© COPYRIGHT 2010 BY BRADLEY J. STEINER - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Sword and Pen – August 2010 Issue
[Reprinted With Permission]
www.americancombato.com
www.seattlecombatives.com
ONE of the most annoying and irritating things that we recall from the "classical/traditional" aspects of our martial arts training many years ago was the interminable "philosophical mouthings" of people who were essentially horses‘ asses trying to sound profound, "deep", and important.
Americans pretending that they are Chinese, Japanese, or Korean sages, and affecting (or doing a miserable acting job in their attempts to perfect) the mannerisms and idiosyncrasies of "ancient Asian martial arts masters" is of course laughable bullshit — to rational, mature, serious-minded adults. Unfortunately, there are some people in the martial arts who are, ahem, somewhat removed from that desirable position on the evolutionary scale. The more bullshit you present to them, the more they believe that they are initiates into some "secret world of fighting mysteries".
We were thinking about this the other day and realized that there are a lot of sensible, practical, justice- and life-serving concepts — reasonable concepts, and lucid, intelligible concepts — that we routinely espouse and remind our personal pupils of, and that visitors to this site might find worth considering, themselves. Most of these would be regarded as politically incorrect, or "socially unpalatable", etc. About that we could not care less. What we do care about is that we know from well over four decades of teaching that these ideas are RIGHT, that they help people who come to understand, accept, and live by them to live more effectively and securely, and that they amount to a refreshing breath of clean, wholesome fresh air where, unfortunately, there is more often than not, a huge deluge of psychologically toxic crap.
Consider the thoughts and precepts that we live, and teach, by:
• I do not believe in using non-injurious force, because violent offenders do not concern themselves with trying not to injure those whom they choose to attack.
• I do not believe in mercy because violent offenders do not demonstrate mercy.
• I will not hesitate to use a weapon to defend myself or those I love, because violent offenders use weapons. And I shall always endeavor to be better armed than the violent filth who would prey upon me.
• I do not care at all about how badly my attacker is injured, because my attacker does not care about how badly he injures me.
• I do not have any respect for my attacker‘s life since, by attacking me, he has demonstrated that he has no respect for mine. AND MY LIFE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN HIS!
• I do not care at all about the age of my attacker; whether he is very young, or very old. If he is young, then he is agile, lithe, without a fully formed mind, and hence deadly dangerous. If he is old, then he has experience, knowledge, guile, and cunning. And, he ought to know better. So he is deadly dangerous. But in all cases, when he attacks he is merely "an enemy to be stopped", and nothing more, regardless of his age.
• I fear only that "post traumatic stress disorder" that might come from losing a desperate battle with a deadly enemy. To my way of thinking, anyone who experiences stress after neutralizing a felon, because he has neutralized that felon — perhaps lethally — has rocks in his head.
• I will offer no violent home invader the opportunity to surrender. Any criminal offender violently breaking into my home will be met with deadly force. The only way that one or more home invaders will leave my home is in a body bag.
• If I am armed with a handgun or shoulder weapon I will fire "warning shots" into the kill zone of my attacker. I will waste no ammunition firing into the ground or into space — nor do I wish to “warn” anyone bent upon my murder or the murder of those I love. And ammunition is too expensive to waste.
• I will ALWAYS call the police if it is feasible to do so, and let them handle any violent situation. However, realistically, I do not expect to be given the opportunity to call 911 in a street attack, home invasion, mugging, gang assault, attempted kidnapping, rape, or other atrocious act of violence that I may one day need to confront. So I remain prepared always to decisively neutralize whomever I must, whenever I must, and however I must.
• My loved ones constitute my top priority. Threaten them with injury, harm, or death, and I will die killing you, if need be, in order to stop you.
• My "rule book" is very short. It‘s single page upon which appears but one word: WIN.
• I am not dismayed at the prospect of killing someone or of maiming someone who needs to be killed or maimed in order to stop him from carrying out his horrific course of action. Some people need to be maimed or killed or they will maim and kill others.
• I believe only in the rights of the VICTIM. The moment another person begins to act as a predator he has signed his resignation from the human race, has NO rights as far as I am concerned; and will be treated with the same mercy afforded an infectious disease.
• I believe only in compassion for the VICTIM. History has proven that the greatest aid civilized man can give the dangerous, predatory psychopath and similar types is to treat him with "understanding", "compassion", and "mercy". To bloody hell with that!
• Do not speak to me of of how much force I "may" use in defending myself. I will be the judge of what I need to do when I am forced to defend myself, and the last thing I need is someone or some system stepping in after the fact and prattling to me about how I hurt the poor bastard who intended to kill me, "too much".
• It is the violent bully, troublemaker, mugger, terrorist, home invader, tough guy, kidnapper, rapist, or you-name-it who is responsible for whatever damage occurs as a result of his actions — including whatever damage HE may suffer, himself!
• My children have my permission — my encouragement — to defend themselves if set upon and bullied. Your school policy of "zero tolerance for violence" will bring a lawsuit against you, the school, and every stinking administrator in the city, if my child is expelled or reprimanded for defending himself. (Attitude to be expressed to any school teacher in one of the modern public prison centers where the law requires children to remain for indoctrination and weakening of their characters and souls, until age eighteen).
