“Perpetual state of falling”: How’s YOUR Ukemi?

Ukemi (Japanese): "Receiving", "To receive or absorb", "To turn away (from a strike)"

On my news feed today, I came upon a story about a performance artist that takes pictures of himself falling from trees, buildings, etc,….for Art. (Check out the story and pics here  http://tinyurl.com/cf62jl)  According to the story, Kerry Skarbakka was inspired by Martin Heidegger’s description of "human existence as a perpetual state of falling".

I had stumbled upon (No pun intended!!) Martin Heidegger’s philosophy of "falling", and was impressed by it. Our falls are long ones…..ones where we have to twist and turn to manipulate our bodies to avoid the obstacles in the way during the fall….or at least position ourselves such that impact with an obstacle does not kill us!

My best friend is a stunt person, and from what I’ve seen and been told, there is a method to stunt falling. You just can’t blindly throw yourself out the window of a 30 story building for a movie scene, and expect to land on the air bag. From what I understand, you have to plan your takeoff from your perch (the plan changes depending on how high up you are) and plan your landing so you 1.)land on the airbag and not do a dreaded "bounce off" from the bag onto the pavement) and 2.) land in a good position so you don’t break anything.  On the other hand, the safety crew handling the airbag is of utmost importance as well! They have to make sure the bag is positioned correctly for a safe landing, and they have to be keen-eyed so as to adjust the bag in real time during the stuntperson’s fall.  Whew.

While thinking about this today, I’ve found that in comparison there are several things in Martial Arts that might result in us falling (there are more, I’m sure…be sure to add your additions in the comments section of this blog entry):
1) We trip over our own feet (i.e. "we have no balance or coordination").
2) We’re taken off balance and thrown or swept.
3) We attempt a sweep, throw, balance maneuver, etc on someone else, and lose our balance in the process.
4) Our terrain (floor, mat, grass, ground, etc) may be uneven, slippery, or gravelly.
5) We attempt a technique, jump, throw, sweep, etc. without being formally taught it, and losing balance due to faulty understanding of the core concepts (i.e. "trying to imitate a book or a video")
6) Our own attempts at attack are neutralized and redirected to the ground.
7) We are too overconfident in our abilities, and maybe overlook safety precautions or proper execution of technique.

Let’s explore this further, shall we?

1)  In my years of teaching martial arts, I’ve found that there’s no such thing as someone who’s is truly "uncoordinated". Instead, I found people gain coordination for activities through experience, surroundings, and even social interaction. When people say "I can’t dance", I hear "I haven’t yet been taught the relationship between movement, rhythm, synchronization, and expression.". We are all coordinated in certain ways.

2) We’re taken off balance: Sometimes, in martial arts, if we space out for just a second, we are able to be pushed, pulled, or directed off balance.

3) We attempt a throw, and lose our own balance. This may be due to a good counter-technique by our opponent or training partner, or faulty technique on our part.

4) Uneven terrain. Sometimes, yes,….terrain will provide an element for surprise, even with skilled practitioners.

5) Attempting a technique without fully understanding how its done. I’ve seen this many times. Unfortunately, I also see many injuries from the falls or off-balancing.

6) Our own attacks are neutralized. It is considered a great skill to be able to neutralize an attack (instead of only blocking it) and redirect the energy back at the attacker. Although many arts are more well known for this (Aikido, Tai Chi, Judo, Jujutsu, etc), ALL arts carry this concept.

7) Overconfidence, and the tendency to not heed cautionary advice, safety precautions, etc.  Come on, folks, we’ve ALL done this……jaywalking counts as this!

Regardless of how we fall, it is a matter of how we control our perception and reception of the attack (or force that causes a reaction), descent (or positioning) and landing "receiving" the ground). "Ukemi", as these types of skills are called in Japanese arts, is truly and art in itself. When I took Aikido lessons, the basic Ukemi would never really prepare you for when you’re taken on a throw. Being thrown by a beginner Aikidoka, was a whole heck of a lot different that being thrown by a black belt.  There is no cookie cutter way to fall when thrown by an expert…..you just have to really understand the concept of Ukemi, and adjust accordingly in real time……a tough thing, sometimes.  "Ukemi" itself, is not falling…its about learning to "receive" an attack, either by blending with it or redirecting the full brunt of impact. 

