Montecristo73 fights Godzilla over Tokyo

[montecristo73]

Does size really matter? When it comes to fighting the King of Monsters, it would certainly seem so.

We know a whole army of miniature tanks and jet fighters are no good, except for adding 3 minutes of useless resistance battle footage.

So, if you don't want to get squashed like a discarded Wriggley's under his foot or to get barbecued beyond your cooking time… what do you do?



Here are your options:

1. You run and scream for the camera with the rest, looking back over your shoulder.

2. You try to grow and fight him by undergoing some nuclear exposure which really might only aid you in losing all your teeth and glowing in the dark.

Or…

3. You learn how to contain the power of a Hadouken punch worth several terajoules inside the case of your Tic-Tac sized body and go out to war!!!

 

Me? I would choose #2 but I'm sure my health care plan would not cover the risks of irresponsible radiation material handling… and besides, #3 is just too cool. So, #3 it is!

But here's the thing: Godzilla is pretty darn persistent fellow, and he is bound to come back… again and again and again… as his more than 25 films prove. (Not to mention the more than likely appearance of some of his monster enemies, too, to join in on the action and not in a friendly matter!)

 

 

If I want to stand a chance more than once, my quest has to be bigger than him and broader than just beating him.

So in answering the question of the infamous Bridge of Death keeper, ("What is your quest?") here is my quest for the following months…

MY MAIN QUEST: TO BECOME A SUPER STRONG WALKING HUMAN WEAPON

 

In other words, not only to be strong enough to rip your arms out of their sockets like a Wookie, but to know how to do it even if you were charging at me with a war hammer.

 

And here are my goals for this particular challenge:

1. DEVELOP ATOMIC BREATH ATTACK DODGE TECHNIQUE
 


Because of the size difference with my monstrous opponent, dodging his breath attack might be as simple as squatting. But for that, I need strong legs. During my first challenge, I had lots of problems with leg workouts because of a knee pain I developed halfway through. For this challenge my goal will consist in doing whatever I can to minimize the pain in my knees (stretching, proper rest, supplements) while raising the weight limit of squats and leg presses by 90 lbs by the end of the challenge with 12-15 repetitions in at least one set. (Current limit for squats: 140 lbs. Current limit for leg presses: 270 lbs.)

A: 80-90 lbs added by the end of the challenge to current weight  limit on squats and leg presses
B: 60-70 lbs
C: 40-50 lbs
D: 20-30 lbs
F: 10 lbs or less

 

(+2 STR, +2 STA)

 

 

2. PRACTICE LIFTING MONSTER'S TAIL FOR HAMMER THROW FINISHING MOVE



A move popularized by Mario in Super Mario 64, this requires the development of strength and technique to lift his heavy tail for a spinning and throwing maneuver that can be acquired through one specific exercise I haven't mastered yet: Deadlifts. As a complete deadlift noob I will set 135 lbs as this challenge weight goal. (I might update the weight goal if I reach it too soon.)

A: 135 lbs or more
B: 115 lbs
C: 90 lbs
D: 75 lbs
F: anything less than 75 lbs

 

(+2 STR, +2 STA)

 

 

3. GO FULL FORCE AGAINST 'ZILLA'S GROIN



Few things can prepare you to become a human weapon such as training in Krav Maga. I've been training for about a month and a half without any previous martial arts training. However in our last class the instructor did a very irresponsible and unnecessary action by using me for a demo and striking my chest hard with his elbow without any protective gear or warning. The hit pushed me back about 3 or 4 feet and it was extremely painful. I had to excuse myself for a moment to get some air. I heard the instructor behind me laugh and say "and I didn't hit you as hard as I could."  I've had trouble sleeping because of the chest pain and even some difficulty breathing at work. It's a week since then and it's still not any better.

Since this is the third time something like this happens (except that now I actually got injured) I will begin training with a new Krav Maga school, going through much of Level 1 again; so the challenge includes both recovering from the injury and attending between 6-12 classes for the duration of the challenge.

