More pictures

Hi again!

Disney land and Disney sea were also stops for us. Along with a fun Cherry Blossom festival stop. It was fun to see all that participated! Chrissy and Makaiya loved the whole experience.

Bye for now.

Doug

Trip to Soryo , Hiroshima

Hi Every one,

First, to all of you thanks for a great season. It was exciting to see good race results and many personal bests! We are committed to continue our move ahead and see more success in the future!

Second, before we left Japan this year we visited different areas. Hiroshima, Kamakura, Onjuku. Thank you to all that welcomed me and my family!!

Soryo in Hiroshima is where my Grand parents are from. I saw the house they lived in the grave site for the Ito Family and met many family members.

In Kamakura we stayed with the Fukashima family and saw old temples and beautiful sites.

In Onjuku westayed with Ono and Mika and had a greatparty at Uematsu Sans new house. Also surfed and actually stood up for the first time. It was a blast. Chrissy and Makaiya loved it too.

Enjoy the pictures.

Bye for now.

Doug

Accel Party

Hi!

It was a fun party! I wish everyone could come! Here are a few pictures from it.

The conditions for skiing are very good right now. It is cold and the snow is hard!

Thank you all for a great season! I appreciate all of you! I commit myself to helping all of you move towards excellence in ski racing! Muteki!

Bye for now.

Doug

Hot spring day in Sugadaira

Hello Every one!!

What a hot day today. Great Spring weather for GS training. We were on #5 today. It was soft snow on the top, but icy underneath it.

Kasumi Ito raced in the Japan Cup this past weekend. She was 7 th in GS and 11 th in the combi race. The best boys and girls in Japan were there trying to qualify to go to Canada for the Whistler Cup. A world wide race. One of the top 10 racers in her age in Japan. Great Job!!!!! I watched her do her personal best skiing at a camp before her race. We will just keep building from there! As I have seen with many of you this season. We will just keep reaching for new personal bests continually!!

I love coaching here because so many of you are motivated to push yourselves for Excellence!

I hope to see you soon and finish the season strong!

Bye for now.

Doug

Picture is of a future racer?

Rossi Race

Hello!

This past weekend was a fun one! Different from our normal schedule. I enjoyed watching some compete in the Rossignol race. We had some winners, but I believe I saw many ski new personal bests! Great Job! Thanks to Matsura San and Iwaya San for putting on a great event! And of course all of the support staff.

Chrissy and Natsumi were gate keepers for a race today. A first time experience for Chrissy. She did great! Had to write down a few DQ's. She burnt her face in the process. She looks cute. Kind of like a raccoon! Hee Hee! I hope she does not read my blog!!!

By for now.

Still great snow here in Sugadaira! Come join us!

Sunny Monday!

Looks good out there today! Sunny and clear. Icy too!

We have close to 10 racers today training. The Tea Clipper guys and season members. We are training GS /SL. Should be a good day.

Makaiya is going to join us today. First time out without Chrissy.

The past weekend was good. Some new guests came which is great to see! Focused on Line, timing, and a smooth balance change. Hmmmmmmm.... pretty much every thing! That is the key for fast skiing, they all go together.

The pictures were from the other days girls day party.

Bye for now

Doug

March weather

Hello every one!

What a day it was here today! Very wet! I was surprised that 3 people wanted to ski SL in such conditions. We were all soaked after but it was a great experience. I love winning over challenging situation. It helps toughen us up! All 3 skiers really focused and were able to reach their goal for the day! Nice job!

Some news from the family side. Chrissy , Makaiya, and myself went to one of Makaiya's friends house. It was to celebrate girls day on March 3rd. That was a first time experience for me. It was fun! We had sushi for dinner and cake for desert ! Happy Girls day to all of you beautiful girls out there!

Pictures later!

Bye for now.

Doug

Winter is back!

Hi every one!

Yes, it is true. Winter is back1 It was a little scary 2 week ends ago. Rain and melting snow. But since then it has been cloudy, and snowy. Heavy snow, but that makes a great base.

Chrissy and Makaiya are happy to be here! I am too! They are enjoying meeting all of you!

Ono and I are very excited to see many of you focusing intensely on you training! Many of you skiing at new personal bests! It is our goal to do exactly that! Keep up the great work! See you soon.