• Save your bullshit, your words, your speeches, your damn lectures and all of your stinking social theories. I WILL NOT BE ANOTHER’S VICTIM. Period.
Now we are certainly not suggesting that the foregoing will be accepted by (or acceptable to) the majority of those who fancy themselves “martial artists”. Remember: we are concerned only with rational students of the combat arts, who live in the modern, 21st century. This certainly eliminates the vast majority of those who are present-day participants in one or another of the numerous "martial arts" that are out there — whether these individuals be participants at the student, teacher, or professional level. It also eliminates the sporting/competitive people — not because sportsmen and competitors wouldn‘t "get it", but because within the parameters of sport and competition that which we present is irrelevant.
Nor is it our intention to suggest or to imply that we believe in, advocate, espouse, or otherwise condone anything that is questionable from the standpoint of the law. We always advocate obedience to the law. We are simply presenting that which, in our humble opinion, constitutes what we regard as a sensible or "ideal" creed for the modern proponent and teacher of those so-called martial arts that are geared solely to the demands of close combat and self-defense.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Different “Schools Of Thought” Regarding Practical Close Combat Methods?
© COPYRIGHT 2010 BY BRADLEY J. STEINER - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Sword and Pen – August 2010 Issue
[Reprinted With Permission]
www.americancombato.com
www.seattlecombatives.com
SIMPLY because people — even a lot of people — believe or feel that something is true does not mean that that which they believe is in fact true. Nor does the fact that many people might want very much for something to be true indicate anything at all about its truth or falsehood. One does not determine what is true or false by taking a poll — or by putting the matter up to a vote. Not only is it possible for the majority to be wrong, history has consistently shown that the majority nearly always is wrong.
Today we observe the overwhelming majority of those who participate in the martial arts following programs of instruction and practice that may be quite excellent for purposes of aesthetic satisfaction and the mastery of classical physical art, or for the enjoyment of vigorous competitive matches, yet which is not suitable for personal defense and hand-to-hand combat. The problem is this: Many if not most of those who come to the martial arts do so for self-defense. They are only peripherally interested in Asian culture and tradition (if they are interested in it, at all), and the only reason they agree to practice competition skills and to engage in matches is because they have been led to believe that doing so will assure them the attainment of their objective, which is self-defense ability, and confidence.
We have said this, and we will continue to repeat this message again, and again:
There is absolutely no correlation between matches, sparring, competitive “fighting”, or sporting contests of any kind and REAL COMBAT. Nor is there more than a small percentage of classical/traditional martial arts that may be adapted — by experts — to serious, dangerous, anything goes hand-to-hand combat with determined, hardened physical attackers. Close combat and self-defense is a study and a discipline unto itself.
We do not say this as an attack on classical/traditional or sporting/competitive martial arts. They are fabulous activities, and so long as the individual understands precisely what the art that he is enrolling to study can and will ultimately give him, and so long as that is what he wants, everything is fine. But we believe that those whose purpose is the attainment of combat skill and the ability to defend themselves ought to know clearly that what they need is a COMBAT/SELF-DEFENSE system; they do not want classical/traditional or sporting/competitive doctrine.
Okay. If we can finally come to the realization that combat and contest are unrelated, and that each requires its own, unique, very specific approach when it comes to training and skills acquisition and development, we have taken Step #1. We are finally out of the woods, and we are no longer entertaining the nonsense that by excelling in any of the competitive venues we are thereby establishing hand-to-hand combat capabilities. Step #2 consists of determining which of the so-called all combat, or “reality based” systems of so-called "martial art" make sense. There are, after all, all sorts of points of disagreement amongst many who, realizing that self-defense/close combat is not the same as competition and contest, differ in regard to how real combative engagements ought properly to be handled.
For our readers‘ information, we would like to point out that even amongst the (today) venerated “WWII instructors” there was some disagreement. For example, Applegate (who was Fairbairn‘s protégé, at the outset of the two mens‘ relationship during WWII) vigorously disagreed with several of the throwing actions that Fairbairn initially introduced in his wartime system; and Applegate refused completely to teach the ―bent arm hold‖ vs. a downward knife stab as a first option — preferring, as we do, to teach a much simpler parrying action; or better yet, a simple, fast sidestep.
Despite the differences between Fairbairn and Applegate, there were many more similarities . . . precisely as there were between all of that era’s truly knowledgeable and experienced teachers.
Different teachers will inevitably tend to flavor their teachings with that which they, as individuals, personally have found to be the most practical and effective skills. However, if you are a prospective student and wish to have a clear understanding of what genuine close combat and self-defense teachers will universally teach and agree upon, it is this:
• Simplicity, destructiveness, adaptability, learnability, and retainability are always critical touchstones for assessing what is worth including in a combat system
• Absolute ruthlessness and savagery mark the quality tactics and skills of close combat
• No ground grappling!