A: 6 or more classes
B: 4-5 classes
C: 3 classes
D: 2 classes
F: 1 class

 

(+2 STA, +2 DEX)

 

 

LIFE GOAL: AVOID GETTING DISTRACTED BY THE NEON SIGNS!!!



Oh, Tokyo, Tokyo… You and your neon signs! How can an ADHD afflicted person like myself focus on fighting a giant radioactive lizard with all these colorful distractions you are throwing at me??? Yes, I can speak Godzilla's language good enough to try to convince him to calm down, but I still need to improve the advanced terminology needed to discuss the surrender terms with him or to communicate them to the Japanese press. And since I'm fighting him with an Israeli martial art, people in Israel might want to know what's the deal too. And what about that rumor that says animals can be tamed with music…? Could it work with this monster? Ahh!!! So many things to focus on!!!

My life goal will be organizing and following a 6 day weekly skills training schedule that includes: time for all the goals mentioned above plus advanced Japanese and basic Hebrew language learning and reviews, practicing bass guitar technique (including learning to play Weather Report's "Teen Town", a song that has haunted me for the longest time with its technicality) and practicing drums which I still suck at (including going through a course that covers the basic sticking control and rudiments.)

A: Following the schedule for 32-36 days
B: For 27-31 days
C: For 21-26 days
D: For 15-20 days
F: For 14 days or less

 

(+3 WIS)

 

 

WHAT IS MY MOTIVATION? Simple: Caring for my actual family and preparing to build and protect a future one.

So here goes! I hope it doesn't end like this!

[Loki]

Glad to see you back for another round! Good luck with destroying that lizard!

[idealistinfire]

Sweet theme!  I'm excited to see your updates.  BTW, your Krav Maga instructor sounds like a jerk.  I understand pushing yourself and getting use to working through pain, but that seems a lot more like a bully trying to prove something to himself rather than someone trying to make you a stronger, tougher version of yourself.  I hope your next instructor doesn't feel the need to prove to himself how strong he is by picking on his students.

[concretecavewoman]

Awesome, this is like a Pacific Rim challenge.

[montecristo73]

Glad to see you back for another round! Good luck with destroying that lizard!

 

Hey, good to see you here again! I just read your goals for this challenge and I know you will accomplish them all.

 

Sweet theme!  I'm excited to see your updates.  BTW, your Krav Maga instructor sounds like a jerk.  I understand pushing yourself and getting use to working through pain, but that seems a lot more like a bully trying to prove something to himself rather than someone trying to make you a stronger, tougher version of yourself.  I hope your next instructor doesn't feel the need to prove to himself how strong he is by picking on his students.

 

My friend, we are both fighting monsters this time, huh? About my instructor, I brought up the issue on a Krav Maga forum to get their perspective on it and find out if this was a normal thing to happen. The general consensus was pretty close to what you said. One of the principles of the Krav Maga founder was "don't get hurt". Hopefully my new school will keep that in mind better.

 

Awesome, this is like a Pacific Rim challenge.

 

Thank you! Are you a Portal fan???

[montecristo73]

Day 1 Report

 

It seems this whole week will be about recovering.

 

When I woke up yesterday, the pain in my chest was simply unbearable. I even considered passing on on this challenge. I went to the hospital and the doctor sent me to get some X-rays done, to rule out the possibility of a sternum or rib fracture. I got them done and thankfully I had no signs of fracture. The pain seems to be coming from an intercostal hematoma. With the proper medication I was able to get through the rest of the day with a lot less pain and happy knowing that the recovery process will be faster than I thought.

 

Since I will have to rest no matter what, tomorrow I will be concentrating on following up with my medication and on preparing the weekly schedule for the skills I will be working on besides the fitness goals.

