Mate against Mate, State against State

Halibut is officially over for another year, with the trophy again being snaffled by a bunch of southern mercenaries despite the best efforts of the top local outfits.

But who cares about a bunch of blow-ins (with the fiendish John McNaughton shamefully tagging along as a gun for hire) nicking the prize? It's not by accident that the trophy is WAY too big to be accepted as carry-on luggage. It can and will never leave Brisbane.

No - the real interest in this year's Halibut was the mini-tournament within the main event between the Dojo players scattered across the various teams. Coming in at fourth place ("stone motherless last" seems just a bit nasty) was Dan B with his Mellow Yellow outfit (finished 8th overall). At third is Coopers & Dom with the still inexplicably named iCarrot (finished 5th overall), and runners-up are the big GC group of Stefan, Mike, Matt, Santiago, Phil, Lee (AKA McLovin) and Andy McL with their team the Slamtown Flatball Club (3rd overall). And of course that leaves the self-gratifying author of this blog at the top of the table in his efforts with Mind the Gap, a team composed largely of, well, let's say "mature" players who showed that having a mobile creche on the sideline (and the Mums & Dads on the field) is no obstacle to making the final in a serious tournament (eventually finishing 2nd overall, losing the final 15-10, as I recall).

Not sure who won the party (competitive partying has always mystified this writer), but the Slamtown lads & lasses looked the goods on Saturday afternoon.

Back to BPL rounds as usual this week if the weather stays clear and bitterly cold (for Brisbane). Dojo are hot favourites to repeat their opening-round win over UQ Lovers and Dr Phil Stocks is hot favourite in the least-likely-to-turn-up stakes. Stay tuned.

Fields are wet but cleats stay dry

It's official - our omnipotent LD Jon Good has canned tonight's round of BPL, so we've updated our listing of this season's rounds (in the sidebar to the right) accordingly...

The disappointment of missing out on a game tonight is somewhat mitigated by the fact that most Dojo kenshi, and our ultimate brothers & sisters from all over the eastern seaboard, will be hitting the fields at Kalinga Park over the weekend for the annual Halibut tournament. Our GC contingent (Stef, Mike, Lee, Santiago, Matt, Phil, + ringin Andy McL) will be featuring with the unusually named (even for a frisbee team) Slamtown Flatball Club, whilst others (Coopers, Dom) are playing with iCarrot (I haven't asked), Dan B is joining Mellow Yellow, and Stephen C is back again with Mind the Gap.

Oh yes - and Matt E took out our MVP poll for Round 4 vs Slippry Bugs, so that leaves the standings at Stefan (2), Matt E (1), Mike (1).

Mud Sticks But Slippry Slips

Everything the Dojo players have been working on over the past few weeks finally came together on the muddy AJFC field last night. And by "working on" we mean simply receiving (and perhaps reading) email tirade after tirade from Sensei C. Just goes to show that emailing is every bit as good as real training.

Even Stefan got the message after an early rush-of-blood throwaway, so we must be doing something right.

Anyway, the short story is that a disciplined and determined Dojo rolled through last night's game against Slippry Bugs to win 15-6. Some might say that those two "d" words aren't really in keeping with the Dojo Way, but times change and clearly natural charm and stunning talent are no longer enough to stay at the top of what has often been described as Australia's best frisbee league.

Short completions, rapid resets and a variety of impenetrable zone D's characterised the Dojo approach to last night's game and it really stuck. A few long bombs were of course thrown in just to keep the Slippry D guessing, including one pure magic arcing huck from Matt Eastburn to an apparently levitating Steve Hjelm. If only Dom had his video camera handy for that one.

We're expecting a visit from the Slippry leadership to the Dojo bathhouse sometime later today (we're always happy to share our post-game recovery facilities), so expect to see that conversation posted in the next few days. There's also the latest MVP poll for your voting pleasure to the right - vote for as many players as you think deserved it!

And BTW - current MVP standings are Stefan (2) and Mike (1).

The "John Kreese Way" with Ryan Black

With last week's game at AJFC being cancelled at the last minute due to fields looking much like the rice paddies that adjoin the DojoMojo estate, some people turned up only to gnash their teeth at their misfortune. Oldest-of-old-skool Dojo founder Ryan Black was one of those (he was hoping to play his first game in the white, black & red for a couple of years), so we thought the least we could do was share with the world some choice comments Ryan had when we got together for a sparring match in the DojoMojo kendo hall a few weeks back.

We'd hoped to have his partner-in-babysitting Dave Watson join us, but his hectic schedule prevented him from strapping on the bogu for a quick bout. We're hoping to get him along to see some sumo wrestling with us sometime very soon, and may be able to squeeze some gems of wisdom out of him then. In the meantime, here's what Ryan had to say about the genesis and subsequent rise to dominance of "The Dojo Way":

DojoMojo Blog: Kiai Ryan! Thanks for spending some time with us here away from your monastic chamber at the top of the DojoMojo pagoda. Now - the legend of the frisbee Dojo is known across the country, with successful Nationals campaigns in 2004 and 2006. But few people know the story of how the Dojo began. How did the idea of establishing the world's first Ultimate Frisbee Dojo develop, and who would you say should take the credit for the original idea?

