnson, Larry was unsung basketball hero in the background instead of gorgeous. Before I injured when I was playing with no pain, I did wanted to be like Magic, but now I want to be like Larry, why same as myself, Larry also was playing with pain (He had bad knees) yet he have kept playing and managed to obtain glory. Therefore, I do not want to quit playing basketball even have pain just like he have done. That I want to be a basketball player like Larry Bird was one reason. Another reason was not only Larry both also Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Patrick Ewing who had beautiful arc and ball rotation, and perfect follow through with their shoots. I cannot say anything about their shooting except “Beautiful! ” I wish I could shot like them so I decided to take their shooting style for a model. That’s why I chose no.33. By the way, however, I thought that is regrettable to abandon no.32. Therefore, I asked Yummy to get no.32 and she accepted that nicely, BUT she could get no.32 because of company’s fault, oops!

Wow!

I finally got practice uniform for Wild Cats. I have been looking forward to get it for long time.

I want to show you both ←black and red→ sides.

Es muy difícil

What is happening to my body specially my knees and hip??Actually, my body condicion have been pretty bad these days. I am in a very hard time and things I am doing are very difficult for me even I have been doing for long time that have been making me furastreted. This morning, I almost gave up and tried to escape from everthing, but finaly I did not do.

Why?? I did not want to show my weakness to Mark also I just did not want to absent from school. I went to school, however, my conditioning still have some problems. One thing that I do not want to do is make trouble theammates and Mark, so I have to be paitiant untill August (summer vacation).

Making decision is not easy

Mark gave me serious question (I will not tell you about question), and I have to answer by tomorrow morning. It is not easy for me to make my mind; because I have been worrying about it for long time. I guess too many minds are bothering me to make decision. For only me, I can answer easily; however, I also have to think for team then, that become much more difficult. Tonight, I will think for both team and myself. Whichever I choose for final decision, I do not want to regret. Therefore, I must make the best decision tonight.

Who is the Best Point Guards in the NBA

Who do you think is the best pointguard in the NBA?

Jason Kidd
Great passer who is able to find open teammates with claver and no look passes. He knows when start a fast break and when slow down. He makes his teammates better and to helped go New Jersey Nets to a playoff fight.

Steve Nash
He has strange hair, but that anybody doesn't stop him, one of the best court leaders in the court. Nash is one of the league's leaders in assists and his wild style play makes him a tough player to defend. His arrival in Phoenix has made the Suns a new head team in the Western Confrence.

Stephon Marbury
He is more loving of taking the ball to the himself, than rolling off to a teammates, but he is very quick and is a master of creation offencer. He have a famous for being bit of a ball tip and still turn over the ball way too much.

Mike Biby Biby is not the most beautiful point guard in the league, but he is very reliable. He is very quick, and doesn't turnover the ball a lot (can ball control well), and has done an excellent job of bringging balance to Sacramento's running panetration offence.

………so, who is the best?? One of them?? Or another player??

THE MENTAL ABILITY OF A POINT GUARD 6

Responsibility
Finally, the key point that proves all these aforementioned characteristics. A point guard must posses all thee characteristics simply because he carries such an amount of responsibility for the outcome of the game. All these characteristics help a point guard mentally to succeed and organize the game. And the game of the team depends upon how the point guard organizes.

THE MENTAL ABILITY OF A POINT GUARD 5

Examination of the opponent
A good point guard should always be in some ways “home-court”. He cannot enter a game as an explorer, who enters a jungle unascertained to him. He should always observe some characteristics of his opponent as to avoid surprises. The more he will know about his opponent/ opponents, the greater the chance he will be able to use their imperfections and his qualities against them. This eventually increases his chance of beating his opponent/ opponents.

THE MENTAL ABILITY OF A POINT GUARD 4

Effort & Tenacity
The effort of a good point guard should be 100% and more. A point guard must enter the game willing to demonstrate all of his abilities and to play basketball. Certainly, a player can never play 100% perfect, yet a point guard must yield his maximum effort. In this case, effort can compensate for some imperfections, whether it be physical or fundamental. Also, a point guard (as any other player) entering a basketball court is like a gladiator entering an arena, they both have to be tenacious and craving to defeat their opponent. In this case it will always be the player with the greater desire that will triumph over the other.

THE MENTAL ABILITY OF A POINT GUARD 3

Leadership
My notion always was that the point guard should be the unofficial assistant captain or leader of the team, if not already captain. A quality point guard must have a sufficient amount of leadership in his personality. Because he is the virtuoso of the team, he has to be competent to possibly: advise, help, rectify and order a teammate. He alone must establish his authority in his team for his teammates to accept his leadership. His leadership is crucial because, as aforementioned, he is the virtuoso and he constructs the game.

