Tuesday 16 August 2011

Technical Awareness

There is a technical side to Systema. Some examples could include; understanding the specifics of a good walk, what good structure of the body entails, how to fall and roll in a safe manner, as well as certain anatomical and neurological facts which can help you to train in a safe and productive manner.

It is good to have an awareness of such things, however not at the expense of being able to learn somatically. To be able to learn by feeling and listening to your body is incredibly important. It is good to be aware of technical components, however not to the point where they become dogma which are adhered to zealously and without thought or flexibility (keep in mind the principle of paradox). As Emmanuel Manolakakis eloquently put it; "Training is not about accomplishing technical proficiencies, but rather cleansing your assumptions in life".
It is good to pay attention to technical aspects, they can help you improve your work greatly. However remember they are only part of the larger picture. It is probably not the best to get lost in the details in your head and lose the ability to be in the moment. You don't want to get stuck with a Technical obsession. However you don't want to completely shun technical information either.

A good Technical awareness is a very useful attribute when used as part of the larger picture.



Justin Ho
Principal Instructor
Systema Sydney Russian Martial Art

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