May 23, 2014
Was trying to think of a way to describe the fans in a few words..but all that came to mind was this Dream Video.Thanks for being awesome and choosing us over everything else out there..it means a lot.
Try Hard, Never Settle, Stay Hungry -h_h-
May 16, 2014
Was thinking really hard about the blog.It's lame sometimes trying to think about what to write.So, there's a new game I play that's turning out to be great fun. It's called. "what the heck would I want to know that no one tells me how to do the right way (bluntly and honestly)?".
So, if you've been riding with us for more than a few weeks.You can already figure out a lot of our influences came from fighting games.I've probably played in tournaments for the soft side of 1.5 decades and with the tournament season being underway,I find myself going to more events randomly (see: with very little notice) more often than not.
The tournaments are grassroots, the productions aren't always 10/10.But, the people are awesome if you find the right ones.The problem is,a lot of people (including my Mom most recently),have trouble spotting the right person for them.So, scumbag to scumbag, let me tell you how to find the right person for you.
First let's start with the categories:
1.First time at a tournament, and I'm really interested in learning more/checking it out
2.I've been to a handful of events, but now I want to get serious with my gameplay
3.I think I'm pretty good and I'm really wanting to do well this time around.
4. I'm a top player already and came for your money
5. I came to see what the heck these jerks have been up to since I've been gone and maybe get back into it (previous tournament experience).
So, let's start with the first one, you want to see what a tournament is like first hand because A: you've watched one online,B: you've heard about one,C: you're tired of your bff,husband,wife, kid,etc talking on and on about them (hi again,Mom!)...
Okay, let me break this to you easy. You're not going to like it. Why? Okay, let me back this one up.It's not going to be what you expect. Everyone has an image of what a tournament is whether it's hearsay or interpretation via videos on Youtube,streams,etc.That's great, but what you'll find is no matter what your preconcieved thoughts were, they will not align with what you actually experience, so great ready for that loop.
After that part is done,here comes the fun part.Taking it all in.
Look around, smell the smells, see the sights, "hey,is that James Chen?!?, nah, it's John Choi without a haircut..let me watch his match..".There will be a ton of times where you're looking around trying to asess what's going on and figuring out the landscape, it can be a bit daunting, so if you have a tourguide, I suggest to hang with them in intervals, some with them to share the excitement and get information about what's going on or might be of interest,but then another chunk of time devoted just to figuring out what this all means to YOU and kind of just enjoying the moment.
Whenever I bring a friend from this sect of people, I find a little something they can do or enjoy by themselves so that if I'm working the booth (if we have one,ha! ) at Hungry Human or playing,etc...my person won't feel lost and wander aimlessly without a sense of meaning. It depends on the person, but you can kind of surmise what's going to be fun for you and share that , or just let the guide do their thing and take along the whole way on rails, but trust that it will be more fun to branch out and find a sense of purpose and make your own little spot in the landscape.
I had a friend who just really wasn't able to get their mojo on their own for a while, but then he ran an EVO bracket one time and found that was where his strong suit was,now, I can't ever find him because he's too busy helping out with events and chilling with his set of friends he found from doing that.So, best advice, is to go back and forth with little tasks and jobs you find along the way meeting new people and exploring till you find what works for you.
Think of it as career day, but with joysticks...and junk food if you can find it.Sidenote:always find a person that knows where to get food at all point of the day and at **EVERY** price point (you might go broke over the weekend buying cool stuff, gambling or side betting, or your friends might do the same or be on a budget.So you don't want to alienate anyone if you want to have a moment over grub,trust me,it sucks to do that or worse pick up a strangers' tab just to find they're not the type of person you wanted to do that for! Ha!).
All in all ,this is just a little primer and you should have a good time, but remember, it might be something you have to work for,but once you find it, DIVE IN!
Now on to #2.You've hit a few events, you're seasoned ,( or at least you think you are ),and you want to get serious now.Here's a tough one.You have to decide how strongly you feel about #1 versus getting to #3.A lot of the time, players in this spot want to get better because they think there is fame or social standing in doing better.If that's your goal, I'm probably going to tell you to stop right here. PLay games for fun, but feel a need to improve if it benefits you and the growth is not something that destroys your interactions or enjoyment of the game,people,or events.
