Hello Again everyone,
Conditioning refers to more than just body conditioning. It refers to training or rebuilding the body, mind, emotional response, mental response, awareness, and technique. Training by its very nature conditions the body. Specific muscle groups, tendons, ligaments and supporting structures work. Training and guided practice align physical and mental energy in the same direction. While it may not allow one to look like Charles Atlas, it allows on to operate effectively.
One must take care in conditioning the body, as to not lose flexibility, speed and maneuverability. Work out, lift weights, and train the body for power and speed. The exercises for speed vary from those that build power. Speed exercises focus on allowing the muscles to move with less resistance and can be target focused. Power exercises build build muscle in the same ways as do the typical weight training exercises.
Running, walking, cycling, cross country running, hiking, et cetera condition the body and its ability to endure hardship. Cardiovascular conditioning gives one the oxygen for more involved muscle movement. If one obtains more oxygen and conditions the body to move under stress; then such activities benefit the martial artist.
Mental conditioning allows for better handling of difficult conditions. Most individuals wonder; what would I do, if faced with a difficult situation. With proper instruction, many people develop a resistance to stressful situations. Some individuals ask, what happens if I freeze up. Training in action and reaction to an event, within a controlled environment allows one the ability to respond. Mental conditioning builds up resilience, This is not to say that life drops problems within one's lap, but one must learn to solve the problem or change their perspective. (Wayne Dyer, Wisdom of the Ages PBS Presentation)
Emotional responses may help or hurt, depending on whether they assist in finding a solution to the problem or not. Emotions represent real processes going on within the body. Even though some individuals interpret emotions as imagined or just manufactured within a person's psyche. Just as mountain climbing requires tools, so does overcoming and working with emotions. In a conflict a person may feel scared, angry, frustrated, apprehensive, or a combination of these feelings. But training in ways that allow the stress to be ratcheted up. This process must be tightly controlled, or it may lead to training difficulties.
Mental responses vary from what does one do next or panic. Make a plan and train that plan. Decide what one must do and do it. Think and act, not think then act. One builds a picture and views that picture through the mind. Think of a mind as a browser. It coordinates different information such as visual, auditory, olfactory, pressure, temperature, taste, and intuition. This information gets processed, some information gets kept and some information does not get kept. Discernment develops through attention and thought. But like great paintings, the artist may not think about the exact step by step of the painting. The technique happens when it needs to through training.
In conclusion, practitioners must condition their minds and bodies to defend one's self. Each person responds differently to a given situation. Physical and mental work hand in hand. One can never fully prepare for a first attack adequately, but preparation provides tools and allows individuals to survive.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Self Defense
Self Defense
If awareness of a situation passes one by so that avoidance and evasion are no longer options; one must act to survive. How does one defend against an attack? A number of different possibilities enter the picture. Choices made before the attack now come into play. One main choice involves training. For now examine physical unarmed engagement of the opponent. That action can be separated into four parts, or as Grandmaster Villari states, four ways of fighting. Striking, kicking, trapping or grappling, and felling represent the choices now available. (Grand Master Fred Villari)
Striking involves the use of body parts above the waist, while kicks involve using body parts below the waist. It represents an easy way to divide up response types, while not getting into a semantic thought circle. Holding, seizing, and locking define trapping. The same moves also define grappling. Location provides the distinction; one stands while trapping, and remains prone or semi-prone while grappling.
The most suitable of the four, for the beginner, are striking and kicking. These do not require any excess training to improve. These techniques also build fundamental skills that allow a person to learn advanced techniques. Hit the opponent hard and hit them where that strike affects the opponent most. When someone attacks a person, the attacker does not want to make nice with the defender. The attacker wants something; this could be money, jewelry, etc. If the attacker wants power, control, revenge, or to victimize the defender; the situation now changes.
