Record turnout !

Wow! Today one of those days... I thought for a moment that we'd only
be 3 at class but suddenly everyone started arriving (in good trini
fashion, late of course). We ended up with me and K, and 10 newbies!
Half had 3 classes under their belt, half had none. It was quite an
interesting challenge to work on the really new ones while the others
practiced their basics. I had K give some advice when he saw obvious
problems. It worked out pretty well I think. At the end I mixed the
group to see how the 1day begs. did compared with the 3day begs. They
did great! Granted they were young (16) compared to the older folks
(30-35) that sure helps...
I just hope the younger ones (K's younger brother, a new guy's 2 sons)
stick to it. That's the age group I'm looking for. More on this
later...

Stick fighting - Kalenda

Stick Fighting is an old African tradition, brought here by the slaves. Don't know to what extent it was practiced all through the years but it still remains today one of the traditional event during carnival season. It is practiced at yards around the country during the year otherwise. Nowadays, it's mostly an African affair, but many East Indians also take part in the fights.
The matches are played on an outside court (on a basketball field in yesterday's case) a circle of about 10 meters in circumference. Before every match called by the judges, the band of african drums starts playing some beats with lyrics. The court referee gives final instructions and checks the sticks for solidity. Then the guys start dancing around each other and posing to the crowd. The hits only start when the 2 fighters feel like engaging. Lots of negociating, lots of taunting but not much engagement. All along the music keeps going. The referee only gets involved when there's a melee or some grappling. Basically when the hits were given and no more are possible. Then the ref separates them and the dancing starts over.

I'll try to give my many impressions of the event over the next few weeks...

Beginners dilemma 2

I'm sure it isn't easy for them but it certainly isn't a a piece of cake for me either... It's just that I've always hated teaching beginners. Hmmm... Wrong career choice then? I always tried to pass on the newbies and handle the intermediate instead. It's so more fun to deal with the one who've already experienced the bogu and shiai.

So here I am now "stuck" with a bunch of greens... I'm constantly forcing myself to be nice and encouraging. It's so not me! But I see it as an investment. Honestly I didn't expect to be rewarded so soon. I'm very satisfied with everyone's progress so far. And with hardly any effort the group is growing nicely since last month. Let's hope the growth is sustained.
One of the reasons I can't handle beginners so well is that their behavior and attitude is so odd to me. I'm more relaxed about it now since I'm here but I used to freak out when they'd behave unlike how a beginner should:- humility- involvement- devotion- respect- enthusiasm- gratefullnessOf course, they can't be expected to know all that but still... A little humility never hurts. So far I'm satisfied with most everyone's attitude. The pompous, pretentious ones have disappeared. I'm more concerned with two things:
1- attendance. Granted, some come from very far away and some work long hours. But it's still no reason for a less than 50 percent attendance ratio for most of them. Nothing I feel I can do about this as it's really not a function of the class itself. It can't be anymore interesting than this and if it turns out to be different than they expected well I can't do anything about that either.

2- attitude in the dojo: that's probably something I should work on and the only thing I can really influence. Things like:- timeliness- cleanliness- order- reiho- intensityI feel I didn't do as much as I could've maybe because we were beginning and informal for the first few months. And I do have a laid back attitude in the dojo. Maybe more than is common elsewhere... I guess I can keep that attitude but crank up the level from the time class is supposed to start. The risk here is that they won't handle or accept it. They are Trinis after all, they play hard but it takes a while to get them there. I guess I have no choice though... Things need to stay in order... If a ranking sensei visited tomorrow, he wouln't be shocked but wouldn't be impressed either by the general form. But I expect better than that (and my teachers would expect more from me) so gotta get the whip out! On the other hand, technically the level is quite high considering our history.

Beginners' dilemma

Great class Friday. 4 beginners + K + E. Plus 2 more guys who handed in their registrations. They seemed to want to join on the spot, but they were 10-15 mins late for the class so I had them sit and watch. If I didn't have financial obligations (the rent) I'd force everyone to sit at least 2 classes before they join. That would eliminate the waste early on... I usually don't throw a newbie in the action right away on his first day. I have them do a lot if suriashi/tenouchi for as much as a class long before I integrate them in the group. But this time I felt like trying it. Gave him a 10 min primer before class. Started class and did a lot of suburi and suriashi. He hadn't practiced swings and almost no footwork so he had to learn quick. Not sure if the result was positive... He didn't show much progress after 2 hours, but maybe it would have been the same anyway. Maybe he's just not a natural. But it was a good experience and will try this again. I'll review basics for all this week so he can catch up and the others reinforce. I find that they don't get bored of these reviews and helps them solidify.

