End of Path... The Beginning of a New Journey

Hey,

Tonight's the last night of me staying in Malaysia. I'll be returning back to Brunei temporary for my holidays and finally go to Australia in July to pursue my studies for 2 years in Melbourne.

I can't believe time passed by so quickly over the course of four years during my stay in Malaysia. Looking back at my old posts, I felt a great sense of achievement about my Shogi career - how I've started playing Shogi and tried to get my hands on Shogi equipments, how I've trained myself day and night trying to improve my skills and how I've travel and met great and challenging opponents. It has been a wild and fun ride, and I can't believe I'm still in love with Shogi!

If there's anyone out there asking me what is the only thing that I'm most proud of, I would definitely answered "My Shogi Career".

Although my journey in Malaysia has come to an end, it is only the conclusion of a chapter of my story. My journey, or my story, will still continue when I go to Australia for my studies, ensuring that I will achieve my 'real' dreams.

I want to thank you all fellow readers for accompanying with me in this great journey during my stay in Malaysia. I can't express how much it has been a great support to encourage me to continue my Shogi career. I hope you, the fellow reader, will continue to travel with me in Australia while I strive to achieve my dream in my Shogi career, as a proud Malaysia player.

Thank You All! And I hope to see Shogi players in Australia, if there's any! =)

Sincerely,
Ryou Takehito



Achievements/Profile in Malaysia
1. Shogi Career: 2.5 years (as of June 2010)
2. Rank Improvement: Beginner to 2-dan Amateur (as of June 2010)
3. Met Yoshiharu Habu, Kazuharu Shoshi, Kunio Yonenaga and Daisuke Katagami
4. Represent Malaysia and participate in AISEP 2008 and 2009
5. Promoted Shogi in Taylor's University College
6. Inivited as an Arbiter in the MMU Dragon King Shogi Match (Closed)
7. Invited by Japan Club Kuala Lumpur members to promote Shogi in University Malaysia.
8. Participated the KL-Meijin tournament in 2009. Qualify in the preliminary round but lost in 2nd round of tournament (against 5-dan)
9. Met a lot of Shogi-related friends and acquaintance.
10. Last but not least, met Xinwen, my best friend, who had brought me into the wonderful world of Shogi and had change my life.

Goodbye Malaysia... soon

Hey,

As mention in my previous post, I was invited to MMU to be their arbiter. The overall experience was fun, and Nemonemo was being helpful during that time. Anyways more details can be read here: http://quintomyap.blogspot.com/2010/04/3-april-mmu-dragon-king-shogi-match.html

I'm sure some of my 'Shogi friends' have heard me talking, but I am going to graduate soon in Malaysia by the end of May and I'm going to Australia to pursue further studies for a year. It's saddening to say this, but after I have graduated in Australia, I am planning to go back to my hometown, Negara Brunei Darussalam and start my working career. This means that I am only going to stay in Malaysia till the end of May and will not come back again. All I can say is that my three years of Shogi experience in Malaysia have been fruitful, and priceless. Of course I am still pursuing my dream of becoming a professional Shogi player while I'm in Brunei, but I have already planned my path after I've left Malaysia. Here's my plan.

1. July 2011 - going back to Brunei to work.

2. Around 2015 - 2016 - if my Shogi strength is still weak, I am going to quit my job, go to Japan and become a teaching pro.

3. After becoming a teaching pro, if my strength improves, I will try to go for professional license.

Basically that's my plan for the future, although short. Hahahaha. Again, I would like to stress that I am not planning to study in Japan, but if I manage to become a teaching professional, I will MOST likely go to Japan and work. The main reason why I'm staying in Brunei to work is because I have promise my family to support them. But after few years later, which my little sister has graduated from her university and start working, then I won't have to support my family anymore and FULLY concentrate on pursuing my dreams. I really wanted to stay in Malaysia and work, but supporting family comes first for me.

Anyways, to all the Malaysian Shogi players out there, thanks for watching or taking care of me all these times. Your kindness have been really grateful to me. Thanks. Nevertheless I'll still work hard in Shogi as usual! Gambatte!

Regards,

Ryou Takehito

It's been a long long time

Hey,

how is everyone? It has sure been a long time since I've last updated this blog, haven't I? Truth to be told, I was kind of demotivated of updating this blog, especially when I'm busy and every update will always take about three to four hours! I kid you not! Each and everytime I update my blog, I would spent about 3 or 4 hours just to plan, type and edit my post! Even if it were a short post, it would take at least an hour! I guess probably the time factor of updating the blog has really demotivated me, especially during busy times.