One may not have the time or inclination to delve within the opponent’s psyche, childhood, or adolescence. The defender’s job requires the defender to use all means necessary to make the attacker stop. Do not “wing it,” please train in an art that provides one with the ability to affect the attack. One’s main goal remains survival. If survival means talking to an attacker and living, then do so. If survival means restraining an opponent with techniques designed to do so, then do so. If survival means an all out concerted effort that takes the opponent and injures the attacker or even worse, then do what you must to survive. As with all things, there are consequences to one’s actions. Those consequences vary by country, state, locality, circumstance, and training. But for right now lets focus on the attack and its immediate response.
The immediate response remains to act; not to be cunning or to have some response that equates do a then b with c. Self defense demands solid technique and practice, but that practice allows the practitioner to be their best. This statement comes from one of my teachers Ruth, “Don’t think, do. Don’t do, be.” This post will be the first and not the last concerning this subject.
If awareness of a situation passes one by so that avoidance and evasion are no longer options; one must act to survive. How does one defend against an attack? A number of different possibilities enter the picture. Choices made before the attack now come into play. One main choice involves training. For now examine physical unarmed engagement of the opponent. That action can be separated into four parts, or as Grandmaster Villari states, four ways of fighting. Striking, kicking, trapping or grappling, and felling represent the choices now available. (Grand Master Fred Villari)
Striking involves the use of body parts above the waist, while kicks involve using body parts below the waist. It represents an easy way to divide up response types, while not getting into a semantic thought circle. Holding, seizing, and locking define trapping. The same moves also define grappling. Location provides the distinction; one stands while trapping, and remains prone or semi-prone while grappling.
The most suitable of the four, for the beginner, are striking and kicking. These do not require any excess training to improve. These techniques also build fundamental skills that allow a person to learn advanced techniques. Hit the opponent hard and hit them where that strike affects the opponent most. When someone attacks a person, the attacker does not want to make nice with the defender. The attacker wants something; this could be money, jewelry, etc. If the attacker wants power, control, revenge, or to victimize the defender; the situation now changes.
One may not have the time or inclination to delve within the opponent’s psyche, childhood, or adolescence. The defender’s job requires the defender to use all means necessary to make the attacker stop. Do not “wing it,” please train in an art that provides one with the ability to affect the attack. One’s main goal remains survival. If survival means talking to an attacker and living, then do so. If survival means restraining an opponent with techniques designed to do so, then do so. If survival means an all out concerted effort that takes the opponent and injures the attacker or even worse, then do what you must to survive. As with all things, there are consequences to one’s actions. Those consequences vary by country, state, locality, circumstance, and training. But for right now lets focus on the attack and its immediate response.
The immediate response remains to act; not to be cunning or to have some response that equates do a then b with c. Self defense demands solid technique and practice, but that practice allows the practitioner to be their best. This statement comes from one of my teachers Ruth, “Don’t think, do. Don’t do, be.” This post will be the first and not the last concerning this subject.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Evasion
Self Defense and Evasion
To evade, escape, get away or run all become viable options, when an opponent makes it impossible to avoid a situation. The possibility of evasion manifests itself differently, depending upon the situation. One can use their wits to evade a situation. But in most self defense situations, one must evade the use of physical force. An attacker may attempt to strike, kick, restrain, harm, or kill. Preparation, training, the physical and mental environment provide options of evasion. Evasion starts with recognizing that something must be done, to ensure one’s survival.
A few things must happen for evasion to be a suitable option. The situation tends to deteriorate between one and a possible attacker. This deterioration can occur quickly or slowly, again depending on circumstances. If escalation between two people occurs in a public or private place, it may occur slowly or quickly. This can happen over a conversation, argument, or any type of disagreement. Or the deterioration can happen, when an attacker attempts to attack quickly, when one becomes unaware of physical and mental surroundings.
The opponent must decide to carry out the attack mentally. This can be done from a planning stage. A robber or mugger stands out as an individual that decided to attack.
The person with “beer muscles” also stands out as this type of opponent. The “beer muscled” individual develops a plan as well. The only two differences are that one may be a professional and the other may act as an amateur and filled with liquid courage. The injuries that the attacker may provide should motivate one to train and train hard.
