The Flow: Cabal Fang Martial Arts Training Involution #124

I am in physical therapy — again — this time for biceps tendinitis.  This caused me to do some word problems.

Jill always trains close to max intensity.  This causes soreness, which limits training to 2 days/week, and increases  injury risk.  She spends 10 weeks per year too hurt to train at all.  Total training sessions per year: 84.

Jack moderates his intensity.  He ups the intensity once a month or so and saves maximum effort for a few special events per year.   Reduced soreness means he can train 3 days/week.  Reduced injury risk means he spends only 4 weeks per year hurt.  Total yearly training sessions: 144– 71% more than Jill.

Jack is a better martial artist than Jill because he trains 71% more.

He also suffers less pain and his long term health is better too.

I am Jack’s complete lack of surprise.

There’s a time for pushing envelopes and testing limits.  But, more often than not, we need to be in the flow.   What is “the flow?”

When you are in the flow, you are not self-conscious and nothing is forced.  Time flies.  when you look back later, it feels like fun instead of work.

Let’s get into the flow.

The Flow: Training Involution #124

1. Create a flow drill and work it for at least 30 minutes, preferably an hour.  Ideally your flow drill will have give-and-take (or if solo, anticipated defenses).  And, in a perfect world, it will have at least 8 beats or moves.  Videos of two flow drills below.
2. If you don’t have a partner, don’t sweat it.  You can work with noodles, make a wrestling dummy, practice your Double Wristlock using a sledgehammer, work on your katas, or just shadowbox.  No excuses.  Get in the flow!  
3. Meditate on the caduceus.  The caduceus, or the Staff of Hermes, is an ancient symbol of the flow — the give and take between opposing forces that gives rise to equilibrium, understanding and transcendence.  Assume your meditative posture of choice, picture the symbol in your mind, and step into the symbol for at least 10 minutes.