Golden Gate Badminton Club, Menlo Park, CA

[mayst982]

Golden Gate Badminton Club (www.ggbadminton.com (http://www.ggbadminton.com/)) will be openning its facility to the public in the very near future (latest word is mid-April 2005). It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to test out the facility prior to it being open to the public. I would categorize it as the best playing experience I have had, surpassing my experiences at other Bay Area facilities.

In summary, the gym boasts of:

§ 8 badminton courts with 35 ft high ceiling, probably the highest ceiling for a badminton club in US, and maybe the world

§ Use of the Robbins Flooring System (www.robbinsfloor.com (http://www.robbinsfloor.com/)) that is employed in the Olympic training center in Colorado, and installed by the best installer from Europe

§ An 11mm padding with High-tec polymer coating for maximum sports performance during training and competitions providing the maximum protection, shock absorption and traction available

Information on other amenities can be found in the above website.

GGBC anticipates openning in the next few weeks. More information will be provided on the website as the date of the openning gets closer.

GGBC is founded and operated by Mike Yang(cuurently rank 2nd in Men's Singles in US) and 1992 US Badminton Olympian Ben Lee.

[ctjcad]

Wow, that's 3 full-time badminton clubs which will be opening in the Bay Area in roughly the same time-ie. United BC and Smash City BC, the other two..The Southern California area has a new "competition" up north now..:).

BTW, i went to the website, and saw that the coaches will be "World Champions" player??If you don't mind, could you give any infos as who those coaches will be??..


Golden Gate Badminton Club (www.ggbadminton.com (http://www.ggbadminton.com/)) will be openning its facility to the public in the very near future (latest word is mid-April 2005). It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to test out the facility prior to it being open to the public. I would categorize it as the best playing experience I have had, surpassing my experiences at other Bay Area facilities.

In summary, the gym boasts of:

§ 8 badminton courts with 35 ft high ceiling, probably the highest ceiling for a badminton club in US, and maybe the world

§ Use of the Robbins Flooring System (www.robbinsfloor.com (http://www.robbinsfloor.com/)) that is employed in the Olympic training center in Colorado, and installed by the best installer from Europe

§ An 11mm padding with High-tec polymer coating for maximum sports performance during training and competitions providing the maximum protection, shock absorption and traction available

Information on other amenities can be found in the above website.

GGBC anticipates openning in the next few weeks. More information will be provided on the website as the date of the openning gets closer.

GGBC is founded and operated by Mike Yang(cuurently rank 2nd in Men's Singles in US) and 1992 US Badminton Olympian Ben Lee.

[monto]

exciting stuff, I remember hearing Yang/Lee were working on this 1-2 years ago and looking for a site in the East Bay, so am glad to see it finally taking place :)

[mayst982]

The rumour has it that there is on-going negotiations with World Class coaches which I am not privy to. The website should contain information as they become available.

[Hidekazu Yoshid]

My impression at GGBC was not just high-end in facility/courts but also
Stuff's paersonality is so high-end.(Many thanks goes to Mike and Ben.)
I really enjoyed Robbins Flooring System and 35ft. high ceiling. :)
(I've never seen this excellent court in bay area.)
I enjoyed the courts and meeting a new friends at GGBC thru. truely fun
game.
I will keep watching www.ggbadminton.com (http://www.ggbadminton.com) to keep me updated.

[PlayerY]

I was fortunate to have played at GG. Don't know how to describe it, but from personal experience, it is one of the most high end facilities I've ever played in. 3 main points: the floor has such great impact absorption that my knees still felt comfortable after a few hours of intense playing; the high ceiling doesn't sacrifice the feel of the game like some big gyms do; and the distance between the walls and courts are at a good measurement that it contributes well to the visual experience of our games. The only bad thing is that after playing at such a high end facility, it may be hard to get used to playing in regular gyms again! :crying:

[kevin uolkd]

This is a nice gym. the floor is hella pro and the coaches in there are pro too.
i think u guys should go check it out then u guys will know how good it is.

[Haoooj]

I had the oppurtunity to play in this gym before it was open to the public. This gym far exceeds any other gym i experienced by far. The robbins flooring system is a very nice floor with a different feel . The 35 foot ceiling allows you to clear as high as possible too! Although the gym was not completed when i played in it just the courts alone makes this gym stand out from any other gym ive played in. Oh yeah and the coaching staff is great :rolleyes:

[Giselle Lam]

A friend brought me over to "try out" at GGBC the other day and I was so surprised to see the sophistication of this club. I live in HKG and I've been to every exclusive club but this club is one of the best I've ever seen and played on. I also saw the owner there, Mike Yang play and he has one helluva game. He seems to have a vast knowledge of badminton and certainly knows exactly what to provide to his patrons. Just the wall color, lighting, floors and ceiling height is enough to entice any player. He must have done alot of research. The coolest thing is he makes his own products! His staff showed me some samples and I can't wait till he gets his stock. I wanted to buy his birdies but they were all sold out! I managed to get a racquet. Pretty darn good! Anyways, Mike you got my support and vote. You have done a superb job and if I could ask you to start taking membership cos I have a whole posse of Friends waiting to join. SO HURRY UP AND OPEN ALREADY! We're LINING up at your DOOR! With our blessings... Your Fans..

[chub2003]

I played there a couple of times now, the floors are very professional and the place is just very spaceous. My favorite thing about the gym is like playerY says, it has a good feel to it. Some big gyms feel very uncomfortable playing in, either the sound and pop of the racquet is off or the strings may feel like they are dead, but this place has a very good feel and sound, even though it is very big. The colors add to the atmosphere because they are very easy on the eyes and make the bird very visible. I live pretty far away in Fremont but I think it is worth the drive. I also was able to test out the club equipment, and bought some GG birds and a racquet ( Rp70, the orange one), which I'm using right now.

[julie]

I played there a couple of times now, the floors are very professional and the place is just very spaceous. My favorite thing about the gym is like playerY says, it has a good feel to it. Some big gyms feel very uncomfortable playing in, either the sound and pop of the racquet is off or the strings may feel like they are dead, but this place has a very good feel and sound, even though it is very big. The colors add to the atmosphere because they are very easy on the eyes and make the bird very visible. I live pretty far away in Fremont but I think it is worth the drive. I also was able to test out the club equipment, and bought some GG birds and a racquet ( Rp70, the orange one), which I'm using right now.
What's the fee? I'm very tempted...

[DMT1983]

Recently visited GGBC with a friend during my trip up in San Francisco. Spacious facility and a friendly staff who are determined to help you learn.

[MidBadder]

Recently visited GGBC with a friend during my trip up in San Francisco. Spacious facility and a friendly staff who are determined to help you learn.
Is GGBC open for play now???

[B3nny H4nn4]

no, but it will be opened soon, there is still some contruction going on. And for the price of drop in play, im not sure but i hear i will be 10 dollars which is a really good deal if u think about it because u get to play in world class courts and not to mention the comfortable atmosphere u are in...

[JeanChristopheL]

I would definitely recommend GGBC as a place to play. Great facility, and sensational equipment. Recently purchased a racquet at GGBC and I'm loving the durability of it!Chris

[xcrushed]

I LOVE badminton yet being 14 also hinders my chances of getting out and playing. I'm so excited and impatiently awaiting the Grand Opening of GGBC, it's only 10-15 mins away from my house, which will be so convenient for my parents when they take me. :) GGBC is such a cool place, the facility is HUGE:eek: , and the people there are so nice! :D

[Giselle Lam]

Oh Gosh you are so lucky cos I'm like in BERKELEY, EAST Bay!! I so envy you. I cannot believe I am going to drive hours on end ACROSS the Bay Bridge to get to GGBC and play badminton but I think it's worth it so I'm going to go for the struggle 3 times a week or more if I can help it! Sigh... My friends live up by Hillsborough and Palo Alto too. I may have to think of moving.. :crying:

[PlayerY]

Ten dollars a person is definitely a fabulous deal. It is worth every penny of it!!!!!!!! Such a world class badminton gym is hardly available in any corner of the world. One day we can hold the World Championship, All England, or Olympics in Menlo Park. Thank you all of the staffs who have done a magnificent job in bringing badminton to another level in the bay area.

[kwun]

sounds like quite a lot of people have been invited to play in GGBC long before they are ready to be opened.

i wonder if the owners will come here to tell us more about their new gym. connect with their future patrons, so to speak...

[FEND.]

sounds like quite a lot of people have been invited to play in GGBC long before they are ready to be opened.

i wonder if the owners will come here to tell us more about their new gym. connect with their future patrons, so to speak...
And invite you to be their resident pro ;)

[kwun]

And invite you to be their resident pro ;)
nah. just better way to market their gym. much more personal to have the owners say something than have the users come and talk about it.

Bintang, UnitedBadminton and SmashCity's owners are all registered here. why not GGBC?

[Qidong]

nah. just better way to market their gym. much more personal to have the owners say something than have the users come and talk about it.

Bintang, UnitedBadminton and SmashCity's owners are all registered here. why not GGBC?

Isn't mayst982 the owner or member of the management team? He started this thread.

[MidBadder]

Isn't mayst982 the owner or member of the management team? He started this thread.
I think it is B3nny H4nn4....:)

[B3nny H4nn4]

Ten dollars a person is definitely a fabulous deal. It is worth every penny of it!!!!!!!! Such a world class badminton gym is hardly available in any corner of the world. One day we can hold the World Championship, All England, or Olympics in Menlo Park. Thank you all of the staffs who have done a magnificent job in bringing badminton to another level in the bay area.

actually my hope is that they will hold US junior nationals there so i and many others will not have to spend soo much money to travel across the nation just to compete :p

[Giselle Lam]

Yes I think it would be nice if the owner said something. I wonder if he even comes in here. Does everyone know about this site? Seems to be alot of people in here. The club isn't open yet cos there was still some construction when I went there, but the owner, Mike, I think, invites friends to try out the courts, so I went with a friend. Can't wait to go again, but I think I will have to pay next time! :p

[yba501]

I was just there last weekend with a couple of friends that was invited to play before the club open to public. The high ceiling, lighting, floor and the ventilation provides the best possible enviroment to play. Another thing I noticed there was the design, color of the wall matches with their marketing materials. They must have put a lot of effort into the club, besides the quality of the facility, I am quite impressed with the overall design, and the branding system they have going on.:)

[Giselle Lam]

Kwun are you the programmer of this site? I see you hav articles (are those written by you?) and you have alot of posts and involvement in this site. I just wanted to let you know I thought this site very interesting and fun to be able to talk to people that are actually around the area who have the same interests! Are you a pro too? This site is so thorough. ALot of websites should have such detail. If you have any involvement, you've done a great job! It's fun coming in here to blab about badminton. But I don't really see anyone discussing badminton or anything. Just talk about the clubs mostly, maybe that is only where I'm looking cos of all the excitement about new clubs. I'm not a good player but I just LOVE to play. Any chance I get. Before there was no place to play. I didn't want to move to the States and now there are actually CHOICES! Very interesting. Oh well, Mr. Kwun just kind of curious what it is you do cos you seem to have alot of involvement in here. You don't have to answer if you are not comfortable..

[JeanChristopheL]

time is nearing i cant wait!!!! :D

[yba501]

I've heard alot about the RP 70 racket that they sell at the pro shop, I can't wait to try it myself. I wonder if they will let you test the racket before buying. If not, hope the owner will take that suggestion in consideration.:p

[Giselle Lam]

I've heard alot about the RP 70 racket that they sell at the pro shop, I can't wait to try it myself. I wonder if they will let you test the racket before buying. If not, hope the owner will take that suggestion in consideration.:p
Do they have a pro shop already? I bought it thru my friend who bought it directly from the owner. I got both the RP-35 and the RP-70. You know, I bought the RP-35 first then it was good but it is light so I thought I would try out the RP-70 and it was hard to play with at first and now I got the hang of it, I don't want to change. I gotta say the RP -70 is AWESOME when you get the hang of it!! People thought I had lessons or something! It's a stiffer and heavier racquet, so now if I'm not in good condition, I'll use the RP-35 (more flexible) and when I feel more fit I use the RP-70, but you're right about trying the racquets out, it would be a good idea to have samples huh? Recently my friends got together to buy me the Yonex real expensive one Nano Speed 7000 fr my Bday, but I still like the RP-70! I hope my friends won't see this!

[JeanChristopheL]

Do they have a pro shop already? I bought it thru my friend who bought it directly from the owner. I got both the RP-35 and the RP-70. You know, I bought the RP-35 first then it was good but it is light so I thought I would try out the RP-70 and it was hard to play with at first and now I got the hang of it, I don't want to change. I gotta say the RP -70 is AWESOME when you get the hang of it!! People thought I had lessons or something! It's a stiffer and heavier racquet, so now if I'm not in good condition, I'll use the RP-35 (more flexible) and when I feel more fit I use the RP-70, but you're right about trying the racquets out, it would be a good idea to have samples huh? Recently my friends got together to buy me the Yonex real expensive one Nano Speed 7000 fr my Bday, but I still like the RP-70! I hope my friends won't see this!Haha the RP-70 is definitely a good buy. My friends too at first questioned this raquet since it is quite new in the market but boy were they wrong when they tested it. In fact Yonex has some competition now. :cool:

[DMT1983]

Is GGBC open for play now???
Hi there MidBadder,

No, GGBC isn't opened for play yet, the last time I went it was an "open house" like event.

[DMT1983]

Haha the RP-70 is definitely a good buy. My friends too at first questioned this raquet since it is quite new in the market but boy were they wrong when they tested it. In fact Yonex has some competition now. :cool:
Hello JeanChristopheL,

I got the RP-70 from GGBC too! What I love most about it is that it's so light and next to that the grip of the racquet is so comfortable. :D

[Great Eagle]

HOOORRRAAYYYYY....I don't have to worry anymore where I'm going to play when I move to SFO. GGBC is the kind of place I'd like to play at. It sounds very well planned and built. I like the high ceiling and the flooring system. As a long time badminton player, I believe it is so important to play at a good flooring system to avoid further injuries.