When we become blinded by our own preconcieved knowledge, no wonder why we lose our balance and fall. I read somewhere long ago, that binocular vision is aided by our nose being on our face.  Why is then, than some people choose to cut off their own nose, and put out one eye with all their "know-it-all" knowledge?  I can’t help but look on in disapointement and contempt when I hear martial artists say stuff  like "Oh yeah….it was a great seminar with Master so-and-so, but it wasn’t anything I didn’t already know….it was soooo boring. Why couldn’t they teach anything new?"   I just want to say to them "Well, looks like you’re stuck with your old techniques then, even though you think you know it….you won’t attain anything new at that rate".

I’ve also seen people get thrown during sparring sessions, then get upset and blame their partner.  "I wasn’t ready yet, damn it! Why did you sweep me like that?".  Come on…..bitching and moaning isn’t going to change the fact that you were taken off balance!  Why be mad at your partner for doing a sweep or throw correctly? In those cases, the real cause of your ire is that you think you might appear less skilled or afraid of looking stupid. I’ve met many people who vehemently refuse to learn any new skill in front of people, for fear of looking "stupid"…..this is where ego can mess up our training in ANYTHING. I mean, what are they afraid of….losing their reputation? Its not a reputation if the people around you don’t know who you are!!

Learn to fall without hitting the "pointy spots" (elbows, knees, shoulders). Fall with a sense of intent….an intent not to hurt yourself, but to follow gravity’s pull safely and get back up again.  That’s the key….GET BACK UP AGAIN. Learn from the reasons why you fell. Don’t blame the ground for causing you an injury.

How’s your Ukemi? Do you practice Ukemi? Or do you just keep it on the back burner hoping you don’t trip and no one throws or sweeps you? Feel free to add your 2 cents.

See here for a great definition and description of "Ukemi", by Brad Ellin, Nov. 2002: "Ukemi- Recieving with spirit"

Philosophy of the Mayonnaise jar

A friend of mine blogged this story, and out of curiosity I googled the story and found that it is popular and has several variations. Whatever the variation, it indeed is a philosophy that gives us food for thought:
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A Professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. 

So the Professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

 The Professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous "yes." 

The Professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the space between the grains of sand.

 "Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things–your family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions – things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. 

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car. The sand is everything else -the small stuff.

"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18.
 
There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. "Take care of the golf balls first, the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The Professor smiled. "I’m glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

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Me…I do tend to swirl sand in my coffee sometimes, and trip over my golf balls because I sometimes forget to put those golf balls in a good place……

 

What’s your jar like? Feel freee to comment.

The martial arts path is a lot like exploring relationships….

Martial Arts, can be a lot like finding relationships…..sort of like "dating".  Yes, I’ve come to that realization.

 

Think about it,….when you’re attracted to someone and you’re on the "pursue" phase, sometimes we take on a slightly different persona during that time. We take on that "good behavior" persona so that the the person we’re interested in sees our good side and hopefully, is attracted to us as well. During that "dating persona" time, we generously compliment the object of our admiration, we see the great things about the other (and sort of ignore the less-than-great-things), we arrange our schedules to spend time with the other, we hang  on to their every word, and listen for the phone to ring. Sound familiar??

 

And so…two of you get together, things are going great, communication is good, you enjoy each other’s company and all is good. Then, what happens? Time goes on, and the honeymoon phase ends. Although the excitement of being with the other person is still there, it is definitely not like the first few months. Although you care deeply for the other, over time you’ve seen the other’s true self, outside of the dating persona. If you choose to be with the other’s true self, you find that  he love is indeed always there, but the feeling is not that sense of urgent pacification of the desire to be with the other person…..it is not that feeling of butterflies in your stomach when you see them, it is not that feeling of having to say and do all the right things.  Instead, if all goes well, the feeling gains a sense of deeper meaning, a higher understanding of the other, a sense of trust, and a true sense of connection. You then begin to truly enjoy the time together, instead of merely being addicted to the activities.

 

On the other hand….if the relationship gets too one sided, or if your expectations of the other person turn out to be so over-estimated that you become disappointed that he or she is not the epitomy of perfection you so thought them to be, you’ll soon be looking somewhere else to satisfy your desire for companionship. Or, you try to keep your expectations of them, trying hard to look for anything positive and ignoring anything that doesn’t fit what you’re looking for. Also, in some cases, you might meet someone that seems so wonderful, but they show an attractive personality just long enough to secure your willingness to stick around or for whatever ulterior motive they might have…..then they drop the ball and you’re high and dry.