If you got past that part, here's my advice : PRACTICE YOUR COMBOS. The cool thing about being a random is that people will actually tell you what to do a lot of the time.You're not a threat to them, you probably stroke their ego by asking for advice, and also, some people know what it's like and want to see you get better.
The best thing you can do in this situation is listen to every little thing a person tells you. So many people have given me great advice in and out of the game that got implemented super late because I disregarded it or took 29 times to apply it. If you want to do well, just listen to what people tell you that's any good, and apply it as fast as possible.The reason the combos were mentioned earlier is because you actually have a shot as a random at haiving some really good upsets or opportunities to learn, but if you're focused on the basics (dangit, I missed it again, I'm so bad,etc), you're not even going to notice much of what is around you until it's long gone.
So, even if you're rubbish, make sure to practice your combos.Also, talk to people as often as you can.If someone likes you or just knows you, they might really help you in ways you'll never know (Ricky Ortiz and Justin Wong will still to this day scream Rufus setups to me during my matches to try to keep me in the game), and it's just kind of good to have those interactions too.Don't be the quiet guy if you don't have to be, you still came here to have a good time right? So, talk to people.And even if the results don't come as fast, still remember that you're here to socialize and the games aren't always the focal point,no matter how things go or fit over time.
Now on to #3 , you passed #2 and now you want to see some results.Okay...I got you.This is going to be hard,are you sure you're ready for this? Okay,okay...well, disregard #1 and #2 for at least one event and try this #3 I'm going to spit at you: TREAT IT LIKE A JOB.
Get sleep the night before.Drink lots of water and stay hydrated throughout the event,and have a light (emphasis on light),balanced breakfast before the event.No caffeine, no refined sugars,no toxic stuff the night before (friends,imbibments,or otherwise).
You are obviously invested in this, and you want some results.Know every matchup that you can with your main characters/most comfortable team and also have some alternates that may not be above C or B status yet, but at least provide you another option should whatever you're working with that day just isn't cutting it.
Your combos will have to be tight, and you'll have to work on your adjustments on the fly,but you have a shot.Depending on how far it goes, you can alternate between #2 and #3 if you feel comfortable , but the goal is to get your mind working like a professional.So, be nice to everyone and don't take it serious enough that you look like a bomb threat waiting to happen, but also, take note of why you're there and be ready to give it your all. Depending on the result, you may decide that it's not for you or to lighten up, but know it doesn't get easier on the path to improvement, so you might as well give yourself the structure you need to get to your goals now.
P.S. Have a waterbottle and possibly headphones for this one depending on nerves. It can be grueling and really take a toll (hence the care regimen).
#4 Looks like you passed #3 eh? Good job, you're the top 32 guy or above.Congrats.Now what? You know I can't tell you about your game because I lost to you somewhere between #3.5 and here... but I've been where you are and I will give you some words not many people will : Don't forget yourself.
This number is where I've lost the most friends.Usually someone thinks that a character buff or .2ms of extra reaction gives them leway to be a jerk or forget all the other numbers.You used to be one of those numbers,and to be honest, you might be a #3.4 pretending to be a #4, no bother.You're here, you made it and you have a purpose: to win AND inspire.
If someone asks for a picture,take it. They're human,make them feel like one by acting like one.And when you play, play like an animal, give your best and put on the show they came for, make them believe they're right there with you, because in a way, they are.
They like you, they feel close to you, they may even want to be you. Enjoy what you earned. There are going to be people gunning for you, so be a professional in your game, but also heed Dilla and know that 'only one can win' , so be a winner outside of the game by helping #3 get up there with you if they are showing promise (and not acting like a wayward #4 already), telling #1 about what it was like when YOU were a #1 and making them feel like a #4 even if they'll NEVER be one,still treat them like it.Maybe do that #2 that isn't having any fun because they're so busy trying to be a #3 a favor and tell him to PRACTICE HIS COMBOS or give a few pointers without asking for a handout in return.
Also,don't be so hard on yourself.You may have something that got you here and you definitely have something you fight for, but make sure it's the right something.
#4 is the most vulnerable number because everyone looks at that number.People expect things, judge things,and destroy things, all for this number. The #4s always find comfort with other number 4s because this number is indeed the loneliest and it feels like only other #4s understand. So, just like #1 will have their own times to be alone, feel free to have a similar time where you take care of yourself,mind,body,and heart.This number can break the best of them if you don't keep on it.
