THEFORMERONE
07-26-2005, 03:47 PM
Sorry Moderators, I had to post here because my computer does not agree with me for posting on the Open Topic Forum.
Prasara / Softwork Seminar Thoughts
I attended the weekend seminar expecting only a fascinating dive into the evolutionary RMAX system. I got just that and so much more. This being my first RMAX seminar, I was a little anxious to see what the RMAX Head Coaches had in store for us.
I walked in the training arena greeted with warm smiles and what looked like Circus performers warming up. Guys were inverted, rolling around, hand balancing and spinning like they did not expect 4 hours of RMAX flavor with the Head Coaches.
Coach Sonnon began with a brief lecture about what we got ourselves into for the weekend. He talked about the 3 dangers to look out for: Inhalation (demonstrated by everyone performing a hand bridge while inhaling, not a good idea), Speed (creating false results and a method betraying our tissue integrity in the exercises that followed) and Dehydration (like a good Coach, Papa Sonnon made us drink water constantly – 80-90 degree weather, 20+ guys, 2 ceiling fans= you do the math).
Prasara, described in obvious terms, is “movement punctuated with poses.” Body-Flow motions between Yoga asana, CST style. Very cool stuff that was everything I expected it to be, and nothing like what I expected at the same time.
Initially, I suspected Prasara to be Coach Sonnon’s interpretation and evolution of Yoga. Partially correct, I was told that scholars have stated that Prasara is what Yoga is supposed to be (how it was practiced in the old country) before becoming Americanized and commercialized. However, I do think the Prasara we see today, will not be the Prasara we see tomorrow.
Yes, because of Coach Sonnon’s experience with Yoga, it has influenced his current movement practice. Still, all those involved with RMAX for some time, and all those present should know that as movement artists, we do not limit ourselves. Physically, we are limited by our movement, so the exploration of movement is a must. Coach Sonnon stated, he does not prohibit different disciplines. Meaning, trying BJJ, breakdancing, gymnastics, Karate, etc. should not restrict you, rather it will enhance your understanding of movement, and hopefully inspire you to greater success with movement.
Therefore, Prasara is not Body-Flow mixed with Yoga poses. It is the natural inclination to explore movement. Prasara is free running in urban jungles, rolling, bounding and climbing Parkour-style. Prasara is b-boy battles, creating positive elevation of movement creativity. Prasara is building new kinetic chains and exploring (personally) unchartered territory. Prasara is about discovering your limits, your fear, your tension, and incrementally shaving that down, until it becomes your departure point to find the next “it” to master. Prasara is flow without thought, and limited by nothing you cannot overcome.
I could be completely wrong and missing the point of everything I learned that day. But that is what I discovered, that reinforcement of simply…sophistication.
Sunday began with the same warm smiles and a bit more reluctance to exert energy early by the attendants. No one was granted mercy from the previous day’s powerful play. Coach Sonnon began again with a brief lecture. The lectures were brief for at last one main reason. That being, practical application. As explained to us, this wonderful forum, these deepening discussions, those profound articles and other non-physical interactions of the Tribe, are all theory. Applying this knowledge in reality is practice, where all the pieces fit together, where most of our (at least my) “Aha!” moments happen. Without this physical, kinesthetic, proprioceptive learning, it is all talk. That’s not what we are about, this is RMAX baby, we talk it and walk it.
Ground fighting and grappling was on the agenda for the day. One partner if you were lucky, two if you were luckier, and 3-4 if you were the luckiest. Well, we were the luckiest group of guys around for those 4 intense hours. I will not go into drill detail, because some of my fellow “stompers / stompees” have already reported that. I will say that it was a blast. The pictures posted are awesome, but what you don’t get to see are the smiles. Everyone there gave 100%. With experience, without experience, it did not matter, you all trained smartly hard, and I was proud to be there with you. One moment that really captured it for me was after progressing up to a dynamic drill, where we were stomping / grappling whoever was on the ground (3-on-1). I got off what can only be described as human legos, with one poor soul on the bottom working his performance breathing. Fatigued, covered in sweat, laying on the ground loving this mixture we call air more than ever, every single person in the room, had the biggest smile you ever saw. Pure joy, man. It was nothing but love, sweat and water in that room.
I have never been to a place where the camaraderie, the brotherhood between complete strangers was spread the moment you walked in. By the nature of the system, we are partners, aiding each other to reach our maximum potential together. That’s what it is all about. Before I really knew people’s names, we were talking, joking, laughing and helping each other. That is the essence of the Tribe and I am proud to be a part of it.
Respect to all those who attended and I hope to train with you again.
A note about the Coaches:
The two latest additions to the RMAX Head Coaching Staff, did a phenomenal job. The depth of their knowledge and ability to express that led to all attendees understanding of the drills. They all clarified principles and movements for me with precision, speed and encouragement. They took a hands-on approach to illustrate for me first hand the mechanics of certain motions. All the while, cracking jokes, keeping our spirits and motivation up. Outstanding job!
Coach Sonnon who created such a magnificent system, and continues to evolve, deepen and enrich life. You forever have my thanks!
Thanks to Jack Myers for hosting this seminar at his awesome Summit Martial Arts Center in Manheim, PA. Great facility, great guy (warning: do not get caught on the wrong side of a breath access with this guy, I heard you were 6’8’’, talk about leverage!)
Big thanks to all those I trained with and did not get the privilege of training with! You reinforced for me what the Tribe is all about.
Thanks to Slade, my Instructor here at home. For showing me how to find my own path and what this is really all about (AKA for kicking it real!)
