Transliterations

One more thing:

Saburou — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 21:20:58 GMT

I forgot: - On July 4th, I got my first official professional publication (like, they paid me for a specific piece of writing, I signed a contract, the whole deal). It can be found here: http://www.commonties.com/blog/2007/07/04/dear-andrew/

Announcements indicating increasing maturity, or at least responsibility

Saburou — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 20:52:13 GMT

The Multiverses have conspired against me to deny me access to photographic evidence of the following, so I am left with the far less impressive "words only" list format you see below. My sincerest apologies go out to you all. - On May 26th, at the Wars of the Roses in the Barony of Concordia of the Snows, I was made Man-At-Arms to Sir Aonghaus MacLabhruinn of Brus and presented with the payment of a beautiful (heavy list) katana made by Sir Aonghaus. I will be a Man-At-Arms in his employ for 6-12 months, as a trial period to understand if he and I are prepared for me to be his squire. I have been taking merciless advantage, so far, of the fact that my knight now HAS to answer my questions about fighting, or refer me to someone who can answer them better. For the record, Sir Aonghaus already has one squire, called Federach, who was his Man-At-Arms for 7 years prior to his relatively recent elevation. - On June 8th, I turned 25 years old, sang with the teacher band at a rock n' roll show we headlined, and went and played video games and drank Irish coffee, while my friend's wife took pictures of my tight pants. How else would one celebrate newfound expectations of maturity? - On July 14th, at the Great Northeastern War in the province of Malagentia, I was named to the Eastern Unbelted Champions team for the upcoming Pennsic. I think that makes two of us who will be eligible to fight in the Unbelts battle AND the Novice Tourney (and the other is a 19 year-old S&S fighter). - As a result of the first thing on this list, I will be camping with Haus Wasserwulf in N21 (I believe) at Pennsic this year. Look me up, by all means. That is all.

Placeholder

Saburou — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 18:36:40 GMT

New pictures up, not all of them vanity shots this time. Lots of things happenin' lately. Update forthcoming and impending.

De-Coronation of Lucan and Jana

Saburou — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 02:09:42 GMT

So, I've posted some new pictures of me from De-Coronation last Saturday in Bergental (Springfield, MA). The short version is: - I was given my Award of Arms. - I performed the Noh piece I've been studying for the past 4 months as part of my Queen's Guard quest. I hope to find video. - I received a Queen's Honor of Distinction for my work in the Queen's Guard. - I was embroiled in some politicking and vying for my attention, by V.D.K. and the rest, which I hope will sort itself out soon. - I drank some fabulous yucca and whiskey and was made Haus Deputy of Push-Ups at the party afterwards.

New Armour

Saburou — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 23:43:54 GMT

For your viewing pleasure, a ni-mai tatehagi (mogami) dou, with kebiki yurugi ito. Also known as a steel thing what for to get hit in. I'm finally finished! More details at: http://tousando.proboards18.com/index.cgi?board=armour&action=display&thread=1159660863

New Pix Again - Shameless Egotism

Saburou — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 00:13:04 GMT

My friend's wife took some photos of me for a present I'm making for my grandmother. They're so awesome I felt it necessary to share. They're in the photos section. Shameless, I know. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm in a suit though.

New Photos

Saburou — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 02:20:43 GMT

3 new pictures in the photos section. 2 of armour porn, one of me on my knees. Oh baby. Oh baby. Oh.

Versadisc?