So any new updates on my side? One of the good news is that I managed to beat a 5-dan amateur and officially became a 2-dan amateur player. Although I'm still a new 2-dan player, I'm still kinda weak so I hope I can make myself a solid 2-dan player on my casual games.

Aside from achieving 2-dan, I was invited by Quintom Yap to his university MMU in Melaka to be an arbiter for his organized Dragon King Tournament, although it's a closed. Looking at all the preparations and the schedules prepared by him, I am greatly impressed at the effort that he has put into it so I'm giving a big shoutout to him! Nevertheless I am looking forward to visit his university on the 2nd of April.

What about me? What have I done? Recently I realised that I am slowly losing the fire in my soul regarding about Shogi. Of course everyday I would read up new Shogi strategies and replay new kifus played by pro kishi, but it seems that something is missing. Maybe my mindset about having a "fun game" in Shogi is wrong, these days even if I lose I won't feel a thing. Maybe I should have a mindset of "not losing" that could kindle the fire in my soul, just like when I started Shogi. Just like what would the Singaporeans would do, maybe I really should be more "kiasu"and hope to strive victorious in all the games. Anyways I really think the mindset of "having fun"should really go if I really want to improve a lot more from today onwards. Geez, I'm not really sure what I'm talking anymore. Hahaha. Anyways I can ensure you that my love for Shogi will still be there, as always.

I would really like to thank all those who have spend time reading my blog. I'll try my best to update alot more from now on. Thanks.

Regards,
Ryou Takehito

Happy 2010!

Hey,

Happy new year to all of you! If all of you have been suspecting, I have not retired from the world of Shogi! I just happened to be busy with some house chores and family so I couldn't really find the time to blog. Before I begin talking about this year's resolutions, let's look at at my previous new year resolutions and see if I have any accomplishments or not.

2009 New Year Resolutions:
1. Achieved 2-Dan amateur within this year!
2. Read up at least 3 psychology books.
3. Write at least 3 stories this year.

Okay, it seems that I did not achieve 2-dan amateur last year, but I promised I am going to become a 2-dan player soon. Last year I have an evaluation game with Kenji Kobayashi pro 9-dan and he evaluated my strength as 2-dan, but I felt strongly that I do not possess that strength yet. I've been trying to solve a 1-dan, 2-dan and 3-dan tsumeshogi problems with more than 15 moves (I will show the picture of the book in the next post) and I was able to solve every questions with a little ease and without a hint.

I did read up a psychology book last year, but failed to read 3 books because due to some "unnecessary" circumstances I was forced to work on my college 'group' assignments all alone, thus taking up a lot more of my time.

Although the stories are in bits and pieces, I did not write any story at all (which by the way are my other hobbies in case you're wondering.) Therefore I did not accomplished any of my new year resolutions. *sigh* What a bummer.

But looking back at the year 2009, I felt that I've made a lot of accomplishments.
1. I've successfully went to Japan, which has always been my dream country of visit ever since I was a child.
2. I've meet a lot of helpful Shogi players in Japan who have supported me in various ways, especially to Mr. Ishimaru, Yuki Kasai, Mr. Kunio Yonenaga, Nakamura Taichi, Mr. Yoshiharu Habu, Ryoya Tone, Yoh Hosokawa (thanks for all the help!), Kazuki Enomoto and others. Thanks for all your support and help during my stay in Japan!
3. I've met new Malaysian Shogi players, ESPECIALLY notably to Mr. Yeoh, who has given me some help and courage.
4. Made new Japanese friends in Japan Club Kuala Lumpur, who have been very friendly to me.
5. And other bits and pieces of accomplishments which I can't seem to remember. Hahaha.

Now onto my 2010 NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS!
1. Achieve 2-dan (or 3-dan) amateur in Shogi
2. Write up at least a story
3. Meet more Shogi players.

Lastly an important announcement to all Malaysia Shogi players!

It seems that there are more and more Malaysians playing Shogi so I have been thinking about setting up a 'mini' tournament in West Malaysia (only). It will going to be a friendly tournament so if you're new to Shogi it's all okay! If any Malaysians are interested in making this tournament a reality, please leave down your name (or web-name) and e-mail in my comment and if I felt that there are enough number of players, I AM GLAD to set up a mini tournament for all Malaysians out there.

