AusS2000

Heading to Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo in late September. Mostly for the cultural and martial arts side of things but any auto suggestions are welcome.

dr.s2k

Which martial arts Aus?

AusS2000

Karate mainly (I practice GKR), although also interested in kendo and aikido.

Panayiotis

if you want parts for your S, the biggest selection of stock on hand is the Super Autobacs in Tokyo bay. If you want to see a selection of modified cars japanese style, head over the bay from the super autobacs to Yokohama, as you reach the other side, take the first rest stop and go down the spiral off ramp, at the base there you will see on the modified cars from the area. If you get there after 10, you'll get to experience the true japanese scene and get an idea where tokyo drift came from.

If you want the exact details let me know, I used to live in Tokyo.

AusS2000

Wow, great info. What night is best for the scene?

Hondaplease

wow^ interested for more info as well!

Heading over to Japan for a second time in February to check out the northern side [Sapporo/Hokkaido].

Anyhow, you'll love Japan Mr.Aus, its a great place!

dr.s2k

Ah nice, I started aikido in Feb last year but have been off for a few months with study and whatnot.

Sounds like you'll have a good trip!

AusS2000

I must get back into aikido. Did it for a while about 15 years ago. Excellent for balance, stances and movement and beautiful to watch and practice. I expect it would really complement my karate. All I have to do to get influenced again is watch Under Siege.

mjb120

i got into taekwondo probably 10yrs ago now, got up to red belt but abruptly stopped as i was only 2 more belts away from black!
so regret not going all the way since ive always wanted a black belt when i was a kid.

back on topic .. was in Japan for 2.5 weeks early last year .. absolutely loved it!! will go back for sure. REAL japanese food is so tasty!! .. btw watch the sushi documentary "Jiro - Dreams of Sushi" .. you will want to go to his restaurant after watching it.

so book it after you watch it... sushi made from an 85yr old sushi master.

AusS2000

I did Zen Chi Ryu as a teenager and got up to brown belt before schooling (ok, so actually partying and girls) got in the way. Through my 20s I did some kyokushin (hard core) and a bit of Aikido (far more sedate). Two years ago I got into Go Kan Ryu in a big way. I train 5 times a week and am an assistant instructor (Sempai) at a local dojo. I graded to red belt last month.

I'll have to check out that documentary.