Doug

Feb, 5 Update

Hello!!

I hope you are all doing well and are feeling confident with your skiing!

We have been working on line alot lately. The biggest point is that we have enough room to carve the turn above the gate. And pressuring the ski down the fall line. We need a round shape before the gate. Of course we are not just looking gate to gate. We must be looking the fall line looking at the terrain ahead of us and the up coming gates .

I hope to see you soon!

Doug

Feb, 3 Update

Hi Everyone!

Well, I must say Hisashiburi!! Sorry for the long span between Blogs.

It has been a good season so far. I am very impressed with results that I have heard about. Great Job! I do have high expectations for us and I will continue to strive for excellence!

Chrissy and Makaiya are here and we are all very happy to be together again. They both love Japan.

Tonight we took part in Setsu Bun ! I was the Oni! I hid in the corner and surprised everyone! Then they got me with pea nuts!

Snow has been good this week. It is very icy now and is smooth again1 Much Better than the weekend. The weather has been nice too! Not like the week end.

Bye for now.

Doug

Jan, 15 Update

Good morning!

Finally we are getting some natural snow here in Sugadaira! It really looks like winter. I am very grateful that Tsubaburo and Omatsu yama are so good at making snow. We have been able to good training on hard snow. There has been no sign any rocks or dirt for quite awhile.

There has been some good race results from some of our guests. Great job! I always expect good results and you all should too. That is the secret for success! Set a high standard or expectation for your self.

Bye for now!

Doug

Jan, 7 Update

Hi Racers!

So we are in full swing now. Finally we are getting better snow conditions. All man made snow. Great for us. Nice and hard!

So now that races are just around the corner just a little reminder for you all to keep focused on your own pre race plan and do not worry about anyone else you may think is better than you. Infact it is vital you feel you have every chance to win! Why not choose to win?! Your destiny comes from your choice to see and believe what you want to happen !

Ok from there comes your preparation. From the snow up. Skis tuned properly, bases waxed every day after use, edges sharp and smooth. Side walls smooth. When tuning always positive imagery. Picture your skis running fast on the snow, and cutting into the ice!

Make sure you have a good warm up and stretch before skiing and before your race. Drink lots of water. Breath properly. In through the nose out through the mouth. If you are nervous focus only on your breathing, 4 seconds in 4 out! repeat until you feel grounded. Also you can focus on some one that inspires you, or someone you respect, or love!

Well enough for this message. I will share more next time!

Doug

Dec, 21 Update

Oh Boy!!!

It has been way too long since my last update ! Sorry! Since my arrival here it has been non stop. I have been focusing on getting everything prepared for the season.

It has been warm here so far and there are not many ski hills open. We are lucky here in Sugadaira that they can make snow! We are able to train in poles but the runs are not fully open. I believe if it stays warm we can still do excellent training using more free skiing. That is where we need to focus more anyway. Make a strong technical base to take into gates.

Miho and I took part in a Rossignol ski test last week. It was great! We meet the top leaders from Rossignol France . I actually know one of them from when I raced Pro. He was also racing at the same time. He is involved in product management.

I am looking froward to seeing all again this season.

Bye for now

Doug

Accel Canada camp

今回のカナダ合宿ではターンの前半を徹底的に練習しました。低速で足首の使い方を繰り返し練習したおかげでターン開始時の自分の中のイメージが変わりターン開始時にバランスをくずしたりずれたりする事がなくなりました。かなりターンが安定したと思います。このシーズン早い時期に充実した基礎練習が出来てポールに入るのが楽しみです。またこの合宿ではスキーの技術面だけでなくチュンナップから大会前の準備気持ちの持って行き方まで盛りだくさんでした。ダグとこの合宿中おいしい食事を作ってくれたダグの奥さんに感謝です。あまりに美味し過ぎてかなり太りました。この体重増加もスキーにプラスになるかな？　ゆうじ

昨年に引き続き一年に一度のまじめなスキー練習として、このウェイトアップじゃなくてベーシックレベルアップキャンプに参加しました。シーズンが始ってしまうとじっくり練習できないポジションの確認や股関節、足首関節の曲げ方、同調のさせかたなどを徹底的に具体的にビデオを見ながら確認・修正できました。こういう練習は何百回も繰り返す事が大切ですね。ここではそれができます。残念ながら練習しすぎて膝に水が溜まってしまいましたので帰国したらすぐに抜いて一ヶ月は安静にしますです。　mosmos