 

Whether you stay strong in a relationship, you leave the relationship, or the other person leaves you, you learn a lot of things about yourself along the way. Some of these life lessons may not be easy pills to swallow, but hopefully, we learn to look at ourselves with an honest eye. We learn to not place the total blame on the other person, nor do we take all the credit for for a wonderful relationship. We learn that any relationship is based on the efforts of both people.

 

Martial artists will know exactly how the dating scene relates to our paths in martial arts. I see it all the time.  New students are so gung ho about their training. They come to class as often as they can (sometimes every day, and even stopping in to practice during non-class times), and they’re attracted to the benefits and challenges that the activity brings. They’re making new friends, getting stronger and more skilled every day, and they love it so much that they sometimes say "I wish the school had this class every day". They do their best to show good technique, respect, and gain favorable nods from the instructors. As instructors, we say "This gal or guy is gonna be good!".

 

Then, with some folks, the initial excitedness wears off. The interest is still great, but they realize that they have other responsibilites outside of martial arts class, and their attendance drops to a more realistic level. Their participation in class then begins to show that they’re not trying hard in practice to impress the teachers or senior students….they begin to practice for *themselves*, and that’s when we as instructors see their "true colors". If the students sticks around, they do indeed gain a sense of deeper meaning, a higher understanding, a sense of trust, and a true sense of connection with the art of their affection.  You begin to learn a lot more about yourself and how to relate to the art. You begin to truly enjoy and experience the time, not just satisfy your need for activity.

 

And…on the other hand, if your expectations of an art are overestimated (or in many cases, wrong altogether), uninformed, or stereotyped, you might be surprised when you begin to find the true nature of the art. I’ve had many people come into my school assuming that Tai Chi was merely a type of slow happy dance (really, I’m not kidding).  Or, they stereotype Tai Chi as only an exercise for the elderly, infirm, or those undergoing physical therapy. Some do learn through a bit of research that Tai Chi is a great exercise for all ages, and a good activity for stress relief and meditation. But when I pull out the combat applications of Tai Chi out of my hat, some people are taken aback in disbelief…..even when I tell them from the very beginning that Tai Chi is first and foremost, a martial art.  "What! You mean those movements can actually be used for combat? I’m outta here!".  In these cases, I try to refer them to an activity that would best suit them.

 

I’m not even going to get into studios or teachers that put forth a big attractive personality, then don’t deliver what they claim. These schools are very few, thank goodness. For the most part, martial arts schools are professional, staffed with skilled teachers, and honest with their students.

 

So, to repeat myself again: Whether you stay strong in a relationship with your art, you leave the art, or the art distances itself leaves you, you learn a lot of things about yourself along the way. Some of these life lessons may not be easy pills to swallow, but hopefully, we learn to look at ourselves with an honest eye. We learn to not place the total blame on the art, nor do we take all the credit for for a wonderful relationship with the art. We learn that any relationship is based on the efforts of both people.

 

As someone who has been been around the dating scene a little bit in the last few years, I am sort of amused by the parallels between dating/good relationships, and martial arts training / mastery.  I’m in no big hurry to find the person of my dreams at a dating service or at the supermarket and have them sweep me away. Nor am I in the biggest hurry to become an Nth degree Grand-Poobah-head honcho master. But one thing is for sure in both cases…..I’m going to keep looking, striving to be at my best and true to my personality, goals, and dreams…..hopefully, it will result in favorable situations in both cases!

 

So, I ask you, dear reader…..have any of you been through any interesting martial arts "Dating Experiences" lately? Doesn’t necessarily have to be in comparision to martial arts…….Let’s get your 2 cents! Feel free to comment.

The importance of forms

This is sort of a continuation of my February 25th blog entry…….

Just as there are many multi-purpose exercise machines out there, forms are indeed multi-purpose exercises. The forms train the cardio-vascular system (yes, even in Tai Chi!), strengthens the upper and lower body, enhances our senses of proprioception, balance, and coordination (i.e. "moving from center").  While there are many ways to practice moving from our center, a most used exercise is Forms.  "Kata", "Taolu", "Sets", or whatever your art calls these pre-arranged sets of movements, are great ways to practice moving from center. While many people might dismiss forms as "antiquated", "useless for real fighting", or a "waste of training time", I, for one, believe that forms are the heart of many martial arts.

