Yokosuka Sushi Rollers!

As my readers may know, I have joined Yokosuka's Roller Derby team called the Yokosuka Sushi Rollers. Roller derby as a sport has its origins in 1970's and 80's Japan where it was originally played by all men. They usually wore those one piece speed uniforms and helmets. The rules were similar to derby as we know it today.

In the 2000's, derby experienced a revival in the US as an all woman's sport. It can be boxed in the same category as wrestling. It's half sport, half entertainment. The girls take on skating personas, dress up in costumes, and may fight dirty on the track. Since derby experienced its origins in Japan there are many old roller skaters left in this country. We have a Japanese "coach" that comes all the way from Tokyo about once a month to help us on our derby skills. His name is Hiroshi and he came to practice yesterday. He is intense. He had us running drills non-stop until I was sweating so hard and my legs were shaking. I can skate just fine, I think it's from the years of non-stop yoga in San Diego as my balance is impeccable, but I'm working on things like my timing and skating backwards.

Our team is a flat track team (as opposed to a banked track) and there are a number of skills each skater has to be proficient in before they are allowed to bout. We practice in Ikego (the Navy base annex about 20 minutes from the main base) and on the main base. When we have practice in Ikego, I take the train. Since there is no place to change at the gym, I have to wear my workout gear on the train. I try to make my workout gear look as normal as possible so that I don't get stared at on a train full of people in business suits. I have gotten good at taking the train from Yokosuka to Ikego. The cost is about $6 roundtrip.

Lastly, as part of derby, you chose a derby name. My name is Robbn' Sparkles. It's a character on an American TV show.

I leave you with a video explaining how flat track derby is played: