My Grappling program (your input?)

[bob_stra]

Ok, this is gonna be long-ish. Bear with me.

I've spent the last 2 months gaining basic proficiency with the clubs. There are some goals I'd like to shoot at. Please let me know if you can see any potential problems herein.

*******************

I've decided that I'd like to improve my performance in BJJ and Judo. At the present, I'm experiencing a strange dichotomy of skill. Wrestling with kids or newbies to the club = everything goes 100% to plan. I relax, smile and have a blast. There's so much time! Wrestling against peers = things go to plan 5% of the time. IOW, I get into a weird mental downwards performance spiral. What I want is to relax, smile and have a blast against this "tougher" crowd. Unfortunately, I don't think I yet have the attributes to achieve this.

Given the CST / ROSS Training Hierarchy Pyramid , here's what I'm looking to do -

(A)

Improve my GPP for my sports. Primarily for me this means endurance (muscular and "cardio"), as my game is not explosive. I suppose there are psychological aspects to this (ie: not wanting to hurt the other guy) as well as personal preference (skill over brute strength or speed).

(B)

Explore and improve physical skills for each art. I find that I "know" only snippets required to make whole 'techniques' workable. Ie: 3/4 of an armbar, 1/3 of a leg lock etc. To be honest, even when I know most of the components of a skill, its still too slow to be useful to me. "Oh, his arm is there. Ah, I know thi...." but by then its too late. So I'm looking to find a better way, both to learn and to practice. A fun way.

(C)

Have fun. I'm a hobbyist, not a professional. I neither have the time nor interest for grueling 5hrs a day, 7 days a week type training. It ain't me.

(D)
I feel I need to somehow *integrate* the separate parts of attribute training, skills training and mental preparation. PS & MES are a definite weak points.


Here is my plan of action. It looks fragmented on paper, but I really want to knit it all together.

(1)

To improve GPP -

3 x week strength endurance training. *Randomly* alternating 1-2 ballistic exercises each session (ie: Basic arm swing = focus of session 1. Lunges = focus of session 2 ) AND program style ('rapid fire cardio', 'give no quarter', 'march or die').

Reasoning = adds variety to workout. Introduce intuition ("hmm... today I feel like doing xyz"). Prevent boredom.

(2)

To improve physical skills relating to grappling

(2.1)
2 x week : exploration of GTB. Exactly how and what am I doing when I perform xyz movement? How does xyz link to abc?

Reasoning = Try to figure out what the hell I'm doing in any given situation

(2.2)
3-4 x week Feldenkrais sessions. Similar reasoning as above.

Reasoning = Try to figure out what the hell I'm doing in any given situation.

(2.3)
Review IOUF. Design drills that can be done at home to explore these concepts. Ie: Tying gi to boxing bag and practicing fluid quantum gripping. 1-2 x week.

(2.4)
Purchase AK. Do as per IOUF. 1x2 times per week

(2.5)
Reduce dojo training to 1-2 x week. Use it as an opportunity to apply & test what I'm doing in my outside practice (ie: quantum gripping skills, etc).


Questions -

(1)

Given that mental downwards performance spiral is a big impediment for me, how do you advise I should put the contents of "Keeping The Edge" (Flow state audio tape) to good use? So far, I've noticed that Zen type meditation is a good way to harness attention whilst under distraction. (ie: Helpful for moving from narrow to broad, internal to external focus).

(2)

In your opinion, is it appropriate to introduce elements of PS & MES concurrently whilst on a training cycle of GPP? I realize the "building on shaky ground" analogy may apply. Still, I feel that PE & MES are big hurdles for me that need to be addressed ASAP.

***********


Comments and input welcome.

[Scott Sonnon]

Solid exploration, amigo. To your questions...

1. "mental downwards performance spiral is a big impediment for me." How so? Could you explain specifics of your internal dialogue and external behavior triggered by what specific stimuli? Perhaps keep a diary to report your experiences immediately after rolling.

