LeSmokingBear's Journey

The mad ramblings of a teacher and kendo enthusiast from Brunei.

[lesmokingbear]

View this post on Instagram

To the kiddos out there, school is right round the corner. 😌 If you haven’t done your homework, you’re gonna have a bad time. 💀 #studentteacherlife #tryingoutsomethingnew #themusingsofhaz #timetogetbusy

[lesmokingbear]

View this post on Instagram

Short video montage from last night’s training session. 😁 I’ve said this once and I’ll probably keep on saying it: There’s still a long way to go for all of us. We have yet to scratch the surface of what we’re truly capable off and hopefully with more exposure, experience and training, we’ll be all that closer to reaching the heights that we’re aiming for. 🔥 #alhamdulillah #studentteacherlife #kendoislife #kendofamily

[lesmokingbear]

After a hiatus due to Ramadan and celebration of Eid, we’re finally back training again and boy, was the rust obvious, including myself personally (horrible kendo really). 😌 But honestly, its great to be back. And on behalf of the team, I would like to thank our guest, Ben from Reading who came and joined us for training despite feeling unwell. It was a great experience for everyone and honestly, I think chances like these will greatly benefit everyone both physically and in terms of building motivation. 😁 #alhamdulillah #studentteacherlife #kendoislife #kendofamily #therustisreal #timetotrainagain

[lesmokingbear]

From our nutty yet loving family to yours, here’s wishing everyone a happy and blessed Aidilfitri. 🤣 #alhamdulillah #studentteacherlife #jatonfamily #trialanderror #wedontknowhowtotakeafamilypic #salamaidilfitri

[lesmokingbear]

View this post on Instagram

Ramadan has come and gone relatively quickly this year. Almost to the point where it was a surprise to hear that tomorrow we celebrate Eid. 😌 On a personal note, Ramadan this year has been a time where I’ve sat down and reflected on many things. I’ve thought about where I stand currently in life and whether I’ve been making the best out of opportunities and at the same time, whether I’ve actually given my all in everything that I do. Sadly, I haven’t been able to come up with any answers and I doubt that they’ll come anytime soon. But one thing for sure is that I should just carry on, one step at a time. 😃 I hope that Ramadan has been a fruitful one for everyone and I pray that the lessons learned and positive changes made during the month will stay from here on. May the month of Syawal be a happy one celebrated with friends, family and loved ones. Salam Eid Mubarak everyone. 😁 From me to all of you, if there have been any wrong-doings please forgive me and I hope the coming days be filled with smiles and lots of good food. 😆 #alhamdulillah #goodbyeramadan #hellosyawal #eidmubarak (at Kuala Belait)

[lesmokingbear]

In my five years of teaching at SMPAP HRSB, the strongest and deepest bonds that I’ve made are probably with my first batch of kendokas, especially the Originals. 😌 These special bunch of kids are not simply students but I look at them more like family. Despite everyone walking different paths now, it was through kendo that brought us together and every time I get to see them, its always special. Whether it be a simple get together, dinner or even kendo, its always a grand time with them. 😄 I really believe that it was fate that brought us together, not mere coincidence and I wish them all the best in whatever path they take. May good fortune, health and success come your way kiddos. One way or another, they’ve certainly earned a special place in my heart. 😊 #alhamdulillah #studentteacherlife #kendoislife #kendofamily #annualgettogether #tomoreyearsoffriendship #theoriginalsquad #incomplete

[lesmokingbear]

In my five years of teaching at SMPAP HRSB, the strongest and deepest bonds that I’ve made are probably with my first batch of kendokas, especially the Originals. 😌 These special bunch of kids are not simply students but I look at them more like family. Despite everyone walking different paths now, it was through kendo that brought us together and every time I get to see them, its always special. Whether it be a simple get together, dinner or even kendo, its always a grand time with them. 😄 I really believe that it was fate that brought us together, not mere coincidence and I wish them all the best in whatever path they take. May good fortune, health and success come your way kiddos. One way or another, they’ve certainly earned a special place in my heart. 😊 #alhamdulillah #studentteacherlife #kendoislife #kendofamily #annualgettogether #tomoreyearsoffriendship #theoriginalsquad #incomplete

[lesmokingbear]

In my five years of teaching at SMPAP HRSB, the strongest and deepest bonds that I’ve made are probably with my first batch of kendokas, especially the Originals. 😌 These special bunch of kids are not simply students but I look at them more like family. Despite everyone walking different paths now, it was through kendo that brought us together and every time I get to see them, its always special. Whether it be a simple get together, dinner or even kendo, its always a grand time with them. 😄 I really believe that it was fate that brought us together, not mere coincidence and I wish them all the best in whatever path they take. May good fortune, health and success come your way kiddos. One way or another, they’ve certainly earned a special place in my heart. 😊 #alhamdulillah #studentteacherlife #kendoislife #kendofamily #annualgettogether #tomoreyearsoffriendship #theoriginalsquad #incomplete

[lesmokingbear]

In my five years of teaching at SMPAP HRSB, the strongest and deepest bonds that I’ve made are probably with my first batch of kendokas, especially the Originals. 😌 These special bunch of kids are not simply students but I look at them more like family. Despite everyone walking different paths now, it was through kendo that brought us together and every time I get to see them, its always special. Whether it be a simple get together, dinner or even kendo, its always a grand time with them. 😄 I really believe that it was fate that brought us together, not mere coincidence and I wish them all the best in whatever path they take. May good fortune, health and success come your way kiddos. One way or another, they’ve certainly earned a special place in my heart. 😊 #alhamdulillah #studentteacherlife #kendoislife #kendofamily #annualgettogether #tomoreyearsoffriendship