Now, you guys out there, HURRY join the club, so when I go there to play I'll have lots of people to play with.:)

[Great Eagle]

Hhhhmmmm....this reminds me of my friend who is buying this racquet for me. Wonder what happen? The racquet never arrives:crying:
Do they have a pro shop already? I bought it thru my friend who bought it directly from the owner. I got both the RP-35 and the RP-70. You know, I bought the RP-35 first then it was good but it is light so I thought I would try out the RP-70 and it was hard to play with at first and now I got the hang of it, I don't want to change. I gotta say the RP -70 is AWESOME when you get the hang of it!! People thought I had lessons or something! It's a stiffer and heavier racquet, so now if I'm not in good condition, I'll use the RP-35 (more flexible) and when I feel more fit I use the RP-70, but you're right about trying the racquets out, it would be a good idea to have samples huh? Recently my friends got together to buy me the Yonex real expensive one Nano Speed 7000 fr my Bday, but I still like the RP-70! I hope my friends won't see this!

[MidBadder]

:crying::crying::crying::crying::crying::crying::c rying:

Hi there MidBadder,

No, GGBC isn't opened for play yet, the last time I went it was an "open house" like event.

[DMT1983]

:crying::crying::crying::crying::crying::crying::c rying:I put quotations on OPEN HOUSE because it wasn't really open house..... I was brought there by a friend who knew one of the staff there.

[kwun]

hehe. i went to visit GGBC tonight, i brought along with me krantikt, another BC member.

the location is east of 101 at the Marsh road exit, only a couple of blocks from the highway exit. it is quite centrally located between SF and SJ.

we arrived at GGBC around 7pm, there were still some construction workers there. some parts the club is still under construction, but the court areas are completed. i see Mike and Ben has their priority straight, get the courts done first, so they can play badminton while the rest of the club get constructed. :)

GGBC has 8 badminton courts with a professionally laid down surface, this is one of the best surface i have played badminton in, the floor is softer than all typical wooden floors, it has a cushiony feel to it. the surface is slightly tacky (like rubbery) so sliding will never be an issue.

the ceiling is very high as mentioned before, i am so used to the lower height ceiling of the other bayarea gyms, the high ceiling definitely take some getting used to. ;) the lighting was quite bright initially, Mike agreed and he later on turned down the light, and the brightness was just right.

the courts are spaciously laid out with sitting areas behind the courts.

i don't think one can get better playing environment than what GGBC has. all regulars who go there will be thoroughly spoiled.

aside from the courts, there are also other amenities in the club. there is a reception area, a pro shop with their own designed and branded merchandizes, male and female changing rooms with showers, a few offices for the employees there, a yoga room (!), a nursery for kids, and there is also a cafeteria area on the 2nd floor that overlooks the playing area.

GGBC kind of reminds me of VRC, actually. but a nicer version of... (sorry Vancouver members... ;) )

and last but not least, Mike has a team of friendly helpers who assist him in setting up all aspects of the gym.

overall, i am very impressed by the amount of details and thoughts put into the club, the gym was very well thought out. all level of details are catered for, and they used the best quality material.

from looking at the current state of the construction, i am guessing the opening will be within weeks. i hope to post some pictures here when it is closer to completion.

[Joseph]

The place sounds pretty nice. So I take it that you guys got a chance to play?

[kwun]

The place sounds pretty nice. So I take it that you guys got a chance to play?
yeah. we played there for a couple of hours. didn't even win one game.... :o sigh...

the gym is quite empty as it is not officially opened yet, only friends of the club's team are there playing as guests.

[FEND.]

yeah. we played there for a couple of hours. didn't even win one game.... :o sigh...

the gym is quite empty as it is not officially opened yet, only friends of the club's team are there playing as guests.
Sounds like you are quite an 'influential' person there, Kwun ;)

[kwun]

Sounds like you are quite an 'influential' person there, Kwun ;)
i was just a guest!

[krantikt]

I found an easier way to get influential. I made Kwun my doubles partner :cool:

I agree with everything Kwun mentioned about the gym, the floor is awesome.
You can feel the cushion when you jump. It feels very expensive, everything around there.

There was a lot of thought putt into the architecture of the gym, and I wish the owner (Mike) does well from all his investments.

We had a chance to play with one of the coaches there, he was pretty good.
From what I understand he was placed 3rd in the China nationals.

Off topic: this guy was so relaxed while playing. I saw in some other threads about being relaxed while playing, he was a picture perfect example.

The gym includes yoga, tai chi, nursery for kids. Also the cafe on the second floor (bar/cafe for dinner) is quite nice overlooking the playing area, and a proposed TV playing badminton from around the world.

We also met a of famous personality from Hongkong. Kwun knows more about her.


i was just a guest!

[FEND.]

I found an easier way to get influential. I made Kwun my doubles partner :cool:

I agree with everything Kwun mentioned about the gym, the floor is awesome.
You can feel the cushion when you jump. It feels very expensive, everything around there.

There was a lot of thought putt into the architecture of the gym, and I wish the owner (Mike) does well from all his investments.

We had a chance to play with one of the coaches there, he was pretty good.
From what I understand he was placed 3rd in the China nationals.

Off topic: this guy was so relaxed while playing. I saw in some other threads about being relaxed while playing, he was a picture perfect example.

The gym includes yoga, tai chi, nursery for kids. Also the cafe on the second floor (bar/cafe for dinner) is quite nice overlooking the playing area, and a proposed TV playing badminton from around the world.

We also met a of famous personality from Hongkong. Kwun knows more about her.
AHAH. Kwun, you can't escape now. Evidence has shown up on it's own!! You can't deny the truth.

Back to topic, sounds like a fantastic place! Pity there's no club like that around Perth,:crying::crying:. I mean come on, cafe and TV playing badminton matches!?!?! Daycare??!! OMG. !!!

[Cheung]

I found an easier way to get influential. I made Kwun my doubles partner :cool: Oh yes, that is the easiest way to get known. I visited SF for just a few days and everybody wants a game with us!

[FEND.]

Oh yes, that is the easiest way to get known. I visited SF for just a few days and everybody wants a game with us!
Cheung! You too?? Wow, very soon you guys will over take the pros as badminton celebrities :D:D Good job!!! Maybe you guys can promote badminton more than the whole IBF committee combined :p:p

[Pete LSD]

What's the weight class and grip sizes of the racquets? Anything that feels very close to Ti-10?


I played there a couple of times now, the floors are very professional and the place is just very spaceous. My favorite thing about the gym is like playerY says, it has a good feel to it. Some big gyms feel very uncomfortable playing in, either the sound and pop of the racquet is off or the strings may feel like they are dead, but this place has a very good feel and sound, even though it is very big. The colors add to the atmosphere because they are very easy on the eyes and make the bird very visible. I live pretty far away in Fremont but I think it is worth the drive. I also was able to test out the club equipment, and bought some GG birds and a racquet ( Rp70, the orange one), which I'm using right now.

[Pete LSD]

Yeah, VRC is old compared to GGBC. But there are squash courts at VRC :D for the fanatic badders who wish to train their backhand strokes ;) with their squash buddies.





GGBC kind of reminds me of VRC, actually. but a nicer version of... (sorry Vancouver members... ;) )

[Pete LSD]

:D I know now!!!




We also met a of famous personality from Hongkong. Kwun knows more about her.

[Cheung]

Cheung! You too?? Wow, very soon you guys will over take the pros as badminton celebrities :D:D Good job!!! Maybe you guys can promote badminton more than the whole IBF committee combined :p:p
I think it's very easy to get well known in SF. Everybody is so connected to the internet, one can get to be very well known in a certain community in a short space of time. Certainly looking forward to visiting this club on my next trip.

Can't decide when though. Really wanted to go in March 2006 but also may need to go to Australia....aargh, choices, choices and not enough annual leave (and cash).

[Han]

Hi Cheung:
I think your decision is quite easy, if your trip is purely for badminton then why Australia? Malaysia and Indonesia should be the place to go, holy ground for badminton. To meet Kwun and Han then ... USA :-)

[Pete LSD]

Or meet the Vancouver dudes :D Come to Vancouver. It's closer to HK and the food is very similar to HK :)

[Chrispywu]

found this in the chinese newspaper about GGBC
i cant wait till the grand opening!
i live sooo close to it too

[kwun]

found this in the chinese newspaper about GGBC
i cant wait till the grand opening!
i live sooo close to it too

i see the PR engine has started to run. that is excellent!

now that the word is out, yes, i did run into Sally Yeh in GGBC when i visited there last week. she is a friendly and talkative lady, you won't realize you are chatting with a world famous singer/movie star. instead, she is very approachable, it is like talking to just another badminton fanatic like the rest of us. :)

[MidBadder]

:) Did you get any autograph from her. Her songs were so popular during my college time. Don't know she play badminotn also. Cool:cool:.


i see the PR engine has started to run. that is excellent!

now that the word is out, yes, i did run into Sally Yeh in GGBC when i visited there last week. she is a friendly and talkative lady, you won't realize you are chatting with a world famous singer/movie star. instead, she is very approachable, it is like talking to just another badminton fanatic like the rest of us. :)

[kwun]

:) Did you get any autograph from her. Her songs were so popular during my college time. Don't know she play badminotn also. Cool:cool:.

no, i didn't ask for an autograph. ;) i haven't followed HK pop culture for decades. in fact, when she introduced herself, "Hi, I am Sally," i didn't recognize who she was, my reply was just, "Hi, I am kwun, nice to meet you." it was only until later on that someone pointed out who she is when everything just clicked!

Sally is a big fan of badminton. BC members have reported sightings of her playing in various places include VRC (Vancouver) and places in Hong Kong. i was surpised to bump into her in GGBC, but i wasn't surprised that she is playing badminton.

from talking to her, i can tell that she is very crazy about badminton. i think she can be an excellent ambassador to the sport given her fame and popularity.

[MidBadder]

Yes indeed badminton is the kind of sport that once you touch it you will love it for life.
I'm glad that badminton is booming in bay area. Maybe in the future those four badminton clubs can have club tournament to gather those fanatics competing different players from other club. I think no matter the gym is new or more advanced tech floor there will be more like zoning which affect people where to play. (my 2 cents.):)

[siKiD]

Kinda curios...does anyone know of the coaches coaching at ggbc. I know that Mike Yang is coaching(kinda expensive), and i just checked on their site and there was another guy. But beside those two, does anyone know of any other coaches there?

[B3nny H4nn4]

for now i believe the other is guojin song, but im pretty sure that they will hire more coaches soon.

[freeheeler]

for now i believe the other is guojin song, but im pretty sure that they will hire more coaches soon.

got the latest on an opening date?

[Han]

Yes, I am also curious about the opening date so are many from the SF area.

[samkool]

saw a postcard/flyer regarding membership prices.

after seeing the prices for a single [$250 initiation fee + $65/month :eek:] everything else became a blur...

[Han]

I was told the grand opening was on June 11 and I will be there to try out with my partner. Will come back with more info for sure. Stay tune ...

[lilayzunboi]

Here's the costs for everything:

Family of Four: $250(initiation)+160(monthly)

Single: $150(initiation)+$65/month

Junior: $100+$50/month

Court Rental: $35/hour member & $45/hour non-member

One-Time Guest Pass: $10

One Time Student: $8 (Same with seniors)

[samkool]

all admission free from 6/11-6/14.

[kokcheng]

i see the PR engine has started to run. that is excellent!

now that the word is out, yes, i did run into Sally Yeh in GGBC when i visited there last week. she is a friendly and talkative lady, you won't realize you are chatting with a world famous singer/movie star. instead, she is very approachable, it is like talking to just another badminton fanatic like the rest of us. :)OMG...Sally Yeh ain't she connected with George Lam,one of the superstars of HK.Wow..u re sure influential,Kwun.Badminton surely will have a good future.:)

[prophet]

All Grand Opening information is now on the website, confirmed date of June 11. They are having 3 days of free badminton play, then the membership fees (or drop in fees) kick in.

[samkool]

they say 3 days, but the 11th-14th = 4 days. i'm sure they'll honor all 4 days. ;)

"GGBC extends our cordial invitation to all of you who areavailable to play absolutely FREE for 3 days from June 11th toto June 14th from 10AM to 11PM! Finally this much anticipatedmoment has arrived and I hope all who love badminton will joinus on this fortuitous day and play till you drop!"


All Grand Opening information is now on the website, confirmed date of June 11. They are having 3 days of free badminton play, then the membership fees (or drop in fees) kick in.

[kwun]

this is some extra info i got today.

$10 drop-in fee as mentioned above.

but for the rest of June after the opening 3 days free play, it will be $5.

[kwun]

i went to GGBC and took some pics today.

first set is the front of the building and the entrance. once you enter the club, you will be greeted with the GGBC logo. to the left of the entrance is the reception desk, to the right is the shop.

there are some office space, some of which may become an exercising area and last time i heard they are interested in a yoga room and maybe a nursery.

the top floor is a cafe and sitting area. the balcony opens up to face the front of the building.

[kwun]

and then the playing area. the color scheme follows the general blue/green theme of the club.

as you walk in, you will see 5 courts on the left side, and 3 courts on the right.

they already started the training classes and there are some young kids getting trained there.

[kwun]

just to clarify. the club is not opened yet. you see a lot of people there and they are mainly just friends of the owner and probably family of the students there. they will be opened to the public 6/11 as mentioned in a previous post.

[lilayzunboi]

^Kwun looks like you were there same time I was.

[kwun]

^Kwun looks like you were there same time I was.
is that right? which court were you playing at?

[lilayzunboi]

is that right? which court were you playing at?
Wasn't playing at the time, just finishing up my membership stuff. Just remember seeing someone taking pictures while I was there.

[Totoro800OF]

Saw Kwun taking pictures yesterday, and playing badminton with his wife.

GGBC is the best badminton gym in the bay area, period. It gives you a feeling of a place to play and relax and enjoy your day. Most importantly, you can see the shuttle:)

Pros: High ceiling, Good color wall (see shuttle clearly), good air circulation, very nice locker room.

Cons: White ceiling (you can still see the shuttle, but a colored ceiling will be perfect), floor is not as soft as UBC, no challenge court, Queing system is kind of funny.

Oh, one more negative is while the back of the courts has lots of space, GGBC does have sitting benches place there. The benches do not affect play, but people who lay their stuff around can get mighty close to the court and post a very dangerous situation.