2a. There is no problem integrating GPP and MES, especially given your Burst-Recover-Burst protocol for grappling. Focus on the MENTAL when pushing yourself to endure the time of the BURST Phase. Concentrate on the EMOTIONAL when taming your autonomic arousal / aerobic debt in the RECOVERY Phase.
2b. However, concurrent GPP and PS work tends to be developmentally competitive. Cutting your class time down to once or twice (maximum) per week should suffice.

Optimize the GPP/MES cycle by reviewing video of yourself rolling and those whom you consider to be highly masterful grapplers rolling. Jot notes comparing and contrasting you and your role models. Work visualization first disassociated viewing yourself performing in their place. Then visualize first-person as if in the video, where grabbing, how much tension, how much relaxation, how breathing, how moving. You can perform this visualization drill solo Soft-Work ultra-slow motion. When you roll once/wk, focus on implementing one key characteristic (observed from the models) at a time.

** Additional suggestion, a great gripping GPP exercise is to place a jacket around a tree and use it to climb. It's an exercise based upon lumberjack ascension in profession and sport.

[bob_stra]

> How so? Could you explain specifics of your internal dialogue and
> external behavior triggered by what specific stimuli?

You know, its quite bizarre really. I can almost step out of myself and *watch* myself doing it. Mostly it can be summed up as fear. I think I'm most afraid of getting hurt / hurting someone else. I'm not 100% sure what the stimulus is. I do know that somewhat poor GPP (fatigue) & no trusting my meager skills exacerbates it.

Vs more knowledgeable grapplers, the internal dialogue is

(1) "Oh my god, look at this guy. He's huge, he's been grappling for X yrs. He's so much more knowledgeable than I am. He's gonna kill me. Man, I don't wanna do this. I have no idea what to do to him. If I piss him off, he's gonna tear me a new one in no time flat".

OR

vs equally skilled grapplers the internal dialogue is

(2) "Geeze, I better be careful. I don't want to hurt this guy. We're friends, if I piss him off, then things will escalate and one / both of us will be hurt tomorrow".

So, as you can see, I'm usually fighting 3 or 4 opponents simultaneously. No wonder I lose so often ;-) I don't mind losing, but I do mind being stuck in a quagmire of my own design.

The club culture is mostly supportive, but as you know, young men have hot heads, so things don't always go smoothly. Infrequent, unpredictable, occasional injury only adds to the Skinner effect.

I often think about these things on the way home from training. There are times when I think of actually giving the whole thing away. Sometimes it gets to the point where I dread to go to training the following week. ;-(

I might actually start keeping a diary as you suggest. There must be some way I can address this, because the effects are *catastrophic* on my progress.

>2a. There is no problem integrating GPP and MES, especially given
>your Burst-Recover-Burst protocol for grappling.

Excellent. Thank you!

Re: video. I don't know if the guys would be willing to let me tape sessions and to be honest I'd be a little embarrassed to ask. But I might muster the courage up anyways, embarrassment be damned.

Do you have any recommendations as to how long my GPP & MES cycle should be? I'm thinking 12 weeks should be adequate to gauge some progress?

The headgame is tricky as hell ;-)

Thank you kindly Scott. You're all welcome to chip in, cause lord knows I'm spinning my wheels here on my lonesome ;-)

[Scott Sonnon]

You know, its quite bizarre really. I can almost step out of myself and *watch* myself doing it. That's a very useful skill - to be able to disassociate. All you need to know is recognize the talent, and exploit it.

Mostly it can be summed up as fear. I think I'm most afraid of getting hurt / hurting someone else. I'm not 100% sure what the stimulus is. Based upon this, I suspect it is specific fear of injury or causing injury. Recall your most traumatic injury (in this vein) - inflicted or received.

I do know that somewhat poor GPP (fatigue) & no trusting my meager skills exacerbates it. Then you're fortunate. It's merely problematic, and you're already on the solution.

