Happy Late New Year!

Happy New Year Everyone!

I'm very sorry that I did not update my blog for a very long time. This is mainly because my new semester has begun and I'm too busy with my semester and my life.

During my holidays in December I thought I could finish up at least three Shogi books but unfortunately I only finished up one because I was asked by my parents to help them build up a website, which has almost took up all of my leisure time. Aside from being busy, I do tend to read Shogi books whenever I have a short break inbetween my hectic life.

I am happy to announce that I am finally 1-DAN!!! WOOHOO! Finally a dream come true! I was playing against the president of the Shogi Club in Kuala Lumpur, who has the strength of about 5-Dan amateur. We played Yagura Joseki (opening or fundamentals) but because I have forgotten about the Joseki, I tried to play the opening with concentration and understanding. My opening turns out well as both of us have already created Kin-Yagura (Gold Fortress) and he was a step ahead to attack my base with his bishop on the left side of the board (I am sente, or black player). Without knowing what to do next, I bring my rightside silver to attack the bishop on the leftside of the board. It turns out well when we exchange silvers but I made a fatal mistake that have almost cost me the game - being greedy. I immediately drop my silver, trying to take his rook on the 82  (or 8B) square. He dropped his silver too, trying to take my rook but he has one extra turn than me. Next, he keeps on attacking my castle and I keep on defending. When his attack finally runs out, I surprised him that I was actually destroying his castle! Unfortunately I did not successfully defeat him because I made two fatal mistakes. My attack was one move late. If only I did not make two of those mistakes I would have probably won him. Though I lost to him, I was happy with my performance. Remember back in July I was playing against an old man in University Malaya during the Japan Language Festival? It was that old man! Back then I couldn't even touch his base, but now I almost checkmate him! He was amaze at my performance and ask me what level I am. I told him that I was ranked 3-kyu and he told me that I actually have the strength of 1-Dan amateur! I was happy to be told that I am 1-Dan! My dream has finally achieved after such a long period of hard work and studies!

Few days ago I received a comment from someone in this blog that he wants me to teach him Shogi. I really don't mind teaching beginners how to play Shogi but his request was different. He wants me to teach him how to improve in Shogi! I never have anyone teaching me Shogi before so I don't really know what to teach him. But I'll do my best to improve his Shogi! The only annoying problem is that he is staying in Portugal, which has 8 hours of difference between our time. It will be difficult for me to find time to teach him Shogi especially I have to wake up 6.30 a.m. the next day since the only time we're both using the internet are during the midnight (my time). I think the only free time to teach him is during the weekends.

I guess that's all. To end this post, I will talk about my New Year Resolutions!

My new year resolutions are:

1. Achieved 2-Dan amateur within this year!

2. Read up at least 3 psychology books.

3. Write at least 3 stories this year.

Once again I wished everyone a happy new year!

Regards,

Ryou Takehito

Shogi Festival in Japan Club Kuala Lumpur! (Report)

Hey all,

Before I begin to talk about Shogi Festival, which was held in Japan Club Kuala Lumpur today, I would like to show the book that I have purchase via internet which has cost me roughly around RM 100.

It has 118 pages and I found it very useful for beginners because it teaches us the things we should be thinking while playing Shogi. Unless "Art of Shogi", it teaches you basic joseki (openings or fundamentals) but not too much about what we should be thinking. Therefore it is very good to have Habu's Words for Shogi players.

Alright, it's time for the report on Shogi Festival!
 

Report on Shogi Festival

Yesterday I was told that today Shogi Festival will be held in Japan Club Kuala Lumpur. One of the Japanese told me that it was starting around noon but I thought it was just a normal festival but it turns out that they were having tournaments!

A knockout tournament! I didn't knew they were having tournaments otherwise I would have join them! I shouldn't have went there at 2pm. And this is the first time in my life I've seen so many Japanese playing Shogi in Japan Club!

These are the giveaways and prizes. There are two types of categories. One is for adults and another is for children. Naoki has already finished his game so I have a game with him. Unfortunately I lost. =(   But I knew why I have lost. =)

After the tournament has ended, We were given by a small lecture on tsume Shogi by a 9-Dan pro Mr. Kenji Kobayashi. After the small talk a gift was given to the club leader as a small present...