Overall, I like this gym a lot more than the other two. Unfortunately, the location is a bit far for me. I wish Bingtang, my regular gym, will at least improve on the floor.

[samkool]

Queing system is kind of funny.

please explain the queing system...

[Totoro800OF]

Well, first off, I am not sure I understand the queuing system correctly or not, that's why it is still funny to me.:confused: The system is like a lot of other tennis courts system, where you place your racket in the queue.

In GGBC system, they have 11 racket racks. In each rack, you are suppose to have 4 rackets (for a double game). When a court is available, rack #1 people can go play a 15 point game with 5 minute warmup. Then rack #2 move to rack #1 (this is the part that confuse me, whose moving the rackets, or do they move at all), etc... Also, what if they have more than 44 people waiting then what? Whose going to regulate who can put the racket on the rack next?


I think UBC has the best queuing system today.

[kan2005]

Hi,
I got the info from my friend that the drop in fees is $5 till the end of june. The opening hours is 10a.m. - 9p.m.. June 11 - June 13 is still free to play.
Have fun.

[Rayminton]

:)
Is GGBC open for play now???

I heard that they are open for play from 10A.M. till 9 P.M.everyday

Drop in for the month of June is only $5, :)

[kwun]

so to summarize, this is the fare schedule for the coming few weeks in GGBC:

on and before June 11th : 10am-9pm fee : $5
June 11th-13th : 10am-11pm fee : FREE
June 14th - June 30th : 10am-11pm fee: $5
July 1st onwards : 10am-11pm fee : $10

i hope i got that right. mayst982 please correct the info if not.

[kwun]

Well, first off, I am not sure I understand the queuing system correctly or not, that's why it is still funny to me.:confused: The system is like a lot of other tennis courts system, where you place your racket in the queue.

In GGBC system, they have 11 racket racks. In each rack, you are suppose to have 4 rackets (for a double game). When a court is available, rack #1 people can go play a 15 point game with 5 minute warmup. Then rack #2 move to rack #1 (this is the part that confuse me, whose moving the rackets, or do they move at all), etc... Also, what if they have more than 44 people waiting then what? Whose going to regulate who can put the racket on the rack next?


I think UBC has the best queuing system today.

the system is the same as VRC in Vancouver, where some of the organizers used to play in. that reminds me, i forgot to take a picture of the queuing system, ah well.

what you said is correct. all rackets moves down one slot with any court opening up. as for who is responsible for doing that, i guess it is people who cares, ie. the people near the front of the queue.

[wood_22_chuck]

Here's the pic I posted, during LB's visit:

Racket queue (http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=228016&postcount=152).

-dave

[cooler]

i forgot, does each group play 1 game or 1 match on each rotation :confused:

[Cheung]

I do agree the wall seems a little close to the end of the court. Still look s acceptable though.

Looks very nice to me. Can't really comment on the white ceiling but I'm sure I've played good badminton in worse conditions.

[lilayzunboi]

I didn't get the queuing system very much either since knowing me and a lot of people, we'll likely forgot. But, maybe we'll learn to just remember instinctively after going there for a while.

As far as white ceiling, I don't find it that bad, but then maybe I'm just used to being in gyms with less than ideal paint schemes(South City anyone?).

[Urkel]

I didn't get the queuing system very much either since knowing me and a lot of people, we'll likely forgot. But, maybe we'll learn to just remember instinctively after going there for a while.

As far as white ceiling, I don't find it that bad, but then maybe I'm just used to being in gyms with less than ideal paint schemes(South City anyone?).
Sally Lam and founder Mike Yang will be interviewed on San Francisco-based SingTao Radio (FM96.1) by a mandarin-speaking host from 9 to 10am on Tuesday June 7. Tune in and call the 800 number to ask them to explain the queuing system. ;)

[mayst982]

Just lurking around and saw these at www.ggbadminton.com (http://www.ggbadminton.com). :)

[GGmike]

Dear ALL Badminton Friends!!

Hello everyone! Finally I can have the opportunity to write here at the most popular site in the increasingly expanding World of Badminton! We have Kwun to thank for that!

I want to announce that we are going to have our GRAND OPENING on JUNE 11, SATURDAY at 11AM!! I extend our cordial invitation to all of you to attend our Grand Opening or to check out our gym this weekend. Drop-in play is FREE for 3 days from June 11th to June 13th from 11AM to 11PM! Finally, this day I have anticipated so much has arrived and I hope all who love badminton will join us on this auspicious day and play till you drop!

There has been much talk on this site and in the badminton hot lines about our club and I hope you will just come on over and see for yourselves! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so no matter what you have heard about GGBC, good or bad, it is better to see and experience it for real! Our goal is to give you the ULTIMATE BADMINTON EXPERIENCE which is our CLUB MISSION! We sincerely hope that we have done our very best to reach this plateau. I really do thank you for your patience and I hope you will come and join us to have some roast pig, hang out and play fanatically at our Grand Opening! We have fantastic courts, great facilities and a resourceful and wonderfully friendly team of Staff. We’ve reached the finish line hand in hand as a team and I hope you will feel our passion for badminton after you experience our club!

We will be there to greet all of you on our opening day! See you then and Thank You once again for your love of badminton! Lets all get the World to PLAY!

Yours Sincerely,



Mike Yang and Ben Lee, Management and Staff

From Golden Gate Badminton Club

[GGrebecca]

Hello All Badminton Lovers,

Here at the GGBC Golden Gate Badminton Club the staff would like to welcome all of you who would like to try out our new badminton club! We are super excited about our club and hope you will come visit us during our Grand Opening and of course our open hours after that! Attached here is the Grand Opening Flyer, our promotions for the Grand Opening month and a letter from our Founder Mike Yang as well as, Co-Founder Ben Lee. We do hope you will come no matter what you are doing over the weekend. All the Staff of GGBC will be ready to greet and play with you! See you then!

Best Regards, Rebecca

PS. Because of anticipated traffic during the opening, court time will be limited to 7 points per game and a 3-minute warm up! Thank you for your patience!

THANK YOU to all fellow badminton enthusiasts who have posted notice of our prices, membership fees and other information on our behalf!

(Sorry, having trouble getting the site to upload the pdf files, will enclose later.)

[Han]

So any feedback from those who attended the grand opening?

[B3nny H4nn4]

today was the first time that i went to GGBC when it was fully done. I must say that mike and ben have truly outdone themselves...the gym is BEAUTIFUL! the flooring is excellent and the proshop offers many selections of rackets at a reasonable price. I had alot of fun when i went there because i saw tony gunawan whom i haven't seen since last year and most importantly i met kwun for the first time and i also saw many other celebrities there. I hope that somehow in the near future they can hold national tournaments at GGBC. There were HECKA ppl there today...lol...but the staff contolled it very well and kept everything organized. So yeh...go check it out! They are still having free play tommorow and monday.

[Chrispywu]

today was the first time that i went to GGBC when it was fully done. I must say that mike and ben have truly outdone themselves...the gym is BEAUTIFUL! the flooring is excellent and the proshop offers many selections of rackets at a reasonable price. I had alot of fun when i went there because i saw tony gunawan whom i haven't seen since last year and most importantly i met kwun for the first time and i also saw many other celebrities there. I hope that somehow in the near future they can hold national tournaments at GGBC. There were HECKA ppl there today...lol...but the staff contolled it very well and kept everything organized. So yeh...go check it out! They are still having free play tommorow and monday.

haha yah.. it was really controlled.. the really awesome singer-lady was controlling the queuing system- which i must say is pretty organized..

i went both grand opening day and the day after..
haha because it was FREE!! and i live really close by

i really like the place.. and the best of it is the nice staff.. ^_^

over n out!

[Cheung]

Sounds like a who's who event of badminton!

Any pictures?

[Cheung]

Nobody has ANY pictures?? :crying:

[lilayzunboi]

Nobody has ANY pictures?? :crying:
Check on page 4 or 5 there are pictures there I think.

[Cheung]

Check on page 4 or 5 there are pictures there I think.
Very few people around for a Grand Opening event. :rolleyes:

[newplayer]

Hi,

In my badminton club, shuttles are provided freely. The rules in my club is such
that brand new shuttles are for games only and used/old shuttles can be used
during practice. Does GGBC have similar policies?

newplayer

[B3nny H4nn4]

haha i dun think so...but dood! if they DID gave out new birdies...that would be sooo expensive! lol

[lilayzunboi]

Very few people around for a Grand Opening event. :rolleyes:
haha. yep, i was the only other person there... :p

[wmb2002]

I went to GGBC last evening to try out the courts and get a feel of the gym, and I must say GGBC has done a fabulous job as many have said already. Here are some pros and cons based on personal opinions/observations:

Pros:

§ The flooring is great – perfect seamless construction and beautiful green/blue clear color scheme, and my legs didn’t feel sore afterwards

§ The high ceiling and ventilation fans provide pretty good ventilation, albeit the overflowing crowds made it seem a little stuffy last night. I’d imagine air flow would be much better with a regular-size crowd

§ The color scheme is soothing and comfortable for seeing the birdie clearly, I didn’t find the white ceiling bothersome

§ Lighting is adequate (although I’d prefer a little brighter)

§ The staff is very friendly and welcoming

§ Very nice restroom and locker room facilities


Cons:

§ I must say the queuing system maybe the least desired feature as it relies on 2 key factors for it to work properly:

1. Players must conscientiously yield the court themselves when their time is up – this honor system might not work well with some players and it’d be difficult for queuing players to know exactly how much time on-court players have used up already.

2. Players must constantly keep track of how much time has elapsed while they’re playing - this can be quite distracting to the games.

It seems the queuing system at UBC might be a more sensible/workable arrangement where players sign for a specific court in a computer queue that starts the time-slot countdown immediately upon sign-in, and the next-in-line players can just go claim the court when the time is up.

§ I conquer with an earlier post that there’s very little room at the back of the courts where people and bags could be lying around that can cause injuries easily. Perhaps a line needs to be drawn at an adequate distance from the courts and no people or equipment should be placed beyond that line.

§ Similarly, walkways to the restroom/lockeroom are very narrow paths between courts. I wish there’s more room as one often needs to lug a badminton bag as well, which might get in the way of ongoing games.

In short, I had a wonderful time and must applaud the organizers for a high-quality and well-organized badminton gym! Bravo, Mike and gang!!! Clap! Clap!

[GGsally]

Hi Everyone!!! This is Sally Yeh here. I thought I should also post and explain alot of the issues unsolved here in the forum. First of all I would like to say HI to everyone here. I read this forum all the time. I find it fun and chatty and of course everything about Badminton!! I really praise Kwun for starting this site and I've met him at GGBC a few times now as well as his very lovely wife. I'll also be happy to answer any questions about queing (the best I can) and anything else about GGBC that anyone would like to ask! Thank you.

I want to say that we had the most amazing opening that I have ever seen. It was as exciting as opening of a movie or even concerts! It was blissfully chaotic and so much pleasure to see soo many people enjoying themselves playing badminton in GGBC. I couldn't help but just stand back and smile. Our Staff worked so hard to reach that goal and I'm so proud of everyone of them especially Mike Yang. He tirelessly put everything he has in this club and the results does speak for itself. I'm surprised that people thought the photos that Kwun put up was the opening! That was a week before and us doing our opening preparations getting things together. Our opening was a MADHOUSE. I believe 1000 people went in and out of there in those 3 FREE days. It was INCREDULOUS! We were SOO busy we realised had no time to take photos! Our whole staffs arms and legs were not enough to use!

OK now I get to the queing system. To put it simply, it is like a Bank Teller system. First teller available, first in line goes. It is actually very simple but YES, people have to monitor the courts themselves. Our racks are numbered from 1 to 11 our courts A to H. The numbers have no relations to the letters. Just to allow more people to line up. On our 3 opening days, there was a line up to get on rack line up cos it was just too packed! On a usual busy day it works wonders.

IF U C NO OPEN COURTS: You hang your racquets with your desired partners on a peg on the rack. There is a ring that represents "1st in line". When players get off any court, the "1st in line" takes their racquets and take that court. They move the ring to the NEXT in line and they become "1st in line".. and so on....New players will hang their racquets on the last empty peg after the "1st in line" ring. If players are just practicing or drilling they look at the big clock on the wall before they get on and monitor 15 minutes they get off to let the next in line go. If people are playing a game they warm up for 3 to 5 minutes, play 1 game up to 15 point maximum and get off to let the others in line go. Then those can que up again. The system is actually very effective if everyone just honors it. Once players know the culture they can help each other understand it. The key is to "honor" cos that keeps the rotation going very fast. If not, it just gets stuck and then no one benefits. Soooo... is it that hard to be honorable? :o You cannot hang racquets if you are still playing on the court. The reason is if your turn comes up (which is pretty quick) you cannot go cos you are still on court and then the line gets messed up. We discourage single games if too many in line. In the 2 days that I was manning the system and explaining it about 400 times to educate people, it worked fine. Just on Monday it was "people mountain, people sea", but we don't expect that kind of turn out if it is not FREE!! Hee hee! There were one or 2 who gave me trouble but I gave them a good talk and they were fine. If it's not busy, you can play till your legs give out.

OK, I hope that explains it but of course if you come before July 13th, I will be there to explain it to you if it gets that busy.

We have many juicy promotions just till end of June. We have 5 outstanding coaches including Ben Lee, Guo Jinsong, Kota (forgot his last name) (all anytime), Cania Chang, and Dick Ng on weekends. We also have 3 separate summercamps which is getting kind of full so if you are interested pls come to ask about it. We have a Pro Shop which carries Yonex, Black Knight and our own GGBC products which have been selling like hotcakes! Mikes birdies and racquets are really of superb quality too!

I really think it's great there are so many badminton places to play now. I think we should all work together to promote the sport so many others can enjoy it as much as we all do! Surely, we have succeeded somewhat becos many signing members have never touched a racquet and they are so eager to learn to become fit and healthy as well as happy! Its great to see them so excited.

If I can help you with any questions regarding GGBC pls don't hesitate to ask. Hope to see you there!