(1) "Oh my god, look at this guy. He's huge, he's been grappling for X yrs. He's so much more knowledgeable than I am. He's gonna kill me. Man, I don't wanna do this. I have no idea what to do to him. If I piss him off, he's gonna tear me a new one in no time flat". Reframe this to... "He's going to underestimate my performance. He's had too many years of stylistic indoctrination; locked within a game, rather than free to create his own style. I am free and will capitalize on his prejudice and specialization."

(2) "Geeze, I better be careful. I don't want to hurt this guy. We're friends, if I piss him off, then things will escalate and one / both of us will be hurt tomorrow". "I work not to win, but to allow myself to be placed in disadvantageous positions, so that I can practice escapes, reversals and unorthodox submissions. Against this partner, I am very much in control because of our equal skill levels. This will be a great learning experience for us both, and I'm going to get a great workout and practice!"

I often think about these things on the way home from training. There are times when I think of actually giving the whole thing away. Sometimes it gets to the point where I dread to go to training the following week. ;-( Reframe this part of your schedule for extended practice - debriefing - an excellent opportunity to work on your visualizations.

Do you have any recommendations as to how long my GPP & MES cycle should be? I'm thinking 12 weeks should be adequate to gauge some progress? I'd agree. Either two 6-week programs, the latter a progressed challenge of the former... OR three 4-week programs, more gradually challenging.

Thank you kindly Scott. You're all welcome to chip in, cause lord knows I'm spinning my wheels here on my lonesome ;-) We're each on our lonesome, amigo. I'm glad I could be of service. You've been very helpful to all here.

[Jorge Colon]

Dear Bob,

You don't know me, yet, but I have trained for several years with Coach Sonnon privately and at IDP in ROSS, as well as two CST certification events. Please understand that I only offer my comments and input because you specifically asked for them in your post. :-)

What most struck me from your posts was that you are struggling with the enormous effort invested in maintaining your self-image. For example, being "nice" to the newbies and not being hurt by your peers.

If I may, it strikes me that your fear of being hurt is more closely tied to your fear of LOSING. Consider that you cannot be hurt unless you provide the necessary RESISTANCE to your opponent. Your chances of being hurt in a training hall, if you offer no resistance, are quite low, unless of course your opponent is psychotic or on drugs. :-)

Along Coach Sonnon's guidance, have you considered arranging, with confidence, to EXPLORE with your opponents, as opposed to COMPETING with them. You will find that most of your peers will gladly accept the invitation to intelligently cooperate, as they probably are straining under the weight of maintaining their own self-image as experts or experienced fighters. After all, you are paying, no? Then ask for what you want, FUN, comraderie, exercise, whatever it is but not the bloody cuts and bruises, right?

Finally, Bob, and this is most bold of me, but did you notice that most of your posts on this forum present a similar theme and it has to do with trust. Enough said. But FYI ROSS and Coach Sonnon's insipiration addresses just that, start TRUSTING YOURSELF. If you are lost, Life always gives you feedback - and for FREE! :twisted:

I hope I could help you. But if I fell flat on my back trying to help you, then, well.... know I'm having a jolly good laugh at my own self-image's expense! Uh..humm... I am CERTIFIED and all that, you know. :-)

Best regards,

[bob_stra]

Hi Jorge

> Please understand that I only offer my comments and input because
> you specifically asked for them in your post. :-)

That I did. Have no fear of offending me. If I didn't want the cold, harsh truth, I wouldn't have posted my problem on line for the entire planet to see ;-)

It's bugging me and I wanna do something about it. Two heads are better than one, no?

>What most struck me from your posts was that you are struggling with > the enormous effort invested in maintaining your self-image.

Indeed.

> If I may, it strikes me that your fear of being hurt is more closely tied > to your fear of LOSING.

I submit that may be possible. I can't honestly say yes or no, because once the "brain jangles" start, it's hard to differentiate one emotion from the next.

I don't mind losing per se, but I suspect the subconscious impact on my self image might be having some effect. We all have our little life stories and experiences, and I don't want to whine about them, but perhaps there's a grain of truth in what you say.

