Episode 141: On Internal and External Work, with Jan Bloem
Episode description
This week, another fascinating conversation with prolific movement scientist, neuroscientist, and martial artist Jan Bloem.
As we learned during our first conversation last year (see episode 124), Jan has studied the art and science of movement and combat at the very highest levels – on the theoretical side as an expert in kinesiology and psychomotor therapy, and on the front lines as a world champion karateka; a defensive tactics instructor to military and law enforcement; and as one of the early non-Russian students and instructors of Systema under the legendary Mikhail Ryabko.
Here, we build upon upon our earlier discussion of approaches to martial training, focusing on the value (and limitations) of "internal" work to health, self-development, and the realities of practical combat. Taking in along the way:
- internal work: problems with presentation and misapplied teaching
- shifting focus between the internal and the external
- the benefit of allowing and encouraging mistakes
- discovering power through the "less is more" approach
Many thanks to Jan for his tireless efforts to advance understanding in all martial arts.
Mentioned in this episode:
SFL Episode 124 (on YouTube):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sgRtIRjrcA
Power Vs Force: the Hidden Determinants of Human Behaviour, by David Hawkins
https://www.amazon.com/Power-vs-Force-David-Hawkins-ebook/dp/B00EJBABS2
The Principles of Effortless Power, by Peter Ralston
https://www.amazon.com/Cheng-Hsin-Principles-Effortless-Power/dp/1556433026
Books by Neuroscientist Antonio Damasio:
Looking For Spinoza: https://www.amazon.com/Looking-Spinoza-Sorrow-Feeling-Brain/dp/0156028719
The Feeling of What Happens: https://www.amazon.com/Feeling-What-Happens-Emotion-Consciousness/dp/0156010755/ref=pd_lpo_2?pd_rd_i=0156010755&psc=1
Self Comes to Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Self-Comes-Mind-Constructing-Conscious/dp/0307378756
Find out more about Jan and his work here: