We live in a pretty mental culture. I’m not trying to say we’re all crazy (though I’m not trying to say we aren’t). But, we are literally mental – largely focused on matters of the mind, and lost in our thoughts. Now, rational thinking and a good head for analysis are invaluable. But there are also many activities that work best when we let go, release all those thoughts, and “get in the Zone”.
Learning the art of self protection is a constant dance between these two modes. We use the rational mind to learn the techniques and principles for handling the unexpected. But when we need to use what we’ve learned to actually face the unexpected, then, we need the Zone.
Here’s a great example: Yesterday, at our monthly seminar, we had our students get out some 3 foot sticks and stand in lines. We started with postures. “Hold it like this. Legs here, hands there.” Then basic strikes, then slowly working through a technique with partners. “Let’s see. I step here, the stick goes here. Hmm, let me try that again.” and again. and again, until the work started to take on a hint of free movement.
By the second half of the seminar, we were rolling around with partners, flowing back and forth, applying things we’d learned as the need for them arose. While the techniques weren’t always easy to learn, the act of letting go and going with the flow often proved to be the most challenging.
On March 22nd, we’re doing our “Moving Freely” Seminar. This workshop is all about getting in the Zone. We focus on principles from Shinden Fudo Ryu, the Body Guard school, which comes from a tradition of simplicity, redirecting energy, and using what we have, right here. If you’d like to sign up, just head over Here. All levels welcome.
What do you find harder? Learning new skills, or getting in the Zone to use them?