　海外スキー初体験の私にとって、全てが新鮮＆緊張…でしたが英語堪能かつ海外経験も豊富なお２人と一緒だったおかげで楽しく快適にトレーニングができました。
　キャンプでは切り替えのタイミングと方法・加重のかけ方・上半身の使い方…などなど今まであったイメージの細部がより具体的に！さらに滑る技術だけではなく、チューンナップ・メンタル・フィジカルなどなかなか学べる機会がないスキーに関わるさまざまな要素が詰め込まれた、とても内容の濃いものでした！！
美味しいものに目がない私にとって、奥さんが作ってくれた美味しい食事＋素晴らしいデザートの数々で日々幸せと加速度アップを感じながら…今年もスキーを楽しもうと思えるキャンプでした　Shibaccch@Half Pint!

Nov, 28 Update

Snow!!!!!

Yes, it snowed today! Too bad because the snow condition was actually better with out it. Yes, us racers liked the ice way more than soft snow. More speed, more movement, more fun! Every one did adapt to the change though.

Yesterday was thanks givings day in the US. As we always do we prepared a turkey dinner for the group. Hmmmmmmm... I guess Chrissy did the preparing! We all ate too much so after dinner we went for a walk to pack down the food. We need room in our stomachs for dessert.

I must say the group accomplished what we set out to do for the camp. Do a early, simple, balance change, roll both ankles in , and incline to make more edge angle all at the same time. They all look very smooth. I believe they all change their image of how to ski. They all say they feel like they are doing less and skiing feels easy! They all have changed how they imagine doing certain movements though.

Another point we have worked on is the image we look at ourselves. Do we picture others being better than us? The most important point is that we look at our selves as winners. That we are the ones that are strong, consistent skiers! We all need to make a pre race plan too. Plan our race day and training day out. What do we need to do to be prepared and feel confident to ski at our personal best. Make the plan, but if the time schedule changes we must be ready to change the plan on the fly. And do not freak out about it. Stay calm!

Ski tune up. Edges sharp , yet very smooth, bases saturated with wax.

Body warmed up, and stretched out.

Have a simple mental check list of things you need to do for technique and visualize them.

Control how you breath. In through your nose out through your mouth. 4 seconds in 5 out. When you breath in your stomach should push out, not lift your shoulders up! If you are nervous do this and only think of your breathing. You will be surprised to how it helps you over come it.

We can go over more later.

Bye for now.

Doug

Nov, 27 Update

Hi!!

Another great day here! Nice and icy snow! The group had to think of their own warm up and mental plan for their first video run. And to be able to ski as they did the day before. They were all able complete their goal! Great pre race planning for all of them!

In the afternoon we free skied on the pole training hill. It was very icy and the slope is very challenging. Lots of rolls and terrain changes.

Bye for now.

Doug

Nov, 26 Update

Oh, What a great day!

It snowed a little last night so the snow was soft in the morning. In the Afternoon the soft snow was skied off and we were down to the ice. That was better to ski on compared to the soft snow. More speed of course and more ability to move.

The Swiss and Austrian women s teams are still here training. They were skiing DH and SL.

It was our first day on GS skis. The guys had a tough time at first, but adjusted quickly.

We have been covering how to warm up our body's before skiing, ski tune up, pre race plans and of course technique. it s been a great camp so far.

See you soon.

Doug

Nov, 25 Update

Hello!!!

It is finally snowing here! It actually looks like winter! It was another great day of Training! The guys have put all of the different drills and have put them together to make smooth , flowing balanced turns. Looking good!

The Austrian team and Swiss teams were training today.

Tomorrow we are using GS skis and will start again doing some basics. Simple balance change, early ankle lock(both inside and outside ankles) and natural stance.

See you soon.

Doug

Nov, 24 update

Hi!

There were less free skiers on the hill so we were able to have a great morning of training!

The Austrian team was up early training Super G.

2 other kids teams are here too.

Bye for now.

Doug

Nov, 23 evening Update

Hello!