Once again it was a challenge to address all the levels present. I also want to make sure we suck all we can out of E while he's here. Sometimes I feel I slow down and become too casual, so it's nice to have him around keeping everyone on their toes.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the class: intense, varied, and something for everyone. I like to hear that... Sometimes I wonder if they realize I make the class as we go along.

Better attendance today, with a couple of unexpected guys showed up. Talked about priorities, and trying to setup a dojo down south. I asked one of them who drives almost 2 hours each way to setup what's necessary (room, people, fees) to start a class down there once a week or so. Weekday evenings are out for me, too far, too late. But weekend mornings could work. We'll see.
Went through basics again today, to get them all on the same level. Did a lot of suburi, to the point where they were exhausted. Surprising considering they're all very athletic and consider themselves in great shape. Had to force them to think hard about proper technique and economy of movement. Next practice we'll crank up the level with more cardio (uchikomi geiko).

Also spent a good half hour doing kata ipponme. Finally, we did some uchikomi. Not much to report other than they progress well and attitude is good.

How to teach basic shomen suburi in 1 hour

1- The traditional, Japanese way
pick up a shinai, do like me.
Jogeiburi for 10 mins.
Men suburi for 10 mins.

2- Suggestion for more adapted way
Using bokken
Explain proper bokken etiquette
Start with footwork (suriashi back + forth), bokken behind back - 15 mins
Bokken grip, proper chudan kamae
Kamae + footwork (back + forth)
Follow the leader
Stationary, rotate shoulders, bokken up (forehead) and down (chudan)
Stationary, extend arms as coming down, to reach imaginary opponent
Add TeNoUchi
Explain KiKenTai-Ichi
Men san kyodo (1 arms up, 2 forward, 3 hit, 4 back)
5 times forward, 5 times back
After comfortable, Men ni kyodo (1 up + forward, 2 hit)
Finally, add Kiai.

2 hours of this is what it takes and is enough to establish a strong basis. It also gives them a good overview of all the fun stuff (short of hitting a real target). And they get a ton of exercises for home.

Attention Deficit ?

Only 4 kids showed up to class yesterday, the coordinator didn't know why (all activities had low turnout). At least I know it wasn't me, he said that parents and kids only had good things to say about me and the class. Good then... What if they didn't like me or found the class too hard/strict ? Would I care ? (probably not) Would I take it personally ? (probably) It was nice anyway to be able to work with the 4 kids. Damn they're quick learners! Following the advice of my wife I pushed them hard for the first 20 mins. After that I had them in my palm. One of them is actually very good and has the head and attitude of a great kendo fighter. Unfortunately he lives far south of the island so it'll be difficult to have him join the dojo. On that note though, one of the parents approached me after class to see how her little boy was doing. "Fine" I said, honestly thinking he was one of the less un-focused ones "considering most of them lack attention so much". "Well, she said, he's ADD" !?! Now she wants to have her 2 other kids join my dojo. Is it because they're also ADD or because they're on their way, I wonder.

After class, I spoke to the coordinator and told me the anecdote. Just like me he thinks they are overly bombarded and stimulated and never get a chance to focus one a singular activity even for relatively short periods. It's a shame those parents seem so absent.

Kendo Docs & Projects

Was working last year on a Guide to Warmup & Stretching. Made some quick adjustments to it today and posted it for reference at: http://kendo.ipmtt.net/files.html

I need to add some pictures to it to make it more complete. Other projects I have in mind (and some are well ahead in paper form) are:
- review and research on Kendo injuries
- Kendo & Budo for people with disabilities
- and my pet project called "Gaijin Kendo". A guide to teaching Kendo to non-Japanese adults.
- Starting Kendo in a new country (ongoing project as you can see on this page)

One thing at a time...