• Blows, gouges, butting, biting, kicking — those are the best techniques
• No force "continuums". When you are attacked you EXPLODE and destroy the enemy — you attack relentlessly - stopping only when you are no longer in danger
• Use anything at hand to assist yourself in destroying the enemy — preferably a fighting knife, handgun, or tomahawk. Use an improvised weapon, if you can get your hands on one. "Bare hands" are used only when bare hands is all you have
• No high kicks, and only minimum use of the clenched fists in punching (to soft targets, only)
• No preparatory "fighting" type stances
• No "one shot stops" — follow up!
• Only a very few throws; and such throws as are worthwhile are those that cannot be safely employed with any force, even on a mat
• Expect multiple attackers, a weapon, any attack to be potentially deadly, and that your enemy will be your physical superior, and better skilled than yourself
• Frank acknowledgment of the value of physical strength, fitness, and hardihood
• Enormous emphasis on mindset and proper psychological conditioning for combat (not for "competition")
• Very little emphasis on "blocking" — almost all (90% at least) emphasis upon ATTACKING FEROCIOUSLY and by using the element of surprise, whenever possible
In reality, then, the "different schools of thought" that exist in the field of practical close combat and self-defense are not so very different, after all. They all have the same "flavor" as it were.
This much may be counted upon, however. There will never be any correlation suggested by any worthwhile close combat or self-defense teacher between combat and sport. Whatever else — whatever little else! — really professional teachers may disagree on, they all understand, acknowledge, and agree that close combat and self-defense is a world apart from classical/traditional and sporting/competitive activities.
Bradley J. Steiner
Sword and Pen – August 2010 Issue
[Reprinted With Permission]
www.americancombato.com
www.seattlecombatives.com
SIMPLY because people — even a lot of people — believe or feel that something is true does not mean that that which they believe is in fact true. Nor does the fact that many people might want very much for something to be true indicate anything at all about its truth or falsehood. One does not determine what is true or false by taking a poll — or by putting the matter up to a vote. Not only is it possible for the majority to be wrong, history has consistently shown that the majority nearly always is wrong.
Today we observe the overwhelming majority of those who participate in the martial arts following programs of instruction and practice that may be quite excellent for purposes of aesthetic satisfaction and the mastery of classical physical art, or for the enjoyment of vigorous competitive matches, yet which is not suitable for personal defense and hand-to-hand combat. The problem is this: Many if not most of those who come to the martial arts do so for self-defense. They are only peripherally interested in Asian culture and tradition (if they are interested in it, at all), and the only reason they agree to practice competition skills and to engage in matches is because they have been led to believe that doing so will assure them the attainment of their objective, which is self-defense ability, and confidence.
We have said this, and we will continue to repeat this message again, and again:
There is absolutely no correlation between matches, sparring, competitive “fighting”, or sporting contests of any kind and REAL COMBAT. Nor is there more than a small percentage of classical/traditional martial arts that may be adapted — by experts — to serious, dangerous, anything goes hand-to-hand combat with determined, hardened physical attackers. Close combat and self-defense is a study and a discipline unto itself.
We do not say this as an attack on classical/traditional or sporting/competitive martial arts. They are fabulous activities, and so long as the individual understands precisely what the art that he is enrolling to study can and will ultimately give him, and so long as that is what he wants, everything is fine. But we believe that those whose purpose is the attainment of combat skill and the ability to defend themselves ought to know clearly that what they need is a COMBAT/SELF-DEFENSE system; they do not want classical/traditional or sporting/competitive doctrine.
Okay. If we can finally come to the realization that combat and contest are unrelated, and that each requires its own, unique, very specific approach when it comes to training and skills acquisition and development, we have taken Step #1. We are finally out of the woods, and we are no longer entertaining the nonsense that by excelling in any of the competitive venues we are thereby establishing hand-to-hand combat capabilities. Step #2 consists of determining which of the so-called all combat, or “reality based” systems of so-called "martial art" make sense. There are, after all, all sorts of points of disagreement amongst many who, realizing that self-defense/close combat is not the same as competition and contest, differ in regard to how real combative engagements ought properly to be handled.
For our readers‘ information, we would like to point out that even amongst the (today) venerated “WWII instructors” there was some disagreement. For example, Applegate (who was Fairbairn‘s protégé, at the outset of the two mens‘ relationship during WWII) vigorously disagreed with several of the throwing actions that Fairbairn initially introduced in his wartime system; and Applegate refused completely to teach the ―bent arm hold‖ vs. a downward knife stab as a first option — preferring, as we do, to teach a much simpler parrying action; or better yet, a simple, fast sidestep.
Despite the differences between Fairbairn and Applegate, there were many more similarities . . . precisely as there were between all of that era’s truly knowledgeable and experienced teachers.
Different teachers will inevitably tend to flavor their teachings with that which they, as individuals, personally have found to be the most practical and effective skills. However, if you are a prospective student and wish to have a clear understanding of what genuine close combat and self-defense teachers will universally teach and agree upon, it is this:
• Simplicity, destructiveness, adaptability, learnability, and retainability are always critical touchstones for assessing what is worth including in a combat system
• Absolute ruthlessness and savagery mark the quality tactics and skills of close combat
• No ground grappling!