 

[idealistinfire]

Ouch!  Glad there's no fracture - hope you heal up quickly and properly

[Loki]

That sounds painful! I'm glad (but not surprised in the least) that you aren't letting it discourage you. How long of a recovery period do you anticipate?

[concretecavewoman]

Oof, hope you're feeling better soon.  Your old instructor sounds completely irresponsible and unprofessional.

 

 

Thank you! Are you a Portal fan???

Why yes!

[montecristo73]

That sounds painful! I'm glad (but not surprised in the least) that you aren't letting it discourage you. How long of a recovery period do you anticipate?

 

It will probably take me a week. In truth it should be longer, but if I wait that long I might get discouraged, and I always try to push myself. I'm taking my prescription and it's working marvelously.

 

 

Oof, hope you're feeling better soon.  Your old instructor sounds completely irresponsible and unprofessional.

 

Why yes!

 

"The Cupcake is a Lie" in your signature was a clear giveaway! I'm a huge fan of Portal 1 and 2. One of my best friends who lives in Dubai played the co-op mode with me not long ago. She even made pictures of us playing, which I thought was awesome. Here they are!

[montecristo73]

Day 2

 

Still resting and trying to recover.

 

I took my prescription again, following it down to a t, and it's working fine so far. The pain was subdued a LOT and I was able to do many things I couldn't before. The only downside is the drowsiness associated with the medication.

 

I did a little research on the web today and found out that maybe I should give glucosamine a try for the pain I have in my knees. I plan on buying it tomorrow and start taking it right away to see if it helps.

 

I also talked to my brother today about my fitness goals for this challenge, and we're going to be working together to accomplish them. For those of you who didn't follow my last challenge, my brother is a bodybuilder and personal trainer who has been training me for the last 4 months. He is also the 2nd strongest guy in the gym, part of a duo I like to call "The Grizzlies" for obvious reasons. He helped me reach my bench press and pullups goals on the previous challenge.

 

Also, I finished the weekly schedule which includes everything from going to the gym and practicing music to reviewing the languages I'm working on and going to Krav Maga class. I start following it tomorrow, except for the fitness and Krav parts because of my recovery process.

 

Know this, Godzilla! I might be still for now... BUT I'M WATCHING YOU!

 

[Rooks]

First and foremost.... top notch thread with all these Godzilla Gifs.  Awesome stuff sir.  Definitely subbing to see how this plays out.

 

Second, hope you start to feel better.  It's always a bummer when your body "let's you down", but you gotta just let things heal before you can make them strong.  Keep up the good work resting.  

[rogaecia]

Hello teammate- dropping by to show some Ninja Bastard support. This was one of the most enjoyable goal posts I have seen. My favorite GIF was the broccoli one. Your goals are pretty amazing and I am assuming it is because you are already at a pretty advanced fitness level?

What is the prognosis on your chest pain? I hope it continues to get better.

[idealistinfire]

Sounds like you're on your way!  And I like the "I may be still now but I'm watching you!".  I have similar sentiment with my Saboteur.  We'll take these monsters down, they just don't know it yet!

[peggysr]

Impressive goals.  Krav Maga sounds pretty cool.  Good luck with the challenge.

[montecristo73]

First and foremost.... top notch thread with all these Godzilla Gifs.  Awesome stuff sir.  Definitely subbing to see how this plays out.

 

Second, hope you start to feel better.  It's always a bummer when your body "let's you down", but you gotta just let things heal before you can make them strong.  Keep up the good work resting.  

 

Thank you, good sir! Yes, it is very frustrating to say the least, and I guess part of my challenge is learning to be patient with myself for the recovery process to be complete. I just want to go straight into the action and this time things cannot be that simple. Thanks again for your words of support. By the way, I read your current challenge thread and not only saw you have some good goals, but I also saw that we are brothers in faith. I'm happy to see that you incorporated your faith into your life goal. On my last challenge I went to the beach every Saturday at 6 am to have a moment of prayer, and I'm still doing it. All the best to you on these 6 weeks!

