A Study of Rhythm, Conor V Floyd

I have always adhered to the idea that principles of combat are more usefully instilled in a practitioner than actual technique. During periods of high stress for eg. a fight, for most, technique diminishes. Understanding the principles inherent in conflict, aids the best choice and the more efficient use of tactic or movement. This allows for a more free and fluid state of body. One of the big things here, which makes or breaks a fight, is the use of rhythm. This is why McGregor v Mayweather is a mismatch but perhaps for a different reason than you might think.

Now, I've been fairly verbose in my condemnation of the UFC, if not on the pages of this blog then in real life. This makes me a rarer case of having bigger "real life balls" than that of "Facebook Balls", however I am an admirer of the training Conor employs. It is very much around the basics of movement and is obviously heavily influenced by the instruction of Ido Portal. This will certainly assist him more in his preparation to fight with, without a doubt, the greatest defensive boxer of all time. Will it be enough? I am interested to find out.

I actually did some video work for this blog, which now has in the region of 400 regular readers, so cheers for that folks! My body is pretty mashed up these days and kicking is becoming a real problem. I hope you can appreciate the fact that I have hobbled around for the past 4 days after making the short vids. It is worth it, as they say "a picture says a thousand words".

Rhythm is essential to combat and each combat art form has a unique one. I concentrated on 3 so you can see the differences.

1. BOXING

I am of course talking generally here, there are many deviations and exceptions to all the examples I give. Boxing rhythm is generally even paced with fast bursts of grouped punches. The momentum is generally forward and cyclical. Even weight distribution and with a high guard kept tight to the body.

2. Muay Thai

Thai boxing is generally at a slower pace which increases in intensity over the rounds. It operates at a different range obviously, as the legs are used for both offensive and defensive purpose. The body is still upright with the guard held higher and the elbows further from the body. The weight is distributed slightly more to the rear. Punches and kicks are grouped, when operating outwith the clinch the strikes are thrown in more of a loop.

3. Point/Semi Contact Freestyle

Stood side on and generally fought at a faster pace, freestyle has a more forward to backward shifting of the weight. Side kicks are employed more as are shots put together as two's or three's. The body is lower, with a slight crouch. The hands are low, sometimes even below the waist if the competitor is advanced enough. It is generally linear when it comes to attacking, these are thrown quickly with the full body behind them.

Three very distinct rhythms, which in effect, MMA  has to operate over at any given time. There is no judgement here on which one is the more efficient. Each has merit and pitfall depending on your desired outcome. The below video is an attempt at illustrating the striking rhythm of MMA, grappling aside. Look how it compares to the boxing one in the context of the Conor/Floyd fight..

I was hugely sceptical of the event happening on August 26th but my mind has changed. I look forward to it greatly, if only out of my interest in Combative Art movement. Truth is, it is very difficult to make any kind of prediction. I would say this though, whoever figures out "the beat" on the night, will be the one that delivers the beating.

If you want to experience my thoughts and teaching methods why not join me at the Five Thunder training weekend where I'll be talking about some of the stuff above and general Strike IQ. There are a host of other instructors too and plenty art forms available to experience. For more details follow the link.

http://www.fivethunder.com/index.php/seminars/events/weekend-training-camp

Where can your mind take you?...

...Well, it's very nuanced and the answer depends on many different factors. Your mind can take you to the very edge of our universe or deep into the depths of our consciousness, but only if you let it. It has a  vast spectrum, allowing you to be anything from a fighter pilot in a space battle to a lottery winner. (In my youth I saved Earth so many times and now each week I think how I could do it again if only my numbers came up) Your mind is a very useful and motivating tool, but it is linked inextricably to the vehicle that is your body. They don't always go to the same destination but they are a very fine double act.

The power of visualisation is real; science has in various studies linked enhanced performance to previsualisation. In one study, two groups of athletes completed deadlifts. One group visualising the set before performing the set, the other not, with an increase of successful reps and a higher weight going to those who did. A clear example, easily recreated, of mind over matter. It pays to believe in yourself. Look at Conor McGregor! I won't go into the upcoming spectacle between him and Mayweather, as there is plenty commentary out there. Despite your feelings about him, he is not short of self belief and he is now in one of the most financially lucrative ventures in the history of Combat sports. Love him or loathe him, he made it happen!

