Showing posts with label Gymnastics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gymnastics. Show all posts

Saturday, June 10, 2023

Martial Entropy

 



This is the formula for Entropy.  Where S is Entropy, kb is the Boltzmann constant, 1n is the natural logarithm, and Omega is the number of microcosmic configurations or mutations involved in the mix.  Entropy is the natural decay in any system that progresses over a period of time.  In physics it is a bleeding of power or drop in mechanical productivity. In Biology it is the physical decay and deterioration of matter after the living processes are finished.  In Astronomy it is the slow death in the life cycle of a Planet, Star, or Galaxy in an ever folding Space.  In Psychology Entropy is the cognitive decline in the thinking processes of the human brain.  That slow dive into madness.

To a Martial Artist Entropy is the slow deterioration when the artist stops practicing and loses the technical skills and understanding of those skills over a long period of time.  Entropy is also the decline of certain skill and ability due to age, illness, and injury that the artist has succumbed to over a lifetime of practice. 

Entropy can also be considered the supreme challenge of the aging artist.  Fighting the forces of nature with every practice session, every moment of quietness, every time the artist engages the body/ mind connection and goes beyond those forces that quietly and coldly try to hold him/her down.  

The Master of physical awareness  be he/she a Yogi, Gymnast, or Martial Artist, after attaining that level of self awareness, spends a lifetime fighting this quiet foe, Entropy.  When other's notice in he/she that this battle is being won, that the Artist is excelling despite these obstacles, calls Him/Her Master and ask to be taught the Secrets learned over a lifetime of practice.  

The Master then waits, before answering, for signs of Humility...

Peace and Balance,

John


Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Back Flips of the Past

 


Today during class, I'm pretending to teach 14 year old freshman at our local high school, anyways during class one of the kids asked me to do a back flip.  My initial reaction was aghast, "Me?" I asked, "I'm an old man, you expect me to do a back flip?"  

"Of course and Why Not?" was the reply.

Then I explained that I was an old man and doing back flips had left my consciousness many moons ago.  I told him that I have reached the respectable age and those of the respectable ilk don't do back flips.  That the mechanism in the brain kicks in just before the thought catches up with the body, and asks a very important question, "Have you lost your mind?"

Then I started thinking about the prospect.  I indeed used to be able to do a back flip.  That was many years ago and several pants sizes hence.  At that time I was a healthy light heavy weight at about 180 pounds.  Strong as hell, and just about as bright.  My past occupation didn't lend to over thinking circumstances.  I would just "Flip."

Today, I tip the scale at about 250.  I'm a little more, "Massive" then I was then, and flipping isn't in the cards.  I will teach flipping and chuckle at almost flipping, but I have grown out of the need to flip.  It's much more fun to laugh at flippers.

So my answer to the young'un in class who so inpurtantly asked me to do a back flip was, "You First."  

Peace and Balance,

John