PDA

View Full Version : Flow State Performance Spiral Dialogue/Questions



Lee
01-22-2004, 09:17 AM
Coach and All,

I've been wanting to make this thread for a few days, but I've been trying to formulate what exactly I'm unclear on. Hopefully this will help me get it right. I have a couple of questions/points so please bear with me...

I've been studying the Flow State Peromance Spiral tape for a while now, and I feel that I understand the concepts, but my ability to implement it on a consistent basis in daily submission grappling/BJJ practice still feels shaky. Sometimes it all just comes together, and other times I flow right into the wrong position.

Further explanation; personally I feel very "flowing" when grappling. Ever since I started Body flow, my breath and movement feel aligned on the mat. Even when I am getting beaten by a more skilled grappler, he is usually the one who needs a break after I tap. So, my breath is ok...

What I am toying with is the Broad External Awareness concept. I can only describe this as a 'feeling'. Like when you just sit still in a busy room and pay attention to nothing in particular, but just let every little noise, smell, or movement just registers to your conciouseness. So the idea is to accomplish this same feeling while actually rolling.

When this happens the techniques also become feelings as well. You don't try to do a triangle choke, the opportunity of a triangle choke appears, and the you experience the feeling of doing it. And before you know it its over.

Now here's my dilemna, because I'm working on my Pre-incorporated Strategy for WHEN the mistakes occur. I already don't go declarative mode and my breathing is usually OK but sometimes that isn't enough to bring back that feeling. I try to let go and take in all that is going on in the room, but sometimes I become too still when that happens and my opponent capitalizes on that.

My proposed solution is to practice Body Flow while cultivating the Broad External Awareness Feeling. Only problem is I practice BF in a very boring room that is hard for me to stay External in. Also I have the old habbit of withdrawing into myself when engaged in solo exercise from years of distance running(you definately don't need to be externally aware in that sport).

I also think I could benefit from some Soft-Work because my usuall environment is pretty hard.(Especially after you win a tournament, everybody wants a piece of you! Sheesh! I'm just trying to play here...)

Maybe from where someone else is standing, they could shed some light on my confusion. Just getting this out has been helpful. I would also love to hear anybody else's experiences with the FSPS while grappling. Monkey's thread today was helpful too...

Scott Sonnon
01-22-2004, 01:02 PM
Lee,

Firstly, don't sweat it. You're doing well.

Secondly, get yourself some time with a training partner outside of class with whom you think you can introduce the Soft-Work protocol. Show him some clips of Rickson and Royler demo'ing (http://www.grappletv.com/videos/Rickson%20and%20%20Royler%20Demo.mpg)to give him a feel of what you're intending to perform. View about 60% through for good flow-grappling.

Thirdly, don't think of Broad as universally broad. Consider breadth to encompass the sphere of the engagement. For instance, you don't want to be attending the crowd cheering, or that sweet little thing walking by the mat when you're grappling right? Same thing is true here.

Attention (or Broad/External Awareness) doesn't necessarily mean consider everything possible. Attention means consider everything reasonably valuable to your goals.

Lastly, one of the drills developed by Soviet sport psychologists (see Red Gold by Dr. Raiport), used on us was to grapple while two radios are playing different tunes/stations. While grappling switch your attention back and forth between listening to one station, while filtering out the other. You'll discover this accelerates your attentional switching strength dramatically.

Chuck Kechter
01-22-2004, 03:42 PM
Now here's my dilemna, because I'm working on my Pre-incorporated Strategy for WHEN the mistakes occur. I already don't go declarative mode and my breathing is usually OK but sometimes that isn't enough to bring back that feeling. I try to let go and take in all that is going on in the room, but sometimes I become too stillwhen that happens and my opponent capitalizes on that.


Lee,

You may have answered your own question.

In reading your post this caught my eye, I en-boldened (is that a word? :?) the part that "stuck" with me. Stillness (except internally) is the antithesis of Body-Flow. Have you actually stopped moving? Are you freezing in some position for a period of time? Is that what allows your "opponent" the access he needs to capitalize?


Lastly, one of the drills developed by Soviet sport psychologists (see Red Gold by Dr. Raiport), used on us was to grapple while two radios are playing different tunes/stations. While grappling switch your attention back and forth between listening to one station, while filtering out the other. You'll discover this accelerates your attentional switching strength dramatically.

Something that I've found that has helped me over the years--especially in the last year, is to grapple in low light, or blindfolded. Working a drill with a willing partner (I know I'm walking a line here :wink:) in a semi darkened room, or without eyesight I have made remarkable progress--especially on the ground--but even in attached standing grappling. If you can find a partner as Coach suggests it is something to try. . .

Chuck

Dan Chomycia
01-22-2004, 06:22 PM
Lee,

Bro I know you have alot to chew on with the last 2 posts,
Scott's right if you able to Flow at all you are doing pretty good.

So maybe you can come back to this later,


Sometimes it all just comes together, and other times I flow right into the wrong position.

The is no such thing as the wrong position,
only what you do in that position will determine your outcome.

Allowing yourself this perspective will help you to unbind your Flow so that you can continue to work towards his demise.

Every hold is escapable, every postion useful, the trick is to realize it and work towards it. Help with this is found in Arthrokinetics (http://www.rmax.tv/arthro.html), if you keep flowing into the same postion and stopping, ask your new Training Partner to work through that position.

Good Luck,

Lee
01-23-2004, 05:53 AM
Thanks all for the replys...

I really like that two radio drill Coach, I will have to give it a try.

Chuck, good insight. I definately know what you mean about dark rooms or blindfolded. I usually wear contacts, but I take them out for grappling practice and I think it is a help. Also I close my eyes often to just feel the positions. I was always inspired by blind wrestlers.

Coach C, thinking of no position as 'wrong' is great too. It will also help you keep the "process" perspective as you move your way out.

I'm looking forward to studying AK, I'm budgeting for it now...

Cilian McHugh
01-23-2004, 04:00 PM
Lee,

The body of knowledge that is Arthrokinetics is really an excellent investment.