But back to the question in hand. Mind and body linked like Yin and Yang. Speaking as an aged fighter/competitor coupled with my exploration of spirituality I see and feel the link clearly, perhaps more than some. As I have aged, I have both raised and declined in different aspects. My need to inflict punishment on another has dwindled, but my mind has not ceased from the idea of inflicting same said punishment on myself. I have stopped competing against others and found my real nemesis, turns out it's fucking me :)
I continue to put my body through rigours I perhaps don't really need to. I do that not just because of historical routine and ego but also through self belief. My mind is convinced I can be better, because I have allowed it, through time, to repeatedly go there.

A word of caution, a mind knows no limits unless you yourself impose them on it. This is a double edged sword. Too much "looking in the other direction" when it comes to human reality can cause physical harm. I've seen guys that listen to the Rocky soundtrack too much and not put in the graft during class/sparring/gym. Almost inevitably they get their face burst wide open.

The mind body link works both ways. Spend time cultivating both the link and the individual parts. Father time couldn't care less about your mind or your body, he will take both if you drop your guard. Good exercise regimes keep the mind sharp, a sharp mind keeps you understanding the importance of physical condition. If the mind wants to go somewhere it's easier when the vehicle is able. Each requires effort and time devoted specifically to them.

It's what "Breakthrough" is all about. Understanding through application. The movements we teach are just as functional as the calm we prescribe for your mind.

Authentic Arts

There are a five stages of development we pass through on our Martial Journey. Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Role Model and finally Perfection. The key is to aim for the next step up the ladder, ie if you are a beginner aim to be intermediate, if intermediate aim to be advanced, advanced strive to be a role model. If through your efforts you find yourself becoming a role model then the next progression would be perfection. Perfection, however, is only something that you can hope and aspire to without actually achieving. It's more that perfection arises from the act of striving. In this way of thinking, it means you can be a perfect beginner, intermediate or advanced practitioner. You still with me?

It also implies that you can be a perfect role model, despite our human frailties and fallibility. No human is perfect, so how do we circumvent this painful truth? Well I have put my mind to it and the closest thing that we can be to perfect, is to be authentic. Authentic with our hopes, our hearts, our aspirations and the way in which we express them. When it comes to authenticity within martial arts it is quite clear to note the ones that are, and the ones that are not. The word "Martial" stems from the God of War so infers anything warlike. Therefore I put it to you plainly that if you do not get bruised, battered or break a few minor bones then you are not participating authentically. Every measure is taken to provide safe practise by most legitimate teachers and instructors but bumps and bruises are inevitable. Like the fight club analogy how much can you truly know about yourself (and by extension your art) if you don't have scars?

And in life too we carry our scars, sometimes unseen but still there. They do not show weakness, they in fact show the strength of experience. Experience comes from long term practise, and long term practise implies you have passed through at least two stages of development perhaps more, beginner, intermediate and advanced.

You can be more, much more than any of these. Perfection is the thread that runs through them all and perfection, in my mind at least, equates to authenticity. Don't fool yourself or worse fool others around you. Express your short comings truthfully, honestly there is nothing more perfect. To be authentic, is to be a role model for all humanity. There is no other way.

"Life requires movement"

"Life requires movement" was stated by Aristotle. Humans have used it as a method of expression for a long long time. We gesticulate when we tell stories, our excitement and effusiveness seemingly unable to be contained within the physical body. We move mostly for joy, we dance, our body racks with laughter, we reach out and we touch our friends, family and loved ones like an affirmation of our physical existence in relation to their presence. We need them, as they need us and it is our body that belies the separation from them. It's beautiful! I was very lucky to have such a week as last week which saw me take on two (on the surface) vastly different seminars. Both were very expansive and brought me great joy.