Also, don't worry about the other #4s all the time.Worry about the real #1 : you.Even if you never get here or never stay here, you always have you.
#5... I'm glad to see you, you're my favorite. I've watched you all go.And it hurts so much each time. We played our first match together, we grinded casuals together pretending we were top players, we thought we were pretty good,and when we found out we were, we still weren't satisified...so we went elsewhere...but the numbers never left, the passion never left...the love never left.So it's kind of like you never left either, not where it counted at least. I know things look different than they used to...and we're getting a bit older...but.. maybe we can show these other numbers what to do before there aren't any left...wanna help me?
Try Hard, Never Settle, Stay Hungry -h_h-
May 15, 2014
You guys have had the ability to see the brand online,but there are only a few of a select group that are able to see and hear about what goes on offline.
For such a long time, we edited out a lot of the "good stuff" as some would call it because to be honest, it wasn't more than the typical day-to-day stuff,and also, I had trouble sifting what mattered and what didn't to the fans of the brand.
Due to large amounts of overthinking....I'm pretty sure you guys have missed out on a ton of stories.So, I am going to do a little series called : Leftovers (name may change, ha!).
The point of the posts will be just to share some of the stories and journies that fans and friends get to hear and have said "hey,why don't you share stuff like that?" or "dude, people should know that",etc.
It's the equivalent of campfire stories, but instead , they have real life experiences that are a million times better and pertain to the brand/struggle.
We'll start with it over the next few weeks and see how it goes,but it might be a limited thing.Either way, in that time, I think you guys should enjoy what you read and discover...at least most of you (no guarantees on that one either).
In the meantime, there are a few pieces in the SHOP.Check those out and hop on the mailing list.It's coming together like Voltron riding on a Megazord .Just hang tight and trust that we've got your back. -h_h-
May 13, 2014
You guys may not know this about me...but I grew up as a FOB most of my life.Because of this, Eddie Huang's book Fresh Off The Boat always resonated with me since it's debut.
Eddie grew up in a Taiwanese family and has ties to streetwear,food,rap,and a ton of other stuff we get down with over here at HH (including his recently released Baohaus Nike SB Dunk named after his restaurant of the same name).
At any rate, it looks like a story based on his memoirs are headed to ABC and looking even funnier than the book...so I had to post and share with you guys. "Check it." -h_h-
Try Hard, Never Settle, Stay Hungry -h_h-
May 13, 2014
Japan is just on a roll today with the remakes I see (insert well timed Crunchy Roll pun in there somewhere)!!
First someone remakes the Pharell Happy Video , now another crazy butt re-drew the ENTIRE Attack on Titan Intro....in pencil... what's in the water over there ya'll? I need some of whatever it is! -h_h-
Try Hard, Never Settle, Stay Hungry -h_h-
May 13, 2014
Nigo re-did a video of Pharell's Happy.And I wasn't into it...but there's this dancing lemon that just sets the whole thing off.So, check it out.
P.S. I did that 'SAME IS LAME' concept like 2 years prior and didn't think much of it(ironically because it was too plain). Now I'm kind of kicking myself for not bringing it out.Good job though! Streetwear I tell ya... Ha!
Try Hard, Never Settle, Stay Hungry -h_h-
May 5, 2014
We're lame about posting and I know I'm overdue personally on like 12 million posts explaining a ton (which are in the works). But this can't wait.
There's an app from the hackathon TechCrunch’s Disrupt NY 2014 that gives you the ultimate Taco Bell experience and you guys NEED to know about it.
You send over how much you want to spend on Taco Bell (don't use '$' signs, just numbers with decimals) and you get an email telling you how much awesome crud you can get to stuff your face with at Taco Bell, including the calories! So, "cheese,cheese,meat,cheese-meat and that's it" can be yours any Fourth Meal or moment of the day just by sending these magic numbers to tacobell@sendmail.io and awaiting your cheap,but infinitely awesome nacho infused future.Crazy right?
Anyways, check this out and make sure to send Kunal Bartra of Sendgrid a huge thanks when you get a second for shooting us this ill, possibly life-altering app.Ha!
Peace and have a Baja Blast! -h_h-