For those CSTs out there: How did you ever go through 8+ hours in one day with this guy?!
RESPECT
Prasara / Softwork Seminar Thoughts
I attended the weekend seminar expecting only a fascinating dive into the evolutionary RMAX system. I got just that and so much more. This being my first RMAX seminar, I was a little anxious to see what the RMAX Head Coaches had in store for us.
I walked in the training arena greeted with warm smiles and what looked like Circus performers warming up. Guys were inverted, rolling around, hand balancing and spinning like they did not expect 4 hours of RMAX flavor with the Head Coaches.
Coach Sonnon began with a brief lecture about what we got ourselves into for the weekend. He talked about the 3 dangers to look out for: Inhalation (demonstrated by everyone performing a hand bridge while inhaling, not a good idea), Speed (creating false results and a method betraying our tissue integrity in the exercises that followed) and Dehydration (like a good Coach, Papa Sonnon made us drink water constantly – 80-90 degree weather, 20+ guys, 2 ceiling fans= you do the math).
Prasara, described in obvious terms, is “movement punctuated with poses.” Body-Flow motions between Yoga asana, CST style. Very cool stuff that was everything I expected it to be, and nothing like what I expected at the same time.
Initially, I suspected Prasara to be Coach Sonnon’s interpretation and evolution of Yoga. Partially correct, I was told that scholars have stated that Prasara is what Yoga is supposed to be (how it was practiced in the old country) before becoming Americanized and commercialized. However, I do think the Prasara we see today, will not be the Prasara we see tomorrow.
Yes, because of Coach Sonnon’s experience with Yoga, it has influenced his current movement practice. Still, all those involved with RMAX for some time, and all those present should know that as movement artists, we do not limit ourselves. Physically, we are limited by our movement, so the exploration of movement is a must. Coach Sonnon stated, he does not prohibit different disciplines. Meaning, trying BJJ, breakdancing, gymnastics, Karate, etc. should not restrict you, rather it will enhance your understanding of movement, and hopefully inspire you to greater success with movement.
Therefore, Prasara is not Body-Flow mixed with Yoga poses. It is the natural inclination to explore movement. Prasara is free running in urban jungles, rolling, bounding and climbing Parkour-style. Prasara is b-boy battles, creating positive elevation of movement creativity. Prasara is building new kinetic chains and exploring (personally) unchartered territory. Prasara is about discovering your limits, your fear, your tension, and incrementally shaving that down, until it becomes your departure point to find the next “it” to master. Prasara is flow without thought, and limited by nothing you cannot overcome.
I could be completely wrong and missing the point of everything I learned that day. But that is what I discovered, that reinforcement of simply…sophistication.
Sunday began with the same warm smiles and a bit more reluctance to exert energy early by the attendants. No one was granted mercy from the previous day’s powerful play. Coach Sonnon began again with a brief lecture. The lectures were brief for at last one main reason. That being, practical application. As explained to us, this wonderful forum, these deepening discussions, those profound articles and other non-physical interactions of the Tribe, are all theory. Applying this knowledge in reality is practice, where all the pieces fit together, where most of our (at least my) “Aha!” moments happen. Without this physical, kinesthetic, proprioceptive learning, it is all talk. That’s not what we are about, this is RMAX baby, we talk it and walk it.
Ground fighting and grappling was on the agenda for the day. One partner if you were lucky, two if you were luckier, and 3-4 if you were the luckiest. Well, we were the luckiest group of guys around for those 4 intense hours. I will not go into drill detail, because some of my fellow “stompers / stompees” have already reported that. I will say that it was a blast. The pictures posted are awesome, but what you don’t get to see are the smiles. Everyone there gave 100%. With experience, without experience, it did not matter, you all trained smartly hard, and I was proud to be there with you. One moment that really captured it for me was after progressing up to a dynamic drill, where we were stomping / grappling whoever was on the ground (3-on-1). I got off what can only be described as human legos, with one poor soul on the bottom working his performance breathing. Fatigued, covered in sweat, laying on the ground loving this mixture we call air more than ever, every single person in the room, had the biggest smile you ever saw. Pure joy, man. It was nothing but love, sweat and water in that room.
I have never been to a place where the camaraderie, the brotherhood between complete strangers was spread the moment you walked in. By the nature of the system, we are partners, aiding each other to reach our maximum potential together. That’s what it is all about. Before I really knew people’s names, we were talking, joking, laughing and helping each other. That is the essence of the Tribe and I am proud to be a part of it.
Respect to all those who attended and I hope to train with you again.
A note about the Coaches:
The two latest additions to the RMAX Head Coaching Staff, did a phenomenal job. The depth of their knowledge and ability to express that led to all attendees understanding of the drills. They all clarified principles and movements for me with precision, speed and encouragement. They took a hands-on approach to illustrate for me first hand the mechanics of certain motions. All the while, cracking jokes, keeping our spirits and motivation up. Outstanding job!
Coach Sonnon who created such a magnificent system, and continues to evolve, deepen and enrich life. You forever have my thanks!
Thanks to Jack Myers for hosting this seminar at his awesome Summit Martial Arts Center in Manheim, PA. Great facility, great guy (warning: do not get caught on the wrong side of a breath access with this guy, I heard you were 6’8’’, talk about leverage!)
Big thanks to all those I trained with and did not get the privilege of training with! You reinforced for me what the Tribe is all about.
Thanks to Slade, my Instructor here at home. For showing me how to find my own path and what this is really all about (AKA for kicking it real!)
For those CSTs out there: How did you ever go through 8+ hours in one day with this guy?!
RESPECT