On Tuesday, Edinburgh held the honour of hosting Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei. Master Chen is a 19th generation member of the "royal family" of Taijiquan and 11th generation direct successor and keeper of Chen Style Tai Chi. The gravity of the situation is difficult to comprehend, but the truth of the matter is that it was a fairly important moment in the history of Tai Chi in the UK. GM Chen has visited the UK previously but has never been as far north as the Scottish Capital. His arrival in town is demonstrative of the hard work people such as Li Ho (my friend and colleague)  and others have put into the development of Chen in Scotland. GM Chen arrived along with Master Kuang.  I've had the opportunity to train with Master Kuang in China, he is a Northern region push hand champion in China and a student of my Master Liming Yue. He has gone on to become a Master in his own right and that gives me hope albeit a bit wishful thinking :)

Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei is almost 70 years old, but he moves with the grace, poise and power of someone much less advanced in years. His life has been devoted to movement and the spiritual acquisition that implies. His energy release, which is a very important factor in Chen style Tai Chi is tantamount to the sonic boom Guile delivers in the Street Fighter video games. Perhaps this short video doesn't give justice but GM Chen Zhengei's presence is quite something to behold up close.

Chen Zhenglei in Edinburgh

He spoke favourably about Edinburgh, he said he was in awe of its beauty. He went on to speak about the importance of Tai Chi. Specifically the three main reasons it is important to learn. A study had taken place at the Ivy league Universities in the US to establish just what it is that is required in a sport to facilitate well-being. It seems on this academic level all other Olympic sports had fallen short. GM Chen identified three factors:

1. It must be a movement that can be practised in Leisure time
2. The movement must consider the natural oxygen process
3. The movement must consider longevity of practise

Simple guidance and wisdom only an aged Master can highlight!

Later in the week I attended a workshop called Strength and Mobility for the Combat Athlete. I wholeheartedly accept that I am no longer an athlete, but my years of pain and sacrifice justified my presence on the workshop. It too was enlightening and expansive, teaching me that strength is a skill that can be improved upon given time and correct technique. I learned many drills around mobility, strength and dexterity each of which will help me develop. Understanding your baselines as a human, ie what you can and can't do, stands you in great stead for you realising just what it is you are capable of.

It's not mystical, it is about self reflection. Identifying what you can do to improve, even listening to people who have done it for you is key. There is a wealth of knowledge out there and it is not just for a privileged few. It's for anyone and everyone. I can only invite you to come and train but you have to RSVP. There are no short cuts, life requires movement.

Books on the Coffee Table

Greetings all, I met a friend of mine the other day for a coffee and a chat about spirituality and all that! (it's something I do). I used an analogy to best express my thoughts and my view on it all. I kinda lost her, which is understandable, as the deeper the chats go the harder it can be to express yourself properly. Sometimes we censor ourselves deliberately, other times we just get lost down one of the rabbit holes we stumble upon. I spoke about the books on a coffee table, I think I actually said the books on a shelf but you understand the image I'm trying to conjure. Imagine, if you will the book is called "Your Divine Nature". The question that arises is "what is it doing on yer coffee table?"
Is it there because you dip into it on occasion when you're relaxing? Did you put it there to signal to your friends that you're into that sort of thing? Or is it there because you happen to be reading it right now?

Some people like to rub things in your face, be it their physicality, their sexuality and yes, even their spirituality. The things that belong to others, can be important, but not necessarily to you.  YOUR physicality, YOUR sexuality, YOUR spirituality is all that really matters. It is after all, only you that can practise them. A closed book on a coffee table isn't being read at that moment, therefore it is of no use. What I'm trying to say, (yes I appreciate I fell into one of them aforementioned rabbit holes) is you don't need a book about your divine nature, ever. I believe that humanity and spirituality are linked. Like Yin and Yang, intrinsic and giving rise to one another. I am no more spiritual when I climb up a mountain and chant (also something I do BTW) than I am when I go down the CO-OP for my fucking almond milk. My very humanity is the foundation for my spirituality, and that is the only thing that I should rub in someone else's face. YOUR humanity is the only thing that could only ever be important to someone else, all the time, every time.

I explore my humanity and therefore my spirituality through movement and the use of my body. I am fascinated by such things, maybe I have a freaky fetish but I get right into it? Mechanics, movement, grace, power, motion and emotion. I like to watch male gymnasts on the rings, those dudes don't even have six packs they have ten-packs! The strength and poise of a female dancer, the wonderfully triangular and symmetrical back muscles that ultimately you just want to touch, so you can feel that it's real. It is creepy in a way I know :) but the potentiality of the human body and by extension the potentiality of human spirit is one enormous puzzle I want to solve.

