Airurandojin comments

OneForAll,

I believe you’re referring to the kamazani rei - turning and bowing to the Kendo shrine at the end of the hall. In any martial art, etiquette is central to maintaining the time-honored spirit. In Japanese martial arts, this typically means bowing and a measured display of humility and gratitude. Some modern dojo (i.e. MMA) may slacken the rules a bit; however, most serious martial artists will tell you that it’s in your best interest to bow in their dojo and show proper respect for authority and tradition. In regards to the significance of the shrine itself, some have a picture of the original sensei who founded the school, perhaps a scroll of some importance to his clan. I've been to places with Kamidana, flags, calligraphy scrolls on the wall, or nothing. You bow at every place upon entering regardless of what's there. That's always been constant. Etiquette is what bowing is about. It’s not akin to worshiping an idol or a person as most westerners might correlate because of our Judeo-Christian background (at least not for most). Like most things it’s about what’s in your heart I think.

God I love kendo. Perhaps the least practical of the Japanese Martial Arts. But there's so much history and tradition. When you slip on your kendo bogu, even if you're skills may be completely tragic, you still feel like Miamato Musashi, Honda Tadikatsu, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, John Blackthorn. In comparison western fencers are a bunch of va-jay-jay's.

Pelosi will say whatever Pelosi has to say to get positive press and a majority vote in her district. She reads a poll and opens her mouth. But polls change. Her kind makes me ill (whatever party they may be affiliated with).

Looks like Endo's showing the ref how he eats corn on the cobb, but the ref, he isn't having any of it.

Say what you will, but that boy is a national treasure and America's greatest contribution to the world after Velcro and the tic-tac.

Aso kind of has the "dirty old man" look going for him.

What's with our Cherry Blossom Queen?

Looking forward to the Polyester USA awards

They should make a movie and star Ken Watanabe as the Yakuza Apple Bandit.

Anyone notice how short those girls all? Barely reach the guys' chest!

Well I think it's funny. There's quite a bit of pressure to get married in Nihon what with the drooping population (hence a bra?), the low percentage of marriage, and more men choosing to stay single. It's just a way of poking fun at themselves... in that weird Japanese sort of way lost on many westerners.

As nice balcony and pretty face will always be popular because they imply fertility and vitality. But have you noticed the American perception of beauty has infected the worlds. Not that I'm complaining mind you.