> hall, if you offer no resistance, are quite low, unless of course your
> opponent is psychotic or on drugs. :-)

Well, I've had a few psychotic ones over the years :-) But I do take your point.

> Along Coach Sonnon's guidance, have you considered arranging, with >confidence, to EXPLORE with your opponents, as opposed to
>COMPETING with them.

Yes, by lucky coincidence, I have arrange for just this thing with one of them. We shall see whether he's true to his word ;-)

>Finally, Bob, and this is most bold of me, but did you notice that most of >your posts on this forum present a similar theme and it has to do with
>trust.

I'm sorry, but I don't follow what you're trying to tell me.

I appreciate your input. Could you send me a PM, maybe illustrating how what I have written previously makes you think that? IIRC The bulk of the posts I've done here are of a technical nature re: injury management.

But let me know. Maybe I'm missing something. I can be *incredibly* dense at times.

Many thanks Jorge.

I'm here to learn and I ain't afraid to admit it, "expert" status be damned ;-)

[bob_stra]

We're each on our lonesome, amigo. I'm glad I could be of service. You've been very helpful to all here.

Thank you kindly. I appreciate the guidance.

[rbibbs]

Bob, when I saw your initial post, I said "that's me too". Virtually word-for-word. I enjoy the role of exercising restraint and being instructive with beginners, and I fear being hurt by bigger more advanced people so I tend to just let them "do what they want" and deal with the results. Whatever abominable position I end up in, I tap as soon as I recognize a condition from which I don't have any idea what to do (as distinct from waiting until I'm "locked out"... I'm too old, brittle, and uninsured to take chances). There also are times I strongly consider chucking the whole affair, and learning golf instead.

I'm struggling NOT to conclude that "I'll never be 'good' at BJJ". I've observed people who are "good"... seem to progress steadily... undaunted by setbacks... and frankly, I don't have the same attributes they do. They have well-above-average athletic characteristics; I have well-below-average ones. They have taped-up pre-arthritic knuckles at 1/3 my age; I won't risk my longterm physical integrity for the sake of a game. They have a long history of confidence in their ability to "do physical things"; I have a long history of confidence in my ability to do cerebral things. I also have an ethical inhibition against aggrandizing my own position at the expense of another person... the definition of "winning" in a combat sport.

It's human nature to look around and see what other people are doing in a comparable activity, and place one's self on a "scale" relative to them. Rather an "apples/oranges" exercise. I'm not on the same scale as they are. They're there to take their already-established physical abilities to another level. I'm there for an amalgam of motives:

I don't particularly like physical activity from an ego perspective, because I'm "not good at it". But I need it in order to be healthy. Trust me, I put it off as long as I possibly could, until I was literally falling apart from disuse. Why put myself in a public venue, where everyone could readily see my ineptitude, when I could have bought a treadmill and kept my stumbling and panting out of view? For one thing, mindless exertion was very unlikely to sustain my interest. For another... it's almost perverse... but I wanted to try to do something I was always afraid of, something I was not "good at". I guess I'm just ornery enough to want to bridge that gap.

I'm still there trying, driving home saying "at least I remembered to breathe"... when a LOT of perfectly healthy athletic young guys have come and gone, given up in a week or a month, after they found out they "weren't good at it". Whether that makes me somehow noble... or blatanty stubborn... or simply foolish... remains to be concluded. But I'm a damsite healthier than I was, scared of a lot less, helped a few people with their understanding of the game... and hey, for the guys who are there primarily to defend and aggrandize their own image (no small percentage), no matter how bad they are, there's always someone more pathetic. :lol:

Just some metrics to consider, other than "winning". The opponent doesn't define my fight; what the hell does he know, anyhow? Thanks for raising the question Bob, and for the insightful responses the thread generated.

Rick

[Chuck Kechter]

Wow.

Rick, I couldn't help but notice how many satellites you threw out in your post. And how emotionally charged they seem (no judgement, just observation).

