Impromtu Body Flow drill

[ShaunMccrary]

All the BME exercise clips being posted have spurred an idea. Post your won ideas as well or comments.

These Body Flow movements over obstacles is great, but I had a thought. To take it to the next level, why not increase the difficulty via impromtu obstacles ? When we have our sight and know the obstacles, we have a mental blueprint of what we are trying to accomplish. For us to truly "Be like water",* I hated having to write that *, we need to truly be spontaneous... Much like our combatives via Softwork and Hardwork.

This is the drill I have been playing with.( I have participated in something similiar to this in Ninjitsu.) Get a partner to help you.

1. Blindfold yourself.
2. Set up some kind of non-dangerous obstacle course. For instance, mats pyramided up, a heavybag laying on the floor, whatever...
3. Move around as naturally as possible. When you encounter an obstacle, be spontaneous. Note- make sure there are mats for protection,
4. Move slowly and controlled. Feel each joint engage the ground. Ooze or be a boneless chicken. Whatever works for you.

This is just a thought. If someone has some thoughts on this, it would be appreciated. This is what happens when I brainstorm. :roll:

[Matt_OZ]

I think it sounds pretty cool Shaun, definately captures the ultimate of spontaneous movement. I might have to play with that idea when I get the chance.

Well done mate,
Matt :D

[Dan Chomycia]

Shaun,

I can't wait to see it!

[ShaunMccrary]

I was writing some notes on the exercise and came up with some varations for those interested.

WHile the drill is in progress..

1. Have your partner apply force ( as unpredictably as possible ) for either
a. Joint yielding
b. Shock Absorption
2. Change up the number of limbs in contact with the ground ( 1, 2, 3...)
3. Try to hold something and navigate through ( like holding groceries )

[Scott Sonnon]

Shaun,

Really interesting drill progression!

[ShaunMccrary]

I gave this drill a go tonight in my living room. Some notes:

1. Make sure the person doing the striking is not angry at you. My girlfriend took a Happy Gilmore skipping start with a sofa cushion. I'm surprised my head didn't spring up like a rock-em sock-em robot.

2. You are going to look really goofy navigating without your sight.

3. Start off really slowly ! I "engaged" the ground backwards over an obstacle to essentially land in a pike position. If my stretch reflex would have kicked in, I would have annihilated my spinal erectors.

4. I tried this drill while doing frog hops to get around. Doing frog hops blind folded with visual occlusion is a challenge in itself.