This present actually has all the signatures of the Meijins! Do not look lightly on this prize. It is actually worth more than RM 3,000!!!

Two tables are set up and Mr. Kobayashi is going to play against 7 players at the same time, including me! He gave me two piece handicapped, Rook and Bishop. The game lasted for a long time and I lost. After all the games Mr. Kobayashi gave evalution on everyone about how well they played. Naoki has the strength of 2-Dan amateur while I have the strength of 3 kyu only. That explains why I have lost to Naoki earlier. Looks like my days of exams have really deteriorate my Shogi skills. =(   But I remember Naoki was playing against handicapped of Rook, Bishop and two Lances... Fortunately Mr. Kobayashi praised me that I have talent and might be a genius. I have never been so proud of myself in my life. =D

After that it's time to hand the prizes to the winners!

The winner of the adult category

2nd of the adults category

 

3rd of the adults category



Winner of the child category

2nd of the child category

Alot of things have been given away as presents and then it's group photo! I'm the one wearing the yellow shirt from the 2nd left...
 

With the Shogi activities over I have been invited over to a restaurant for free dinner! Talk about being lucky!
 

I was the only Malaysian there so I feel a little awkward because I couldn't speak Japanese nor fully understand it. But I'm very grateful that they're being friendly and tried to talk to me in English. =)
 

Prezzies

Speaking of which I've received a lot of presents from them! First off I've received an instant soup. =P And then...
 

Knewing that I play Shogi, they specially gave me this...
 

A book written by Mr. Kobayashi himself! It teaches you how to play Fourth File Rank Rook (Shinkenbisha). And lastly...
 

A calligraphy by Mr. Kobayashi! I really should have thank him for all these great stuffs!
 

Conclusion

It's been a long time I have enjoyed myself so much in Shogi events after AISEP. I'm glad that i have came to this festival just because I love Shogi alot. To everyone in Shogi Club in JCKL...
 

OTSUKARESAMA!

Now that I know I was 3 kyu, looks like getting 1-Dan by the end of this year will be realised soon! I'm going to work hard to achieve 1-Dan! And also I really hope I can participate more Shogi events in the future! Gambatte, Ryou! You can do it! For the sake your dream, work hard!

Regards,
Ryou Takehito

 

 

 

Shogi Full Time!

Hey all,

Today's 28th Nov so that means... exams are finally over!!! WOOHOOOOO!

With my semester ended I can finally play Shogi the whole day! Actually I'm playing Shogi at this moment and I'm taking a break right now to type this entry. I have been learning for Shogi for two straight hours so I still have 6 hours ago! It's great that I can learn Shogi full time, with at least 8 hours per day. Call me crazy, but that's how I love so much about Shogi!

On the night before my last exam, I couldn't sleep at all. Not that I was worried about my exams just because I have to take two different papers on the same day, the main reason is I was too excited about playing Shogi after exams! I found it a little scary that my obsession of Shogi is too strong but... I love this feeling! I did not force myself to learn 8 hours of Shogi. I was actually spending it just like my past-time/leisure! The sense of learning new strategies, discovering new ideas, playing against myself - it feels so great and refreshing!

Tomorrow is Saturday and I'm going to Japan Club Kuala Lumpur to play a few games of Shogi. It has been a very long time since I last visited JCKL. Hope my skills improve!

Alright everyone, I'm going to resume learning Shogi now. Take care everyone!

Regards,
Ryou Takehito

Interesting Video!

I found this interesting video as I was looking for "Gekka no Kishi", a story about Shogi, and thought I should share with everyone. Please have a good laugh. =)