Learn Kendo . com

Some buddies up in San Diego started an interesting website about practical info for beginners on how to find, join and behave in a kendo dojo. I'm sure I'll give them hell for the inaccuracies I'll find, but it's a great effort and desperately needed. Check it out and encourage them. learnkendo.com (still under construction)

Commitment part 2

Again a disappointing turnout today. Only A and a new guy (who came to watch last week and signed up today). Sent sms to some guys to see if they were coming so they could pick me up (car wasn't doing so good). Got late replies of the kind "euh, sorry didn't know there was class". Getting tired of lame excuses and lack of effort to find out. As if I should be the one reminding them ... And they always say "I'm sorry" which I find absurd, since I don't really care whether they show up or not: it's really too bad for them. Is it that they haven't been bitten by the bug yet and I'm expecting too much or is it that they're just not the type (is it cultural ?).

The new guy is on the old side (44) but surprisingly natural and in good shape. After only 2 hours he's got decent footwork and shomen suburi. Not shy either about kiai. I hope he stays. He's another sword fanatic so we'll see... On the other hand, he is in the same professional field as me so a good contact to have.

Commitment

Disappointing class today. Expected all the guys to show up plus the beginners and a few visitors but only E and my wife ! Well that's not including the 2 guys who'd contacted me that did show up and a french guy who joined on the spot. I guess it was good then... But it's sad to see how easily the regulars can miss class:

• Stomach ache
• Stuck at work
• No car insurance
• Flu
• Car trouble
• Sudden job call
• Husband out of house...

Funny to listen to the excuses when they call. Always very valid reasons but it shows how to them, Kendo is on par with stationary bicycle or church. An activity waiting to be dropped at the first sign of hardship. I understand the situation, it's just sad to see that the people that seem to be most interested (educated adults) are the ones that swap Kendo for a hairdresser appointment. On the other hand kids can get hooked more easily but these days, what kids can spend 2 hours in a class focusing on what the teacher's saying?
Until kids show up I guess I'm stuck with busy grown ups. As long as they pay their dues ...

Well it's not that bad... As long as I keep remembering that I'm doing this to spread the word and not to form (yet) fighters. Still, I thought these guys would be more intense about it... A couple of them are.

Break today

No class today, as most guys called to say they couldn't make it. See everyone Friday. Met with a french guy interested in joining. Also had 3 inquiries from people that heard about Kendo. That's in addition to the couple of new people who started and the ones yet to show up. Should have a big crowd Friday...

The beast has arrived + Ittoryu vs. Shinai Kendo

Yes, today our good friend E from England visited us for the first time this year. It's always nice to have him over as he brings a refreshed sense of enthusiasm and intensity. I say "beast" but it's nothing like that: he's very nice and giving. But like I might have mentioned before, he's very demanding to the guys. We had a fun, open practice today (normally devoted to a demo for kids but I kind of dropped the ball on that one), four of us going at it in rounds. Just open JiGeiko. Then Kwesi and I did some kata and E was all impressed by his progress and how quick he'd learned.

We then discussed a few very interesting aspects of modern vs. traditional Kendo. Mainly why Ittoryu puts so much emphasis on cutting with the body more or less immobile in front or on the side of the target, while modern Kendo stresses the importance of a physically obvious zanshin (body following through). E suggested that the new way could have been introduced to force the students to commit their back leg in the movement, and what better way to do that than by having their whole body follow through. I think this has a lot of validity. But my opinion is that there is no relationship between the 2. Long, suriashi after the cut was introduced simply as a way to avoid too much close quarter fighting: by having Aite go through Motodachi:
- maai is always easy to respect, once Aite goes past 3-4 steps away and turns, it's easy to be in proper maai
- Aite cannot bluff an attack that doesn't come from the hips
- Aite must commit if he's to reach the other end of the dojo...

Without teaching the "modern" way, I'm afraid we'd see a lot of brawls and bashing, and worse, attackers not going straight + with their hips.

Another thing we discussed is how by using a katana, you'd become more aware of the proper tenouchi and cutting angles (discussed do-waza). It really helps to feel that the weight of it forces you to focus your hit/cut and you can't just "flick your shinai" like E likes to say.

Mopping sensei

Stopped by the POS dojo today to see if they had found anything that some people had lost. The office was closed but I had a chat with the caretacker who never showed up last Friday to open the door (had to fetch the keys through the bars of the window...). He said he's sorry he wasn't there because it was his birthday and some friends of him took him away "and you know how these things go...". Great ! Now we're depending on some party animal to let us in.
I also had a chat with the Karate sensei who's been there for ages and was mopping the floor as I got in !! He says he hates dirtiness and well, that place is dirty! So he was mopping here and there and picking up trash left and right. Apparently the owners don't spend anything for maintenance. He seemed upset at the whole thing though. I'd be... Floor is dirty because of the many activities and the broken widows let the dust fly in. The floor also needs some repair but they won't do it, so he has to crawl under to patch it as best as he can.
That'll be fun!