I mentioned sexuality earlier, you're probably wondering what that's all about? Same goes for me, sex is a wonderful exploration of our human nature through our bodies and when done right gives great insight into our divine nature. To me the throes of passion are not so different from the throws of Sanda! Each requires a commitment that leaves you vulnerable, a tangle of body and limbs, a courageous moment between you and another, and ultimately someone being on their back :)

 Joking aside, I do mean it, it is only in our most private moments that the majority of us reflect most deeply. It is there we find our most divine nature, but it has always been with us. Sad to think that many never experience themselves beyond looking in a mirror. We are humans and we are better than that.

Find your own practise, it may not be the same as anyone else's, but who cares? It's only for you and it is only you that will find it.

Journeys

I have recently returned from the beautiful and historic lands common to the major monotheistic religions, the lands of Samaria and Judea. In truth I am still reflecting on an amazing trip. It is said that great journeys begin first with a single step. I would contest that even before that, we envisage the final step. We think of the possibilities and the endless variations which our journey may lead us to. This inturn motivates us to take the step in the first place. Journeys don't necessarily need to be just geographical. They can be emotional, spiritual, physical or of any other countless reason. Ultimately, just like Combat Arts they promote growth and expansion. Some plan and plot every detail of the journey linking the steps in the most efficient way, others are happy to toss a stick in the air at a fork in the road, and walk whatever path fate may deem.

Expansion and growth are very important motivators; I travel both internally and externally to seek out humanity in its best form. I have never been disappointed yet with the things I have seen, discovered, revisited or met for the first time. There are many reasons people move from point to point or place to place but we mostly do it because it feels right. The act of seeking out humanity elsewhere, creates humanity in the very effort of doing so. Generally humans delight and thrive in change. Some prefer more gentle or subtle forms of change, others are happy to just go for it.

If you have been too tired of late to try something new or  maybe take on a new challenge, then maybe your energy has stagnated? Maybe you've been standing still too long? I recommend you move, move your body, move your outlook, move your base of learning. Not only will you see something different you will also feel something different. You have access to new energy always.

The best thing about movement in a concentric world is that you can only travel so far before you start coming home again! Destinations and goals are excellent of course but the space between is often where you find the real value.

Wherever you want to go in life or in body or in spirit, I wish you safe travels.

Relax Harder, strive with ease.

We are very complex creatures with all sorts of stuff going on in our heads and in our hearts at any given time. We are living beings that reflect, engage and often ignore the living world around us. Our bodies are made of elements found in distant galaxies but our consciousness stems from deep within. While half the globe sleeps in a wintry embrace in the dead of night, the other half goes about its day in glorious summer heat. Some people are dog people, some people are cat people. We are all different but not all separate. We all breathe the same air but many of us have forgotten just how important and life-affirming that can be. When we are in the city we breathe superficially, normally just enough to not die, yet when we visit a forest we take big deep gulps of air to draw in all the serenity. That is an energy transaction. The difference is it's free to us. When we have a lover in our arms, we squeeze them all the tighter and inhale their scent. That is another energy transaction. It happens when we take what is outside and bring it inside so that we can relish it. It reassures us of our very existence and in our confirmation of life we find tranquillity. Oxygen has a profound impact on our bodies and on our minds. The autonomic nervous system lies deep within, generally doing its job of keeping us alive without our conscious input, but receives its signals from the environment around us. It is made up of two branches: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. Like the Yin and the Yang or in this case, the yang and the yin, the two branches work in tandem to keep the balance. The sympathetic nervous system triggers our fight or flight responses vital in times of crisis, the parasympathetic system deals with all the other processes, sleeping, eating and healing. Whilst one inhibits the other excites. A small dose of stress is good for the internal system, but any sustained period of stress allows the sympathetic nervous system to rule. This has a detrimental effect on your health as it includes the suppression of your digestive system, your immune system and (god forbid) your libido. Obviously our bodies need to be oxygenated to live and thrive, but we also need to cultivate a tranquil atmosphere in which to thrive in. It is easy done, take the time to breathe and make the effort to consciously do nothing more. See where your mind goes. It doesn't matter where your body goes but it would be wise to take it outside to the forest, where life is unimposing yet everywhere. It's a bit like what's going on inside you right now. Magic still exists, you just need to look in the right place.