So, I have a couple of questions for you (and maybe Bob as well).

Rather than playing in the group can you afford, and have the time, to work privates with your instructor?

The reason I ask is that in BJJ a practitioner "should" be able to roll with just about anyone (in theory :wink:) , as the structure and reliance on positional dominance "should" take the place of most attributes (except sensitivity and timing). Attributes "should" only come into play when time becomes a factor, and, or, the threat of "real" physical harm is imminent (in which case you need a new training environment).

Rick wrote:

and I fear being hurt by bigger more advanced people so I tend to just let them "do what they want"

This is where a private might come in, as you could express your concerns with your instructor, and work with him till you feel "more" comfortable and then slow integrate back into the group structure. A kind of progressive "resistance" program.

A secondary idea is to get "lessons" from your instructor, and work on them at home with like minded friends, then go back to the instructor for guidance, clarification, and further study.
You wrote:

I don't have the same attributes they do

But you do. Everyone has the same attributes (unless you have some chronic disability, or are paraplegic). It's just that your capacities may not be as developed as others (but you might have incredible untapped potentials). Developing them takes time, and dedication, and as I remember you are "relatively" new to athletic training.

You wrote:

'm struggling NOT to conclude that "I'll never be 'good' at BJJ". I've observed people who are "good"... seem to progress steadily... undaunted by setbacks...

It is a cliche in the MA's that I must echo here. . . I would rather have a "student" (or training partner) that "lacks" attribute development but has the determination, perseverance, and patience than all the so-called "natural" athletes in the world. "Natural" athletes come and go (usually fairly quickly), but perseverance ultimately wins the race (to mangle the cliche).

You wrote:

For another... it's almost perverse... but I wanted to try to do something I was always afraid of, something I was not "good at". I guess I'm just ornery enough to want to bridge that gap.

It's not perverse, It's as much a part of human nature as the comparison idea you wrote about. And being "ornery" is just the right attribute needed.

The second question is, do you do any Body Flow--BME--Kinetic chain "style" training?

If so what does it consist of? And if not, you should try it--I can't express how it has helped my ground game (along with a host of others). And BJJ has A LOT of movement in it that can be solo trained as kinetic chains. . . You can even partner train kinetic chains (if you have a willing partner) to help develop timing and sensitivity (those pesky attributes), which might lead to chain wrestling, and or grounded soft work. . . oh my!

Man, what a ramble!

Good thread. Good questions. And at least up to now, good insight. . . :?

Chuck

[rbibbs]

Thanks for your insightful response Chuck! I'm looking for exactly the solutions you brought up... training partners on the same page particularly... Coach Dan and I used to work together when he lived here... I haven't been able to reconstruct that setting, though I keep trying. Private instruction, besides being prohibitively costly, in this case isn't particularly beneficial. This instructor teaches (and naturally, attracts students who practice) a power-game, hence my difficulty to start with; power is not going to be effective for a 5'11 140# student (he's almost 100# bigger). And there's not another blackbelt within 200 miles in any direction (gawd bless texas, we're number 1).

Yes, I have some passion invested, and dealing with a degree of frustration, there's more "charge" to go around and spill out into my rhetoric. I should add, that my ego takes up two lanes on the Interstate, and I'm accustomed to (technical/cerebral) pursuits in which I start out above median performance. Perhaps what I'm proudest of, is being able to train with those below myself in size and skill, and NOT inject that frustration into our working relationship... that is, not take it out on them, considering I have an inherited predisposition to do so. I say that to make the point that "all the fight is not on the mat"... more of it is within my skull... and to a relatively satisfying extent, I'm "winning" that one.