First class at International School

Wow! Can't believe how un-focused these kids are. Rich, priviledged and mostly abandoned from their parents... That'll do it to you. The kids are very friendly but desperately need some order and guidance. Nice space (we get to use half of a gymnasium) that we share with little kids playing basketball. Makes things very rowdy and noisy. Also, and that's the main problem, some kids who don't have classes spend some time in the gym, creating distractions for the ones doing something. And some just run or casually walk through the practice space. Ashmir (the activities coordinator) said he would do something about it next time. Well it was interesting, to say the least. They are willing to learn but seem to be unable to focus and pay attention for more than 3 seconds at a time. Kendo doesn't allow that so they'll need to "get on with the program"... What I plan on doing is get them really tired with 30 minutes of suburi and suriashi, and then move along to something new. That's the strategy usually with kids but for the ones with "special needs" it's all the more important. Their ages go from about 8/9 to 12/13, so they are consistent in size and maturity. One stands out by his size and willingness to learn. Actually 2 or 3 of them seem to be "naturals".

So today after a short introduction, I showed them the kanji for Kendo and explained. Each week I'll bring a new "theme" for them to see and learn. I also want to force them into learning some Japanese, at least counting, and polite words.
After, this is what followed:
- mokuso
- rei
In circle, with bokken
- jogei-buri for warmup
- explanation of hand grip
- men uchi, only arm swings
- men uchi, only arm swings w/ kiai
- foot placement
- suriashi 1 forward, 1 back
Across room
- suriashi forward and back
- increase speed
In circle,
- shomen uchi (step & hit)
- men-men, step back
Maai, in pairs
- face partner, tip to tip
- forward 1 step, back 1 step
- forward 2 steps, back 2 steps
- one side leads front or back, other follows
- change sides...- with rotation
Ending suburi
- shomen uchi, 20 times

Line up, mokuso, rei

As far as I can tell, they liked it. While I have a nice headache...
Next week, I'll have them use shinai, and we'll do a lot of suburi and suriashi (above).

Another nice First...

Last night was a great practice. All the guys got stuck in traffic but eventually showed up almost an hour late. Only one beginner showed up (when I was expecting 3) but that's ok. The big challenge was to get everyone do something of their rank: 4 "advanced" with bogu, 1 beginner with significant budo experience, 2 without. Since no one is qualified to teach I had to manage 3 groups at times. Kept working on Suri ashi and Taisabaki with the experienced guys, while doing fumikomiashi with the budo guy and worked on kikentai with the 2 new girls (one of them is my wife, hehe).
Fumikomi: Started with foot-stopping-body-from-falling routine, then adding back foot momentum and then zanshin. All this with shinai pushing on hips. When comfortable, with these mechanics, do dojo lenghts: suriashi 1-2-3, fumikomi, suriashi 1-2-3. Then 2 fumikomi in a row. Always focus on hips and building momentum.
The girls were doing quite nice and I felt the need to have them work on their cuts and more power in the back foot...
As for the bogu guys, did half an hour of men+zanshin, tai-sabaki & repeat... They're getting good at it. After doing this for 2 practices they better ... But afterwards I had them put their men on and kirikaeshi. They are not used to receiving (motodachi) hits, I usually am the motodachi, so at my orders, they went soft on each other, to get accustomed to working in pair. Things were going well so I asked them to go at it with more intensity. When after a couple of gos I didn't see any intensity I stopped the whole thing and asked them to go for it. Things got better then... Did some work on motodachi, receiving tai-atari and presenting a clear target & distance, then focused on tai-atari (when I noticed it was, well, quite shitty). That took a while and will still take some time. First we did some "belly bounces" from one side to the other against motodachi, then added seme-men-taiatari, then added hiki-men. Almost broke my nose when demonstrating without my men on and crashed on motodachi's mengane... stupid... Then I got my gear on and took them on one by one. Better results than last week, they seem to feel more comfortable. D is still so damn insecure and has to get a grip on himself. He's about 17 and obviously is going through a personal crisis of some sort (late teenage years?) and just so breakable. He likes Kendo and actually (surprisingly) the most improving of the gang; he's go enourmous potential but has a long way to go to find his way. Hopefully he won't drop by then. His older brother is extremely motivated but not as naturally gifted as D and K. But he'll be a great fighter when he becomes more comfortable and like D, finds his own way.
Like I said, things are getting better on the "Straight attacks" and "Straight tai-atari" but much needs to be done, if I want to get them ready for serious opposition. They're still very self conscious and afraid of affirming themselves. "Just let go..." I keep on repeating.
Went out afterwards for a couple of beer, great fun and discussed next year's tournament in Aruba. Just planting the seed...