• Blows, gouges, butting, biting, kicking — those are the best techniques
• No force "continuums". When you are attacked you EXPLODE and destroy the enemy — you attack relentlessly - stopping only when you are no longer in danger
• Use anything at hand to assist yourself in destroying the enemy — preferably a fighting knife, handgun, or tomahawk. Use an improvised weapon, if you can get your hands on one. "Bare hands" are used only when bare hands is all you have
• No high kicks, and only minimum use of the clenched fists in punching (to soft targets, only)
• No preparatory "fighting" type stances
• No "one shot stops" — follow up!
• Only a very few throws; and such throws as are worthwhile are those that cannot be safely employed with any force, even on a mat
• Expect multiple attackers, a weapon, any attack to be potentially deadly, and that your enemy will be your physical superior, and better skilled than yourself
• Frank acknowledgment of the value of physical strength, fitness, and hardihood
• Enormous emphasis on mindset and proper psychological conditioning for combat (not for "competition")
• Very little emphasis on "blocking" — almost all (90% at least) emphasis upon ATTACKING FEROCIOUSLY and by using the element of surprise, whenever possible
In reality, then, the "different schools of thought" that exist in the field of practical close combat and self-defense are not so very different, after all. They all have the same "flavor" as it were.
This much may be counted upon, however. There will never be any correlation suggested by any worthwhile close combat or self-defense teacher between combat and sport. Whatever else — whatever little else! — really professional teachers may disagree on, they all understand, acknowledge, and agree that close combat and self-defense is a world apart from classical/traditional and sporting/competitive activities.
Bradley J. Steiner
Monday, September 13, 2010
A Cycle of Avoidance
Just making a note here: Avoiding ownership of a task neglecting responsibility for notifying affected parties or ignoring (what should be) obvious required steps is NOT a formula for success. Tribal knowledge is an equation for disaster and failure and simply remaining below the radar when the fallout occurs does NOT remove one from the realm of responsibility.
It certainly seems to be de rigueur in certain circles to follow this methodology and the predictable outcome is repeated with the regularity of the seasons. In fact, the practice has become almost a foregone element of the production process.
This is post is simply a recognition of the mechanism. It's laughable and it shows in part, the passing of the torch from one generation of (mis)management to another. Interestingly... the ones who bluster and protest the loudest at the incremental failures produced from such failures of management and communication are often those who should have verified that said information was successfully disseminated throughout the organization to the involved parties.
Another issue that has been observed over the years is the use of verbal intimidation on the part of specific (but certainly not limited to) persons upon their subordinates. Behavior that would normally be identified as inappropriate and unprofessional is tolerated (and as a result encouraged) provided it is only directed at a limited segment of the employee base: namely contingency staff. This is behavior that, if directed at formally employed personnel would likely result in accusations of creating a hostile work environment.
Those most heavily and most adversly influenced by the aforementioned practies are those with the least amount of control over the same...
It certainly seems to be de rigueur in certain circles to follow this methodology and the predictable outcome is repeated with the regularity of the seasons. In fact, the practice has become almost a foregone element of the production process.
This is post is simply a recognition of the mechanism. It's laughable and it shows in part, the passing of the torch from one generation of (mis)management to another. Interestingly... the ones who bluster and protest the loudest at the incremental failures produced from such failures of management and communication are often those who should have verified that said information was successfully disseminated throughout the organization to the involved parties.
Another issue that has been observed over the years is the use of verbal intimidation on the part of specific (but certainly not limited to) persons upon their subordinates. Behavior that would normally be identified as inappropriate and unprofessional is tolerated (and as a result encouraged) provided it is only directed at a limited segment of the employee base: namely contingency staff. This is behavior that, if directed at formally employed personnel would likely result in accusations of creating a hostile work environment.
Those most heavily and most adversly influenced by the aforementioned practies are those with the least amount of control over the same...
Thursday, August 19, 2010
It's not the size or shape...
I just wanted to make a comment (before I forget) regarding a recent attack on a Metro Transit bus in Seattle. (Note that I no longer will ride Metro or any other public conveyance for this specific reason. If I have to sdo so... I will be ARMED when I do it... which precludes my using any transit system to ride to work. These coveyances have apparently become one of the preferred feedng grounds for the typical filth that occupy the lower portion of the local community.)But I digress...
A group of "youths" accosted an 17-year old teenager on the bus and attempted to rob him. The ages of the future pillars of the community ranged from 10 to 14 years of age. A 10-year old in the group was armed with a firearm. (Pistol or revolver I do not knowe... apparently a .22 caliber?). In the ensuing scuffle betwen the 10 and 17 year olds, the gun went of and the 10-year old received a wound in the arm and the intended victim fled the scene. The entire group was subsequently arrested.
The point of this post is as follows: Do not judge an individuals capacity to rob, rape, mug, murder or maim you based on their age, size, physical makeup, race, attire or any other "exterior" feature. If a 10 or 14-year old is willing to threaten or hold you up at gun (or knife) point... then you should be MORE THAN WILLING to cripple the little crap bag without a second though or the batting of an eye. Why? Because it should be obvious to all but the most naive and imbecilic that this is PRECISELY what they intend to do to you. It is the INTENT of your assailant that sets the threat level. Not their appearence.