You're right, the venue doesn't match what I bring to the game, or what I'm trying to get out of it, very well. They've never heard of "soft-work", and "suggestions" as to training styles migrate only from higher-status students downward. Currently, one purplebelt and one beginner "catch on" to working proportionally. My choices are, get the most out of it I can, or walk away. And I sure like your "ornery is the right attribute"... that one i've got PLENTY of. :twisted:

Yes, I practice Body-Flow and kinetic chains, to the extent I can deduce them from still images... I'm not "good at" interpreting spatial relationships and on a very strict budget, laid off computer engineer, can't get out from between other financial obligations to buy comprehensive materials (e.g., videos). What I've been able to do so far has indeed been very productive. I haven't been injured in the past year for one thing, and my guard versatility has improved. Most often though, me at 140# has to move in the direction they at 190# want me to go... for example, guard being passed, I HAVE to flatten out, or they'll dive on my ribs from the side, then I can't sneeze for 6 weeks. Just an example, back to "venue-match".

Dang, I didn't intend to hang my gym socks out to dry in Bob's thread, but just to suggest that lots of guys are working on this from different directions, with different motives, and encounter lots of different conditions along the way. I do appreciate you jumping in with your observations Chuck; while my writing probably didn't come across as "objective", yours did, and mirrors my "calmer" assessment of the parameters.

Rick

[bob_stra]

> Dang, I didn't intend to hang my gym socks out to dry in Bob's thread

Hey - hang out all you want ;-)

As for taking privates, that's currently not something I can afford.

At the moment, I'm mulling over how to best formulate my MES cycle, given all the advice I've received. My main goal now is to progressively expand my "comfort zone" under duress, without going crazy (ie: my first instinct was to try and "crush" this habit out myself with 20 lbs using the Double D protocol. But that wouldn't be sustainable, nor productive, at this early stage).

[Chuck Kechter]

This instructor teaches (and naturally, attracts students who practice) a power-game

That's too bad. I've always felt that a "good" instructor (no judgement implied here :twisted:) can and should be able to adjust his game to the needs of his students.


Perhaps what I'm proudest of, is being able to train with those below myself in size and skill, and NOT inject that frustration into our working relationship... that is, not take it out on them, considering I have an inherited predisposition to do so.

This IS a good thing. . . And a very valuable skill to have as a teacher/coach/caretaker.


You're right, the venue doesn't match what I bring to the game, or what I'm trying to get out of it, very well. . .Currently, one purple belt and one beginner "catch on" to working proportionally.

Would these two be interested in working with you outside of the "school" venue? Could you create your own training environment?


Yes, I practice Body-Flow™ and kinetic chains, to the extent I can deduce them from still images... I'm not "good at" interpreting spatial relationships and on a very strict budget, laid off computer engineer, can't get out from between other financial obligations to buy comprehensive materials (e.g., videos). . .What I've been able to do so far has indeed been very productive. I haven't been injured in the past year for one thing, and my guard versatility has improved.

Okay. . . another place to play perhaps. . . You don't "need" videos to work Body Flow (as I'm sure you know). Apply the principles and philosophy of Body Flow to your already exsisting practice.

For example play with position and postitional escapes. . . Compile them into a multi positional kinetic chain.
Example (hopefully I won't leave anything out--but just in case--maybe you'll get the idea anyway):
On your back, as if you're mounted (Position of Assurance), upa (Twisting Spinal Arch) to roll over to quarter position (in guard), to one knee up to Combat Base (Cossack Squat) to "break" guard (Elbow flair), to Long-Arm Roll to Leg Thread, draw your knees up to quarter postion (now you have side control), to leg switch to modified scarf (or reverse to legs facing in the same direction as your imaginary opponent) back to modified scarf, roll to North/South, roll to modified scarf on opposite side to knee ride to mount to long arm roll (as imaginary opponent upa's you) to you have guard, from there underhook the near arm to swing bottom leg back (sort of a Climber's Squat) take back mount "take neck & roll set hooks and your done. . . You're back in a mounted position--you can start over or stop right there.

Jeez, I'm tired just writing that. . .

Anyway that is just one of gazillions that you can throw together just working positions, add subs in and you have some solo soft work.


I do appreciate you jumping in with your observations Chuck; while my writing probably didn't come across as "objective", yours did, and mirrors my "calmer" assessment of the parameters.