THE MENTAL ABILITY OF A POINT GUARD 2

Poise
A point guard must keep his poise in every stage of the game. In any crucial period of the game, the point guard must incorporate poise and self-confidence in order for his team to be successful. The point guard must always be calm and confident in these phases and his game cannot deteriorate/stop/collapse. His mistakes may prove crucial in these phases, because his game reflects on the game of the whole team. Poise is not something point guards can posses, it is a result of them having confidence, certainty, responsibility, and knowing how to handle that responsibility. Only by possessing these sub-characteristics will the point guard have poise in the game.

THE MENTAL ABILITY OF A POINT GUARD 1

Self confidence
The point guard position requires tremendous self-confidence. Under whatever circumstances, the point guard must be confident in what he is doing on the court. His loss of confidence is reflected on the game of the whole team. This self-confidence is crucial in the “point guard-teammate-coach” relationship. Sometimes the teammates and the coach of the point guard each expect a different type of game by the point guard. In these situations the point guard must not make compromises but self-confidently continue in the game that is adequate, under the condition that what he plays has a positive impact on the game of the team.

GAME ABILITIES OF A POINT GUARD 6

Strength
It is not fatal for a point guard to be “Superman” strong. Although, of course it is more useful to be stronger than you might be. Now, one thing I would like to stress, many players feel the need to lift weights or do another form of body - building. It is possible to do so, but in logical amounts. Also, a adequate age should be considered, and again the range differs from every individual. I would advise that about a good age to start a more serious program is 16 years. Beware: never ever, do weights, if you are not advised by a person experienced in this area. If one uses the wrong technique or does more than he can, serious injuries occur and most frequent are problems with your back, or somehow crippling the growth process of your body.

GAME ABILITIES OF A POINT GUARD 5

Speed/Quickness
A point guard should have an above average speed. His speed, defense and offense, is necessary for many elements of the game. I would more likely suggest for a point guard to be a outstanding sprinter, they have to be able to run for the whole 40 minutes, but since basketball is a up and down game I believe a guard should be preferably fast. Also, general quickness is needed, for quick changes of direction, etc.

GAME ABILITIES OF A POINT GUARD 4

Defense
Defense is another part of the game where the point guard is responsible for his personal and collective results. The point guard must organize all the time the shape of the defense and be able to defend his own player. Therefore, a point guard must communicate with the rest of his players all the time in order to coordinate the team. When a point guard defends personally he must be very aggressive and “annoying” to the other player. He must keep the other point guard under frequent pressure because under those circumstances the other point guard cannot organize the game.

GAME ABILITIES OF A POINT GUARD 3

Passing
A point guard must always be confident in his passing. In order for a point guard to make a good pass he has to have the fundamentals, confidence and an exact sense of timing. A quality pass is a direct result of the integration of all these elements. Occasionally, a good point guard should also afford to throw a hazardous pass. When such a pass is thrown, a special amount of confidence should be involved in order for such a pass to be thrown. Pass mechanics: A pass should be thrown with great strength, velocity and precision. Depending on the type of the pass, it should be thrown with one or two hands. A good pass should also be more or less a straight connection between the one who passes and the recipient of the pass.

GAME ABILITIES OF A POINT GUARD 2

Shooting
Shooting should be a powerful weapon in the artillery of a point guard. It depends on each individual point guard what percentage he tries to sustain. Nevertheless, a point guard should be comfortable in shooting from every position possible, especially from longer rage. Because the point guard operates mainly on the perimeter of the three-point line he has to be able to shoot from distance. Additionally, because the point guard is a position that gets moved all over the court a point guard should be able to score from every reasonable angle or distance. A sudden pull-up jump shot should also be incorporated into the artillery of a point guard. This shot is very effective for a point guard during a drive, since often the space between the basket is blocked with taller players it is very effective to pull-up at the free-throw line and score.

GAME ABILITIES OF A POINT GUARD 1

Dribbling
A good point guard must be comfortable with his dribbling skills, the ball must be an extension of his arms and hands. A point guards’ dribble must be fast, aggressive and low. This type of technique enables the point guard to coordinate his dribbling with the quick changes of direction, which he frequently applies during the game. Every point guard has to be sure that he mastered the basic techniques of quality dribbling with both left and right hand, where both hands should be reasonably equal in skill.

What is point guard?

Do you want to try? This was Mark's question. Because I complained about his idea, which Yo become a point guard, he thought I wanted to become a point guard. Actually, I wanted to, but when he asked me this question, I did not answer clearly. Oh my god!! How did I do that?? What all I had to say is “Of course! I can handle!” but, for some reasons, I was afraid to say so. Now, I should make my mind firmly and tell Mark.

Got lost?