Fond Regards to all, Sally

[GGsally]

I believe you were looking at photos that Kwun took 1 week BFORE the opening.

Sally

[GGsally]

In my badminton club, shuttles are provided freely. The rules in my club is such
that brand new shuttles are for games only and used/old shuttles can be used
during practice. Does GGBC have similar policies?

GGBC DOES provide shuttles.... but not free...:p We sell our own GGBC birdies at our pro shop, but we have buckets full of used birdies which are provided on the courts and you can use freely.

Sally

[Pete LSD]

Hi Sally!

Now that you have your own club to look after, I guess you will not drop by VRC that often :crying: :crying: :crying: .

[ctjcad]

Sally's post snipped for brevity...

Sally, after reading your post, I didn't realize you are quite fluent writing in English, but then realizing that you basically grew up and went to school in Vancouver also, I can understand...

Anyway, your presence there alone should provide some incentive for GGBC to grow...Perhaps you can help the other (new) clubs also that are opening up??..

Keep up the good work...and good luck on your upcoming concert in July...

[baInsider]

Hey Sally,

Good to know you are a partner in GGBC. Didn't know your interest in badminton was this much.

[kwun]

I believe you were looking at photos that Kwun took 1 week BFORE the opening.

Sally

welcome to BC, Sally! :)

i have more pics that was taken in the afternoon of the opening day. i was planning to post them but got real busy at work sorry.. i will post them tonight.

unfortunately i missed the opening ceremony in the morning as i had a prior lunch commitment.

[Cheung]

I believe you were looking at photos that Kwun took 1 week BFORE the opening.

Sally
Yup, somebody else made the mistake and I was pointing it out in a polite fashion;) :p !

Wish I could have been there (get a chance to use my new camera!). Must have been an amazing atmosphere.

[cooler]

Welcome to BC Sally. It's great to see badminton is buzzing in the bay area. I hope it would serve as a seed of badminton growth in north america. I watch with envy of seeing the growing choice and quality badminton facilities in that region. Definitely nothing like those over here in Calgary ( national training point and HQ of yonex canada) but then again it isn't 'yun san yun hoi' over here :D

I don't know if players over there steam their feather shuttles, we do and having a kettle beside or close by the courts is my suggestion.

[samkool]

I don't know if players over there steam their feather shuttles, we do and having a kettle beside or close by the courts is my suggestion.
now *that* would be cool. :cool:

[Ben Lee]

Hello All,
Yes, it's finally me, Ben Lee. I just wanted everyone to hear about GGBC from me. Anyway, it has been a long road with a tremendous amount of roadblocks along the way to build the club. Finally, we have reached our goal; a world class badminton club.
First of all, I just wanted to extend a heart felt thanks to my wife Lan and our dear friend Sally. We would not have been able to do it without your help. Also, I would like to recognize the GGBC staff, thank you all for all your hard work.
Ok, this may be somewhat of a long posting so please be patient.
Mike, GGBC and I are committed to providing all you badminton enthusiast with a world class badminton facility. And yes, we plan to host international badminton events at GGBC (in case you all were wondering). We have worked a very long time to reach the point we are at now. Many sleepless nights and drawn out days for many months has been the course of action for the past 4 months or so (plus about 2 years of planning). Our friendship has even been put to the test. We looked at so many details along the way that took so much time. In the end, it has all been worth it. We feel that we have NOT cut any corners in providing our members with the best that a badminton club has to offer. We found a facility with a 35 foot high ceiling, we researched over ten different flooring companies, we have formed great relationships with so many key companies and finally, we came up with the end result of GGBC.
We are extremely blessed to have the support of Yonex, USA Badminton and OCBC. We plan to host many national and international events at GGBC. We will be forming an "elite" team to develop Olympic caliber players. We will be providing classes, training camps and lessons to all our aspiring members from all age groups. Whether you are an adult who just wants to improve his/her skills or whether you are an up and coming junior player, we will be able to provide the resources available to you to "be all you can be." Mike and I have done our best to avoid all the "gossip" and "speculation" many people form about GGBC. All I can say is please see for yourself. We have certainly done our best to provide USA Badminton a faciltiy to breed champions.
I welcome all comments and suggestions to ben@ggbadminton.com. I will be more than happy to respond to "constructive" criticism but will never respond to "destructive" criticism.
Mike and I are proud and happy to finally share our great passion for badminton with all of you out there. May we all indulge in our wonderful sport. See you all soon I hope.
Ben Lee

[GGsally]

Hi Sally!

Now that you have your own club to look after, I guess you will not drop by VRC that often :crying: :crying: :crying: .

SALLY: Actually I went to VRC last year and played for 4 nights from 11pm to 2am just before my concert. My legs were rubber by the time I sang. Ha ha.. I love VRC and that is where we got the queing system from! It's really great! Both Mike and I love it and it works so well in VRC! Just got to be honorable....:D

Sally

[GGsally]

Definitely nothing like those over here in Calgary :D

I don't know if players over there steam their feather shuttles, we do and having a kettle beside or close by the courts is my suggestion.[/QUOTE]

SALLY: Thank you for welcoming me. Oh that's interesting. Steaming shuttles. I'll try that today... But is it becos Calgary is so cold? Anyways, just think! If you ever come to SFO, you'll have CHOICES of places to play in! How great can that be?

Sally

[Pete LSD]

A true baddie fanatic! :D

Well, I am referring to the coming years. You will be occupied by concerts and GGBC; so, there will be less time to come to VRC to visit us.
:crying: :crying: :crying:


SALLY: Actually I went to VRC last year and played for 4 nights from 11pm to 2am just before my concert. My legs were rubber by the time I sang. Ha ha.. I love VRC and that is where we got the queing system from! It's really great! Both Mike and I love it and it works so well in VRC! Just got to be honorable....:D

Sally

[LazyBuddy]

A true baddie fanatic! :D

Well, I am referring to the coming years. You will be occupied by concerts and GGBC; so, there will be less time to come to VRC to visit us.
:crying: :crying: :crying:

Wow... Maybe I should plan my yearly Van trip according to sally's schedule now. ;)

[cooler]

SALLY: Thank you for welcoming me. Oh that's interesting. Steaming shuttles. I'll try that today... But is it becos Calgary is so cold? Anyways, just think! If you ever come to SFO, you'll have CHOICES of places to play in! How great can that be?

Sally.



Hi Sally. Yes, steaming feather shuttles is mandatory over here (Calgary) mainly because of the low humidity air. Our high altitude location also require us to use lighter weighted shuttlecocks which doesn't help the matter either. We use speed 74 here (speed 0 for aerosensa). As for SF area, light steaming during low rainfall season would still be benefical in extending shuttle durability. Why our air is so dry u may ask? Two reasons: Thanks to vancouver :o , that city soak up almost all the rain before the air blows to calgary, and if the moist air does get pass vancouver and the rocky mountain, in the winter, the water molecules fall to the ground and they can't get up so to speak ;)

The GGBC is definitely a tourist attraction site for badminton fans worldwide :)

[Cheung]

Wow... Maybe I should plan my yearly Van trip according to sally's schedule now. ;)OK LB, better be careful here *cough*. The lady is married you know. ;)

[GGsally]

Oh Kwun, I'm sooo glad you have photos cos we don't have ANY! We were so busy NO ONE took photos and we were saying how awful we have no souvenir of our FIRST day of business! Mike's dream come true is recorded in your hands so pulllease post on here and if it's OK with you, would you give us a CD version so we can develope for our records at GGBC, and once again, THANKS for doing that. Its' just great! OK, I've had a long day at work at GGBC so I'm off. Talk to you guys tommorow!

Sally

[Chrispywu]

Wah! you stay till midnight!
The bulletin board said "NO PHOTOS OR FILMING".. so I didnt bother to take any pictures.. hmm I wonder why we can't take photos..

[GGsally]

Wah! you stay till midnight!
The bulletin board said "NO PHOTOS OR FILMING".. so I didnt bother to take any pictures.. hmm I wonder why we can't take photos..

It does??? I wonder who posted that. Probably my assistant who is "sign" crazy. She post everywhere. ha ha. Will take that off pronto. You coming today Crisp? Wouldn't be the same without you dropping by and playing ALL day...as usual. I will have to hurry our snack bar so you will have something to eat. I worry your Mom will see a too-skinny you and wonder what GGBC did to you. C ya later...

Sally

[Chrispywu]

It does??? I wonder who posted that. Probably my assistant who is "sign" crazy. She post everywhere. ha ha. Will take that off pronto. You coming today Crisp? Wouldn't be the same without you dropping by and playing ALL day...as usual. I will have to hurry our snack bar so you will have something to eat. I worry your Mom will see a too-skinny you and wonder what GGBC did to you. C ya later...

Sally
I'll probably go.. practice for the tournament tomorrow at Gunn high.

[speed78]

Hi Sally,

This is speed78, we met in Vancouver and played at Van Racquet's Club a couple of years back. ("Mr" speed78 drove u to buy shoes not sure if you remember) - When u came back to visit last year we were unfortunately out of town so we missed you then. We're very happy to hear that you've started such a cool club in SF. Congrats!! Hopefully we'll get to come visit your club in SF soon?

PS Thanks for your autographed CD from your friends JK and FF~ it was goooood!

[samkool]

i did not notice a water fountain near the courts. is there one and did i miss it? if not, where is the nearest one?

[GGsally]

YES, there is a huge water fountain, in fact 2 of them ON the court, in the shape of a vending machine costing $1.00 for MANY GULPS of water. We also sell different flavors of vitasoy, gatorade, and fresh orange juice as well as apples and bananas in the pro shop. We will soon have yummy fresh sandwiches and snacks from a resturant called Loo Yu Shuan and Broadway Bistro. We may have some chinese buns too. We will get a menu we can choose from. We had some food tasting the other day and had some fresh fruit, some chinese salads with peanut sauce dressing and an assortment of quite delicious sandwiches. These people also cater to Singapore airlines First class lounge. The first day they sent some, the staff ate it all. By the way, we have a wonderful kid's room now if anyone is worried about kids running around. Now all the kids stay in there! I'm preparing to get a little play pen or crib for little kids if I can fit anything else in that room.

Sally

Sally

[GGsally]

Oh I remember you!! Thanks for driving me to get shoes. Those shoes are still in Julies house in Vancouver. I won't bring shoes when I go again. I always have fun playing in VRC. The people are so fun and friendly there. I always get good exciting games too!! Hope to see you guys soon and if you ever come down, pls visit us at GGBC!!

Sally

[Chrispywu]

I noticed a second floor from the front.. Is that where people are going to eat?
hehe by the way sally.. thank you for the Cliff bars.. after we ate those.. we played much better!!

-chrispywoo

[Great Eagle]

Congratulation my friend!!! You did a very good job on the queing system.

Looking forward to see you soon.


Hi Everyone!!! This is Sally Yeh here. I thought I should also post and explain alot of the issues unsolved here in the forum. First of all I would like to say HI to everyone here. I read this forum all the time. I find it fun and chatty and of course everything about Badminton!! I really praise Kwun for starting this site and I've met him at GGBC a few times now as well as his very pregnant lovely wife. I'll also be happy to answer any questions about queing (the best I can) and anything else about GGBC that anyone would like to ask! Thank you.

I want to say that we had the most amazing opening that I have ever seen. It was as exciting as opening of a movie or even concerts! It was blissfully chaotic and so much pleasure to see soo many people enjoying themselves playing badminton in GGBC. I couldn't help but just stand back and smile. Our Staff worked so hard to reach that goal and I'm so proud of everyone of them especially Mike Yang. He tirelessly put everything he has in this club and the results does speak for itself. I'm surprised that people thought the photos that Kwun put up was the opening! That was a week before and us doing our opening preparations getting things together. Our opening was a MADHOUSE. I believe 1000 people went in and out of there in those 3 FREE days. It was INCREDULOUS! We were SOO busy we realised had no time to take photos! Our whole staffs arms and legs were not enough to use!

OK now I get to the queing system. To put it simply, it is like a Bank Teller system. First teller available, first in line goes. It is actually very simple but YES, people have to monitor the courts themselves. Our racks are numbered from 1 to 11 our courts A to H. The numbers have no relations to the letters. Just to allow more people to line up. On our 3 opening days, there was a line up to get on rack line up cos it was just too packed! On a usual busy day it works wonders.

IF U C NO OPEN COURTS: You hang your racquets with your desired partners on a peg on the rack. There is a ring that represents "1st in line". When players get off any court, the "1st in line" takes their racquets and take that court. They move the ring to the NEXT in line and they become "1st in line".. and so on....New players will hang their racquets on the last empty peg after the "1st in line" ring. If players are just practicing or drilling they look at the big clock on the wall before they get on and monitor 15 minutes they get off to let the next in line go. If people are playing a game they warm up for 3 to 5 minutes, play 1 game up to 15 point maximum and get off to let the others in line go. Then those can que up again. The system is actually very effective if everyone just honors it. Once players know the culture they can help each other understand it. The key is to "honor" cos that keeps the rotation going very fast. If not, it just gets stuck and then no one benefits. Soooo... is it that hard to be honorable? :o You cannot hang racquets if you are still playing on the court. The reason is if your turn comes up (which is pretty quick) you cannot go cos you are still on court and then the line gets messed up. We discourage single games if too many in line. In the 2 days that I was manning the system and explaining it about 400 times to educate people, it worked fine. Just on Monday it was "people mountain, people sea", but we don't expect that kind of turn out if it is not FREE!! Hee hee! There were one or 2 who gave me trouble but I gave them a good talk and they were fine. If it's not busy, you can play till your legs give out.

OK, I hope that explains it but of course if you come before July 13th, I will be there to explain it to you if it gets that busy.

We have many juicy promotions just till end of June. We have 5 outstanding coaches including Ben Lee, Guo Jinsong, Kota (forgot his last name) (all anytime), Cania Chang, and Dick Ng on weekends. We also have 3 separate summercamps which is getting kind of full so if you are interested pls come to ask about it. We have a Pro Shop which carries Yonex, Black Knight and our own GGBC products which have been selling like hotcakes! Mikes birdies and racquets are really of superb quality too!