A fire drill and “stop, drop, and roll” give a real live example of evasion planning. A fire now resides on one and one must act to remove it. Drills assist one in effective survival. If an attack starts, then use resources in the environment to escape. A tipped chair or other object between one and the attacker may provide breathing and thinking room. Then get to a door and close it. Locked doors provide more breathing room and may end the attack, if the attacker is not persistent. Do not look to engage the attacker, look for escape options. Hopefully this small reference provides a way to think about the subject.
To evade, escape, get away or run all become viable options, when an opponent makes it impossible to avoid a situation. The possibility of evasion manifests itself differently, depending upon the situation. One can use their wits to evade a situation. But in most self defense situations, one must evade the use of physical force. An attacker may attempt to strike, kick, restrain, harm, or kill. Preparation, training, the physical and mental environment provide options of evasion. Evasion starts with recognizing that something must be done, to ensure one’s survival.
A few things must happen for evasion to be a suitable option. The situation tends to deteriorate between one and a possible attacker. This deterioration can occur quickly or slowly, again depending on circumstances. If escalation between two people occurs in a public or private place, it may occur slowly or quickly. This can happen over a conversation, argument, or any type of disagreement. Or the deterioration can happen, when an attacker attempts to attack quickly, when one becomes unaware of physical and mental surroundings.
The opponent must decide to carry out the attack mentally. This can be done from a planning stage. A robber or mugger stands out as an individual that decided to attack.
The person with “beer muscles” also stands out as this type of opponent. The “beer muscled” individual develops a plan as well. The only two differences are that one may be a professional and the other may act as an amateur and filled with liquid courage. The injuries that the attacker may provide should motivate one to train and train hard.
A fire drill and “stop, drop, and roll” give a real live example of evasion planning. A fire now resides on one and one must act to remove it. Drills assist one in effective survival. If an attack starts, then use resources in the environment to escape. A tipped chair or other object between one and the attacker may provide breathing and thinking room. Then get to a door and close it. Locked doors provide more breathing room and may end the attack, if the attacker is not persistent. Do not look to engage the attacker, look for escape options. Hopefully this small reference provides a way to think about the subject.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Avoidance
Hello Everyone,
How does one avoid a physical confrontation? Preparation, training, and opportunity contribute to avoiding hazards. First one must be aware that a situation becomes possible when all its parts work together. An attack only happens, when all the pieces the attacker needs gather together. If the defender remains aware, then avoiding the attack becomes possible. Let's move from theorhetical to practical
What does avoidance mean in a practical sense? Take actions that prevent or divert the possibliltiy of attack. If you walk down an unlit street to get to your car, then choose a parking area that stays lighted. Walk with confidence and remain aware of your surroundings. Do not fumble for keys or look distracted, even though you may be distracted. Try to keep a poker face, when dealing with the outside world.
Remember to always sweat the details, especially when it comes to training.
How does one avoid a physical confrontation? Preparation, training, and opportunity contribute to avoiding hazards. First one must be aware that a situation becomes possible when all its parts work together. An attack only happens, when all the pieces the attacker needs gather together. If the defender remains aware, then avoiding the attack becomes possible. Let's move from theorhetical to practical
What does avoidance mean in a practical sense? Take actions that prevent or divert the possibliltiy of attack. If you walk down an unlit street to get to your car, then choose a parking area that stays lighted. Walk with confidence and remain aware of your surroundings. Do not fumble for keys or look distracted, even though you may be distracted. Try to keep a poker face, when dealing with the outside world.
Remember to always sweat the details, especially when it comes to training.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Awareness
Has anyone ever heard the comment, "keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut?" Some comments provide a short and sweet bumper sticker of what awareness should be. But real awareness is more than just a sound bite. The ability to see, hear, smell, touch, taste, and sense an environment begins to describe awareness. Add to that description the ability to sense individuals and/or groups within that environment. One must be aware of others interactions within that environment. If a tree falls on you in the forest, do you make a sound? The question should be if a tree falls on you in the Forest, then does anyone else hear you.
