The Value of Fitness

If you see me before class, I typically am trying to balance upside down or do something goofy. Chris has helped me with getting my hands on old manuals and books. Every week, it seems like someone shows up to class with and makes an attempt at a tri-pod, hand stand, or some other such thing. 

I personally take the time at class to do this stuff because at home, if I falter, A pile of hot wheels meets my fall like a bed of nails. 

So yes, I do stuff like this outside of class, but I like the open, clean mat to warm up with. It's also a good way for me to show those who are interested in learning, how I do it. 

But the real question is: Why? 

Why learn to balance on your hands? Are you going to fight upside down? The movements are slow, and the positions are goofy. 

During my recent fitness kick I noticed something. Something that has stuck in my mind like a tapeworm in your lower intestine...

Gymnasts are probably the most healthy, vital, and strong athletes I have ever seen. Such a strong combination of power, grace, flexibility, and agility form together to make Gymnastics.

And Fighting.

The skills and attributes need to be a good fighter are the exact same you need to be a Gymnast! 

The goal of the Survival Academy is not to make you into a better fighter. It's to make you Survive life and all it's encounters the most safe and healthy way possible. The term would be "Vitality".

We want you to be vital!

So if your 5-6, 300 lbs, and can kick the shit out of anyone, you still lose because Heart Disease will kill you faster than a mugger!

So I use gymnastics as a way to improve my fighting AND my health!

The idea is spreading like wild fire! I love martial arts sports and watch them all the time. Yahoo has been showcasing "Athlete Workouts" for a while now, and I came across one that validated everything I thought about exercise.

http://sports.yahoo.com/elite-athlete-workouts/georges-st-pierre

If you don't know who GSP is, I suggest you get you crawl out from under the rock you are living in and get on the computer to learn about this guy. He is a humble fighter with amazing talent. Arguably the best who ever fought! He uses gymnastics to make himself a better fighter! Amazing! 

Add that video to this beast. His brand of "Gymnastics" is one of the coolest thing's I have ever seen. It's a amazing combo of carny and fitness! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xl-b8IAliW8&feature=channel_video_title

The last video I have for you is a fitness buff who recently got himself a pair of "Gold Metal Bodies" rings. Now, anyone with basic building skills could make these themselves, but this guy promotes them well. Take a look!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlGDtuP51K4&feature=channel_video_title

Well, I hope you all consider adding Gymnastics to your daily fitness routine. Doing a few yoga poses or tripods will greatly increase your vitality, athleticism, and health! 

Hope to see you all at class!