filibama

big wheels

gonna go ride my hardtail today.

it is almost february!

and it's been some time since i last slept alone.
and few times that i've slept at my apartment.
i'll fully move in with her by march.
i've given my notice.
there's no reason not to, really.

and i hope to achieve a higher level in kali this year.
it is not without it's obstacles that i train here in california,
and my master teaches me from new york,
but i push on and reach further.
i will be tested for lakan guro when i return.

and i ended up teaching martial arts at a high school too.
an alternative school with progressive programs.
they seem like good kids and i'd like to confirm that soon,
as i would like to bring them stick training as well.

and into this new year i continue on;
riding my bike every where and every day;
training my martial arts with high goals;
teaching my martial arts with good intentions;
and living consciously and looking forward.

happy holidays!

as the year comes to a close
it becomes a good time to reflect
on what made our year good.
our efforts, our successes,
our memories, our learnings,
our times that have now passed.

and while one year might be a small fraction of time,
in the grandest scheme of things such as a lifetime,
it might also be a great chapter of our lives.
no matter how significant or unnoticed it may have seemed,
we have hopefully still given all those hours to some pursuit.
hopefully.

so as time moves forward and our lives live on
it becomes important to make our time important.
to live each day well so all our days are well.
this i wish for you in the coming year
and all years onward.

change has come

congratulations to the american people.
let us have a champion once again.
i can be a proud patriot.

nice editing

different styles of street riding.

mike aitken

mike aitken is one of the most influential and inspiring bmx riders of our generation. his style, courage, and positive attitude are unquestionably pure, and his skill and prowess are so legendary that his signature frame (or frames; he's up to 3.5 of them at this point) may be the most-ridden frame currently on the streets today.

i remember one of the earliest photos that had an impact on me when i first started riding bmx: it was mike aitken throwing a clicked turndown off a tiny transition on a sidewalk. it proved to me that you could have fun on the smallest terrain if you worked on your skills.


Mike Aitken Retrospective from Fitbikeco. on Vimeo.

so the tragedy is that he has been seriously injured. he crashed while riding and damaged his brain. being a professional bmx rider, he has been unable to get health insurance. given his current condition and need for treatment and care, he and his family could definitely use some aid. you can read more here: mikeaitken.com, and make donations as well. i've already made mine.

i wish mike and his family the best. my hopes are with them.