Ryan Black: If my memory serves me correctly then I believe the brilliant idea was created way back in 1984 by the then legendary (and some believe fictional character) Sensei of the Cobra Kai Dojo John Kreese. John began to teach members of the dojo the more traditional and admirable qualities of frisbee such as: playing without fear and mercy, winning at all costs, and that when it is game time then it's pain time!! This philosophy is now the ethos for the game of ultimate disc worldwide! The use of popular music being played at ultimate feilds across the world also began in the Cobra Kai Fisbee Dojo - with hits such as "You're the Best" (by Joe Esposito) and "Eye of the Tiger" (by Survivor) commonly heard at many tournaments inspiring the youth of today.

DMB: Wow - I'll bet very few people were aware of just how important John Kreese's contribution was to the game we play today! Imagine a frisbee game without Eye of the Tiger! Okay - so we're all sharing the benefits now from the hard work done all those years ago, but what was the Ultimate scene like in Brisbane at the time?

RB: Dead

DMB: Ouch! You're quick with that shinai! I can imagine that there were many obstacles to be overcome in building the world's first frisbee Dojo?

RB: Without a doubt, this trailblazing concept had its fair share of opponents. But just two stand out above all the minor concerns though - Daniel LaRusso and Mr Miyagi. They were a thorn in the side of the Dojo for numerous seasons.

DMB: At least three seasons, as I recall... So, how long did it take for others to try to imitate the Dojo's success? I'm thinking particularly of now-defunct organisations like The Collective here...

RB: Oh don't get me started on the collective!!!

DMB: Another time, maybe. I'm sure there's a rich seam of Brisbane Ultimate history to be mined there though... Anyway, it's widely believed that the fundamental tenets of the Dojo Way were laid down many years ago by the esteemed Mr Miyagi. But from what you've told me already, it seems that nothing could be further from the truth?

RB: Grrr - that's the wrong dojo Steve!!! The fundamental tenets of the Dojo were laid down by John Kreese - why don't people ever remember the ex-special forces Vietnam veteran who on return from war tries to make an honest living beating up on street kids!

DMB: It's an inspiring story, Ryan. If only more people had that kind of moral fibre. Speaking of which, many people wonder why Dave Watson is the only founding Dojo player to still make the occasional on-field appearance*. Jay Sansness left town, and many thought that you had simply vanished. What happened? Can we expect comebacks from some or all of you in the near future?

RB: The golden boy of QLD ultimate gets a mention hey!! Well word has it that a few old members may be back soon to give golden bollocks a run for his money!

DMB: Prophetic words, already fulfilled by "weapon from antiquity" Dan Walls. Now - do you see the changes which have happened at the Dojo since its inception as a good or bad thing, or a bit of both?

RB: I just hope that the Dojo doesn't take itself too seriously. Time outs were never intended to set up team plays, they were created so everyone could have a laugh.

DMB: Well, you'll be glad to know that we still have an iron-clad rule that frisbee must never be discussed at halftime. And we never call timeouts (except when Andy McLean calls them - some sort of momentum theory he's got going). Following on then, what would you like to see done differently today?

RB: More afros and mullets to be worn by members playing for the Dojo. Big hair is a prerequisite for entry into the Dojo.

DMB: Yep - always will be. And lastly, what item(s) would you like to see added to the Dojo's extensive range of merchandise?

RB: Wigs. Oh... and hammers - so Matt Eastburn, throw real ones!


* Post-interview note: Dojo Oldskooler Dan Walls can now be seen on the field every week, usually horizontal & airborne.

McCheeseburger Speaks

Despite being a few days late for his calligraphy class, it's a pleasure to have former Aussie junior captain and now scholarly leader of the UQ Passion team John McNaughton take a few moments out from his brushwork to chat over a nice big bowl of miso and a large quantity of warm sake. It does get cold in these shoji-screened rooms during winter, after all...

DojoMojo Blog: Thanks for sparing us a few moments John. I know you're a busy chap, so let's get straight into it. Firstly, just how surprising was it to see a full complement of Dojo players running laps and warming up a full half hour before the game? Did this bizarre sight have any effect on Passion's own immediate pre-game warmup?

John McNaughton: It was definitely a shock. I'd read on the Dojo blog that they were discussing the potential benefits of warming up, especially in light of the exclusive interview with Mikey about the work he's done with Buggers, but had absolutely no expectation that this discussion would be transformed into action (in true Dojo style). However, clearly this is Dojo Revolutions in 2008, like the Rawhide Revamp. It didn't have a great deal of effect on us, I don't think. We don't warm up particularly well ourselves, and personally, I was on the way back from watering the bushes so wasn't hitting much of a warm-up anyway...

