Genshinkan 2016 | Trap and Roll | Dynamic Martial Arts

Yakutsk, Day 9

White nights has made it extremely difficult to sleep. Usually we end up staying up until early hours of the morning and either not get nearly enough sleep or sleep in rather late. The nights have been getting a little bit darker and I put a dark blanket over the window. Hopefully it helps. Tonight we are making the effort to hit the hay before 2am.

Yesterday we went to the opening ceremony of the 6th Children of Asia Games at the city's main soccer stadium. I have been to the 2004 and 2008 events and I think this one was the best. The former president of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev was in attendance and gave the opening of the games speech. It was also announced that the games will be held in Mongolia in 2020. It will be the first time the games have been held outside of Yakutsk.

Today the family and I went to a Russian ballet entitled "Spartek" or "Spartacus". I always enjoy live performances, but ballet about Gladiators was a new treat entirely. Malcolm and Vera both seemed to enjoy the show too. Malcolm kept his eyes glued on to the stage the entire performance. Vera was a bit fidgety, but paid attention too.   

We are now 3 weeks into our trip (half way). I am excited about the upcoming Judo and Sambo tournaments that will take place as part of the Games of Asia, and equally excited to teach Jiu-jitsu master classes at some of the local martial arts schools.

I hope everyone is enjoying a week off for the Independence Day holiday and Graffiti week. Olga's mom was thoughtful enough to cook a large meal for the family to help us celebrate on the 4th here.

Yakutsk, Day 5

Yesterday, we took a road trip to the Yakutsk Zoo. It turned into a bit of an excursion as we got caught in a thunderstorm downpour. After the rain stopped, the warm humidity returned as did the swarms of mosquitos. 

We rushed through the rest of the walk and had a steamy lunch break in the car before getting back on the road home. On the way home we spotted a beautiful double rainbow and had to stop to take some pics. 

Upon returning to the drive, we received a phone call invitation from Sensei Gerisamov to join him and some Judo/Sambo coaches at his banya (Russian Sauna). We happily agreed and met up with them later. 

The Russian Banya experience is different than just visiting and sitting in a sauna. It is a process that includes eating, drinking toasts, talking politics, sports, history, etc. Then there is the extremely hot sauna (sometimes over 200 degrees Fahrenheit), the beating with eucalyptus branches dipped in hot water, followed by a dip in cold water. You then repeat the cycle, food and drink with discussion, banya, and cold water. It sounds extreme (and it is), but it is quite refreshing.

Gerisamov claims to have the best Russian Banya in Yakutsk, and I have no reason to say otherwise. The friends that joined us were all Judo and Sambo coaches from Mongolia, Serbia, and Yakutia. Through my broken Russian and their broken English, we had conversations about Olympics, the Games of Asia, Judo, Sambo, BJJ, hunting, fishing, and our families. In the end, I was invited to come to Mongolia to teach Jiu-jitsu. We shook hands on it, but didn't set a date. 

   

Yakutsk, Day 4

We haven't been resting well at night due to jet lag, white nights, and the constant annoyance of mosquitos. Luckily, we have been able to sleep in late. I hesitate to take the kids outside because of the mosquito infestation. This is certainly not a resort style vacation. Siberian life is not for the faint of heart. Many simple comforts that are easily available at home in the U.S. (or Moscow/St Petersburg for that matter) are just not to be found here.  The people that live here in Yakutsk are tough to say the least.

I spent day 2 working with the Judo team. I taught a couple of pin transitions and how to tighten up the positions.

I am not working with the Judo team today. Instead, we have decided to take the kids to a local amusement park. It is hot outside today, but the mosquito count is lower.

I have been asked to teach a Jiu-jitsu master class at the Sambo school. We will also do a few seminars at some of the other dojos in the area. I am looking forward to meeting up with some of my old friends here. I plan to record and post videos of the seminars/master classes I teach.

There is a 16 hour difference between West Coast time and here. I am reachable on FB and Viber messenger, but please be patient for correspondences due to the time difference and sketchy internet connection.