These little bastards were obviously not intimidated by the fact that their potential target was three to seven years older than them and likely outweighted them by at least 25 pounds. He was probably close to a foot taller as well.
You should also not assume that a suburban or rural route is necessarily any safer that an urban one. More abductions take place in rural and suburban areas than in urbans neighborhoods. This is partly due to the proximity to schools and similar institutions but also because of the less dense populations (think NO WITNESSES). Grab a child or female in a city neighborhood and you will likely be seen if it is during daylight hours. Grab the same victim in a suburban or rural area and the nearest neighbor or passing vehicle could be a mile away. (I cannot believe that people still allow their children to walk, ride and play in such areas after the record of child abductions from these exact scenarios. It's amazing to hear peopel say "We thought it was safe.")
Lastly, and to repeat... have no qualms whatsoever in kicking one of these little deviants in the testicles, breaking their knees or neck should thenecessity opportunity arise. By putting them in a wheel chair or the morgue, you'll be doing everyone else in your city a BIG favor. As our President seems so fond of saying; it can be a "teachable moment".
A group of "youths" accosted an 17-year old teenager on the bus and attempted to rob him. The ages of the future pillars of the community ranged from 10 to 14 years of age. A 10-year old in the group was armed with a firearm. (Pistol or revolver I do not knowe... apparently a .22 caliber?). In the ensuing scuffle betwen the 10 and 17 year olds, the gun went of and the 10-year old received a wound in the arm and the intended victim fled the scene. The entire group was subsequently arrested.
The point of this post is as follows: Do not judge an individuals capacity to rob, rape, mug, murder or maim you based on their age, size, physical makeup, race, attire or any other "exterior" feature. If a 10 or 14-year old is willing to threaten or hold you up at gun (or knife) point... then you should be MORE THAN WILLING to cripple the little crap bag without a second though or the batting of an eye. Why? Because it should be obvious to all but the most naive and imbecilic that this is PRECISELY what they intend to do to you. It is the INTENT of your assailant that sets the threat level. Not their appearence.
These little bastards were obviously not intimidated by the fact that their potential target was three to seven years older than them and likely outweighted them by at least 25 pounds. He was probably close to a foot taller as well.
You should also not assume that a suburban or rural route is necessarily any safer that an urban one. More abductions take place in rural and suburban areas than in urbans neighborhoods. This is partly due to the proximity to schools and similar institutions but also because of the less dense populations (think NO WITNESSES). Grab a child or female in a city neighborhood and you will likely be seen if it is during daylight hours. Grab the same victim in a suburban or rural area and the nearest neighbor or passing vehicle could be a mile away. (I cannot believe that people still allow their children to walk, ride and play in such areas after the record of child abductions from these exact scenarios. It's amazing to hear peopel say "We thought it was safe.")
Lastly, and to repeat... have no qualms whatsoever in kicking one of these little deviants in the testicles, breaking their knees or neck should the
"Shorty" Workouts...
Last Monday was a scheduled workout. When I came home from work I found my newly purchased copy of Helter Skelter had arrived and was waiting for me on our doorstep. I decided to read a bit of it for "just an hour or so" and then hit the weights. By the time I bothered to look at the clock again, it was nearly 8 PM and too late to do a full workout.
My schedule is fairly full between work, Combato and weight training. As it is now, even with free time, I'm still only able to cycle in to weight training days per week unless I wantt o be working out righ tbefore bed in the middle of the week. This is no good as it ordinarily take me two to three hours to cool down enough to actually get to sleep.
Rather than skip the training session entirely, I decided to chop it down o the bare minimum. I ended up doing the squats, dead lifts and my usual ab sets of heavy side bends and leg raises. Iwas able to get through this mini-session in less than an hour as opposed to the 60 to 90 minutes it normally takes me to do a full training session.
So for all of you who are in the habit of skipping your training sessions because you "don't have time, make a not of this:
1) Skipping sessions entirely throws off your bodies building and recuperration cycle.
2) Skipping sessions entirely retrains your mind and body to fabricate excuses to encourage you to stop training.
3) Once you acclimate into the "laze-off" habit, it becomes easier every time you do it.
4) The aforementioned habit trains you into a cycle of self-defeatism and your psychological and emotional response will be an decrease in self image and confidence.
The mini-sessions are NOT a replacement for a FULL ON training session. I ABSOLUTELY DO NOT recommend starting to do these extremely abbreviated sessions as a replacement for a full, sensible and effective program. What I am suggesting... is that ANY training session that forces you to work the core muscles is bettter than not training at all.
1) It keeps you programmed to train... and programmed to train on the days that you've scheduled.
2) It staves off the loss of strength you suffer when you do habitually skip sessions. One day skipped can often turninto a week or more. You're eventually looking at starting from scratchyet again.