Saburou — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 23:57:59 GMT

Some progress updates in fighting life: 1) I'm still finishing reading "Maurice's Strategikon," but I think I'll be writing a paper about it when I'm done. Tactics class with His Majesty Lucan continues to be awesome. So far we've covered Pharsalus and Gaugamela. Tomorrow is Watling Street. 2) Just got the results of the tournament at Birka (7 10"x10" bear pits, 3 hours, wounds retained) this past Saturday. I fought katana all day (there was one other greatsword fighter, fighting European style), and still placed 41st out of 170. Technically, I tied with 2 others for 28th place. 3) The workout just got an upgrade. I picked up some knockoffs of the Versadisc (pictured). They're inflated rubber half-bubbles, so they supposedly work the balancing muscles. Here's the new set: 10 minutes jumping in place, with 30 seconds break in between each minute of jumping 25 push-ups, feet elevated, using Versadiscs 20 tricep lowers 40 squats 15 wings at 25# 15 curls at 25# 25 bent-over pulls at 25# 20 push-ups, feet elevated, using Versadiscs 15 tricep lowers 30 squats 10 wings at 25# 10 curls at 25# 20 bent-over pulls at 25# 15 push-ups, feet elevated, using Versadiscs 10 tricep lowers 20 squats 10 wings at 25# 10 curls at 25# 15 bent-over pulls at 25# 100 crunches, center 100 crunches, right 100 crunches, left The goal is to get up to 100 push-ups in four sets, everything else scaled out from there. Work fucking blows. Thank God other things make me happy.

