Instantaneous Adaptation!

Recently I have been turning a sharper focus back on my basics. The Inayan System of Eskrima is comprised of many elements, chief among those are a set of basic exercises for each of the styles or methods in the system. My father, Mangisursuro Mike Inay, once was quoted as saying "Basics are like brushing your teeth, you should do them at least twice a day."

It seems I go through these cycles of working on different aspects of the system. Sometimes I am working on more complex things such as the Dumog/Dumpag or grappling more. Lately I have spent a great deal of time on conditioning. Now, however, I have turned my attention back to basics. I practice basics regularly always, however, now I find myself doing it more often. Specifically I am looking at the old fundamentals I learned for Inayan Kadena De Mano when I was 11 years old and younger. I am also taking a more tighly focused look at my Inayan Serrada Basics. Relating to my experience in working security for bars and reflex training, I find greater insights after taking almost a year off of working as a bouncer.

The truth is I get lazy sometimes, I do the basics as they are a core part of training in Inayan Eskrima, but as far as my own growth is concerned, my own needs for self defense take a back seat to teaching. I get over-involved in tracking the growth and progress of all the students I am in contact with. I have some that have only been training for a month or so, and others that have been training over 12 years or more with me and my family. So now I think I take a selfish moment and focus only on myself and my daughter's growth.

Basic elements and fundamentals in martial arts in general are essential. They are not merely a milestone you pass along the path, but rather the stars that you guide yourself along the path with. Constant referrence to them is vital to keeping on track. Always remember however the stars are not the path either. Doing drills and basic techniques isn't fighting. Neither is doing reflex drills or stress exercises.

In basic training you are calm, and things are easily anticipated. Your motions are controlled and your next move is well in mind. For the most part your training should always address every aspect of fighting. My focus for now will remain on how basics apply to combat both literally and figuratively. I find myself asking how my physiology is addressed in basics, how is my psychology and neurology addressed in basics. And how is it that this prepares me for an actual fight. It is the questions we ask ourselves that lead us to what we achieve and experience. I ask myself how do my basic Inayan Eskrima elements and fundamentals make me a great Eskrimador? How does this make me an Inayan Eskrimador? Where is the connection to the street, how is it combative.

This path of thought brings me to my many observations and inquiries into how the old masters functioned, how did the great masters of history do it? What was their neurology and physiology? What was their internal experience during a fight? I had many opportunities to watch my father stick fight. I was always impressed by his outward appearance during stress exercises and sparring. I also had seen him in situations out of class and trainings and how he handled those moments.

And it all leads me back to basics, they are fundamental to the conditioning of the body and the mind. It comes down to how we associate training to practical application. But how? I'll take a look at the stars.

Suro Inay II