First official practice of new year

Great practice today in the 'old' dojo. The guys from down south came
after most than a month off. One of their friends joined for the first
time; he had shown up at almost every practice but with doctor's
orders to avoid serious physical activity. He was cleared during the
holidays. His addition is good news and will be great for the
atmosphere.

After yesterday's realisation that we needed to focus more on footwork
and tai sabaki in particular, we spent a good part of the class doing
just that.

To start with, get the footwork balance worked on. Also good review
for all, and the new guy.
- suriashi front/back
- 2fr, 2bk, 2rt, 2lf
- box right
- box left
Focus on back foot and body movement.

Men strikes. Review and start the buildup.
- shomen forward/back
- forward men men, back 1-2
- one-handed shomen uchi
Focus first on back foot coord. then relaxed grip (specially during
one-handed). Also, focus on committing the body and let the arms
raise. Avoid boucing off the target. Had them do that for a good 15
mins. They were a bit pooped after that... They didn't find ways to
control their exhaustion but at least I'm quite sure they know what I
meant.

Combine the footwork and the strikes. Introduce Tai sabaki.
- Suriashi across the room
- suriashi forward, then halfway, 180 degrees, then backwards
Comment on importance of planting right foot straight, then pivot and
land on left foot.
- suriashi, men, zanshin 1-2-3, then turn & hiki men
- suriashi, men, zanshin 1-2-3, then turn, 1-2-3 suriashi, men
(forward), 1-2-3, turn 1-2-3 suriashi, men (forward) (3 men in
succession, zanshin and taisabaki between each)
- suriashi, men, zanshin 1-2-3, turn, men right away, zanshin 1-2-3,
turn, men right away
Finally, the result is men attacks right after the pivot. Hopefully
that'll give them a solid basis for attacks without thinking. We'll
keep on practicing this.

1 min. break, Men o tsuke,

Pair up (4 bogu, 2 without)
- kirikaeshi, across dojo
- repeat about 6-7 times
Focus on taiatari, arms up and extended at hit

One by one, for about 5-7 mins each:
- openings for men attacks
- light hitting back
- light kakarigeiko
- pick on some specific problems (taiatari, going straight, taisabaki...)
- kirikaeshi

Overall the guys gave all they had, wasted 20-30 minutes because they
weren't in the shape they should've been but that's hardly a
surprise... Otherwise it was a really good practice. Can't wait for
Friday in our new place!

Errol is coming to town

Errol's this very friendly British guy originally from Trinidad who
visits his mom here from time to time. He's been doing Kendo for a
million years and is instructor at Nenriki in London, apparently a
very strong dojo in Europe. He's been extremely supportive, morally
and financially. Every time he visits I try to give him all the
necessary time he needs to share his knowledge. He's enourmously
generous in his teaching but at the same time very demanding. No BS
Kendo around him... He's of the "old school", that is Itto-ryu, where
style is secondary to effectiveness and cahones... I like that. So he
drives the guys to their limit every time. Not sure how they see him,
they seem very confused by his approach, much more agressive than
me... While I don't necessarily agree with his pedagogical methods
I think it's really important the students hear and experience what he has to say. After all that's how I learned Kendo: with one nice and calm sensei on one side and a slave driver,
maniac on the other. I quickly bonded with the second, turning into a
Kendo zombie overnight. My attitude has radically changed since; I'm
still a Kendo maniac but a bit less hardcore and demanding of new
students.

Anyway, he'll be here for a month so plenty time to have fun!