SCA Essay

Saburou — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 20:27:32 GMT

I submit to you all little essay I wrote because my Queen's Guard captain told me to. The assignment was to take the seven "knightly" virtues and explain how they apply in an SCA context, then to pick the one you think is most appropriate to what we do and why. I just modified it to be appropriate to my persona. Enjoy! On Bushido By Honda Saburou Taremitsu "Regardless of a person's high or low position, it is forbidden to disregard the law of karma, and to simply live in ease." Imagawa Ryoshun, in the 19th year of Oei (1412 C.E.) There are several period sources giving advice on the proper conduct of a samurai, all of which contain the essential lesson given above by poet-cum-samurai Imagawa: that to be a samurai is to be engaged deeply in life. To live was to be mentally and physically active, to eschew “ease” and concern oneself with the meaning of a full life (the “law of karma,” in a sense). Oddly enough, the most comprehensive and clear of these period sources was written by the man who ushered in the longest period of (relative) peace in Japanese history: Tokugawa Ieyasu. After the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Ieyasu became the most powerful man in the nation and the Sengoku Jidai, or “age of battles,” came to an end with the unification of Japan. This tension between the ultimate desire for peace and the threat of violence permeates much of the S.C.A. experience, and so the document has much to say to us. Called the Buke Shohatto (which translates as “The Laws for the Military Class”), it outlines codes of conduct both specific and general. They all have some application to S.C.A. life, but one in particular bears highlighting. I will explain the rules, then highlight the one I feel is most important and which emphasizes the activity that is at the heart of the S.C.A. It should be noted that this document (reprinted below for the interested) bears a date of 1615 C.E. – most definitely post-period. However, this date applies to the year it was codified and distributed by Hidetada, the second Tokugawa shogun, having been already used by Ieyasu, and containing the wisdom that led the unifier of Japan to his great personal accomplishments. It is therefore especially relevant, because its author spent his youth actually living by the tenets espoused therein, and also had the good fortune to grow old enough to reflect on the actions of his past. That we see a parallel between the work of Tokugawa Ieyasu himself and this essay itself is revealing on its own. Without excessive further ado, let us examine the laws of the military class. * * * 1. - Literature, arms, archery and horsemanship are, systematically, to be the favourite pursuits. The most obvious role of the samurai was military. Without question, their fame, both modern and in-period was based on their ability and willingness to fight. Similarly, the S.C.A. is famous for its martial activities as much or more than anything else. Heavy list combat is loud, exciting, dangerous, and flashy. It appeals to almost universal, base instincts and brings the Society much of its reputation outside itself, like the battles of the samurai. Therefore it is in many ways the most important aspect of the Society because it is that which influences the greatest number of people. It makes us notable, which makes us special, which allows us our niche in society. Perhaps unexpectedly, Ieyasu’s list begins with “literature,” much like the S.C.A. From its origins in experimental historiography, the Society was founded because of the limitations of literature to properly explain medieval life. In order to prepare the body for its most important work, Ieyasu suggests the samurai begin with books. In order to transgress the boundaries of the current literature, we in the Society must still begin there. 2. - Drinking parties and gaming amusements must be kept within due bounds. The S.C.A. needs to be very clear about its disposition towards the consumption of alcohol, and it is. (Gambling is covered well enough by state law.) While there is no universal restriction on drinking, there is an emphasis on safety that pervades the Society. The majority of events in a given year are either “dry” or “discreetly wet.” Local brewers guilds take pains to ensure that ale or mead or wine is produced for arts’ sake first, and proof second. Even at Pennsic, where the parties are sometimes just about as debauched as they come, people are carded and looked-after. Just as Ieyasu believed in a healthy moderation in drinking, so does the Society strike a balance between safety and enjoyment. 3. - Offenders against the law are not to be harboured in the (feudal) domains. 4. - Throughout the domains whether of the greater or lesser Barons (Daimyo and Shomyo) or of the holders of minor benefices, if any of the gentry or soldiers (shi and sotsu) in their service be guilty of rebellion or murder, such offenders must be at once expelled from their domain. 5. - Henceforth no social intercourse is to be permitted outside of one's own domain, with the people (gentry and commoners) of another domain. The above are extreme, if likely necessary, provisions against dividing loyalties and setting high standards for oneself. While the S.C.A. is hardly as strict, the advice still applies. So much of life within the Society is based on maintaining and improving reputation; it is irresponsible to ignore the results of potential dishonor. A samurai’s loyalty was to his master and his land. He was required to ensure that neither was harmed, if only in appearance. Similarly, it is naïve to think that the Society is immune to the judgment of others, that we need not see the faults of those with whom we are associated as reflecting on us. We therefore must also defend the honor of our Society and the people to whom we are loyal, by setting a positive example and by combating dishonor. 6. - The residential castles in the domains may be repaired; but the matter must invariably be reported. Still more imperative is it that the planning of structural innovations of any kind must be absolutely avoided. It is impossible to stress the importance of a keenly attentive administration in the S.C.A. From fight practices to Pennsic, the things that make the Society a society rely on successful management of people and resources. Ieyasu discusses frugality specifically (and will do again below), but in addition his “imperative” that rampant construction be checked by a responsible member of the military class is not without merit. The Society draws on portions of the general population which are generally aversive to micromanagement. Like most humans, we like to follow rules. Also like most humans, we like those rules to be clear. Again the example of heavy list fighting applies, where rules that concern safety (i.e.: armour regulations) are tightly monitored, but rules that concern achievement (i.e.: the calling of blows) are lax. As in all things, Ieyasu suggests that effort is not expended wastefully. 