Ode to Seagal (aka Kirk's trip)

So Kirk is now home from California. He had a lot of fun and spent a lot of time training with Seagal and his fellow Aikido people. They actually had their classes at Seagal's house, out on the lawn. He said it was really neat. Of course he didn't take any pictures of him, he said it was because the only time they were with Seagal, they were training. I guess you can't do Aikido with a camera strapped to your neck? I would have tried! BUT - they did take some group photos which we don't have back yet. And one of Kirk's group took pictures that she promised to send to everyone at some point. (So hopefully there will be pictures to some)


Basically they arrived on Friday, trained until late and went out to eat at a $27 buffet! Woke up Saturday and trained, broke for lunch and then trained some more. Sunday they had black belt testing (Kirk is not to that level yet) and then went to Venice Beach. That night they went to Denny's to party it up and say goodbye... until next week when they all show up in class together.... and apparently Denny's was more like a bar than a restaurant, it served alcohol and had video games. Then he flew home.

This is what I learned about Steven Seagal:
1. He really does speak fluent Japanese
2. He really does still do Aikido, and is good at it
3. He has recently become an 8th Dan - not 7th, like you will see on the Internet (which just means he's an even better black belt)
4. He talks really gruffly and does some sort of grunt thing
5. He's really a nice guy
6. He has records out there - as in singing and playing guitar - umm... yep.


So now Kirk's home, back with a few souvenirs and a suntan. He bought Nola a cute T-shirt with Disney characters on it that says Los Angeles:




And apparently when he jumped into the ocean at Venice Beach he stepped back out into 1993 to buy a souvenir for himself.... To your amazement and my own they still make these things... and Kirk bought one. I don't think he will ever leave the 90's!




I told him it should be illegal to own and operate such a garment... and Photoshop will agree with me!