[montecristo73]

Hello teammate- dropping by to show some Ninja Bastard support. This was one of the most enjoyable goal posts I have seen. My favorite GIF was the broccoli one. Your goals are pretty amazing and I am assuming it is because you are already at a pretty advanced fitness level?

What is the prognosis on your chest pain? I hope it continues to get better.

 

Hey Rogaecia, my Ninja Bastard friend! Yes, I have been working on my fitness very hard these last 4 months and right now I'm in not such a bad shape. I still ave a long way to go to where I wan to be.

 

The pain seems to be caused by an intercostal hematoma, but the medication is working. I hope with all my heart that I'm ready to go by next week. I can't wait to get started. Thanks so much for stopping by. See you in the Ninja thread!

 

 

Sounds like you're on your way!  And I like the "I may be still now but I'm watching you!".  I have similar sentiment with my Saboteur.  We'll take these monsters down, they just don't know it yet!

 

You go, girl! Slice him like a carrot!

 

 

Impressive goals.  Krav Maga sounds pretty cool.  Good luck with the challenge.

 

Thanks, peggysr. You have some nice goals yourself! Wish you all the best!

[montecristo73]

Day 3

 

Today was a good day.

 

Obviously, I'm not exercising yet, but I could follow most of my schedule for the day considering I had to fix my tumble dryer and organize and clean some of my music equipment too.

 

I bought my glucosamine supplements and started taking them right away. I am so hoping this helps because my knees were hurting a lot today. I will beat this somehow and get back to doing squats the way I was before. Like Guns N Roses used to sing: "Just a little patience..."

 

My ribs are still hurting today, not as much as they used to, but they are still hurting. I had to sing for more than an hour at a rehearsal tonight at a rather high vocal register, so that might have caused some of the pain. After a good night's sleep I should be feeling better tomorrow.

 

Like I told one of my fellow Warriors, Rooks, right now one of the biggest challenges is learning to be patient with myself and allowing my body to heal itself. Last challenge I went straight into the battle and accomplished some of my goals by the end of the 2nd week. I'm still mentally charged for that, but that's not the case with my body yet.

 

What to do? I cannot let all of Tokyo be destroyed!

 

[idealistinfire]

Lay traps and mazes for your monsters!  It won't defeat them but will surely slow them down so they are unable to destroy all of Tokyo in a day and by the time they escape, you'll be recovered enough to take them down. 

[montecristo73]

Day 4

 

The pain is back with a vengeance...

 

By now, I was hoping to feel better, but the pain is just as bad as it used to be last Monday. Nothing else for me to do than to follow up with the medication regime and wait... sigh...

 

I sent an email to both the instructor who injured me and the owner of the school. I told them about what had happened, the results from the x-ray reading, the medical treatment, and my concerns about security during training. I told them I wouldn't be attending class anymore, my reasons for it (stated respectfully) and I also let them both now that I had notified the other one about my decision so that it doesn't come out as gossip. The school owner replied saying it was a shame what happened and gave me his personal phone number and asked me to give him a call. The instructor just replied with a thumbs up emoticon. Yeah...

 

 

On a good note I made some body weight squats and found out that my knees' pain is not as bad as it used to be. This gives me hope of working out my legs again like I used to.

 

Played and sang tonight with our band and had a great, great time.

 

See you tomorrow!

 

Run, Batman, run!!! I still can't help you!

 

[concretecavewoman]

Wow, the nerve of that instructor.  Was his boss/the owner cc'd on that little thumbs-up snark attack?  Hopefully you have a better experience talking with the school owner.

 

It will probably take me a week. In truth it should be longer, but if I wait that long I might get discouraged, and I always try to push myself. I'm taking my prescription and it's working marvelously.

 

 

 

"The Cupcake is a Lie" in your signature was a clear giveaway! I'm a huge fan of Portal 1 and 2. One of my best friends who lives in Dubai played the co-op mode with me not long ago. She even made pictures of us playing, which I thought was awesome. Here they are!