It was a good day! We definitely need more snow. We are able to work on the basics though. Everybody had a great day in a simple position balance change. We are working on some balance boards to help with that training inside during the evening.

Tomorrow we are going to add some edging to the exercises. I feel all have made a mental image change that has made the changes come quickly!

I am looking forward to returning to Japan to train with all of you again! I expect great things to happen this season!

Nov, 23 Update

First morning was good! Sunny day and around 0 degrees.

We worked on solid balance changes left to right. With no edging now. Just solid position. No lateral hip movement. Simple. All guests had good training.

The Austrian team is here and we took a little video of them. . Simple position was seen in there skiing too.

More later.

Doug

Start of the Canada Camp!

Good morning,

Everyone arrived safely in Canada. The ski hill only has a little snow at the base of the resort . We will ski only on the top portion of the Mountain. We will be leaving for our first ski session of the camp. I will let you know how it goes.

bye for now.

Doug

Nov, 21 Update

hello to all!

Well just a couple of days before the Canada camp starts. Not alot of snow snow far but Sun Peaks is to open this Sunday! I will update Daily and give you some details of the camp.

I have some new balance boards that I am excited for you to use. Great for correct Balance changes, initial edging, and a great image making tool. Makaiya, who has not done much for ski training, but has got a good feel for the basics.

Bye for now.

Doug

Nov, 18 Update

Hi!!!

So the New "World 2009" and "2008 World Cup Winning runs" arrived today! I am excited to check them out out!

Doug

Nov, 17 Update

Hello !!

Here are more pictures from our early New Years Party.

Bye for now.

Doug

Nov, 16 Update

Hi

Last night my family had an early Christmas and New Years party. I know it is very early! I am leaving soon for Japan so it is our way to celebrate together.

Since I am half Japanese and half Scottish we decided to have that as our theme for the food we served. When each person arrived at our house we gave them a shot of Sake out of wooden cups. They made a wish for the new year. For pre dinner food we served gyoza. Chrissy made special sparkling wine drinks with that. For dinner we ate prime ribs, mash potatoes, beans, salad,and Yorkshire pudding. For dessert Lemon pie.

Between Dinner and dessert I told them about the Setsubun festival. I printed a Oni mask from a web site, bought pea nuts and every chanted Oni wa soto, Fuku wa Uchi!!! All the kids had a great time! And Adults!

We all drank too much. Yes, Futsuka yoi!

Bye for now.

Doug

Nov, 11 update

Hello everyone,

So today in North America it is Remembrance Day. At 11 am we all take a minute to remember all that have gone to war,and for what sacrifices they made for us! REMEMBER!

Good Night!

Doug

Nov, 4 Update

Good morning!

It has been a few days now but On October 31st it was Halloween. All kids know it as the day they dress up in Costumes and go trick or treating. This is what the kids do. They dress up in their costume of choice. Then they walk around the neighborhood, knock or ring the door bell of the homes they stop at, when the person answers the door the kids say trick or treat! Then the person answering the door gives out the candy. This repeats all night until the kids have enough candy for the year! Ha HA! I'm joking! Makaiya does have alot of candy now, plus we had lots left over from what we did not give away. I remember when my brother and I were kids. In our family we were not allowed to have much candy all year. So we really wanted to load up. We went with one of my brothers freinds down town and ran from house to house. By the time we got home between the 2 of us w e had a garbage bag full of candy. My mom was mad we were late and shocked to how much candy we were able to collect. The next day we went to school we were only allowed 1 piece for school. My brother and I were so excited to go home a eat our candy! Well, we arrive home and we look but no candy!!! "Mom where's our candy" "over on the counter" We look. "um mom , theres only a little container on the counter, wheres our candy" My mom says. "oh, I gave it away and saved you what is in the container" "AHHHHH" Yes, we were mad! That story comes up pretty much every year.

Happy Halloween!


Doug

PS Makaiya is the Vampire!

Nov,2 Update

Hello!

The weather here has been warm but is on the change for next week. Suppose to snow in the hills which is good news for the Canada camp. The Austrian Ski Team is starting thier training on the 8th of November. Hopefully anyway. Once it is cool enough they will make more snow. Here are a couple of pictures of the si run we use for the camp. Looking forward to seeing you there. The run is very long and great for free skiing. Enjoy!

Doug