7. - If in a neighbouring domain innovations are being hatched or cliques being formed the fact is to be reported without delay. The downside of always seeking loyalty is when competition for it creates factionalism. Ieyasu, of course, was fearful of his life and livelihood – a rebellion could mean death and dishonor. The tendency of Society members to want to belong – to feel valued – must be tempered with an understanding that if that loyalty leads to hate, it has gone too far. Households, Kingdoms, mercenary groups, guilds: the multiplicity of groups within the S.C.A. is impressive. It also sometimes has the unfortunate side effect of being used as an excuse to machinate and attack others. This law is not only common sense, or “good sportsmanship,” it is a lesson not to ignore the bonhomie that created the Society in the first place. 8. - Marriages must not be contracted at private convenience. As another proscription against dividing loyalties, this law is merely addendum. As advice on conducting honest relationships within the Society, Ieyasu hits upon a fine point. The Society used to jokingly be described as “The Society for Consenting Adults.” It is a common enough aphorism that “If you can’t get laid at Pennsic, you can’t get laid anywhere.” Even given the more sexually conservative atmosphere now found in the S.C.A., the suggestion that a person conduct him- or herself in a forthright manner when it comes to romance is entirely useful. It is also both explained in greater detail by just about every relationship adviser in the nation and also obvious to those who’ve learned the hard way. 9. - As to the rule that the Daimyos shall come (to the Shogun's Court at Yedo) to do service. 10. - There must be no confusion in respect of dress uniforms, as regards the materials thereof. 11. - Miscellaneous persons are not at their own pleasure to ride in palanquins. These three laws all speak to the need for the samurai to be honest. In addition to the emphasis on fortifying oneself and one’s land against dishonor addressed in laws 3, 4, and 5, the samurai was also asked to avoid misrepresentation. Law 9 refers to a regulation proscribing no more than twenty guards to a lord’s personal retinue. Even in the society, magnanimity may be taken too far if it becomes only an expression of a person’s desire to buy loyalty rather than earn it. Law 11 suggests the same, with the expected period inclination towards unapologetic classism. Law 10 strikes true in the S.C.A.. The relative importance of the many displayed tokens (especially among fighters) is hotly debated, but when we keep in mind the practicality of them, it should be quite clear that they are indeed as important as their bearers believe. A samurai’s topknot traditionally symbolized his loyalty, his skills in combat, and his devotion. It was both a warning and a display of courage and honesty about the kind of person he was. Likewise, a white belt or a herald’s surcoat are more than ostentation; they are a profession of duty and a claim to the rights and especially the responsibilities thereof. Such integrity is not easy to possess and is harder to regulate, but it is the reasonable ideal towards which members of the Society must strive if they want to inhabit a premodern world. 12. - The samurai throughout the provinces are to practice frugality. There is a story that, not so long ago, a Society member in California spent thousands of dollars arming a unit of fighters in beautiful, matching kit. His intention was to recreate the uniformity and therefore cohesion of a medieval army, on a smaller scale. However, he could not also have been avoiding the ego-satisfaction of commanding the loyalty of an impressive-to-behold team of warriors. The story goes that they were indeed the prettiest unit anyone had ever seen. Sadly, they were also the weakest, their loyalty bought instead of earned. 13. - The lords of the great domains (kokushu, lit. masters of provinces) must select men of capacity for office. Ieyasu ends his list of laws with the very thing that will (hopefully) ensure their success: an edict that only those qualified to rule will do so. We can presume that by “capacity” he means “the ability and willingness to follow the laws above.” If that is so, then Ieyasu is notable for this foresight. Not only did he practice what he preaches here, being the most accomplished samurai in history, as well as reflecting articulately on his achievements, but he also plans for the future. In the S.C.A. – and this is the key difference between the Society and society at large – power is distributed far more according to ability than to access. The method of choosing royalty is, of course, the most obvious example of this. We see it also in the peerage. Skill at an Art or Science makes a Laurel, not an expensive degree. Fighting prowess makes a Knight, not the most expensive armour. Donation of time makes a Pelican, not donation of money. This leveling of the playing field is what encourages each of us to be great and for that greatness to be present everywhere. * * * It is appropriate that we end with law 13, the law that most clearly describes what is the role of the samurai and the Society member. The Romance words for “knight” are related to the possessions of the person, not the activities. “Caballero,” “chevalier,” “cavalieri” (whence the English word cavalier): all essentially mean “horseman.” A knight, in this sense, is one who can (afford to) ride a horse. “Samurai” is a verb meaning “to serve.” It describes what one does, not what one can afford to do. A member of the S.C.A. is not, in practice, only someone who pays the price of membership. What makes the Society a special group, a thing whose name is worth capitalizing, is what we do. Our actions earn us our reputations. Our behaviors create our character. We are only capable of that which we accomplish. No right is given we do not earn; no punishment suffered but by the results of our actions or others’. To do is to be in the Society. When a member does not, only then does he or she “die” in the minds of others. Yes, it would be a grand thing for us all to serve one another the way a samurai served his lord. But more importantly, we must act. In action, there is interaction and creation. In action is life.