Those drawings are adorable! What a good friend

[Rooks]

Agree with concretecavewoman here.  Sounds like someone knows how to be respectful (the owner) and someone doesn't care.  Oh well...  good to hear the legs are starting to work again.  Hope the body heals up soon.  Good luck!

[peggysr]

The instructor sounds like a total jerk.  I'm glad the owner has at least some clue.

 

Reading and sympathizing with your injuries.  It's so hard to stay on track when you have to stay still.  I wish you a quick and thorough recovery.

[idealistinfire]

Day 4

 

The pain is back with a vengeance...

 

By now, I was hoping to feel better, but the pain is just as bad as it used to be last Monday. Nothing else for me to do than to follow up with the medication regime and wait... sigh...

 

I sent an email to both the instructor who injured me and the owner of the school. I told them about what had happened, the results from the x-ray reading, the medical treatment, and my concerns about security during training. I told them I wouldn't be attending class anymore, my reasons for it (stated respectfully) and I also let them both now that I had notified the other one about my decision so that it doesn't come out as gossip. The school owner replied saying it was a shame what happened and gave me his personal phone number and asked me to give him a call. The instructor just replied with a thumbs up emoticon. Yeah...

 

 

Somehow, I'm getting this idea that you want to strangle the instructor.  Which would be totally justified, if not always the best idea.  Jail time being a major life-interrupter and all.  Good work sending the email to both folks though and trying to open up a dialogue with both folks.  I really wish more of the people I know would deal with conflict like that.

[montecristo73]

Day 5

 

Today the pain has been spreading more, even towards my back. For the first couple of days the medication seemed to be working, but not anymore. This might take longer than I imagined and it both frustrates and worries me.

 

I finally got to talk to the school owner in person about the incident. He thanked me for the input and revealed to me that there was one other student who had left the class because of a similar incident. He had confronted the instructor before we had our conversation, based on the email that I had sent them both and told him that these actions were simply not right.

He said the instructor was not happy about it, which I think explains the upload of this picture on his Facebook profile earlier today, along with the words: "This goes out to whoever takes the hint."

 

 

Yes, very classy and professional. (Sorry about the language in the picture.)

 

Then later on he posts another message saying "There are those who can't or won't accept the challenge of training the closest to a real situation. If you train for the real world you must do so with passion and you have to understand that sometimes you will get hurt. But think about the streets, where they are not going to treat you well. They will hurt you there or, worst, kill you. Train as you fight, fight as you train."

 

 

This is nonesense. It's like telling your kids "Hey, fire is dangerous. Don't play with fire. But... If a fire does spread out, how do you know how to put it out if you don't get burned first? To know how to fight it you must know what burning flesh feels like. You need to deal with the pain of fire first before you can master it." Gosh, it almost sounds like some ninja parody.

 

 

The school owner tried to convince me into going back to the class, but I told him about the picture (which he hadn't seen) and told him that if I got hurt without bringing up any complains, I don't know what could happen now that I did. He understood my point and offered to train me privately once a week on self defense, only that it wouldn't be Krav Maga. In closing, the owner told me: "I might have to let him go. He is a friend, but this is my business."

 

I tried sitting down to practice drums today and couldn't because of the pain as I couldn't even sit straight.

 

It almost feels like somewhere Godzilla is just laughing his mutant tail off at me.

 

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHAAARRRGH!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Something did make me laugh, though...

 

My friend Nikki tells me: "I can't help but feel more upset over the instructor's actions. You wouldn't have to go through this if it weren't for his egoistical characteristics of a lonely gorilla."

 

SEE?!?!? I KNEW IT!!! DIDN'T I SAY FROM DAY 1 THAT IT WAS LIKELY THAT SOME OF GODZILLA'S ENEMIES WOULD SHOW UP AND NOT IN A FRIENDLY FASHION???

 

 

The saga continues...