Saturday, February 06, 2010

Catchup I

Hello all:

My last post was in September of 2009. Since then, my home computer system has been plagued with viruses, malware, spyware and something newer called scareware (some sort of malware scaring you into buying their antivirus product). My wife and kids have been on the computer more and I don't know how our system got infected. Actually, I know partially why... I run Windows Vista at home, and Windows is infamous for having a lot of holes which hackers exploit. Total frustration spending time cleaning my system, reinstalling programs etc.

Although I have not been actively posting, I've been trying to learn some CSS and HTML and blogging in general. I will be in the process of upgrading my site. Changes are coming, and hopefully better and easier for you to navigate and check out. I've noticed my site received some spamming comments. My apologies for that. I've deleted them, and have decided that I will moderate my comments, that is, you post a comment, I will have to approve it, and your comment will be posted. This will prevent the spammers from posting.

Many events transpired since my 'absence' which I will post about in a future "Catchup 2" entry. One of the events which necessitated action on my part was the closing of the free webhosting Geocities. Some of you may know, I have a site hosted on Tripod, also a free webhost. I do not know if Tripod intends to shut down or not, but there's been something in the back of my mind that I've never gotten around to:  porting over my tripod site over to here. My original intent was to build a separate site housing the archives I set up on Tripod. However, I may just merge the archives with this site here. Regardless, check out my old archives at:

http://stickgrappler.tripod.com

Blogger has implemented some changes which I've always wanted, and my vision of what and how my site should look like is slowly becoming a reality. Stick (no pun intended) around for the upcoming changes. I think it will be to your liking.

As always, I remain very truly yours in the Martial Arts,

~Stickgrappler

8 comments:

Kostas Tountas said...

Sorry to hear about your troubles with your computer. Hope you've sorted them out.

Let me know if I can in any way help with regards to HTML/CSS.

Have missed your posts in the DBMA member's forum. Are you planning on a return there, in the not-too-distant future?

Stickgrappler said...

Woof Kostas,

I have been in contact with Guro Crafty recently. He knows of my situation.

Some minor roadblocks I need to bypass first, but yes, I am planning on returning to the Dog Brothers Martial Arts Association in the near future.

Thank you for the offer of help in html/css. I may take you up on it!

Very truly yours in the martial arts and self-defense,

~sg

Nathan Zimmermann said...

Sir,

I studied the Korean style of karate now called Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan for several years, however circumstances beyond my control related financial reverses forced me to suspend my study of the martial arts.
I am seeking to resume my involvement with and study of the martial arts. I am exploring the possibilities of studying Bando,
Krav Maga, Hapkido, or Liuhebafa Chuan.

My reason for writing to you is to see whether you are aware of any resources within the locale of Houston Texas that would enable me to further my explorations.

Best Regards
Nathan Zimmermann

Stickgrappler said...

Hello Nathan:

First off, good luck with your search!

I don't know of any Bando,
Krav Maga, Hapkido, or Liuhebafa Chuan in Houston Texas.

The little I know about Texas is that Tim Waid teaches Pekiti Tirsia in Dallas and is well-respected as well as a high-level instructor in PT circles. That's FMA and not what you are searching for.

In Austin is Frank Benn, but he teaches mainly BJJ/Grappling, Boxing/Kickboxing, FMA, and MMA. His site is IFA Academy. My geography is bad and I know Texas is big, so I don't know if Austin is an option and also given your MA preferences, Frank Benn, although a great instructor, may not be what you are looking for currently.

With respect to Bando, my suggestion is to check the following sites and contact them asking if they have any Houston TX affiliates. From the little I know of ABA Bando, they are usually in the OH/MD/GA/VA/CT areas.

Greater Hartford Bando

Northern Virginia Bando

Bando Systems

Again, good luck!

Very truly yours,

~sg

Stickgrappler said...

Hello Nathan:

You didn't leave an email address. Hope you see this!

I asked a friend about Bando in Houston TX and it ends up you are somewhat in luck!

www.bushiban.com

His good friend Master Zulfi Ahmed teaches there. He is a high-ranking ABA Bando man as well as under his own Burmese instructor. He may not currently be teaching Bando. However, he does bring in Dr. Gyi 2x a year for a seminar. Get on his email list to be notified of the seminar.

Good luck!

~sg

Stickgrappler said...

Nathan,

I neglected to add that Eric "Top Dog" Knaus recently moved to Houston and is teaching. He is also friends with Master Zulfi Ahmed. Just in case you don't know who Top Dog is, he is an Original Dog Brother. Please check out for more info on Top Dog's background:

www.dogbrothers.com

~sg

Nathan Zimmermann said...

Stickgrappler,

many thanks for the info, I find your blog very informative. With your permission I would like to add your blog to my blogroll.

Best Regards
Nathan Zimmermann

Stickgrappler said...

Nathan,

Sir, I would be honored. I thank you in advance.

Very truly yours in the martial arts and self-defense,

~sg

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Stickgrappler's Sojourn of Septillion Steps