No problem. Like I posted before you seemed down on all of it. You are an amazing asset to this forum, I've learned a lot from reading your words, and anything I can do to "help" is both my pleasure, and as a tribe member (to keep you in the groove--so you keep sharing, and I [all of us] keep learning) my charge (same goes for bob_stra).

Take care,
Chuck

[rbibbs]

Dear Bob, thanks, it started out as less an exercise in laundry, and more an exercise in relating parallel vexations; you're not the only one going through this stuff and scratching your head over it. Sh*tty positions happen; calmly look for opportunities to escape... if there aren't any, then so be it, the guy is tight... but as Jimi Hendrix said, in his better-than-the-original cover of "Watchtower", "no reason to get excited". And like Ricky said, there are nights I drive home thinking to myself "at least I remembered to breathe", which I didn't always do, so relish your accomplishments on their own scale, not on someone else's. When this philosophy is really working, I can get a heavier guy to exert more reserve energy keeping me in side than I'm spending defending it. (But yeah, sometimes he traps an elbow doing it, and I'm cooked.) Great stuff throughout the thread mate.

Dear Chuck, I greatly appreciate your perspectives and support. I didn't want it to sound like "everything" was wrong with my game; there is progress, and there are also frustrations, especially with me wanting to do what I've always done with technology projects, "plug it in and see it work". (If my ego really needs shelter, I can always remind myself that while "they" may be able to yank me into an omoplata the first time they try, none of those guys could build a digital VU meter from scratch, no matter how much time I gave them :twisted: .)

I would certainly agree, that an experienced coach would adapt HIS methodology to the needs of his students, rather than expecting them to do the inverse, but as an instructor, he's just learning too. I have indeed invited the guys who are better at proportioning their work, to train at my house, but so far, schedules/etc are not supporting that. Thanks for the kinetic chain example; the times I get to practice those in sparring is with the lower weight/rank folks I'm trying NOT to bully/overpower... if they work a good legit escape, I "let" it work for them, then try to recover. I figure eventually, that ability will show up in my game "against peers". Meanwhile, as you said initially, I'm keeping track of a LOT of satellites, and at times that clashes with my good-old-fashioned American expectation that "Hey, I put my quarter in, where's my gawldang soda?" :lol:

The tribe, through one-on and online sharing of perspectives/outlooks/methodologies, has made virtually everything I "do" possible. Cross-referencing what I've learned here, to specific inquiries, is the least I can do to pay it forward. I'm honored to participate.

Rick

[Dan Chomycia]

Guys,

Great thread!

These problems pop-up in just about everyone on some level or another.

I have learned from my Coach that by being sensitive to how you are developing and tailoring the situation so that you develope is what is necessary when the odds are not in your favor.

One of my older articles touches on this issue;

Coach Chomycia's Adventures at the Fight Gym (http://www.profcs.com/app/aftrack.asp?afid=79892&u=http://www.amerross.com/discus/messages/1349/1295.html?FridayJune1320030208pm)

Although it looks like I enjoyed lots of Success in the Absolute sense, I really just developed alot because the odds were stacked against me. I had to adjust my perception to see what I'm getting out of the experience because I met lots and lots of fighters way better than me.

My success over them was that I learned way more from the experience than they did. The environment was still such that I was getting pretty banged up.

The bottom line is this not everyone will be at the same level at the same time, everyone developes at a different rate and has different abilities and attributes at their disposal.

Many of those atheletes will remain at a certain level and never go beyond because they are not learning.

Which would you choose the Express Elevator to the 5th Floor or the Freight elevator to the 20th :?:

Their are some of you out there that are already at the 10th you just don't recognize it.

My Coach helped realize that you always and already have what you need to succeed, you just have yet to recognize it.

Just by being envolved you guys will learn more about others and yourselves than most people do in a lifetime.

So keep Training!

[Doug Szolek]

My success over them was that I learned way more from the experience than they did.
#@$%ing genius Dan 8)