I really think it's great there are so many badminton places to play now. I think we should all work together to promote the sport so many others can enjoy it as much as we all do! Surely, we have succeeded somewhat becos many signing members have never touched a racquet and they are so eager to learn to become fit and healthy as well as happy! Its great to see them so excited.

If I can help you with any questions regarding GGBC pls don't hesitate to ask. Hope to see you there!

Fond Regards to all, Sally

[Great Eagle]

Your shoes and your racket is at my place, buddy. HAHAHA
Oh I remember you!! Thanks for driving me to get shoes. Those shoes are still in Julies house in Vancouver. I won't bring shoes when I go again. I always have fun playing in VRC. The people are so fun and friendly there. I always get good exciting games too!! Hope to see you guys soon and if you ever come down, pls visit us at GGBC!!

Sally

[kokcheng]

When Ifirst read about GGBC,I came across the name of Sally Yeh.It's indeed a surprise to know a diva involving in badminton.I would like to congratulate you and your associates and wish you all the best.Hope you make badminton a popular sport in the US.YOu have chosen a right sport and Iam sure it's just a matter of time that the American public becomes passionate about this game as you and your associate are.By the way, heard that you will be performing in Genting soon.May I know When?

[gummiebirdie]

I'll probably go.. practice for the tournament tomorrow at Gunn high.

who won at Gunn high this weekend? :rolleyes:

[MaggieHo]

:)
who won at Gunn high this weekend? :rolleyes:

It was a back to back game for us, but after finish playing six matches, me and my partner was so tired. We can't even move an inch, but we have a wonderful time playing with the diva and GGBC coach. She suprised me with alot her shot, and about five shot she hit the bird right on the line. I just looked at the bird and looked at her ,"Yes, is right on the line:eek: ". The coach from GGBC also make alot of amazing great shot that fake me and my partner out. Over all they gave us a very good game and we have alot of fun craking joke while we play. I am looking for a future rematch with Sally and Coach (Gin jong), don't remeber the name.:D

[harrycoomer]

The method you describe is both simple and antediluvian.


Hi Everyone!!! This is Sally Yeh here. I thought I should also post and explain alot of the issues unsolved here in the forum. First of all I would like to say HI to everyone here. I read this forum all the time. I find it fun and chatty and of course everything about Badminton!! I really praise Kwun for starting this site and I've met him at GGBC a few times now as well as his very pregnant lovely wife. I'll also be happy to answer any questions about queing (the best I can) and anything else about GGBC that anyone would like to ask! Thank you.

I want to say that we had the most amazing opening that I have ever seen. It was as exciting as opening of a movie or even concerts! It was blissfully chaotic and so much pleasure to see soo many people enjoying themselves playing badminton in GGBC. I couldn't help but just stand back and smile. Our Staff worked so hard to reach that goal and I'm so proud of everyone of them especially Mike Yang. He tirelessly put everything he has in this club and the results does speak for itself. I'm surprised that people thought the photos that Kwun put up was the opening! That was a week before and us doing our opening preparations getting things together. Our opening was a MADHOUSE. I believe 1000 people went in and out of there in those 3 FREE days. It was INCREDULOUS! We were SOO busy we realised had no time to take photos! Our whole staffs arms and legs were not enough to use!

OK now I get to the queing system. To put it simply, it is like a Bank Teller system. First teller available, first in line goes. It is actually very simple but YES, people have to monitor the courts themselves. Our racks are numbered from 1 to 11 our courts A to H. The numbers have no relations to the letters. Just to allow more people to line up. On our 3 opening days, there was a line up to get on rack line up cos it was just too packed! On a usual busy day it works wonders.

IF U C NO OPEN COURTS: You hang your racquets with your desired partners on a peg on the rack. There is a ring that represents "1st in line". When players get off any court, the "1st in line" takes their racquets and take that court. They move the ring to the NEXT in line and they become "1st in line".. and so on....New players will hang their racquets on the last empty peg after the "1st in line" ring. If players are just practicing or drilling they look at the big clock on the wall before they get on and monitor 15 minutes they get off to let the next in line go. If people are playing a game they warm up for 3 to 5 minutes, play 1 game up to 15 point maximum and get off to let the others in line go. Then those can que up again. The system is actually very effective if everyone just honors it. Once players know the culture they can help each other understand it. The key is to "honor" cos that keeps the rotation going very fast. If not, it just gets stuck and then no one benefits. Soooo... is it that hard to be honorable? :o You cannot hang racquets if you are still playing on the court. The reason is if your turn comes up (which is pretty quick) you cannot go cos you are still on court and then the line gets messed up. We discourage single games if too many in line. In the 2 days that I was manning the system and explaining it about 400 times to educate people, it worked fine. Just on Monday it was "people mountain, people sea", but we don't expect that kind of turn out if it is not FREE!! Hee hee! There were one or 2 who gave me trouble but I gave them a good talk and they were fine. If it's not busy, you can play till your legs give out.

OK, I hope that explains it but of course if you come before July 13th, I will be there to explain it to you if it gets that busy.

We have many juicy promotions just till end of June. We have 5 outstanding coaches including Ben Lee, Guo Jinsong, Kota (forgot his last name) (all anytime), Cania Chang, and Dick Ng on weekends. We also have 3 separate summercamps which is getting kind of full so if you are interested pls come to ask about it. We have a Pro Shop which carries Yonex, Black Knight and our own GGBC products which have been selling like hotcakes! Mikes birdies and racquets are really of superb quality too!

I really think it's great there are so many badminton places to play now. I think we should all work together to promote the sport so many others can enjoy it as much as we all do! Surely, we have succeeded somewhat becos many signing members have never touched a racquet and they are so eager to learn to become fit and healthy as well as happy! Its great to see them so excited.

If I can help you with any questions regarding GGBC pls don't hesitate to ask. Hope to see you there!

Fond Regards to all, Sally

[kwun]

here are the pics i took in the afternoon of the opening day. it was overwhelmingly crowded so i only ended up with a few shots here and there.

somebody must have pics of the morning festivities which i missed.

Sally, i will make a CD of all the pics i took and bring it to GGBC next time i visit.

cheers..

[kwun]

and last but not least, here is a racket from another famous personality hung at the entrance hall of GGBC.....

[GGsally]

Wow, Mr. Croomer, your word was so big, I had to look it up in the Dictionary! Some of the oldest ways are the simplest and best. It's called "going back to basics". Maybe if you come to GGBC you can try it sometime. The point is to get people on the court in a timely and fair fashion. Whatever method works right? That's why retro and vintage is so popular these days too!

Sally

[GGsally]

Hey, we had tons of fun too! I lost my doubles match today :crying: but did you see Ben Lee and Jinsongs match with Chris Hale and Stanley Wu? It was so exciting, I couldn't bare to watch! But Ben and Jinsong won! Come to GGBC and we'll play you two again! This time we'll both get enough rest first!

Sally

[GGsally]

Thanks so much for the photos Kwun! You always take great photos! Please come to GGBC soon!

Sally

[GGsally]

Sorry to deviate from Badminton. I'm performing 2 nights on July 22nd, and July 23rd in Genting. I really don't want to leave GGBC but I'm committed so I have to go! :cool: I'll be back right after my concert!

Sally

[GGsally]

Our Lounge area upstairs is for party bookings or people who just want to rest from badminton and don't need to do that on a crowded court. They can go up there and read magazines, watch TV, listen to music or eat if they like (but they have to clean up after themselves). We are not serving food up there, but we will sell the food in the pro shop and you can bring it up there. I think Kwun took some photos of the upstairs lounge area last time. Its a nice quiet place to just hang out for awhile. We will have internet connect up there soon.

Your welcome for the cliff bar Crispy. You are there sooooo long, I'm afraid if you don't eat something you'll pass out! U see... the lounge area is for people like you that stay around GGBC all day!


Sally

[kwun]

Our Lounge area upstairs is for party bookings or people who just want to rest from badminton and don't need to do that on a crowded court. They can go up there and read magazines, watch TV, listen to music or eat if they like (but they have to clean up after themselves). We are not serving food up there, but we will sell the food in the pro shop and you can bring it up there. I think Kwun took some photos of the upstairs lounge area last time. Its a nice quiet place to just hang out for awhile. We will have internet connect up there soon.

Your welcome for the cliff bar Crispy. You are there sooooo long, I'm afraid if you don't eat something you'll pass out! U see... the lounge area is for people like you that stay around GGBC all day!


Sally

yes. here are more pics i took of the lounge area. too bad there is no window looking down to the courts area like VRC... but still a nice place to relax, see the sun, get some fresh air, and grab a bite to refuel for the marathon badminton session...

[harrycoomer]

Rather than sneer at my English, and making platitudes about "going back to basics" I suggest you think of feedback as an opportunity to improve.

Four gyms in the south bay will make it extremely competitive in favor of the players. You can view my comparision of the gyms here:

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23881&page=2&pp=18


Wow, Mr. Croomer, your word was so big, I had to look it up in the Dictionary! Some of the oldest ways are the simplest and best. It's called "going back to basics". Maybe if you come to GGBC you can try it sometime. The point is to get people on the court in a timely and fair fashion. Whatever method works right? That's why retro and vintage is so popular these days too!

Sally

[Cheung]

Rather than sneer at my English, and making platitudes about "going back to basics" I suggest you think of feedback as an opportunity to improve. Let's not diverge into issues of language. It's not appropriate. We do have an international audience so linguistic eloquence may not have the intended impact meant ;)

[Qidong]

From the pictures, the chairs are really too close to the courts. Look at the blue-shirt guy standing actully just 2 feet from the base line. :eek:

[Qidong]

Look like Jackie Chan like badminton also. I like to watch a match between Jet Li and Jackie Chan. It should be as exciting as Lin Dan and Taufuik.

[GGsally]

[QUOTE=harrycoomer]Rather than sneer at my English, and making platitudes about "going back to basics" I suggest you think of feedback as an opportunity to improve.

Four gyms in the south bay will make it extremely competitive in favor of the players. You can view my comparision of the gyms here:

Mr. Coomer, I believe all the gyms in the area will have their fair share of players. We appreciate your suggestion but we do believe our queing system is very workable, basic and simple. People will choose which gym to go to according to their preference, location and people they play with. We are happy there is so much to choose from in the bay area alone and that people love badminton so much. Furthermore, we really wish people whom have never played to start up and enjoy the sport as much as we do. We have been welcoming alot of these people since we opened last week. So Mr. Coomer, we hope you will play where you enjoy playing the most, whether it be GGBC or anywhere else. That is what badminton is about. Just enjoying the game!

Sally

[GGsally]

yes. here are more pics i took of the lounge area. too bad there is no window looking down to the courts area like VRC... but still a nice place to relax, see the sun, get some fresh air, and grab a bite to refuel for the marathon badminton session...

Yes, Mike thought of the window from day one, but the Menlo park Permit people had some words. He hope to be able to do your suggestion some day! IT would be great wouldn't it? Thanks Kwun for posting the photos again.

Sally

[GGrebecca]

Some general announcements about GGBC:

GGBC is starting a series of summer camps. The first one starts today. The camp fee is $380. More information here - http://www.ggbadminton.com/GGBC%20SummerCamp.pdf

On June 27th at 10 a.m. we are holding the first tryout for our elite and training teams selection. All teenagers are welcome.

The club will be closed on Independence Day, July 4th, 2005.

thank you,
Rebecca

[Chrispywu]

Ya.. the windows on floor2 would be awesome..
Attached is an image of Orange County Badminton Club.

[Cheung]

From the pictures, the chairs are really too close to the courts. Look at the blue-shirt guy standing actully just 2 feet from the base line. :eek:But isn't that HIS problem for standing too close? He doesn't actually need to stand so close.

Perhaps there should be reminders to get people to observe simple safety rules. I would be really worried about the two guys sitting between the two courts. They have a double probability of something bad happening! :eek:

[harrycoomer]

If you go to the benches it is hard monitor all the courts to see if your turn has come up.

[GGsally]

If you go to the benches it is hard monitor all the courts to see if your turn has come up.

YES, this is true. Court G and H are hard to monitor from the challenge court benches. Some people standing right in front of an available court cannot see ha ha.... Policing that que is not easy. It will take sometime to implement this culture so that people will be able to monitor on their own. The reason Mike and I like this method so much is cos it works so well in VCR. All the people know the rules and they honor it. It's getting better though! Starting to see constant repeat faces whom when I go up to them they just give me a big smile and que up. Now I just sit there, watch for dishonorables, and explain to newcomers, as well as finally posting some instructions. I'm losing my voice now and I've got 2 concerts coming up in July so I gotta save it. Some "angelic" member suggested they will make a light that will flash when the drilling 15 minutes are up. Wanna kiss that guy cos the 15 minute thing is the hardest. 15 points, 1 game, que again is easy. Even I drilled yesterday and was trying to mark the clock, but actually 15 minutes is longer than I thought. I got off after 10!

Sally

[GGsally]

[QUOTE=MaggieHo]:)

BTW Maggie. I cannot lift my arm after playing you! :p

[GGsally]

[QUOTE=Cheung]But isn't that HIS problem for standing too close? He doesn't actually need to stand so close.

YUP YUP... Actually there is adequate room to sit and stand there but it was too packed that day. We still have ques now but they are tamed cos people are starting to understand the culture of it. I think when you go to any place or club, it takes sometime to adjust and just sort of shimmy around till you get used to the rules and regulation, and feel of each place. We have room for understanding for the adjustment period but most of all, you are right, for ones own safety it is good to just be careful.

Sally

[Cheung]

YUP YUP... Actually there is adequate room to sit and stand there but it was too packed that day. We still have ques now but they are tamed cos people are starting to understand the culture of it. I think when you go to any place or club, it takes sometime to adjust and just sort of shimmy around till you get used to the rules and regulation, and feel of each place. We have room for understanding for the adjustment period but most of all, you are right, for ones own safety it is good to just be careful.

SallyYup, understand the problem. Just a bit concerned the club could get into trouble. Sometimes people have the attitude that they should not take responsibility for their own ineptitude/lack of commonsense.