Awareness includes the ability to determine another individuals' intentions. Simply stated, do they mean to help or harm you. The environment provides an easy challenge, while determining intent requires practice. One must remain aware of subtle cues that may lead to an outcome, being good or bad. If an individual cannot read these cues, then one can rely on the other person's behavior. Using this method gives much less lead time, but remains a far more reliable indicator.
Comfort or discomfort with any given situation also provides information. In other words, learn to trust your gut. If something does not feel right, then do not do it. From a cost benefit analysis perspective, only an experience is lost. Protect what provides the opportunity for experience, life.
One develops awareness through experience and testing. Testing takes many forms and can vary. As you enter a room, just look around and notice the exits. Another test of awareness occurs when a person takes classes with an instructor. The instructor may have targets set up around the room. The student enters the room and is asked to find the targets. Take training outside as well. Look for an area where there exist obstacles, concrete posts, etc. Stay wide of the post or other obstruction, so that seeing reveals any potential difficulty.
There exist many more awareness drills, but learning how to bring awareness into the everyday may make for an easier day.
Awareness includes the ability to determine another individuals' intentions. Simply stated, do they mean to help or harm you. The environment provides an easy challenge, while determining intent requires practice. One must remain aware of subtle cues that may lead to an outcome, being good or bad. If an individual cannot read these cues, then one can rely on the other person's behavior. Using this method gives much less lead time, but remains a far more reliable indicator.
Comfort or discomfort with any given situation also provides information. In other words, learn to trust your gut. If something does not feel right, then do not do it. From a cost benefit analysis perspective, only an experience is lost. Protect what provides the opportunity for experience, life.
One develops awareness through experience and testing. Testing takes many forms and can vary. As you enter a room, just look around and notice the exits. Another test of awareness occurs when a person takes classes with an instructor. The instructor may have targets set up around the room. The student enters the room and is asked to find the targets. Take training outside as well. Look for an area where there exist obstacles, concrete posts, etc. Stay wide of the post or other obstruction, so that seeing reveals any potential difficulty.
There exist many more awareness drills, but learning how to bring awareness into the everyday may make for an easier day.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Balance
Hello Everyone,
What is balance? According to Dictionary.com balance is, "a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equal distribution of weight, amount, etc. OR mental steadiness or emotional stability; habit of calm behavior, judgment, etc." (1) The ability to remain calm, when a person attempts to cause you harm or the ablitiy to control your body in a situation also should be considered balance. Everyday when we get up out of bed and start our day we exhibit a degree of balance. What does balance have to do with the martial arts?
Balance allows a person to move, strike, or kick and not be endangered. When considering balance from a martial arts point of view, examine the kick. When a person in essence stands on one leg in order to strike with the other leg, then balance reveals itself as a primary concern. Mental balance may prevent the attack in the first place. If one stays alert and not myopically focused on only getting their car keys out of their pocket, then one may be able to better handle an attacker, remove groceries from their car, or keep their loved ones out of danger.
Physical and mental balance preserve our lives, martially and non martially. Remember balance only represents one factor in the world. Their are other factors that this blog will cover. Thank you.
What is balance? According to Dictionary.com balance is, "a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equal distribution of weight, amount, etc. OR mental steadiness or emotional stability; habit of calm behavior, judgment, etc." (1) The ability to remain calm, when a person attempts to cause you harm or the ablitiy to control your body in a situation also should be considered balance. Everyday when we get up out of bed and start our day we exhibit a degree of balance. What does balance have to do with the martial arts?
Balance allows a person to move, strike, or kick and not be endangered. When considering balance from a martial arts point of view, examine the kick. When a person in essence stands on one leg in order to strike with the other leg, then balance reveals itself as a primary concern. Mental balance may prevent the attack in the first place. If one stays alert and not myopically focused on only getting their car keys out of their pocket, then one may be able to better handle an attacker, remove groceries from their car, or keep their loved ones out of danger.