To summarise it:
1. I need to know how many players are going to join the tournament by commenting on this post. If I felt that there are enough players to join the tournament, I will set it up. Please leave down your name (or web-name) and e-mail in the comments!
2. The purpose of this tournament is just to meet up all the Malaysian players, make friends and have fun. Although it is a tournament, you don't have to be strong or serious in the match. Therefore if you're new to Shogi, you're welcome too!
3. After I've decided to set up the tournament, EVERYONE should be participating in a discussion on how we can set up the tournament. Afterall, I'm only a student so obviously I can't set up everything by myself.
4. HOWEVER the the tournament MUST be set-up before May (with 31st April being the last day) so everyone must give me your answer as early as possible!

Therefore I am asking every Malaysian Shogi players to lend me hands and show me the enthusiasm of creating this mini-tournament! This will be a great opportunity to know that there are Shogi players in Malaysia!

I'm looking forward to great results!

Regards,
Ryou Takehito

To move, or not to move?

Hey,

Starting this week, I am going to post the kifu of all the games that I've played in Japan Club Kuala Lumpur and going to give deep analysis of all my games so I can see my own improvements or how I can make my game better. However there is just one problem.

Blogspot does not allow me to upload swf files. which is essential for me to post my game. But in Typepad.com I will be able to upload the games' kifus with ease. Now here's my question: should I continue blogging with Blogspot or Typepad?

I certainly do not want to lose all my memories and comments in Blogspot, but I also do not want to waste alot of time just to upload a kifu.

For now I'm uploading a simple flash, but I do hope I will be able to upload a better version in the near future. So for now please advise that should I choose Blogspot or Typepad.



Regards,
Ryou Takehito

Mini Shogi Interview

Hey,

A lot of people read my blog, and I believe that everyone is curious about my Shogi play style, right? This is a small interview about myself to let players know (especially my opponents who have played against me like Paul Luk, Xinwen, Erwann and so on) so that they can get to know a little better of me, especially due to the fact that I'm always changing my strategy and play style. Here goes!

1. Static or Ranging Rook player?
I have always strive to be a flexible player, excel in both static and ranging rook Joseki, but according to my post in http://ryoushogisekai.blogspot.com/2009/03/as-1-dan-shogi-player.html, it seems that I am suppose to choose. After eight months have passed, I think I still prefer to be both a static and ranging rook player so expect me to play all sorts of Joseki against you!

2. Lucky Item during a serious match?
This one is easy. It's the fan given by Kazuharu Shoshi-sensei. I will always bring it with me whenever I'm going to get serious in Shogi matches/games.


3. Favourite Shogi players of all times?
This is a difficult question! I actually admire a lot of professional players like Moriuchi-sensei, Akira Watanabe, Koji Tanigawa, Sato Yasumitsu, Kubo-sensei, Fujii Takeshi and so on, but if I have to choose one I guess most probably is Yoshiharu Habu-sensei. Afterall, it was Habu-sensei's games that have motivate me to get serious in Shogi.

4. Favourite Static Rook player of all times?
Definitely Yoshiharu Habu-sensei!

5. Favourite Ranging Rook player of all times?
Toshiaki Kubo! The best of the best ranging rook player out there! I really love his games alot, especially his Central Rook Opening (Nakabisha) games!

6. Favourite Amateur player of all times?
I'm giving a huge shoutout to Hidetchi, Manabu Terao and Yuki Kasai for giving alot alot ALOT of contribution to the society by promoting Shogi. The effort and passion that they have showed really touched and impressed my heart. Although I've never seen Hidetchi's and Manabu Terao's games, but I believe that they're excellent players with high skill levels.

7. Most spent time on Joseki?
The time that I have spent the most on studying Joseki is Yagura Joseki, especially the Morishita System.

8. Most spent time on Joseki (ranging rook)?
The time spent mostly on studying is the Fourth File Ranging Rook (Shikenbisha) because I was studying Ibisha Anaguma last time (http://ryoushogisekai.blogspot.com/2009/09/am-i-ready.html), which covers the Fujii System, and I also read a little about it from Kenji Kobayashi's book.
9. Favourite Joseki of all times (playing)?
Another difficult question for me as I played all sorts of Joseki. Most probably the Kakugawari (Bishop Exchange). It's true that I spent a lot of time reading Yagura Joseki (without the Bishop Exchange), but I really hate playing it as I believe it has a great disadvantages for Sente (or black player), but I'm still investing my time reading it anyway!

10. Favourite Ranging Rook Joseki of all times (playing)?
This is another difficult question. I personally like playing Central Rook Opening because it's interesting, but I hate the fact that I can't make a complete Mino Castle (gold at 5h) because the Rook is blocking it and the left side of my castle is a little empty! I have been playing a lot of Opposing Rook recently but still I like Central Rook Opening because it is tough, challenging and exciting for me to play!