For example;
Guy(or gal) stands to close to the court and gets hit on the shoulder.
That person then blames the club for not having a warning, nobody policing the courts properly etc, etc :rolleyes:

[wood_22_chuck]

... Some "angelic" member suggested they will make a light that will flash when the drilling 15 minutes are up. Wanna kiss that guy cos the 15 minute thing is the hardest ...
Sally

ME, ME, ME, ME! Hahahahahaha :D

It's exciting to read of this opening. I thinks it's very nice that you take the time to post, reply and relate what's going on there. I can say with honesty, that Vacouver-ites are reading with EXTREME envy!

There might be a couple places that's opening in Vancouver in the Richmond/Minoru area, I think/hope.

-dave

[Cheung]

Maybe an alternative would be to have a count down timer that rings loudly afetr 15 minutes.

[GGsally]

Maybe an alternative would be to have a count down timer that rings loudly afetr 15 minutes.

We did think of that but if there is ringing all over the place and with the place being so high ceiling it echos I think would drive people (me) crazy.

Yes we post no liability signs everywhere. But you know, you can get run over crossing the street if you don't look both sides before crossing so... people just have to look after themselves I think. Soon the members will police the new people cos I believe members will want to look after their own club. Thanks for the suggestion!

Sally

[MidBadder]

We did think of that but if there is ringing all over the place and with the place being so high ceiling it echos I think would drive people (me) crazy.

Yes we post no liability signs everywhere. But you know, you can get run over crossing the street if you don't look both sides before crossing so... people just have to look after themselves I think. Soon the members will police the new people cos I believe members will want to look after their own club. Thanks for the suggestion!

Sally

Put a timer light on top of net pole it doesn't have to be big though.
2 cents of mine it will be............:o

[cooler]

Put a timer light on top of net pole it doesn't have to be big though.
2 cents of mine it will be............:o

i was gonna suggest a timer light too.
a lower cost option is to get some of those LED or LCD clock with count down feature. No sound or light needed, i'm very confident that people in waiting will volunteer to let the players on court know (a big gentlemen YELL) it's time up :)

[B3nny H4nn4]

can't wait til their first tournament!

[harrycoomer]

Great queing systems
Water fountains
Waiting areas
Responsiveness to customers

like UBC. I was really impressed when they changed their lights. But I guess these are the things that will differentiate the gyms.


i was gonna suggest a timer light too.
a lower cost option is to get some of those LED or LCD clock with count down feature. No sound or light needed, i'm very confident that people in waiting will volunteer to let the players on court know (a big gentlemen YELL) it's time up :)

[jen1088]

That idea crossed my mind too:) …



How about something like a giant score board. Instead of keeping score, it keeps track of the time for each court. Everybody will be able to see it and know which court is going to be available. It will be nice if there is some kind of sound/light signal.



Put a timer light on top of net pole it doesn't have to be big though.
2 cents of mine it will be............:o

[julie]

What about starting games on all courts at the same time, and end all
games at the same time?

E.g. using a simple large wall-mount clock, all games start/end every
15 minutes (or 20, or some convenient divisible by 60). This is simple
and effective.

Players can use their time to do however long a warm up they want.
Or they can start their games right away.

[Qidong]

What about starting games on all courts at the same time, and end all
games at the same time?

E.g. using a simple large wall-mount clock, all games start/end every
15 minutes (or 20, or some convenient divisible by 60). This is simple
and effective.

Players can use their time to do however long a warm up they want.
Or they can start their games right away.

I think this would be the simpliest and most efficient way. Some pople don't like to play games, and just want to practice. Some games are short and some are long. But everyone will get the same amount of time.

[jen1088]

I don’t think it will work for various reasons. For example, what if people are playing a game? You’re going to stop them when the time is up (you’ll get a lot mad faces:mad: ). This will call for a side for game and a side for warming up. As far as starting games on all courts at the same time-- What if only one team (2 players) or two teams (4 players) is waiting. The time is up with several courts—which court is willing to leave?



What about starting games on all courts at the same time, and end all
games at the same time?

E.g. using a simple large wall-mount clock, all games start/end every
15 minutes (or 20, or some convenient divisible by 60). This is simple
and effective.

Players can use their time to do however long a warm up they want.
Or they can start their games right away.

[julie]

I don’t think it will work for various reasons. For example, what if people are playing a game? You’re going to stop them when the time is up (you’ll get a lot mad faces:mad: ). This will call for a side for game and a side for warming up. As far as starting games on all courts at the same time-- What if only one team (2 players) or two teams (4 players) is waiting. The time is up with several courts—which court is willing to leave?

Given these're not tournament games, is it important to finish a game?
A reasonably long enough change-over time can be used (based on average
time to finish 1 game, or maybe 2).

In addition to previously mentioned advantage, you also won't run into the
case when you wonder why people in some courts seem to take forever to
finish their games, or how long have they spent warming up etc. Beginners,
e.g. who tend to hit the bird up a lot, will typically have lots of service change-over, and take a long time to get one point. So you go figure how
long it'd take to free up their courts. Is it fair for the rest to wait?

Regarding your last scenario, it'd be up to the 2 (or 4) players to pick any
court out of the 8 available ones. They've priority. The court that gets
picked will have to end the game. The rest plays on.

Just my 2 cents.

[Ben Lee]

Kwun,
Can you please contact me at my email address? Thanks.
Ben

[GGsally]

Thank you for everyones suggestions and we will surely take them into consideration but something of a miracle happened today!:o . For the first time since we have opened I didn't police the queing system cos I went to play for a few hours at the challenge court so even I didn't line up for the que. (If you play at the challenge court there is a board for challengers so you don't line up at the que rack if you play at the challenge court). The whole time I was so worried about the queing rack so I kept glancing at the rack during the games. Much to my relief the rack manned itself! Everyone just honored it and there were alot of new faces as well as a full line up on the rack. The regulars just informed the new faces and it was pure bliss. There are pros and cons to this que system, but today I just thought of how great people can be and I really thank them for being so kind as to follow the rules and understand the system so everyone can be happy playing! We will still try to implement some better alternatives to assess the 15 minute rallying but for games, personally, I think it's better not to put a time on a game. Just one game is fair as long as people will honor the ONE game. Anyways, it was just wonderful to see it run itself smoothly. Everyone was tickled!

Sally

[wood_22_chuck]

Nice to know that things are settling into a rhythm at GGBC. I think it's stressful to try and keep an eye on things and concentrate on badminton at the same time. Keep up the good work! :D

-dave

[Ben Lee]

I would like to thank all those who participated in our Elite Team trials today. I would also like to congratulate the ones who qualified for the teams. I am very proud of our new teams and look forward to all the great training coming up in the near future.
We have a great foundation of players on our Elite Team, Training Team and Junior Team so far. (remember all you players on the teams, picture day for the teams will be the day of the first practice) I will also be incorporating a High School training team. For those of you interested, contact me at ben@ggbadminton.com. I will keep you posted on that team.
Again, congratulations to all the players and get ready for a fun and challenging year.
Ben

[GGsally]

Nice to know that things are settling into a rhythm at GGBC. I think it's stressful to try and keep an eye on things and concentrate on badminton at the same time. Keep up the good work! :D


I need at least 8 eyes, arms and legs.. I saw an excerpt from Smash City say they are constantly re-amazed at the detail involved and they couldn't have said it better. Oh GOODness me. This is my first venture into any business and to get into a membership business is just UNbelieveable. :confused: Ha ha.. I can tell you even working 72 hours straight with no sleep shooting a movie isn't as tiring. My concerts are piece of cake compared to running a Club. I really give credit to all the administrators of the Clubs opened now cos there is more work than a small army can handle. But at the end of the day they are all doing this for the sake of giving the Ultimate badminton experience to EVERYone and doesn't that just put a BIG TOOTHY SMILE on ALL our faces!! :D:D:D Sigh............:o

Sally:p

[newplayer]

I can tell you even working 72 hours straight with no sleep shooting a movie isn't as tiring.


Hi Sally,

Talking about movies ... have you thought about making a movie called "KongFu
Badminton" with Jackey Chen and Jet Li in it? Maybe that'd give badminton some
good publicity in north America.

:)

newplayer

[newplayer]

Talking about movies ... have you thought about making a movie called "KongFu
Badminton" with Jackey Chen and Jet Li in it? Maybe that'd give badminton some
good publicity in north America.


I've put a bit more thought on this movie idea :p , we can have Jackey Chen and
Jet Li as 2 rival badminton super heros competing for the love of their dream
girl --- you -- the thrid badminton super hero!! The "bad guys" ;) in the movie can be
some good looking Danish/European professional players (guest starting Peter
Gade? ) to make the movie more acceptable in western cinemas. The majority
of the movie can be shot in your badminton club - GGBC!!

Or you can laugh at my feeble ideas ... :o

newplayer

[jen1088]

It seems like you’re enjoying this new venture! Your active participation in answering questions on this forum to monitoring courts and the players shows your dedication to badminton and to the club. This is a new learning experience but you’ll learn in a matter of time as long as you’re committed. Later!


I need at least 8 eyes, arms and legs.. I saw an excerpt from Smash City say they are constantly re-amazed at the detail involved and they couldn't have said it better. Oh GOODness me. This is my first venture into any business and to get into a membership business is just UNbelieveable. :confused: Ha ha.. I can tell you even working 72 hours straight with no sleep shooting a movie isn't as tiring. My concerts are piece of cake compared to running a Club. I really give credit to all the administrators of the Clubs opened now cos there is more work than a small army can handle. But at the end of the day they are all doing this for the sake of giving the Ultimate badminton experience to EVERYone and doesn't that just put a BIG TOOTHY SMILE on ALL our faces!! :D:D:D Sigh............:o

Sally:p

[Chrispywu]

Wow.. i didnt play at all for a whole week because i was in Oregon!!
I need to play!!! But I have to go to Tijuana, Mexico tomorrow-- I'll play at GGBC once i get back!! for sure ^_^
-chrispyyyy

[kwun]

what are the opening hours for the holiday weekend?

[dummyvariable]

i came back from the GGBC 2 hours ago, and lemme tell you, you all gotta have the chance to try playing there! (although, it was pretty stuffy in there :( ) the floors and facilities are great....i've never played on hardwood before, but it felt really great playing on the floor today and i can't wait to go back there. *phew* two thumbs up!

[GGrebecca]

what are the opening hours for the holiday weekend?

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10am to 11pm
Monday July 4th holiday: closed

Do come by to enjoy a competitive or a relaxing game of badminton - take your pick.

[GGsally]

Hey Crispy, I've been wondering where you've been!! By the way, you need to reprimand Kyrk cos he's not showing up for the summercamp cos he's joining the training for the Elite team now! He's been looking for you too. I'll have to give him a good whacking on the butt when I see him. You gotta try out for the Elite team too. Can't wait to see you when you get back! Bet you miss us dontcha????:D

Sally

[GGsally]

Hi Kwun,

We are opened from 10am to 11pm Monday to Sunday actually but this Monday July 4th we are going to be closed. That is just cos we are simply EXHausted :oand Mike wanted to invite the whole staff to dinner to celebrate and thank everyone for their devotion and hard work:p . Like I said, even doing a movie for days straight doesn't make me pass out. I've lost my voice completely. Don't know how I'm going to sing in Malaysia this month. Every night I dream about badminton in GGBC:rolleyes: .

Mike said he would close on the day AFTER a major holiday in the future so people can enjoy the club on the holiday. I thought that was a goood idea. Hope to see you around Kwun. Haven't seen you these days.

Sally

[GGsally]

Jen, I can't really imagine anything I'd rather be doing. You know Jackie Chan tried to get me to do 2 ventures about 10 years ago? One Planet Hollywood and another "Movie City" which he chased me down in England to try to talk me into. Instead of accepting those I'm now talking badminton to him which is why he gave me the that racquet. Hee hee. Andy Lau tries hard to talk me into bowling, but my heart really belongs to badminton. I managed to get Eason Chan, Nicholas Tse and Joey Yung to play, also Hacken Lees girlfriend. In HKG when we have concerts all the Artists send each other flower baskets. For the past year I've sent everyone badminton racquets!

Today I watched Mike Yang , Jinsong (a world class player and our coach), another coach Cania and a world Uber cup finalist play mixed doubles at GGBC and I just got so excited that I felt there was no other place I wanted to be. I don't even want to go sing! I think badminton is a wonderment. I'm more than committed and I'll do everything I can in the 2nd half of my life to promote this sport. HKG already asked me to be ambassador of the HKG Badminton association which I gleefully accepted. Right now China is asking me to do something for the World Badminton association. They are waiting to meet with me in HKG. I'll do whatever I can!

U know? I never talk so much about anything like I talk about badminton, I cannot keep my mouth shut. :o

Sally

[Cheung]

Jen, I can't really imagine anything I'd rather be doing. You know Jackie Chan tried to get me to do 2 ventures about 10 years ago? One Planet Hollywood and another "Movie City" which he chased me down in England to try to talk me into. Instead of accepting those I'm now talking badminton to him which is why he gave me the that racquet. Hee hee. Andy Lau tries hard to talk me into bowling, but my heart really belongs to badminton. I managed to get Eason Chan, Nicholas Tse and Joey Yung to play, also Hacken Lees girlfriend. In HKG when we have concerts all the Artists send each other flower baskets. For the past year I've sent everyone badminton racquets!

Today I watched Mike Yang , Jinsong (a world class player and our coach), another coach Cania and a world Uber cup finalist play mixed doubles at GGBC and I just got so excited that I felt there was no other place I wanted to be. I don't even want to go sing! I think badminton is a wonderment. I'm more than committed and I'll do everything I can in the 2nd half of my life to promote this sport. HKG already asked me to be ambassador of the HKG Badminton association which I gleefully accepted. Right now China is asking me to do something for the World Badminton association. They are waiting to meet with me in HKG. I'll do whatever I can!

U know? I never talk so much about anything like I talk about badminton, I cannot keep my mouth shut. :o

Sally

Wow, that sounds very, very encouraging. Can you get me a pass to take some photos and post them up on Badmintoncentral.com ?:p :cool:

Sounds so funny all these well known people taking up badminton. But honestly, I really believe it is an excellent sport to play even for quite sedentary people. Just the action of raising the arm repeatedly to swing at the shuttle can be fairly tiring. I hope some others can be active.