When I was much younger, I admit I did not like practicing form. I liked to spar back then, and I would do form because I knew that sparring came after forms practice. However, when I realized that if I put just as much effort in Kata as I did in Kumite, my kumite improved. After that realization, I became a "forms freak". I strived to keep my best posture and stance in my kata…..wow, it sure was much more challenging to try and keep good posture and low stance, all the while keeping each movment powerful. It was so easy to just "walk" through the forms with a "kiai" every now and then…..but to do Kata with good posture and technique *for every movement*, was much more challenging.

I found that by strengthening my legs, my cardiovascular capabilities, my balance, and most of all my intent, my sparring improved. I was better focused and better aware of where my body was moving in a given space, and was able to map out my sparring techniques against an opponent much more effectively.  Granted, trying to defend oneself using a pre-arranged set of movements is probably not the best way to defend oneself…..but if there’s one important lesson from forms that I’ve learned, its that forms intrinsically teach us "movement concepts". To train in forms gives our bodies a sense of a "reference point" from which to move from, and teaches us to move with agility. In a sense….we have to learn to keep a pattern before we can learn to break the pattern. The reference points and movement concepts can then be used effectively in a real situation.

Does forms practice have to consist only of stances, blocks, parries, kicks, and strikes? No, of course not. Keep in mind that forms are "sets of pre-arranged movements. Any drill given to you by any coach, Sensei, Sifu, etc., can be considered "form".  That combo your coach showed you with "jab-cross-hook-uppercut"?….that’s a type of pre-arranged set, isn’t it? That fun drill your Sensei taught where you had to "kick-punch-two pushups" for a warmup….that’s considered a pre-arranged set.  So, if you’re one of those anti-form people that prefers those punching drills on the focus mitts….well…those drills can be considered "form". You have to practice your fundamentals somehow, right?? "Form" is a good way to do that.

Funny thing…..while I can jog for miles or jump rope for many 3 minutes rounds, nothing beats forms practice for cardio exercise, in my opinion.

Another benefit of forms…… when you learn form, you are being part of the "history" of your art……..the "living history", so to speak. You are most likely learning the same forms that your grandmasters practiced long ago…..and that, is a wonderful feeling.

Forms…."They’re just not for tournaments anymore"!

Choosing what to hold on to….

A recent conversation spurred me to tell this fable that I heard many years ago:

Long ago, two monks were traveling along a rural road, whereupon they encountered a woman crying at a river’s crossing bridge. The bridge was washed out from a recent heavy rainstorm, leaving travelers no way of crossing the river.

The younger monk said "Child, why do you weep?"

" The bridge is washed away, and I must attend my cousin’s wedding…it begins soon and I have no way of getting there…" the woman sobbed.

The older monk chimed in. "Do not worry, my lady…we will carry you across so you do not miss the wedding"

With that, the older monk instructed the younger monk to fashion a sling from their long scarves, for the woman to sit on. The monks each slung a side of the sling over a shoulder, and the older monk said "Here, my lady…please sit in the sling….we will support you so you do not fall". With that, they all proceeded across the river. The younger monk was in disbelief, but he obeyed hi mentor anyway. They were not permitted to touch women, yet here they were basically embracing the woman while trying to keep her steady on the sling seat! The younger monk was appalled, and tried to think of a way to bring up his concern to the older monk.

After they crossed the river, the older monk set the lady down. "There you go…in time for the wedding, and with dry clothes. Buddha be with you and happiness to you".

"Thank you dear Monk, I am indeed grateful" the lady smiled as she walked on her way.

The two monks walked for quite some time before the younger one finally asked "older brother…you know well, that we are not allowed to touch women…yet you picked up that woman and she held on to you for the whole 15 minutes it took to cross the river! How will we atone for this?"

"Younger brother…..we put that woman down at the river bank! Why are YOU still holding on to her?"

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Sometimes, I find myself holding on to things past when I need not do so. Most times, the things I held onto for days, weeks, months, and even years,.were negative experiences. A hurt feeling here, a percieved insult there..I held onto them and even actively re-lived some of them in my mind over and over again. I’ve caught myself holding on to sadness, utter despair, and negative situations and had to ask myself "What the hell am I doing? Why do I want to keep re-living that sadness? Why do I choose to do that?" When I do catch myself doing that, I have to remind myself that it takes much more effort to collect the negative energies and stow them away in its own "file folder" in my mind, than simply absorbing and enjoying the good energy=