Zyaga Writing about whatever the hell I want, cuz it's the Interwebz!

Every Day Martial Arts

I stopped over to check out what was new at Ikigai a couple of days ago, like I normally do, when I stumbled across an article which is kind of about concealment of moves while out and about. Or maybe, rather, being “ready” and working on techniques while not at home or at a dojo of some sort. The article got me thinking, about how I already do that to a degree, but never really thought about it. I never really thought of it as something to tell someone to do as something to work on. I had always done it mostly out of boredom when walking somewhere, etc.

As I passed the ideas about inside my head, of what I normally do, I came up with some “routines” I already happen to do but also some more that I’d like to add to my daily practice. Here is a list of what I’ve already been doing, plus what I plan to do, combined into one list of 5 routines:

1. Maintain eye focus while observing their body movements. The general concept is to never let your eyes leave them so that you can read them, while making sure to pay attention to all of their movements.
2. Pay attention to their center line. I’ve recently posted an article about the center line theory and how important it can be. Try to keep tract of when their center line is open for attack, and closed for defense, which would require you to create an opening.
3. Pay attention to their joints. Joints are a key factor in every Martial Art. If I happen to get the chance to throw a heavy blow with the heel of my foot to the inside joint of your knee, you’ll at least have trouble walking for a while.
4. Pay attention to their intention. You always think that they have no clue about what you’re really doing, but what if they were thinking the same thing? Try to read others around you to simply understand them better, and figure out what’s really beneath the skin, so to speak.
5. Pay attention to your surroundings. This is the final task that can become a bit difficult in busy areas. While you’re focusing on all the other goals and tasks, still make sure to be aware of your surroundings. Try to learn to handle listening to not only your own conversation, but maybe 2 or 3 at once. Make sure you’re able to “sense” where others are around you.

Eventually, all of these tasks will become routine in that you’ll do it everyday without thinking too much about it. In fact, a lot of times it makes me laugh. Why? Because I think it’d be funny to see the expressions of others if they knew exactly what I was thinking and planning in my mind as they spoke to me. Hide your intentions and you’ll be another step ahead of the game.