11. Favourite Static Rook Joseki of all times (watching)?
I really enjoy Yodofudori (side pawn kicker) games as it is complex and exciting. I saw too many Yagura games and starting to feel a little drowsy about it but I'm still excited to watch a Yagura game.

12. Favourite Ranging Rook Joseki of all times (watching)?
Gokigen Nakabisha! Fast paced game and truly exciting! One of my most favourite game is between Habu-sensei and Kubo-sensei in the 57th Osho-sen game 2: http://www.teu.ac.jp/gamelab/SHOGI/NEXUSBOARD/57osho2Jav.html

13. Favourite Castle of all times?
Errrrr.... another tough one. I spent most of my time making a Yagura castle, but I really hate this castle as almost everyone knows how to exploit it, but then again I still think I like Yagura castle the most. =P

14. Most hated Joseki of all times?
Central Rook Opening (Nakabisha). The reason why I hate playing against a Nakabisha is because the Japanese old man in Japan Club always play Nakabisha against me, and I found that it usually ends up as a tough match for me to beat him, which is a little annoying to me. (http://ryoushogisekai.blogspot.com/2009/04/killing-two-birds-with-one-stone.html) To pay back my respect, I fight fire with fire and played a double Nakabisha against him, which I gained victory. However during our last double Nakabisha game, which is just a few weeks ago, I faced a total defeat against him. I think that's when it change my mind about playing Nakabisha and decided to try using a special ranging rook strategy Opposing Rook. I guess I can't beat a true Nakabisha player. =)

15. Most hated castle of all times?
I used to be afraid of Anaguma, but now that I've learned Ibisha Anaguma, countering it is no longer a problem for me, even during a handicapped game when my opponent is building an Anaguma while I'm playing without a Rook and a Bishop and still won the game. Eh, Alex Chan? =P Like I've stated before, I hate Yagura castle and will definitely spend tremendous amount of time studying on ELIMINATING it.

16. Favourite play style?
Fast and exciting, which both me and my opponents' kings are in high danger without castling. But I still truly enjoy slow-paced games.

17. Hated play style?
Fast-paced games, especially when I make one wrong move and the game is immediately over. I also hated slow-paced games that result in "dreadlock", where both me and my opponent have spent all of our "development moves" and "waste a turn move" and whoever starts the battle first will lose the game immediately. This is not fun at all.

18. Specialty?
My specialty? Hahahaha. To be honest with you all, I'm also not sure what's my specialty because I've been playing too many different kinds of Joseki and strategy. But if I were to choose one, then I guess most probably it's the Yagura Joseki because of the large amount of time I've spent on it, although I really hope I can be more specialise in Kakugawari. Kakugawari really piqued my interest alot.

19. Most Favourite Shogi picture?
My game against Chen Xinwen when I first started playing Shogi in 2007. This game actually lasted for about 3 hours because we're still new to Shogi and we just basically put all our captured pieces back during the endgame, which drags the game too much. But I have been using this as my wallpaper ever since I've gotten this picture and never EVER had I change the wallpaper once before! Definitely my most favourite Shogi picture as it represents a deep and memorable meaning for me.
(Analysis of the game for the curious: Left player moves first will gain advantage but if Right player moves first he'll gain advantage. But I forget who's suppose to move next =.=||)

As I would like to end the interview in 20 questions, I'm adding a random question in:

20. Favourite I-Go players of all times?
Chang Hsu (or Cho-U: http://www.nihonkiin.or.jp/player/htm/ki000331.htm ), Chen Xinwen and Ho Hock Doong.


Okay, that's all! I hope you all enjoy it! I hope that this answers those who are curious about my Shogi life. Once again, hope you all take care and I'll see ya in the next post!


Regards,
Ryou Takehito




(PS: Exam starts in 6 hours and now it's 2.00 a.m.! X_X )

Extra PS: Other Shogi players are welcome to use these Shogi interview questions and do your own interview! But please please please do leave the link in my comment so I can read yours as a sign of courtesy! =)

Fun Interesting Fact

Hey,

On the year 2005, Takehiro Ohira won the Ryuo-oh-sen league game in just 52 minutes, which each player has a thinking time of 5 hours!

Reason?
So that he can reach Zone's final concert!

Evidence:


Kifu:
Koichi Kodama (Sente) against Takehiro Ohira (Gote)
Thinking Time: 5 hours per player.
http://wiki.optus.nu/shogi/index.php?cmd=kif&cmds=display&kid=17048

Regards,
Ryou Takehito