Mind and Body and a Podcast
You may know I follow Nerdist Chris Hardwick’s podcast called (of course) the Nerdist podcast. I actually listen to it on the bus on my way to teach, which is very cool, as the podcast is not only about as long as my bus commute, but is consistently intellectually stimulating.
The most recent Nerdist podcast was with “Mayhem” Miller, an MMA fighter and lover of comedy. (Yes, I know, it was up Tuesday. I take the bus to school Fridays and Saturdays. I listen to it then). I was deeply moved by their conversation about what it is to train in comedy, and train in martial arts. It was the same discipline. I don’t really want to give you details on the various things said that inspired me–I’d like you to listen to it yourself. Let’s just say that they didn’t know they were talking about being ninja, but they were. Since I was on my way to teach an advanced Stage Combat class, it was particularly inspiring. I too was so against physical training at a young age (okay so I took many many dance classes but I never counted them) and rejected all weight training as “hamster wheel” brainless activity. It wasn’t until I met my now-husband that I realized the brain-power of weight training. I was involved in aerial dance when I met him–he was a ninja, and so was all about physical training. I was a drama queen/bookworm and thought physical training was for meat-heads and hamsters.
What I learned (especially by observing other “practicing” martial artists) was that one needs to train, on weights and cardio as well as dance and/or swordfighting and/or yoga and/or…
Seriously. It’s all relevant. I became a yoga teacher from experience, not from “formal” training. Now I do have a certificate, but it was because I was just doing it, and so knew it. Same reason why I don’t pursue my ranking in the SAFD–I have knowledge and experience, so I am a professional. I know several SAFD folks that will disagree with me, but I stand by my multi-experiential, diverse approach. Anyone who’s trying to train in something, or is wondering how to do so, comment here. ~Jenn
Jenn, I just got around to this podcast myself, and couldn’t agree more. When it came to the point of discussion about mind-body connection, I wanted to jump through my ear buds and give big hugs to the lug. I’m curious to know what about it you relate specifically to ninjutsu?
Well just my own personal experiences practicing with the (albeit set) “free response” sessions–you do get that way (and find odd songs in your head).
But mainly that’s why the ninja had that mystique–that legendary idea of the ninja being able to do mind-control, or turn invisible, etc. is because of this harnessing of the connections of the physical and mental. In fact, the earlier names for ninja meant things like “patience”, “endurance”, “perseverance”, etc.