With your activity in the HK Badminton Association, will we see you at the HK Open? I would sincerely hope your patronage will help attract sponsorship money for the tournament. And if you could drag some of your other friends along, I think it will bring back a little more attention to badminton. I think we've lost a bit of ground to table tennis, windsurfing and horse racing :rolleyes: recently.

[MaggieHo]

any dinner for us hehe :D
Hi Kwun,

We are opened from 10am to 11pm Monday to Sunday actually but this Monday July 4th we are going to be closed. That is just cos we are simply EXHausted :oand Mike wanted to invite the whole staff to dinner to celebrate and thank everyone for their devotion and hard work:p . Like I said, even doing a movie for days straight doesn't make me pass out. I've lost my voice completely. Don't know how I'm going to sing in Malaysia this month. Every night I dream about badminton in GGBC:rolleyes: .

Mike said he would close on the day AFTER a major holiday in the future so people can enjoy the club on the holiday. I thought that was a goood idea. Hope to see you around Kwun. Haven't seen you these days.

Sally

[cooler]

somebody must have pics of the morning festivities which i missed.cheers..

i hope this is suffice :)

[jen1088]

Sally,



These associations have found the RIGHT person! I think you’ll do a good job because of your passion for badminton. Also, because you always put a lot of effort and hard work in everything you do!


Jen, I can't really imagine anything I'd rather be doing. You know Jackie Chan tried to get me to do 2 ventures about 10 years ago? One Planet Hollywood and another "Movie City" which he chased me down in England to try to talk me into. Instead of accepting those I'm now talking badminton to him which is why he gave me the that racquet. Hee hee. Andy Lau tries hard to talk me into bowling, but my heart really belongs to badminton. I managed to get Eason Chan, Nicholas Tse and Joey Yung to play, also Hacken Lees girlfriend. In HKG when we have concerts all the Artists send each other flower baskets. For the past year I've sent everyone badminton racquets!


Today I watched Mike Yang , Jinsong (a world class player and our coach), another coach Cania and a world Uber cup finalist play mixed doubles at GGBC and I just got so excited that I felt there was no other place I wanted to be. I don't even want to go sing! I think badminton is a wonderment. I'm more than committed and I'll do everything I can in the 2nd half of my life to promote this sport. HKG already asked me to be ambassador of the HKG Badminton association which I gleefully accepted. Right now China is asking me to do something for the World Badminton association. They are waiting to meet with me in HKG. I'll do whatever I can!

U know? I never talk so much about anything like I talk about badminton, I cannot keep my mouth shut. :o

Sally

[shawni]

[QUOTE=GGsally]

Thanks for the details of ya explanation of racket que system. Just wondering, how would the members/players able to verify that's their own racket and not mis-takenly take others? You know, some ppl just looking for other's "good" stuff. This could creates a mess if it's not monitor well. I never experience such racket que system in Msia... but just some curiousity of myself to know if there is such scenario happen in the club.

What would the club does on the used-used shuttlecocks - the birdies, which unable to use anymore?? How to re-cycle this up? Never been into this, and would like to know more abt it... if ya dont mind sharing out ... ;)

shawni.

[shawni]

and last but not least, here is a racket from another famous personality hung at the entrance hall of GGBC.....

Hi Kwun. Thanks for the pic. Cool! What model of this racket is? Yonex Muscle Power xx ??

I think i can imagine, Jackie Chan will be jumping+flying when it comes to play badminton... hehehe.

[shawni]

[QUOTE=jen1088],


Hi Jen. Are you the same person who posted in the lodge forum? Do you play badminton as crazy as the rest??

shawni.

[harrycoomer]

to monitor all the courts to monitorl all 8 (?) courts to see who is finishing (or staying on for "extra points" - a common occurance:) ). So unlikely people with walk off with your racquet.

[Qidong]

Hi Kwun. Thanks for the pic. Cool! What model of this racket is? Yonex Muscle Power xx ??

It doesn't look like a Yonex at all. There is the word "dragon" on the racquet cover. Does Jackie Chan start designing a new line of badminton racquets?

[GGrebecca]

It doesn't look like a Yonex at all. There is the word "dragon" on the racquet cover. Does Jackie Chan start designing a new line of badminton racquets?
yes, he designs his own raquets. For those who read Chinese, the Chinese words down the shaft are "Descendants of Dragon", "龙的传人", in traditional script.

[Pete LSD]

But you get simplified characters! :confused:


yes, he designs his own raquets. For those who read Chinese, the Chinese words down the shaft are "Descendants of Dragon", "龙的传人", in traditional script.

[GGsally]

Well our problem has never been racquet thieves. Only dishonorables who are not fair to other players waiting in the que. But we even get rarely few of those. I think people quite cherish their own racquets and if they want to come show their face again it's hard to do it carrying someone elses racquet!

Used birdies are kept in the birdie bins for people who just want to practice or drill before a game. They are examined every night and the "dying" ones are just thrown out. I'm afraid no recycling here unfortunately. I only feel sorry for the poor goose that get plucked for our pleasure!:cool:

Sally

[madbad]

... They are examined every night and the "dying" ones are just thrown out. I'm afraid no recycling here unfortunately...

Sally

Imagine how many potential duvets you have thrown away...:D

[shawni]

to monitor all the courts to monitorl all 8 (?) courts to see who is finishing (or staying on for "extra points" - a common occurance:) ). So unlikely people with walk off with your racquet.

Ohh.. ic... i wonder what would happen if were to go for loo for some 'business' :o ...

[shawni]

yes, he designs his own raquets. For those who read Chinese, the Chinese words down the shaft are "Descendants of Dragon", "龙的传人", in traditional script.

Thanks rebecca. Yup, i saw the chinese words, didnt think Jackie produces his own rackets. Cool!

[shawni]

[QUOTE=GGsally]

Sally, thanks for a quick reply. Seemed running a club uses lots of 'manual' man-power. Pity-pity goose.... mayb chicken feather also as good as goose one.. :D *just joking*

[GGrebecca]

We just started G3 Summer Camp for adults last night (July 5th). Space is still available. Please call 650-838-9318 if you want some dedicated training.

The class is held 7-9pm Monday thru Thursday for 15 days.

[GGrebecca]

We also have special 2-month membership for $125 to cater to college students who are home for the summer, or for high school students who will be going to college.

[harrycoomer]

dont need to meet at the head of the loo, you should be fine. One can go and hold court while and sms the other :). GG is really not designed for drop-ins by individuals. I think Bintang and UBC are better suited for that. Since I'm watching the Singapore and Malaysian open, I have not had a chance to try out smash city. BTW, Taufik was awesome in Singapore. He made Peter Gade cry and the Chinese did not know what hit them :). I'm hoping Taufik and Peter both win their quarters today so I can see a rematch in the semis tomorrow. I am armed with my camera :).


Ohh.. ic... i wonder what would happen if were to go for loo for some 'business' :o ...

[kineda]

We just started G3 Summer Camp for adults last night (July 5th). Space is still available. Please call 650-838-9318 if you want some dedicated training.

The class is held 7-9pm Monday thru Thursday for 15 days.

Can you provide some more details about the class? What's tought? Cost? Etc.

Is the class more focused on double's play or single?

[GGsally]

Sorry for the delay in reply, we were so crazy busy this weekend.

This is an advanced Training class. We have G1 for beginners, G2 for intermediate and G3 for advanced. You will be learning more power play, learning to hone your skills to your advantage, ALOT of footwork, really integrate body, hand, eye co-ordination, doubles play format, how to rotate to your advantage, (cos this class only has men right now), aggressive play, game strategy, hone your mental game. Points of location to hit on the court during a singles or doubles game. Hope that gives you some idea and please feel free to ask more questions.

Sally

[GGrebecca]

We also started G2 summer camp today(7/11). G2 is for intermediate and fee is also $380. The time slot is 10-12:30, Monday thru Thursday, for the duration of 3 weeks.

For adult beginners, we have G1 class every Saturday from 10 to 12 noon. Please call for more information. 650-838-9318.

[Rayminton]

Anyone interested :)
Just go to the group home page:
http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/ggbc_member/ (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ggbc_member)

[samkool]

i noticed new windows being put in to allow a view of the courts from the upstairs lounge.

sweet!

[GGsally]

Yahhhh!!! Do you like that? Mike insisted everyone can get a birds eye view so we will have a small counter at the window so people can sit there , drink or eat their food and watch the action downstairs!! Isn't that just the Koolest?

Sally

[Rayminton]

Challenge Court will be replaced :crying:by GGBC Mixed Doubles Ladder Inauguration:eek: this Friday 7/22 6:30-8:30PM
At least two rounds of 2-game matches.:)
First matches are casually assigned :confused:while Second round will be by ranking:cool:.
Sign up at the Front Desk.:D:D:D

[GGsally]

Hey Thats great Ray. I wish I wasn't away so far! I'd love to be there. Hope you guys have fun!!

Sally

[MaggieHo]

i will be there to play haha. don't know that we going to win or not. We so miss you, when are you back Sally.

:p

Hey Thats great Ray. I wish I wasn't away so far! I'd love to be there. Hope you guys have fun!!

Sally

[Rayminton]

Are you coming back next week for next Ladder Inauguration:)?
We all miss you:mad:.




Hey Thats great Ray. I wish I wasn't away so far! I'd love to be there. Hope you guys have fun!!

Sally

[gg_raymond]

GGBC Doubles Ladder Inauguration continue this Friday 7/29 6:30-8:30PM:cool:



Are you coming back next week for next Ladder Inauguration:)?
We all miss you:mad:.

[gg_raymond]

Please make a note of the new schedule.

Mon-Fri 10:00A.M.-11:00 P.M.
Sat-Sun 9:00 A.M.-9:00 P.M.:)




Just go to the group home page for more detail:
http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/ggbc_member/ (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ggbc_member)

[Locomoco]

Hi all,

I was feeling an urge to return to playing badminton after a long break from the game and visited GGBC yesterday to see the facilities and have my racket restrung. I thought the play area was amazing - the floors alone made me want to hit the gym so I'd be better able to get back into the game.

The staff was extremely helpful and friendly and answered all my stupid questions with a smile. After coming home and telling my wife about the club, she actually sounds like she's interested in learning how to play badminton now! :D

I hope to see some of you there, and please go easy on me if I ever play any of you - have some mercy for an out of shape 30-something. :p

[GGsally]

Dear Loco,

I remember you cos I thought you didn't need your racquet restrung but you insisted cos you thought they had been sitting around too long! Good for you!! Well, your racquet is ready to pick up and we can't wait for you to come play cos alot of members are so friendly and eager to play with new people! We'll be waiting! See you very soon!

Regards, Sally

[Locomoco]

Thanks Sally!

I think it's worth mentioning, that I dug out my 10 old Aerotus 70 which has just been sitting in my garage and brought it into the pro shop. I wanted to have it restrung because I thought it might've degraded over the years.

To my pleasant surprise, when I asked about having it restrung, more than one staff member suggested that the strings would probably be fine... I would've thought that most pro shops would leap at any opportunity for business, but they gave me their honest opinion that would've meant losing an opportunity for a sale... that's the kinda straight shooting business that gets my business from now on. :D

[GGsally]

So we hope to see you there soon!

We have so many new people or people whom are REdiscovering badminton like yourself come in every single day since we've opened in June 11th. And it's mostly by word of mouth! It's so fun to learn about peoples histories and how much they used to and still love badminton. They all conjugate at our reception and chat, chat, chat! We can't really believe how many people just stop by to check out our place and never leave again.. ha ha..

Most of us staff are going to see the World Championships in Anaheim from 18th to 21st. I'm sure once you pick up the game again we will be seeing alot of you!

Regards, Sally

[Locomoco]

My wife and I finally came to play tonight, and it was great! She was a little intimidated at first, but once we got on a court and we started vollying back and forth, she started getting the hang of things and I think she's picking things up faster than I did way back when... (I'm so proud of her). :D

I think the only thing that we'd suggest would be to get some sort of lighting for the parking lot... when we left the club, it was REALLY dark, and a few lights pointed towards the cars would probably make it feel a lot safer. :D

[GGsally]

Glad you enjoyed your time there and if your wife is not reading this thread, I think she will be really excited about your surprise GIFT purchase today!!!

We do apologise for the parking lights. Those are on every night but because I have some friends from Hong Kong and Vancouver visiting and we grabbed our VIP administrator Steve, the BOSS Mike as well as myself and we left only poor Candy there to take care whole night and we forgot to turn on parking lights. We usually have them on. We are having too good a time lately cos we are all going together to see the championships. So... don't worry...lights will be on next time, and THANK YOU that that is your only complaint.

I'm glad you had tons of fun! See you again soon! I see you bought the 10 pass today.

Regards, Sally



My wife and I finally came to play tonight, and it was great! She was a little intimidated at first, but once we got on a court and we started vollying back and forth, she started getting the hang of things and I think she's picking things up faster than I did way back when... (I'm so proud of her). :D

I think the only thing that we'd suggest would be to get some sort of lighting for the parking lot... when we left the club, it was REALLY dark, and a few lights pointed towards the cars would probably make it feel a lot safer. :D

[GGrebecca]

Sally will be a judge in the California Finals of Sing Tao Newspapers' Karaoke Competition. Ten finalists will belt out their best karaoke songs, and Sally will do double-duty and perform two songs. A GGBC contingent will be there!

It's free admission and outdoors, so all are welcome! The event starts at 1PM.

http://come.to/sallyyeh/

[kwun]

i have moved off-topic discussions on crowd behavior to this thread:

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26264

and i have moved Sally's nice review of the WC into its own separate thread:

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26489

thanks Sally!

[GGsally]

I got the game time from ESPN if anyone is interested. I believe it is on what's called EDT time whatever that means! I hppe these are correct schedules!

