Walked to the beach yesterday

[Scott Sonnon]

My family walked down to the beach yesterday to play in the waves. Seems the unusual heat drove the entire city there as well. Next to our blanket was a gaggle of college students ruminating over the poor quality of the 7th keg the prior night. One of the kids recounted the tale of a 'near-fight.' Another apprised him that he should have "applied an armbar to him." It was hard to not overhear, and especially observe, since he goes on to demonstrate the "proper way to apply the armbar." A couple of the girls rolled their eyes and one asked where he learned martial arts. The young armbar specialist let the girl know that in his house, he doesn't need to go to any classes because he and his roommates watch the Ultimate Fighting Championship all the time. :D And then goes on to say to flatulate, "Yeah, we have four TVs in our apartment so there's always at least one with the UFC or pro wrestling." OMG that was just about the funniest thing I've heard in a LONG time! I'll be telling this story for centuries.

I couldn't contain my chuckle, as I continued to play with my 1 year old son building his spider guard off of the natural leg threading "groin protective" reflex all children retain if not counter-conditioned. Meanwhile my wife was rolling my four year old daughter out of a tight turtle pose she learned last week (the secret is in the foot tickle.)

It's just funny. The UFC has become the current day's "Sunday Morning Kungfu Theater" of my youth. Things change, but things stay the same.

[Coach Flanagan]

I learned my incredible knockout power from watching Arlovski, I dont need to practice striking.:D

Its funny though, how although this case is cleary one of the extremes, that people think martial art is a intellectual thing to be learned. I recall some conversations I've had with a few people when I first started training in Krav Maga, where someone expressed that they didnt want to put any time in developing skills but wanted me to "Show them" what I'm learning in class so perchance they get into an altercation, they'll be prepared. If someone were to show me how to throw a football and explain the mechanics without actually having me try it, that wouldnt make me be able to A) do it effectively and b)perform it under pressure, but for some (Cultural?) reason, people think thats the case with Martial Art.

[Coach Gostnell]

"Napoleon, don't be jealous that I've been chatting online with babes all day. Besides, we both know that I'm training to be a cage fighter."Kip, Napoleon Dynamite

[Scott Sonnon]

Sean,

That's a really important insight: the intellectualization of practice. That phenomenon isn't restricted to martial art or even sports in general. I see it in nutrition, wellness, health and nutrition, even in religion (people who read a lot but don't practice whatsoever.)

On a physiological level, what really concerns me is the belief that mental skills write physical skills. That's true to the extent that there's a pre-existing physical practice - to reinforce the neurological echo of the physical performance.

But what no one in my experience can do without physical practice is address the emotional/biochemical component. Physical practice devoid of emotional friction does not hold up under stress.


EMOTIONAL AROUSAL INTERFERES WITH PERFORMANCE
Nideffer, R. M., & Yock, T. J. (1976). The relationship between a measure of Palmar sweat and swimming performance. Journal of Applied Psychology, 61, 376-378.

Male varsity swimmers (N = 12) had their performances ranked by the coach in the final five intercollegiate meets of the season. Those rankings were correlated with Palmar sweat readings.
A negative relationship between the two measures was revealed. As Palmar sweat readings rose, performance ratings deteriorated. This shows the negative effects of emotional arousal on swimming performance.
The relationship of pre-competition arousal assessments to self-perceived performance competencies in collegiate wrestlers[/B]. Unpublished master's thesis, Lakehead University, Ontario, Canada) and basketball players (Fiorini, A. (1978). [I]The relationship of pre-game arousal assessments to self-perceived performance competencies in male collegiate basketball players. Unpublished master's thesis, Lakehead University, Ontario, Canada).]
Implication. Excessive emotional arousal can cause performance deterioration. However, with instruction and skill development that is associated with controlling the energizing properties of high emotional arousal, performances can be benefited. In some sports (e.g., power lifting) it is essential to have high levels of emotional arousal. Athletes should be aroused to the level that they have learned to control.

The athlete must have a resistance medium for the work to be emotional acclimated. Otherwise, even the most precise skill will erode under the emotional wash of high stress.

[Scott Sonnon]

"Napoleon, don't be jealous that I've been chatting online with babes all day. Besides, we both know that I'm training to be a cage fighter."Kip, Napoleon Dynamite
I can top that.


"You think anybody wants a roundhouse kick to the face while I'm wearing these bad boys? Forget about it. Last off, my students will learn about self respect. You think anybody thinks I'm a failure because I go home to Starla at night? Forget about it! "
http://hammer.afdc.com/activities/ultimate/spring05/teams/1/3/photo1.jpg
http://www.dragonimpact.com/rex/yourimage.mp3

[Coach Flanagan]

So THATS why the stars and stripes pants are required gear for FlowFighting.

[Coach Gostnell]

So THATS why the stars and stripes pants are required gear for FlowFighting.
Beats the pants (ahem) off that Thong and Sombrero wardrobe selection! :D

[Coach Flanagan]

I'm fighting for Team Jones, I'll have to have the jalapeno thong on underneath per initiation ritual. Beats the rituals of representing Team Murdock luckily... getting neck pain for a week from Ninja trickery.

[Coach Tran]

Scott,

Do you think we can bring back Shaw Brothers' production kung fu movies back on TV? I really miss them days... I also really miss watching Bruce Lee and kung fu flicks on old 42nd Street with the old man. Porno and kung fu flicks on the same strips.. (I didn't watch adult movies when I was kid and when I asked my dad about those movie houses. He said it was for lonely men... :D ) My O My how things have changed since then... Who knows... maybe the youngsters who watched UFC will be the future coaches of tomorrow?