Regarding the last point... if you're just starting out and are having motivational issues you've probably noticed that when you have made some pgrogress and then have allowed yourself to slip for a few days... which turns into a week or more... you lose A LOT of what you'd gained previously. This isn't so true of advanced trainees. They tend to retainmore strength and muscle mass during lay offs because they have far more of a reserve built up. They're probably eating better as well.
So this post ties in well with my Consistency post from a week or so ago. Train yourself to sopt accepting the fabricated excuses and faux logic for blowing of the training. That's traiing that you KNOW you should be doing. Occasionally skipping the full routine but still making yourself work will keep you honest and after a time will have you looking forward to fitting in the full trainng sessions.
I know that Monday night and for the following days, I was regretting not working in a little more that night. I wished I'd done the overhead presses as well. Friday nights session wil be a good test of whether or not I retained my limits by doing this "shorty" rather than not training. I'll let you all know.
My schedule is fairly full between work, Combato and weight training. As it is now, even with free time, I'm still only able to cycle in to weight training days per week unless I wantt o be working out righ tbefore bed in the middle of the week. This is no good as it ordinarily take me two to three hours to cool down enough to actually get to sleep.
Rather than skip the training session entirely, I decided to chop it down o the bare minimum. I ended up doing the squats, dead lifts and my usual ab sets of heavy side bends and leg raises. Iwas able to get through this mini-session in less than an hour as opposed to the 60 to 90 minutes it normally takes me to do a full training session.
So for all of you who are in the habit of skipping your training sessions because you "don't have time, make a not of this:
1) Skipping sessions entirely throws off your bodies building and recuperration cycle.
2) Skipping sessions entirely retrains your mind and body to fabricate excuses to encourage you to stop training.
3) Once you acclimate into the "laze-off" habit, it becomes easier every time you do it.
4) The aforementioned habit trains you into a cycle of self-defeatism and your psychological and emotional response will be an decrease in self image and confidence.
The mini-sessions are NOT a replacement for a FULL ON training session. I ABSOLUTELY DO NOT recommend starting to do these extremely abbreviated sessions as a replacement for a full, sensible and effective program. What I am suggesting... is that ANY training session that forces you to work the core muscles is bettter than not training at all.
1) It keeps you programmed to train... and programmed to train on the days that you've scheduled.
2) It staves off the loss of strength you suffer when you do habitually skip sessions. One day skipped can often turninto a week or more. You're eventually looking at starting from scratchyet again.
Regarding the last point... if you're just starting out and are having motivational issues you've probably noticed that when you have made some pgrogress and then have allowed yourself to slip for a few days... which turns into a week or more... you lose A LOT of what you'd gained previously. This isn't so true of advanced trainees. They tend to retainmore strength and muscle mass during lay offs because they have far more of a reserve built up. They're probably eating better as well.
So this post ties in well with my Consistency post from a week or so ago. Train yourself to sopt accepting the fabricated excuses and faux logic for blowing of the training. That's traiing that you KNOW you should be doing. Occasionally skipping the full routine but still making yourself work will keep you honest and after a time will have you looking forward to fitting in the full trainng sessions.
I know that Monday night and for the following days, I was regretting not working in a little more that night. I wished I'd done the overhead presses as well. Friday nights session wil be a good test of whether or not I retained my limits by doing this "shorty" rather than not training. I'll let you all know.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
The Question of Consistency
Nearly everyone battles consistency at some point in their life. Whether it's various studies, physical training, budgetary issues eating habits. he more strenuous (and beneficial) the "exercise", the more likely that the person will make the conscious (AND subconscious) decision to avoid it. It's easier and much more comfortable to park ones ass in the recliner with a glass of milk and a stack of cookies when they arrive home from work than it is to change clothes and trudge to the gym and push themselves for an hour or two.
Of course, these people will continue to look at themselves both physically and psychologically as failures and vow to "get back at it" when\if they come to grips with the issue. I must have read it a few dozen times that "the human body is naturally lazy... and will acclimate itself to the least amount of stress". True... however, the human MIND seldom allows people to reach this low without sending them messages every time they look in their mirror, step on a scale or try to balance their checkbook. When people are honest with themselves (as seldom as this may occur) they KNOW there's a problem there.
Sadly, as easy as it sounds to "just do it" the majority of people in this society have no idea what it takes to "just do it". Since they are not accustomed nor conditioned to take control of their own destiny, they see themselves at the mercy of some lackey who hires themselves out as a personal trainer, personal financial consultant or nutrition guru... at $100 per hour. Nice work if you can get it as you're likely to have an ENDLESS line of people willing to shell out their hard earned money to set still while the experts perpetuate the condition that brought them there to begin with.
For myself, I discovered that the only way I can hope to effectively deal with the tendency to take "Laze offs" is by understanding and embracing GOAL SETTING. (Not day dreaming!) Get a solid grasp on the concept and mechanics of realistic and effective goal setting and it then becomes a task to be managed rather than a dilemma. You can no longer be dishonest about why you are unable to motivate yourself. The answer is obvious... you don't really want it all that badly. If you did, you'd kick your own ass and get moving. You would also understand that you are not going to reach the goals that you have set by retracing the same steps month after month.