Sally

Here is what is listed on the ESPN Website:

Sept 12, 3:00pm to 4:00 pm Women's Doubles
Sept 12, 4pm to 5 pm Mixed Doubles
Sept 12 5-6 pm Mens Doubles

Sept 19 4-5 pm Women's Singles
Sept 19 5-6 pm Men's Singles

[harrycoomer]

Future Airings:

Badminton (http://tv.yahoo.com/tvpdb?d=tvp&id=169519814&cf=0&lineup=us_CA04885d&channels=us_ESPN2&chspid=166031784&chname=ESPN2&progutn=1126551600&.intl=us), ESPN2 Sep 12 12:00pm
Badminton (http://tv.yahoo.com/tvpdb?d=tvp&id=169519815&cf=0&lineup=us_CA04885d&channels=us_ESPN2&chspid=166031784&chname=ESPN2&progutn=1126555200&.intl=us), ESPN2 Sep 12 01:00pm
Badminton (http://tv.yahoo.com/tvpdb?d=tvp&id=169519816&cf=0&lineup=us_CA04885d&channels=us_ESPN2&chspid=166031784&chname=ESPN2&progutn=1126558800&.intl=us), ESPN2 Sep 12 02:00pm

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http://tv.yahoo.com/tvpdb?d=tvp&id=168446898&cf=0&lineup=us_CA04885d&channels=us_TENNIS&chspid=166091903&chname=TENNIS&title=BadmintonBadminton&progutn=1126454400&.intl=us

[GGsally]

:eek: GGBC OPEN FOR BUSINESS ON LABOR DAY!!!:D


OPEN HOURS FOR MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5TH, 2005

10:00AM TO: 6:00PM


HOPE 2 C U !!

[GGsally]

I like this article found by Stephen regarding the excitement of badminton now. Hope you all enjoy the recognition our beloved sport is attaining!

Sally

FROM BACK YARD TO FOREFRONT
Phillip Hersh

Published August 23, 2005

CHICAGO TRIBUNE



Badminton is one of the Olympic sports, like Ping-Pong, that millions of people in the Unite States dismiss as games everyone PLAYS IN BACK YARDS AND REC ROOMS.



The general public has no idea how tough it is to play these games at the world elite level, partly because U.S. athletes rarely do well enough in major events to have their skills showcased for the home folks.



That is why U.S. badminton officials are trumpeting Tony Gunawan and Howard Bach as heralds for a new age in their sport.



And you can forgive USA Badminton executive director Dan Cloppas for getting a little carried away about the potential impact of Gunawan and Bach’s shocking victory in Sunday’s doubles final at the World badminton Championships in Anaheim.



Not only were they the first U.S. medallists at the badminton world meet, held 14 times since its debut in 1977, but they also are believed to be the first U.S. players to get beyond the round of 16 in any of the five events (men’s and women’s singles and doubles, mixed doubles) contested at the Olympics or worlds.



None of the other 13 U.S. entries in the 2005 worlds won more than a single match. Gunawan and Bach, seeded 13th, beat the No. 8, 1, 4, and 2 seeds on successive nights.



We’re out of the back-yard barbecue syndrome, “Cloppas said. “Children in grade schools are going to start looking at the sport differently and saying, “Well, maybe I don’t want to go into basketball or football. I want to be like Tony and Howard.”



That scenario is as unlikely as…having the United States win a world title in a sport dominated by Chinese, South Koreans and Indonesians,. Those three countries have won 51 of the 61 medals since badminton made its Olympic debut in 1992.



“to be a world champion, at home, it’s still surreal,” Bach said.



Gunawan came to the United States to study computer engineering after winning the 2000 Olympic and 2001 world doubles titles for Indonesia. Sunday, he and Bach defeated an Indonesian pair that included Gunawan’s Olympic champion doubles partner.



“(Sunday) night I stepped on the court with three legends, people I normally watch on my DVDs, “Bach said Monday. “I’m the no-namer.”



Bach, 26, came to the United States as a 2-year old from Vietnam with his parents. His father Sen Cam, was a passionate badminton player in Vietnam, and Howard began playing at a San Francisco-are YMCA when he was 5. Bach played doubles with Kevin Han at the 2004 Olympics, losing in the second round.



Gunawan, 30, is not expected to be a U.S. citizen in time for the 2008 Olympics. Age likely would prevent him from keeping up in 2012 with the pace of a sport where the shuttlecock (“birdie” for you back-yard players0 travels 150 m.p.h.



“I came here to promote badminton, and now I feel very happy to have brought this title to the USA,” said Gunawan, who coaches at the Orange County Badminton Center in Orange, Calif.



“This is the first exposure we’ve had in the United States to this kind of publicity,” Cloppas said.



A live crowd estimated at 7,500 watched the historic moment, and ESPN2 plans to show it next month. Cloppas hopes that exposure will lead some of the 8 million people said to play badminton at least once a year in the United States to become more serious players.



“When I came here, I saw players I believed had the ability to be champions,” Gunawan said. “We didn’t expect we could win, but we won anyway.”

[tenten]

I got the game time from ESPN if anyone is interested. I believe it is on what's called EDT time whatever that means! I hppe these are correct schedules!



Sally
Here is what is listed on the ESPN Website:


Sept 12, 3:00pm to 4:00 pm Women's Doubles
Sept 12, 4pm to 5 pm Mixed Doubles
Sept 12 5-6 pm Mens Doubles

Sept 19 4-5 pm Women's Singles
Sept 19 5-6 pm Men's Singles




Hello Sally,
I was at the WC & was sitting quite closed to you & your friend LingLing Chu. She was taking quite a lot of action pictures during & after games. I wish she could post some of her works somewhere here or on her own web site.
Is there a web page of her's that shows her photographies!
Thanks!

[Locomoco]

I just noticed on the GGBC website that there's a drop-in play fee of $6 before 3:00pm... is that only for weekdays? I've been using my discount guest pass which is $8 a visit, so I'm just wondering what the difference is between Drop-in play vs. visitor passes?

[GGsally]

Hi Loco,

If you come to the club before 3pm on weekdays only, the drop in fee is $6.00 per person regardless of age. After 3pm on weekdays, the drop in fee is $10 per Adult and $8 per Junior (under 21) / Senior (over 65) and weekend all day. The guest pass you bought is for Adults and you saved $20.00 if you pay for 10 admissions all at once (hence the card). If you "drop in" 10 times you would end up paying $100 which is $20.00 more than if you bought the card. Some good calculators prefer to pay the $6 drop in fee if they come in before 3pm and save the guest pass for later and weekends. We also have a DAYtime guest pass ( before 3pm'ers) which is 10 times for $60.00 and you get one extra entry free. That means you pay for 10 admissions, get 11 admissions.

Another REALLY darn good benefit you get from buying the guest pass is that on the DAY you finish using it and you want to join membership, you get a $50.00 credit towards your membership so the last 10 times you played is even cheaper! We want to give good incentive to people who come to our club so we try our best to encourage people not to join first (cos some people are really eager!) but instead try our 10 pass first to get the feel of the place and make sure they will enjoy coming more cos we want our players to find our club a home away from home and have many happy years of badminton to come. We pride ourselves on our club facilities and our staffs eagerness to help people get the best of their experience in GGBC.

If for any reason none of our staff explained that to you and you honestly come in before 3pm on weekdays only, GGBC will be happy to refund you the difference. Let me know!

Sally

[GGsally]

HEYYYY... GOOD idea cos I'm a wondering what she's going to do with so many of those photos she took. SHe is a GREAT photographer you know? She usually takes landscapes, butterflies, trees etc.. Only lately she has diversified and this was her first "action" photog experience but whenI saw her photos they were really very good! She has won important prizes and has a special distinction title. I'm very proud of her.

If Kwun doesn't mind, would we be able to post some of her photos? I know she would be happy to give us many, but I know it would take some time for her to process them.

Sally

[Locomoco]

Hey there Sally,

Thanks for the info... no, there hasn't been any mix ups where I thought I was being overcharged, I just saw the drop-in fee on the website and they both sounds similar, so thatnks for the clarifcation. :D

I didn't know about the $50 credit towards membeship, so that's a cool bonus. :D

[ctjcad]

I don't think Kwun would mind that at all. The more contributor(s) the better. As a matter of fact, BC is probably short on "fresh" WC pics which Kwun and the rest of the people, haven't posted them up yet. And if possible, if there are pics of other players/personnels, not just "the usual players"..



If Kwun doesn't mind, would we be able to post some of her photos? I know she would be happy to give us many, but I know it would take some time for her to process them.

Sally

[tenten]

HEYYYY... GOOD idea cos I'm a wondering what she's going to do with so many of those photos she took. SHe is a GREAT photographer you know? She usually takes landscapes, butterflies, trees etc.. Only lately she has diversified and this was her first "action" photog experience but whenI saw her photos they were really very good! She has won important prizes and has a special distinction title. I'm very proud of her.

If Kwun doesn't mind, would we be able to post some of her photos? I know she would be happy to give us many, but I know it would take some time for her to process them.

Sally

Hello Sally
One last advice. I think she needs a monopod.
When I was there watching her shooting constantly for over 3-4 hours with those heavy equipments , I worried about her hands.
Anyhow, have a nice day.
Good luck!

[GGsally]

Oh Kwun took soooooo many photos cos I was watching him running around to every corner of the gym non stop thru-out the whole tournament!:eek: He told me he is working on processing his own photos and he has posted some up already.

Sally

[GGsally]

Oh she has all the equipment but it was too heavy to lug around in the auditorium so she just held it. But she does have BIG CAMERA!! :rolleyes:

Sally

[kwun]

If Kwun doesn't mind, would we be able to post some of her photos? I know she would be happy to give us many, but I know it would take some time for her to process them.

Sally

BC will love to host her photos! has she posted them somewhere online where we can download them from?

[GGsally]

I talked to her last night and she is so happy to give us her photos but being the modest person she is, feels her photos aren't good enough to put her name onto it. Too late now. She will work on it soon. She will give me the disk and I will choose from the lot. I hope I will know how to post it here. If not, I will ask Kwun to post for us... hee...heee. :p As if you didn't have enough to do! But I'm just so dumb with techno stuff! Will let you guys know as soon as she give me the pics!

Sally

[tenten]

I talked to her last night and she is so happy to give us her photos but being the modest person she is, feels her photos aren't good enough to put her name onto it. Too late now. She will work on it soon. She will give me the disk and I will choose from the lot. I hope I will know how to post it here. If not, I will ask Kwun to post for us... hee...heee. :p As if you didn't have enough to do! But I'm just so dumb with techno stuff! Will let you guys know as soon as she give me the pics!

Sally

Hello Sally
Thanks for the efforts. I'll post mine later after some processings. I'm quite busy after coming back from LA.
Have a nice day!

[weiheng]

Hi,

I have photographed the match that was held in GGBC tonight. Is it allowed to post it here? Or should I send them to Sally? Thanks.

[GGsally]

Hi,

I have photographed the match that was held in GGBC tonight. Is it allowed to post it here? Or should I send them to Sally? Thanks.

Yes you are welcome to post it here by all means! We will also post here. Hope everyone will enjoy seeing it!

Sally

[GGsally]

Hi Everyone!
GGBC is so happy to announce our first TOURNAMENT! Anyone and everyone can enter!

We're having a one day HALLOWEEN DOUBLES TOURNAMENT on Sunday, October 23rd, 2005.

A LOT... OF PRIZES FOR ALL FLIGHTS: A, B, C/D More details on the entry form. See attached file.

There is also a JUICY prize for BEST COSTUME so dress yourself & come play!! Costume will be optional. Orange & Black apparel preferred.

Attached is our cooool entry form in PDF format (you can download the attachment). Fill it out and send it to us ASAP. If you have any questions regarding the entry form, you can email Ben Lee at ben@ggbadminton.com (ben@ggbadminton.com) or call GGBC 650.838.9318 / www.ggbadminton.com (http://www.ggbadminton.com/)

HOPE TO SEE YOU AT GGBC!
GGBC Management

[tenten]

There are so many Chinese Badminton Clubs here in North America now & I think, sooner or later, there will be a all Chinese inter-club badminton championship being organized. Will it be organized by GGBC or OCBC or Lee's Badminton of Toronto or VRC of Vancouver etc or would GGSally or Kwun be the organizer? I hope that day will come soon.

[harrycoomer]

Would somebody like to explain that a little more?


There are so many Chinese Badminton Clubs here in North America now & I think, sooner or later, there will be a all Chinese inter-club badminton championship being organized. Will it be organized by GGBC or OCBC or Lee's Badminton of Toronto or VRC of Vancouver etc or would GGSally or Kwun be the organizer? I hope that day will come soon.

[weiheng]

Ok, Thanks a lot.


Yes you are welcome to post it here by all means! We will also post here. Hope everyone will enjoy seeing it!

Sally

[weiheng]

Forgot to post one more.




Ok, Thanks a lot.

[GGsally]

Hi Everyone,



Last night, Howard Bach came to the Bay area and gave our excited GGBC members an eyeful of great badminton! He's such a sweet guy for getting off his flight from LA and heading straight for our Club. He played 4 games straight with Mike Yang, Ben Lee and Guo Jinsong! It was HELLA World Champ night at GGBC and so we would like to share our "FUN-NESS" with Howard with everyone here! Enjoy the photos! :D



GGBC Management

[cooler]

those are great photos weiheng/ggsally.
dang, those guys look so 'fit' :o :D

[GGsally]

those are great photos weiheng/ggsally.
dang, those guys look so 'fit' :o :D
>>OH Wei's photos are SOOO GOOD!! I"m so embarrassed, my lame amateur attempt:p , but I'm glad the members and players look SOOO happy they got such a treat that night. I hope one day you can take a photo of Mike's jump smash in mid air. He said he's getting old so we gotta get it while he's still got it!!:rolleyes: Ha ha.. Thank you Wei!

Sally

[tenten]

These pictures worth several thousand words. I see a lot of happy faces & they must be enjoying it.
Ciao!

[weiheng]

I am definitely going get his jump smash next time. "He said he's getting old so we gotta get it while he's still got it!!" He is just being humble, didn't we see his smashes last night???!!!!


>>OH Wei's photos are SOOO GOOD!! I"m so embarrassed, my lame amateur attempt:p , but I'm glad the members and players look SOOO happy they got such a treat that night. I hope one day you can take a photo of Mike's jump smash in mid air. He said he's getting old so we gotta get it while he's still got it!!:rolleyes: Ha ha.. Thank you Wei!

Sally

[Qidong]

I know they just played for fun. But still cursious who won.