DMB: Ah - so it's you the soccer girls on the next field have been complaining about! It seems they would rather have their bushes remain unwatered by the likes of you and your fellow students, John. Anyway, enough about idiosyncratic warmup practices. Just when it looked like Dojo might be gaining the early upper hand, Big Jules finally managed to get his cleats on and the Passion game immediately seemed to open up downfield and clamp down on D. Surely this wasn't just a coincidence?

JM: Nothing about Jules is a coincidence. Especially in Buzz's absence, Jules added an extra thrower with the ability to break and huck, and obviously an intimidating cutting & defending presence. One of the 2007 BPL Rookies of the Season has really come along nicely, and with some extra high-level experience under the belt this year, he's been great for us.

Of course, he's only been great from about the 6th point each week - he seems to be making it a habit to avoid all the fanfare and excitement at the start of a game, preferring to subtly slide into the action. Modest to a fault, our Jules.

DMB: You'll have to start calling him "The Faulty Tower", eh? No? Okay then, we'll stick to asking questions. The lead changed many times on the night, and neither team was ever more than a couple of points ahead. I remember the first point after halftime being very lengthy, and finally (after 3 turnovers?) resulting in a crucial score for Passion to level it 8-8. Any special McNaughton magic in the halftime huddle which helped the men in pink lift a notch?

JM: Mate, I don't know if I've had too many cups of this fine extra-dry sake, but I'm struggling to recall. I might be able to remember some parts of the game itself, but the half time speech is a hazy time. I imagine I probably talked up the fact that we'd got 3 in a row just before half, and seem to recall making a bit of a tactical adjustment. Don't remember any real magic - I prefer to inspire with action than with word. Sometimes I even manage to do it.

DMB: Yes, few would argue with you there. It seems that all you McNaughtons are men of action rather than words. Now - you've mentioned that you found it easier to contain the Dojo offence using a zone rather than man D. Why do you reckon this was the case?

JM: Dojo have really done well in the last season or two of improving efficiency with the disc. You're less huck-happy and more focussed on disc retention. It's a pretty simple style - resets to handlers interspersed with (mainly) open-side shots to hard-working cutters. Your cutters work hard though, and your handlers are quite good at maintaining possession, so unless we manage to make a play and force something, you seem to be getting good at working it down the field to score.

In contrast, the Dojo are somewhat lacking in throwing strike power. It is a deep team - everyone is able to throw solidly, but there is an absence of truly deadly throwers who can carve up the zone. That helps its effectiveness, I think.

DMB: Spot on, John. We've found through bitter experience that our long throws are often more deadly to us than our opponents, so it's definitely something we're working on. Okay - lastly, can we expect to see the Passion team get proper shirts sometime soon? Rumour has it that you instruct all new recruits to take a normal white T-shirt and stick it in the wash with some red undies (or at least ask your Mums to do it for you)...

JM: Sounds like a Bugger-prompted question, my friend. Bring in new red shirts and then try to make the established teams with similar colours change... All part of a mental disintegration campaign, perhaps? I'm not at liberty to disclose anything on this front - it's in the capable hands of the UQ club exec. We'll have to wait and see what happens.

DMB: Yes, it hasn't gone unnoticed that BPL now features teams wearing red, pink and maroon. Matt Eastburn has been wanting Dojo to go red for years as well, but thankfully everyone ignores him...

Anyway, thanks again John for sparing us a few moments. Your comments have as usual been informative, entertaining and inspiring...

Pink beats Black by 1

Well, Wesley Snipes may have advised us to "always bet on black", but last night, as that other legendary martial arts hero Jean-Claude van Damme once voiced through gritted teeth, that would have been the "wrong bet"...

But only just! With timecap called the scores were dead level and Dojo had the disc, but when a pass went to ground the Passion guys picked it up and soon scored in the corner with a tidy break-side play.

But nonetheless, DojoMojo are taking this extremely close-run game against last season's undefeated minor premiers as a big step forward from the shabby efforts of the previous two weeks. During the week we've been training ourselves mercilessly (under new conditioning coach Andrew "Sergeant Major" Lankowski) in our specially-made kenjutsu dojo, and have focussed on developing higher intensity and lower turnovers. What we saw this week was that this new regimen has had immediate effect, with not a sign (okay, maybe just one) of what Mike Nield described as our "indiscriminate" hucking of previous weeks.

The huge crowd (hi Morgan and Walls families) thrilled to the on-field action as they shivered on the sidelines, and as usual a fabulously hard-fought and high-spirited game was had against the UQ Passion lads. Their leader, the ever-so-suave John "Cheeseburger" McNaughton, will be dropping by shortly for his weekly calligraphy and ink-wash lesson, and hopefully we'll have a chance to hear some of his erudite comments on the game then.

Oh yes - and we should also mention that Stefan has won the MVP poll for the second week in a row. Well done Stef. Let's see how this week's votes go - lock 'em in on the poll to the right (you can vote for more than one player).