New Photos

Saburou — Sat, 25 Nov 2006 19:57:54 GMT

2 new pictures in the Photos section, ladies and germs. Thank you to the fine photographers at the "unofficial" 100 Minutes War in Acre (a.k.a. Sands Point Reserve, Long Island).

Name Change

Saburou — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 20:13:30 GMT

You may or may not have noticed a name change. Please, please, allow me to explain. So here's the new SCA name, following traditional naming styles of medieval Japan: Honda Saburou Terumitsu that's (myoji) (zokumyo) (nanori) What's the reason? I scoured my books and the internet, and for the life of me I couldn't find the vaguely-remembered reference to "Subaru" being used as a first name. So, since I'd rather not do anything half-assed - yes, even ridiculous SCA name issues - I needed a name that would stand the test of the College of Heralds, should it ever come to that. For those of you still actually interested, I'll tell you how the name works. The myoji is the family name. Gotta have a car brand in there somewheres. The zokumyo is the birth order name, in this case meaning "third born." It's also the name of the Cordelia stand-in character from "Ran," so I've got my Shakespeare reference covered. The "ou" at the end is pronounced as a long "o" in English. The nanori is a formal name used almost never, just thrown in there for nihonjin fun. It happens to mean "shining light," but who the fuck cares really? It sounds nice and is at least a slight reference to the "stellar" name I had before (ha, ha, hm). I apologize for the confusion. I will now bow my head in shame. And eat cookie dough later. ps: thanks to Anthony J. Bryant for his help over on the Tousando boards. I guess we're not fighting anymore. :)

Finally a workout increase

Saburou — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 23:22:44 GMT

All pushups are now to be done with feet about 18 inches off the ground. Also, I found a new jogging route, so I can focus strictly on maintaining a pace. I'm still going 2.5 miles in 25 minutes. Yes, I should have increased something about my workout by now, but with the start of school, the increase in intensity has come from working out at all under additional stress. A recent failure (near as I can tell) is that I've been eating a quarter-pound of meat (chicken, turkey, or lean ham) after every workout so I can build up muscle. It's not working, and I still can't break 160. Suggestions welcome. Keep your eyes peeled for an announcement about a possible writing-related adventure. I've got an idea...

Update again. This is getting ridiculous.

Saburou — Fri, 15 Sep 2006 00:09:34 GMT

Jumping rope is finally up to ten minutes. I bought a scale. I only paid 6 dollars for it, so maybe it's cheap and wrong, but I lost another 10 pounds since July. Weird. I haven't weighed this little, frankly, since I was really depressed and looked like a Russian peasant. That is all.

Workout Update

Saburou — Sat, 09 Sep 2006 18:46:12 GMT

The "Standard Workout" has been modified. Pushups are now officially 30, then 35, as are squats. Tricep pushups are now 15, then 15. And I can now jump rope for five minutes before my legs give out. (Headaches are gone since I modified how I move my arms.) Boo-yah. In other news, I think I want to buy a bathroom scale. Any suggestions on models/stores?

New Pictures

Saburou — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 17:26:14 GMT

New pictures of this year's Tuchux tourney have been posted at http://ursus.smugmug.com/gallery/1834423/11 Highlights have been added to my pictures. Much thanks to Ursus!

New Workout Schedule

Saburou — Sat, 26 Aug 2006 21:05:43 GMT

Since I started this ostensibly for SCA stuff, I'll offer my new workout schedule. Advice is welcome. Sunday: Fight practice 1-5pm. Monday: Standard Workout: 25 pushups, 10 tricep pushups off a chair, 25 squats, 35 pushups, 15 tricep pushups, 35 squats, 15 iron cross lifts at 20lbs, 20 curls at 20 lbs, 300 crunches. Tuesday: Either standard workout or 2.5 mile jog, weather dependent Wednesday: Fight practice 7-10pm Thursday: Standard Workout Friday: Standard Workout or 2.5 mile jog, weather dependent Saturday: Standard Workout *10 minutes of jumping rope (weighted handles), twice daily every day.* Now that it's been said in public, I can't get out of it.