The series continues as we continue the kinematic analysis of Santi. Soon, we'll be moving onto more interesting aspects such as myofascial chains and tension lines! Here's what we have uploaded so far!
Back and Shoulders
https://youtu.be/iONqGxpm368
Lower Body
https://youtu.be/Quuk5jNvxcA
Variations in Hip, Knee and Foot Position
https://youtu.be/KvwKnPOqPz4
Intro to Muscle Anatomy
https://youtu.be/aMFzhnw8XNc
This last part of training puts physical preparation and technique together. It is perhaps the most important, but it is also is neglected especially amongst typical traditional martial arts schools. Simulation is exactly as it sounds. It is performing a realistic scenario of the combat situation you are training for. What is a realistic simulation? The answer depends on what you are training for. This questions and its answer is the source of most of the debate and why it is neglected. If you want to be a forms or kata champion, a realistic simulation would be performing your form or kata as flawlessly as possible in an area and time frame that is identical to that of the competition. Will a focus on sparring and pad work help this person train for a forms competition? Conversely, a person training to compete in a kickboxing tournament would want to spar with people in the gym under the same rule set as the competition. A police officer will want to run scenarios of making an arrest or breaking up a domestic dispute. Should the officer step in a ring and spar with boxing rules for 3 minutes rounds? It may help their ability to fight, but it is not a representative scenario. Training this way will also likely result in them using excessive force since they've been training to punch someone in the face. A person competing in MMA will want to spar under that rule set using the techniques allowed. Even if they are working on wrestling or boxing, they need to keep in mind the possibility of being hit while wrestling and/or taken down while boxing.
Traditional martial artists are often criticized for not sparring or pressure testing their techniques. This is likely because many do not have a clear goal with their training or a goal that is not related to fighting. Concentrating on forms is fine but martial artists must realize that it is not fighting. In order to maintain the martial art aspect of a particular style or training method some sparring or simulated combat is necessary. What if you do martial arts just for fun? In my opinion, do everything! Try weapon sparring, sanda, wrestling, spar with different styles, rule sets and people. Some things you will enjoy more than others but it will help develop your own skill and understanding of your own style. Experimentation through sparring is an invaluable tool for understanding techniques and the overall spirit of an art.
Simulations may be performed with varying levels of intensity or realism. Complete realism and full intensity is impossible to perform without a high risk of injury or even death particularly in the case of military or police work. As a result, simulations must tradeoff risk of injury with intensity and realism. Protective equipment can help reduce risk of injury but training should be done with mindset of not wearing protective equipment in order to avoid poor habits. Understanding that a simulation is only an approximation to the real thing is critical to maintaining its quality and usefulness. Simulation is an invaluable to tool that allows you to figure out the when, why and how behind the techniques. Simple cooperative drills helps you learn the techniques themselves but allow for the exploration of how to setup attacks and how to best respond in defense. In addition simulation also tests what responses and techniques you have internalized as part of your martial arts repertoire.
Simulation along with physical preparation and technique are necessary for complete martial arts training. It is important to understand that simulation will be different for everyone based on their goals or particular sport and style. The more you want to be prepared for the broader and more intense the simulations you train with must be. Know the goal of your training, be honest with yourself and push your limits in simulations to improve as a martial artist!
If you're curious about the style we practice but haven't been able to join one of our regular meetups, join the Zoom practice on March 6th! This session will be a step by step introduction to the fundamental exercises of Xinyi-Dao.
Follow the link to head over to meetup.com and RSVP!