If you can't read Chinese or understand Japanese, I have provided the translations below:
1: Who's the strongest player here?
2: Who?
3: Me. Any problem?
4: You're already playing. This is bad.
5: You're alone, right? I'll play with you.
6: Who are you?
7: Me or anyone else is the same, right?
8: Come on, hurry!
9: You don't have to hurry me. When the time comes the opponent will be here.
10: Then how about we have a match before he comes?
11: Let me tell you
12: I'm 3-dan. How about you?
13: 5-dan....... what?
14: But I stopped playing Shogi ever since middle school.
15: Now I probably should have jumped to 7-dan.
16: This is not even a jumping box!
17: It's alright!
18: Someone please go to the office and ask someone to come...... no need.
19: I will get rid of him.
20: Then... I'll go first.......okay!
21: P94? (Pawn in 94 square)
22: I'll say... do you even know how to play Shogi?....... Huh? What's wrong?
23: This move has no meaning at all!
24: You should study some joseki (Chess openings) first.
25: Sorry, but in my dictionary there's no such thing as 'joseki'.
26: What?
27: What's happened?
28: Don't cause any trouble, okay?
29: Please be quiet, okay?
30; What are you crying? So noisy.
31: You're still young.
32: There is still a long way to walk in your life.
33: I have never lose before!
34: I'm only playing with him a little.
35: V-Shape?
36: I had never lose since middle school.
37: I'm not playing Shogi anymore!
38: Not playing anymore!
39: You're not playing anymore?
40: I was actually thinking of making a heart shape...
41: Who are you? You're an outsider, right?

It's....It's finally here!!!

Hey all,

after waiting for another week, I woke up early at 9 a.m. to check my mailbox. It was not there. I have started to doubt that the online purchase might have been a failure so I went back into my house to take my morning bath and breakfast. At around 1 p.m., my mobile phone mysteriously rang. I was trying to get a hold of it but it stopped ringing before I could. Although the missed call was from a friend, I stupidly thought it as a sign that my book has arrive. So I went to check the mailbox again and there it was, Habu's Words!

After waiting for three weeks it has finally arrived!!! Words can't describe how happy I am to receive this book. I wished I could have taken a photo with the book but unfortunately my camera broke down. =(

Although I am happy that I've receive my copy of Habu's Words, but I can't use it now. WHY? This is because exams around the corner and I don't have time for Shogi! =( *Mumbles and curses at the college exams* Anyways my last day of exam is on 27th November so I'm really looking forward to study Shogi with Habu's Words on that day! =3

Regards,
Ryou Takehito

Third Great Anticipation in Life

Hey all,

I have receive the e-mail below...

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Your order from WORD POWER BOOKS has been successful The unique reference for this transaction is: ...........................

Dear Ryou Takehito Thank you for your order. Your card was authorised successfully but NO money has been debited from your account. Your card will only be debited when WORD POWER BOOKS review the order and release the payment. If Items in stock, posted within 24 hours. Otherwise expected despatch within 3 to 10 working days. Please quote your order number ................... in all correspondence with either WORD POWER BOOKS or Protx.

	Order total: 16.24 GBP You bought: Word Power Books Description Quantity Item Value Item Tax Item Total Line Total Habu's Words (9780953108923) 1 12.50 0.00 12.50 12.5 Delivery --- --- --- --- 6.36

If you have any questions regarding your order, delivery details or items purchased, please contact WORD POWER BOOKS directly via details on their website WORD POWER BOOKS. This payment was processed by Protx, a third-party payment service provider. If you have any questions regarding the online card payment system, contact protx at: support@protx.com Please be aware that Protx has no involvement with the fulfilment of orders placed through this web site. If you have any issues regarding your order please contact WORD POWER BOOKS directly.

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Try and guess what kind of book I have purchased a week ago! Almost everyday I would peep into my mailbox, hoping it has arrived. I hope I can receive it by the end of of this week. Anyways I can't wait for the book to arrive so I can study it throughout the night just like when I first gotten my "Art of Shogi"!

And also, this picture is a few months old but this is one of the Japanese man whom I can't defeat at all. He is just too strong!! (About 1-dan amateur, I think)



Regards,
Ryou Takehito


PS: Can you find Shoshi-sensei's fan in the picture? =3

YOU SLACKER

Hey all,

it's been more than a month. Actually I haven't played Shogi for almost a month. It's not that I have finally got bored of Shogi, it's just that my college assignments and test are too much that if I play Shogi it will lessen the amount of my time focusing in my studies and thus it will make my results worser.

I feel irritate that I can't spend more time on Shogi than my college studies. I hope I can focus more on Shogi again once this semester is over.

However I still do at least one tsume Shogi per day and read Shogi magazines whenever I'm having dinner.

Regards,
Ryou Takehito