THe daily Dojo

Knowing when to
Go with the Flow

Yesterday, I messed up.

I was learning a new technique in my BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) class.

The technique was really cool!

The coach was showing us how to take a guy who's kneeling on top of us, lock his arm and roll him over so that you've now switched positions, you're on top of him and he's in a painful armbar.

Easier said than done though for this lowly white belt who has only 5 months experience grappling.

BJJ is awesome!

And it's so much the opposite from what I did for 20 years in Hapkido, a completely different somatic language.

And I'm learning the consequences when you don't flow with it.

Not Going With the Flow has Consequences

After we're shown the technique, we break into pairs to practice.

My partner, a fellow white belt, tries the technique on me.

And as I'm supposed to rollover with my arm locked against my buddy, I get stuck.

I do a headplant instead of a tuck and roll.

And that's all it took.

I feel a small tweak in my shoulder.

Nothing big, just a little "ouch."

I notice it but I don't. It didn't even bother me for the rest of the class.

It wasn't until I'm taking a shower and taking off my gear that I feel my shoulder is tweaked.

Damn!

So here I am today, taking arnica, icing and resting it while I'm sitting on the sidelines, watching class but not participating.

All from a hiccup of not going with the flow.

And I should know better after riding motorcycles for over 35 years.

I've learned not to argue with cars.

In fact, I'm great at slicing traffic with my big R1200RT BMW motorcycle.

Easily slipping in between and around the crazy chaotic drivers in Los Angeles.

But I didn't do it yesterday and today I'm paying the price.

It's making me think when else am I fighting against the current and not flowing with it.

As warriors and leaders, we want to steer our own course but sometimes the forces rallied against us can be too much.

Or our position doesn't allow us the freedom to pivot the course.

Better at times like that to relax and flow with it.

Waiting for your opportunity and opening to do a reversal and flip the situation.

I'll remember that next time I get on the mat and my arm is locked in as I'm being rolled over.

Hopefully you don't put yourself in a similar situation.

On the mat or off...

Until next time,
Chuck "go with the flow" Doublet

P.S. I would love to hear from you and see where you're flowing and where you're not, simply Reply back to this email and let me know how you're doing.

Thanks