Eliot Kelly

Wim Hof Method: Week 3 of 10 Week Video Course

I’m in week 3 of the 10 week Wim Hof Method Video Course. Before I get into where I am with the course, I want to recap on my progression that led me here. I initially[…]

Thinking about mindfulness with Samurai Gourmet 野武士のグルメ

I love this NHK series with Naoto Takenaka. “Samurai Gourmet” is set around protagonist (Takeshi Kasumi), who has just retired from his job of 30 plus years. He goes on an adventure of self discovery and rediscovery now that[…]

Tokyo Trial mini series of post World War 2

I recently came across a Netflix series called “Tokyo Trial” in Japanese, 東京裁判. The Netflix original series is about the Tokyo Trial that took place in Japan after World War Two. Another movie that outlines the controversy[…]

Having good manners in Japan

A friend of mine is touring Japan, and he sent me a message asking about eating on the train. He didn’t see anyone around him doing it, and was wondering if it was bad manners[…]

The three R’s of progress and improvement

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is an interesting blend of learning and training. Students can go online and login to a training website to study movements and techniques. Students can also watch jiujitsu on flograppling, youtube and[…]

Using Rakugo in the Japanese Language Class

This last weekend I had the opportunity to give a presentation at the 3rd Annual Interdisciplinary Conference in the Humanities at CSU Sacramento. The panels I attended included presentation by Dr. Kristina Vassil on the[…]

Efficient movement should feel effortless

I usually listen to some type of podcast in the morning to get through my drive to the dojo or to teach Japanese. All the stuff I listen to is great, but this morning podcast[…]

Increasing Performance through Meditation & Extreme Temperatures

This year I’ve really gotten in touch with my thoughts through the practice of meditation. I’ve always been into visualization to access creative thinking, sports performance, and brain storming, but have never been into the[…]

Comparative Analysis: Downhill Skiing, Judo Throw, Jiu-Jitsu Guard Retention

I have the opportunity to teach private lessons in jiu-jitsu and wrestling a few times a week. While working with a student who volunteers as a downhill ski instructor, we found some common ground between skiing,[…]

Seminar in Oakland at Guardian Gym

I’m looking forward to visiting the Guardian Gym in Oakland, CA next weekend. I will be teaching a seminar that is entirely donation based and free for those that are under 18, with a focus[…]