In the case of strength training, combative studies or any other endeavor that requires protracted and repetitious practice, it should become clear that if the trainee justifies skipping classes or workouts often enough, their progress grinds to a halt, they forget techniques, lose muscle memory and their strength and dexterity deteriorates to the point it was at when they first began. The predictable result of this is that they become less likely to renew their training since it's far more difficult to bring yourself back to previous levels than it is to attain new ones. This seems to be a phenomenon that is both physical and psychological.
Ultimately it is the trainees responsibility. Nobody is going to do the training for you. Nobody is going to set your goals and ensure that you reach them. I remember reading an interview with Arnold Schwarzenegger.... (that blathering jackass) where he was reminiscing about how he would verbally deride himself every morning in the mirror if he had failed to meet his training goals the previous day. Some might say that this was too negative and counter productive... but it apparently worked for him. Well... that and the steroids.
Negative or not... that clown KNEW where he wanted to go and plainly refused to allow himself to produce a second best effort. He also KNEW when he was short-cutting. Few people are willing to look at themselves in the mirror and honestly say "You SUCK! You CHOOSE to be weak! You say you want change... but where's the output man!?" I suspect that subconsciously, most people realize this but putting the verbiage into practice and chastising yourself for deliberate choices isn't a popular practice. I believe it's VITAL to do so.
If it is not ones goal to reach a particular level of development I have no issue with that as long as we are honest with ourselves. If you never want to squat 300 to 400 pounds or never wish to reach the level of black belt, that's fine. If you do... but want to take a decade or two to do it... that's okay to. Just be realistic about your goals and you'll be a lot happier.
Set those goals HARD and despite feeling dead at the end of the day, week or month... do it anyhow... and ultimately you will ALSO BE A LOT HAPPIER! You'll also have a hell of a lot more confidence. You'll likely find that you tend to "kick to the curb" friends and relatives whom you previously associated with. Some would say that nothing is worth losing friends over. I'm sure we'll agree that any "friend" or relatives who choose to dissuade or discourage a pursuit for vague or suspect personal reasons (such as their own pathetic insecurity and low self esteem) deserved to be kicked in the crotch in addition to being written off as reliable companions. Look at where THESE people are and how they live their lives. Having a host of friends all existing in universal mediocrity is a commune... not a healthy relationship.
If you're telling yourself that you NEED to accomplish particular tasks or goals or have a level of training, education or skill that you honestly desire to reach... you are going to have to WORK for it. The feeling of accomplishment brought on by staying on course, not shirking training schedules, not allowing laziness (or the personal preference to grab a beer and a burger as opposed to grinding out squats and dead lifts in 90-degree or 30-degree weather (and THEN grabbing a beer and a burger)), engaging the one to two hours nightly in language studies rather than blowing twice that amount of time in online chat rooms or forums will bring rewards and satisfaction that are virtually unparalleled once the desired level has been attained.
At this moment I’m exhausted. I wasn’t able to get to sleep until after 1 AM this morning. Up at 6:30 AM to go to work, I’m now fighting the urge to skip the Combato training to night and go straight home from work to try and get to bed early. I know myself well enough however, to admit that if I skip the class I will most likely NOT get to bed any earlier, but will end up spending more time on Farcebook and other time wasting ventures. So tonight I will go, I will train and despite feeling like I can barely manage performing the techniques I will work to maintain that consistency.
During last nights training, I noted how quickly previously fluid techniques become stiff and are even completely forgotten, even if only momentarily. (Which reminds me... I need to figure out what to do about the eye-glasses taking flight during specific maneuvers like the head-butt. Should I purchase one of those ridiculous looking head straps or just take the bloody things off during training?)
Tomorrow night (Friday night) I will go trough a weightlifting session. I GUARANTEE that I will NOT want to do this. Friday nights are most usually “crash” nights. I pickup dinner, comes home and crash in the living room with the television on. Yes... a huge waste of time. Get the training out of the way and THEN have dinner and relax.
Kill the online gaming! Instead of wasting one to two hours plodding about on Farcebook, spend that time either reading the books you have assigned for Purple belt progression or work on your Spanish studies. You won’t be getting that time back.
*Funny... but I wrote the majority of this on a Wednesday fully expecting my week to end as it normally does. It is now Thursday night - approximately 10:30 PM... and I am STILL at work well into my 15th hour. Tomorrow I shall take the day off. I WILL get my workout in... and possibly “catch up” on some sleep.
Of course, these people will continue to look at themselves both physically and psychologically as failures and vow to "get back at it" when\if they come to grips with the issue. I must have read it a few dozen times that "the human body is naturally lazy... and will acclimate itself to the least amount of stress". True... however, the human MIND seldom allows people to reach this low without sending them messages every time they look in their mirror, step on a scale or try to balance their checkbook. When people are honest with themselves (as seldom as this may occur) they KNOW there's a problem there.
Sadly, as easy as it sounds to "just do it" the majority of people in this society have no idea what it takes to "just do it". Since they are not accustomed nor conditioned to take control of their own destiny, they see themselves at the mercy of some lackey who hires themselves out as a personal trainer, personal financial consultant or nutrition guru... at $100 per hour. Nice work if you can get it as you're likely to have an ENDLESS line of people willing to shell out their hard earned money to set still while the experts perpetuate the condition that brought them there to begin with.