Physical and mental balance preserve our lives, martially and non martially. Remember balance only represents one factor in the world. Their are other factors that this blog will cover. Thank you.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
The Purpose of the Martial Arts
The martial arts, like any art, provide a multitude of uses. One use of these arts remains effective self protection. If one learns the martial arts, then one has a higher chance of surviving an encounter. But more importantly the person may be able to avoid the encounter in the first place. Physical fitness represents another reaason for training in the martial arts. Individuals can get a good physical workout from training. Some students have been known to sweat profusely from intense training, the same way that someone works up a sweat lifting weights or running. The stress reduction provided my some martial arts give the practitioner a mental boost. They also allow the practitioner to better handle life's little challenges.
Before selecting a particular martial art, One must ask "what benefits do I want."
Then select the art accordingly. For those of you who already train in these arts, continue on your path. You never know what you may learn each workout.
Before selecting a particular martial art, One must ask "what benefits do I want."
Then select the art accordingly. For those of you who already train in these arts, continue on your path. You never know what you may learn each workout.
An Opening Post
Hello Everyone,
This blog serves a purpose, as most human endeavors do. It may inform those not experienced in the martial arts about the subject. It may also assist those who developed their own perspective about other perspectives. Rancor, abrasiveness, and downright meanness will not be tolerated; but discussions that exhibit civility and politeness always will. If someone disagrees with my point of view, then attempt to convince me of your viewpoint. If we cannot come to an agreement, then we will agree to disagree.
There are three rules that should be followed everywhere.
To understand that “The Three Rules” apply everywhere, we must first understand them. What are “The Three Rules and what do they mean? The first rule is Respect. It simply means that each person treats others the way they want to be treated. An example of this rule would be saying please and thank you when someone is nice. The second rule is Self Control. It means that we fit our behavior to meet the situation. An example of this rule would be not hitting a sibling when they started an argument or not yelling inside the house.
The third rule is Self Discipline. It means that we do things that we know should be done without being asked to do them. An example would be cleaning up your room, before a parent asked you to do it. Another example would be to dry dishes or complete chores before anyone says anything.
Why do “The Three Rules” apply everywhere? Just following these rules at home is not enough. When addressing a teacher, friend, or even someone we do not know; we must behave well. If we expect from others, we must first show that we can do it. You never know when you may make a new friend or make someone else’s day. So follow these rules everywhere and show that you are the responsible one.
I hope this helps explain some things. More to come.
This blog serves a purpose, as most human endeavors do. It may inform those not experienced in the martial arts about the subject. It may also assist those who developed their own perspective about other perspectives. Rancor, abrasiveness, and downright meanness will not be tolerated; but discussions that exhibit civility and politeness always will. If someone disagrees with my point of view, then attempt to convince me of your viewpoint. If we cannot come to an agreement, then we will agree to disagree.
There are three rules that should be followed everywhere.
To understand that “The Three Rules” apply everywhere, we must first understand them. What are “The Three Rules and what do they mean? The first rule is Respect. It simply means that each person treats others the way they want to be treated. An example of this rule would be saying please and thank you when someone is nice. The second rule is Self Control. It means that we fit our behavior to meet the situation. An example of this rule would be not hitting a sibling when they started an argument or not yelling inside the house.
The third rule is Self Discipline. It means that we do things that we know should be done without being asked to do them. An example would be cleaning up your room, before a parent asked you to do it. Another example would be to dry dishes or complete chores before anyone says anything.
Why do “The Three Rules” apply everywhere? Just following these rules at home is not enough. When addressing a teacher, friend, or even someone we do not know; we must behave well. If we expect from others, we must first show that we can do it. You never know when you may make a new friend or make someone else’s day. So follow these rules everywhere and show that you are the responsible one.
I hope this helps explain some things. More to come.
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