Unbelievable! Japanese Roads!
I am good at geography but I got lost when we were on the way to Makuhari, Chiba. How foolish! Before we had gone there, I had prepared about rode by using maps and internet. I really frustrated, because I could not help Mark, instead of I had trouble him. It sounds as thought you are just making excuse, the Japanese streets map is very complicate. For example, a high way, which we used, was sucks. We could not find an exit that we had to get off, even though it existed on the map. I was just following the map and got lost??

Junko

We went to Chiba to play against Kanda Foreign Languages University as a practice game today, and we just came back to Niigata. By the way, I have to explain to you why we went to so far. Well… first, I need to tell you about Junko (←pictre). Junko had been studying English and playing basketball in NIAH is International high school, in which same as our school’s campus, so she was our teammate before. However, she has left here and gone to Canada as an exchanged program last summer. In Canada, she has experienced many things. Since high school graduation (from this April), she is commuting to Kanda Foreign Languages University and study Chinese. That was one of reasons we visited there.
I was glad to see her for a long time rather than play basketball with her even though she was enemy this time. Actually I did not care about it; instead of I just win the game. However, we LOST, because we missed too many easy shoots again like we did last week. That was sucks, but today was terrible shooting, too, especially in the key. We gave chance enemy to win the game. We should not miss any shoots in there. Again we had won the game, if we make these shoots.

Next month, we will have undergraduate basketball league, and we cannot lose anymore this time. I believe that we can win all games.

Is this funny?

I do not understand teacher's joke, so I have been thinking I do not have sense of humor. I realized, however, many friend have same problem, "What was funny point in this joke??" I am just wondering there are different point of view about laughing. Therefore, I want to introduce Japanese Rakugo, which I have heard on TV when I was child.

One day, a mother bought new pretty shoes for daughter,
and she went to school with her new shoes.
However, she came back from school
and she complained to mother that
“I got a blister from my new shoes.”
Therefore, mother told daughter that
“You will be used to with your new shoes in one week”
Then what she reply was,
“I will start wear this shoes after one week.”

Is this funny? For me, it is not funny. Now, I just want to know,
"Is this funny for the foreigners?"

Sleepy?

Good morning, everyone. We started to do work out in the morning (before breakfast), because we could not play hard in the morning game last Suturday. I think it is good idea: I am stong for the mornig, so I can get up early in the morning easily but, it is difficult for some of us like them (↑pictre↑). Therefore it is good train to change their habit. Anyways, I am happy to do work out every morning!
Be strong!!

I hate to lose

We, “Wild Cats”, which is my basketball team, had game as the first tournament for us yesterday. We played against Joetsu teachers college, which we had beaten last year. We could win this game, but we LOST this time. I hate to lose! How vexing, I really wanted to win.
Why we lost? It was easy we missed so many easy shoots and I have been feeling very awful. My shooting was pretty bad; every shot I missed was short which means my shot was not high enough. I believe I made two three point shoots and several middle range shoots and some rebound shoots in the game, but I cannot satisfied, because I shoot like Reggie Miller (IND31). Why Reggie’s shooting style is bad (I did not say his shooting is not good rather than I know he is a great crutch shooter), because I am working on Patrick Ewing (N.Y.33) shooting style and spinning. Therefore I had not to shot like Reggie instead of Ewing.
There were not only bad things but also good things, too. I learned something from the game: for example, I was not in 100% condition with my injured knees so I could not jump high and run fast enough, but I could get rebound, take shoot, penetrate press defense, pass well and also do defense well. Why? I was thinking all the time during the game more than I usually do. That is it. I did not do special; I did do as Mark (who is my coach) said.
One thing I was not able to do and I have done today was “control my body.” Just a little, but I was happy to make out what does control my body mean. If I had been playing out of control, my knees had been worse. I am feeling very sorry for Mark that it took long time to find this because before yesterday, I had not understood that meaning even Mark explained to me many times. I got it, Mark! Now I want to know how to play with pain. Please teach me that.
By this game, I find my some weak points which I have to overcome, and some strong points. Stamina, rebound or middle range shooting are some of my weak points, but my most serious weak point is control my mind. What I mean to say is that I have to be tough with my Mr. Brain. Next, now I will talk about my good point. First, I could use Mr. Elbow and create space then take shot. Next, I could see the whole court and teammate, yet I wish I could see actually feel more what is the best pass or shot chance. My goal is be able to judge pass/shot/dribble immediately with correctness.
We will go to Kanda Foreign Language University, Chiba next week end. I do not how good they are, yet; however I want to play better, harder (not foolhardy) than this week and win.

So what? I don't care!

Hola! My name is Saki! Welcome to my new blog, "So what? I don't care!" I will try to write new message a lot, so please visit here and leave some comments.