For myself, I discovered that the only way I can hope to effectively deal with the tendency to take "Laze offs" is by understanding and embracing GOAL SETTING. (Not day dreaming!) Get a solid grasp on the concept and mechanics of realistic and effective goal setting and it then becomes a task to be managed rather than a dilemma. You can no longer be dishonest about why you are unable to motivate yourself. The answer is obvious... you don't really want it all that badly. If you did, you'd kick your own ass and get moving. You would also understand that you are not going to reach the goals that you have set by retracing the same steps month after month.
In the case of strength training, combative studies or any other endeavor that requires protracted and repetitious practice, it should become clear that if the trainee justifies skipping classes or workouts often enough, their progress grinds to a halt, they forget techniques, lose muscle memory and their strength and dexterity deteriorates to the point it was at when they first began. The predictable result of this is that they become less likely to renew their training since it's far more difficult to bring yourself back to previous levels than it is to attain new ones. This seems to be a phenomenon that is both physical and psychological.
Ultimately it is the trainees responsibility. Nobody is going to do the training for you. Nobody is going to set your goals and ensure that you reach them. I remember reading an interview with Arnold Schwarzenegger.... (that blathering jackass) where he was reminiscing about how he would verbally deride himself every morning in the mirror if he had failed to meet his training goals the previous day. Some might say that this was too negative and counter productive... but it apparently worked for him. Well... that and the steroids.
Negative or not... that clown KNEW where he wanted to go and plainly refused to allow himself to produce a second best effort. He also KNEW when he was short-cutting. Few people are willing to look at themselves in the mirror and honestly say "You SUCK! You CHOOSE to be weak! You say you want change... but where's the output man!?" I suspect that subconsciously, most people realize this but putting the verbiage into practice and chastising yourself for deliberate choices isn't a popular practice. I believe it's VITAL to do so.
If it is not ones goal to reach a particular level of development I have no issue with that as long as we are honest with ourselves. If you never want to squat 300 to 400 pounds or never wish to reach the level of black belt, that's fine. If you do... but want to take a decade or two to do it... that's okay to. Just be realistic about your goals and you'll be a lot happier.
Set those goals HARD and despite feeling dead at the end of the day, week or month... do it anyhow... and ultimately you will ALSO BE A LOT HAPPIER! You'll also have a hell of a lot more confidence. You'll likely find that you tend to "kick to the curb" friends and relatives whom you previously associated with. Some would say that nothing is worth losing friends over. I'm sure we'll agree that any "friend" or relatives who choose to dissuade or discourage a pursuit for vague or suspect personal reasons (such as their own pathetic insecurity and low self esteem) deserved to be kicked in the crotch in addition to being written off as reliable companions. Look at where THESE people are and how they live their lives. Having a host of friends all existing in universal mediocrity is a commune... not a healthy relationship.
If you're telling yourself that you NEED to accomplish particular tasks or goals or have a level of training, education or skill that you honestly desire to reach... you are going to have to WORK for it. The feeling of accomplishment brought on by staying on course, not shirking training schedules, not allowing laziness (or the personal preference to grab a beer and a burger as opposed to grinding out squats and dead lifts in 90-degree or 30-degree weather (and THEN grabbing a beer and a burger)), engaging the one to two hours nightly in language studies rather than blowing twice that amount of time in online chat rooms or forums will bring rewards and satisfaction that are virtually unparalleled once the desired level has been attained.
At this moment I’m exhausted. I wasn’t able to get to sleep until after 1 AM this morning. Up at 6:30 AM to go to work, I’m now fighting the urge to skip the Combato training to night and go straight home from work to try and get to bed early. I know myself well enough however, to admit that if I skip the class I will most likely NOT get to bed any earlier, but will end up spending more time on Farcebook and other time wasting ventures. So tonight I will go, I will train and despite feeling like I can barely manage performing the techniques I will work to maintain that consistency.
During last nights training, I noted how quickly previously fluid techniques become stiff and are even completely forgotten, even if only momentarily. (Which reminds me... I need to figure out what to do about the eye-glasses taking flight during specific maneuvers like the head-butt. Should I purchase one of those ridiculous looking head straps or just take the bloody things off during training?)
Tomorrow night (Friday night) I will go trough a weightlifting session. I GUARANTEE that I will NOT want to do this. Friday nights are most usually “crash” nights. I pickup dinner, comes home and crash in the living room with the television on. Yes... a huge waste of time. Get the training out of the way and THEN have dinner and relax.
Kill the online gaming! Instead of wasting one to two hours plodding about on Farcebook, spend that time either reading the books you have assigned for Purple belt progression or work on your Spanish studies. You won’t be getting that time back.
*Funny... but I wrote the majority of this on a Wednesday fully expecting my week to end as it normally does. It is now Thursday night - approximately 10:30 PM... and I am STILL at work well into my 15th hour. Tomorrow I shall take the day off. I WILL get my workout in... and possibly “catch up” on some sleep.
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