[lesmokingbear]

Though not related by blood, the bonds formed through kendo has blessed me with amazing company. Despite some being miles apart and some busy with other priorities, I sincerely believe that that bond is still strong. A team which supports one another through thick and thin, no matter if its in kendo or in life, I can honestly say that I’m fortunate. 😌 We’ve had our fair share of ups and downs and yet despite that, we’re still here. A dysfunctional family brought together through a love of kendo and one that has persevered despite obstacles both personal and non-personal. 😁 Today is again another fortunate encounter to have the pleasure of hosting a visiting kendoka from Singapore, Mr Shaun Goh. While I sincerely apologize for the venue today, I hope you’ve enjoyed training with us. Best of luck in your upcoming grading and we hope to see and train with you again soon. 😄 #alhamdulillah #studentteacherlife #kendoislife #kendofamily

[lesmokingbear]

Feeling proud and happy of the work done by both MPP and PRS in helping to clean Masjid Zainab. Good job today kiddos! 😁 On a personal note, every time I visit Masjid Zainab, I am reminded of my late grandfather who used to bring me around back when I was a young boy. Time has indeed passed by quickly. 😌 #alhamdulillah #studentteacherlife #smpaphrsb #mpp #prs

[lesmokingbear]

Back at it again with kendo training despite an aching back. (Heh, see what I did there fellas) 🤣 Tonight’s menu consisted of focused bokken work doing men and kote cuts as well as some kirikaeshi. The main goal tonight was correct form and while it has been quite a while for some members with exams and Ramadan, it was still good to see the turn up tonight. 😁 Still a long way to go but I’m sure with more training, we’ll continue to improve. 😄 #alhamdulillah #studentteacherlife #kendoislife #kendofamily

[lesmokingbear]

After 2 weeks of no kendo, man it feels good to be back. Granted, everyone was rusty but thats to be expected with the hiatus. 😌 Due to certain issues with the original venue (*cough* *cough* people cant see me when lights are off in CLT) as well as the weather, we opted to use a place that I have fond memories of past trainings which is Bamboo Hall. Despite its low ceilings and slippery floors, being able to train there again was like a blast to the past and a good one at that. 😄 Tonight’s session focused on kote cuts in particular, emphasizing maai as well as improving strike accuracy and while there are indeed many, many things that we need to work on, myself included, it was a fruitful, no-nonsense session nonetheless. 😁 #alhamdulillah #studentteacherlife #kendoislife #kendofamily #bamboohall #therapy

[lesmokingbear]

After 2 weeks of no kendo, man it feels good to be back. Granted, everyone was rusty but thats to be expected with the hiatus. 😌 Due to certain issues with the original venue (*cough* *cough* people cant see me when lights are off in CLT) as well as the weather, we opted to use a place that I have fond memories of past trainings which is Bamboo Hall. Despite its low ceilings and slippery floors, being able to train there again was like a blast to the past and a good one at that. 😄 Tonight’s session focused on kote cuts in particular, emphasizing maai as well as improving strike accuracy and while there are indeed many, many things that we need to work on, myself included, it was a fruitful, no-nonsense session nonetheless. 😁 #alhamdulillah #studentteacherlife #kendoislife #kendofamily #bamboohall #therapy

[lesmokingbear]

Found this old gem stashed somewhere deep in my box of wonders and damn, did the memories of the UK just come flooding back.😌 Memories of unrequited love, tests of friendships, the journey of self discovery, the ups and downs of those amazing 3 years in a place where my heart calls a second home. I almost can’t believe that its been almost a decade now and while the adventure has ended and the experience both painful yet one of self realization, its something I wouldn’t replace with anything else in the world. 😄 If the state of the Itouch is anything to talk about, it would be reflective of that long journey where at many points I was on the verge of breaking yet certain things, like the friendships I’ve made over the years there and the support I had from everyone kept me going. 😁 And as I continue this current journey of being a teacher, this simple device which has seen the best and worst parts of my previous journey reminds me that while it may be a rough one, I’m strong enough to weather the storm and come out stronger. 🙂 #alhamdulillah #studentteacherlife #ukmemories #york #nostalgiabomb

[lesmokingbear]

View this post on Instagram

This particular month has always been a special time for me. I remember back when I gramps was still around, he would always ask me to accompany him to the mosque for tarawih. Funny how its been over a decade since those days of youth which I look back in fondness. 😌 Muslims fast from dawn till dusk during this time reminding us of the plights of those less fortunate but whats special about this particular month is that people tend to be much kinder to one another, more so than usual. Its during this particular month that makes me believe that people are capable of so much good despite what happens all around us. This post is dedicated to everyone who is celebrating Ramadan. May it be a month of blessings and good deeds for all of us. 😁 #alhamdulillah #studentteacherlife #ramadan #ft18

[lesmokingbear]

View this post on Instagram

A mini project with @nabiljaton. He’ll be the first to admit that he still has a long way to go but that doesn’t mean you should stop. Keep honing that craft and eventually you’ll get to where you want to be. Keep on doing what you do lil bro! 👍🏾 #sideproject #cardistrybeginner #practicemakesperfect (at Kuala Belait)