Tai sabaki & mushin

A student is practicing kakarikeiko. I try to force him into attacking with more intensity, but it just makes him more agitated and less focused. So I wonder: how to get him to move and react faster, with less time to reflect. I figure that he needs to get his body in position if his mind is to let loose... For kids, this means a couple of hours of kakarikeiko. That'll do the trick. But for grownups, this might not work. Ifind that pushing them that way maybe will "free their mind" but certainly will introduce strange posture. So some form, some mechanics is in order before going any further. I note that his taisabaki is unbalanced and muddy towards the end of zanshin. He ends up either wobbling left/right or tap dancing before his next launch. So we work on that for 30 minutes... - men, zanshin, 1, 2, 3 steps- plant right foot straight- pivot on ball of right foot- land on ball of left foot - relaunch instantly ... repeat 10 times ... Or until problem corrected
He now knows what to do. In the short time practicing this he hasn't mastered it to a satisfying point. But he knows what to reach for and will eventually get it right. I decided to work on that aspect of zanshin much earlier next time. Perhaps as early as tonight with the beginners supposed to join.

Not only does this help perform kakarigeiko better, it also has to do with improving the reaction after a missed waza such as men. Following a missed men, supposing the two bodies come in contact for a fraction of a second, that moment is a great time to try hiki waza. What often happens though is that one's body stops completely in front of motodachi, a brawl occurs and some form of hiki waza is tried. My theory is that proper taisabaki is crucial to proper follow up (hiki waza). Specifically, hiki waza requires advanced footwork, not arm ability. This is a concept usually misunderstood in western dojos.

First practice at new dojo

Wow, this place is awsome! The floor is great, the air circulates and
atmosphere perfect. And, no neighbors to bother!!

Only Kwesi and I tonight, which was great. Go to work mostly on some
tai-sabaki. I realize it's a basic thing they all need to learn (I've
always taken it for granted...). It helps in kakarikeiko in order to
avoid landing flat on your foot contemplating your opponent's attack.
It helps you avoid the worst... thinking of what to do next and just
do it.

More on this later.

ISPS classes

The International School has included Kendo on the after-school
activity registration list for this semester. I spoke to the guy in
charge yesterday and he mentioned that registrations were still open
this week and activities start next week. He told me that out of 20
students registered so far, 2 chose Kendo. That's really good
considering there are > 10 activities on the list including BBall &
VBall. He's expecting around 10 will choose Kendo. I have experience
teaching kids so that won't be a problem. Long term, it would be nice
to have a solid Kendo program. These kids have money and could be good
Kendo material if well trained. The challenge is going to be to give a
real class to kids that might not be used to being pushed, and in an
environment that might not allow for "serious" training. Well, 10
classes per semester won't do much in the short term but looking at it
as an investment sure helps. The strategy is to:
1- spread the fact that Kendo exists in the country
2- get some kids to join the private classes in POS
3- develop my network of (rich & influential) parents

I have ideas on a curriculum; after 10 weeks they should know
kirikaeshi and have used the bogu once. I'm thinking of introducing
some aspect of Japanese. Maybe teach characters or something like
that... To make it also a bit intellectual :-) That might help grab
the attention at the beginning of class.

Depending on who shows up next week I'll tweak the plan a bit to make
it more or less physical. Gotta go get my shinais in order...

First day of practice this year

Today is the first day of practice at the new facility. This morning
I'm waiting to meet the church manager to pay rent and finalize the
rental agreement. I also want to have a better look at the space.

The practice is informal; we might be 2 or 3 at best. Just to get to
know the place better. Next week is when things will really start.

The new facility

Here's the deal: the facility is about 12m x 16m, on a hardwood floor
that's mostly intact apart from a big taped up crack in the center (no
fumikomi there...). The floor is fairly clean and as of now, there are
no obstacles in the room (no furniture to move). There's karate on
Monday and Thursday evenings so the room should be empty and clean on
our practice days (Tue.+Fri.). There are plenty of windows, some of
them smashed open, but all are protected by metal bars, so air flow
won't be a problem and the risk of breaking windows is minimal. Same
thing for the ceiling, very high so no trouble there. There's
bath/changing rooms and space for parents & visitors. Parking is very
convenient and plenty (space is not a problem in this area but safety
is, so knowing your car is safe is an added plus).

All this for $500TT per month (about $80US)... It comes down to $15
per hour. Great deal!

New place (taken with my brand new Treo 600)