2 Vhalar 720
"Training is one of the most neglected phases of athletics," the woman instructed, "Too much time is given to the development of skill and too little to the development of the individual for participation."
She stopped before Yeva, caught on the woman's attire. The redhead wore simple black pants and a mid-drift top, and despite the crispness to the air, did not seem to shiver from the exposure. After a beat, she continued, "Training deals not with an object, but with the human spirit. Human emotions.... It takes intellect and judgement to handle such delicate qualities as these."
"It's psychological, physiological conditioning of an individual preparing for intense neural and muscular reaction. It implies discipline of the mind," she tapped her temple, searching the students, "Power and endurance of the body. It means skill, but it is all of these things working together in harmony."
Each word held a weight of importance that swelled in the medic's chest. She felt then, that there was no where quite on Idalos so dedicated in the art of hand to hand combat. What a blessing, to have the opportunity to learn it now and from such an teacher.
"This is your fitness regimen. I expect you all to take these sessions seriously. And when you are not with me, remember, you should always be training."
Physically. Mentally. Yeva's eyes followed the woman collect a stack of papers and hand one to each student lined in their rows. Some were Lightening Knights, some were Wardens. Others, like herself, were just citizens and journeymen wanting to better themselves on behalf of Storm's Edge and the people back home, "Thank you," she said softly, eagerly scanning the list before her.
So many of these she had never heard of, nor practiced. Was she so terribly out of shape?
"There are everyday opportunities for exercise. Take a walk whenever you can," the instructor began to list them, each followed by a raised finger, "Climb the stairs. Cultivate your quiet awareness. How?" she paused, the effect dramatic, "Imagine an opponent attacking you -- while you are sitting, standing, or lying down -- and counter that attack with various moves. Simple moves are the best."
She had circled back around the students, "Practice your balance by standing on one foot to put on your clothes or shoes -- or simply stand on one foot whenever you choose."
Yeva had to stop herself from making a face. This was true training? How odd!
Tentatively, she lifted one leg, folding it behind her like a crane, and others followed. They wobbled and swayed, Yeva managing to stand upright, although any sort of movement had her foot dropping for comfort. Another piece of paper was passed around for them to study and keep.
Just as she was about to become overwhelmed reading over the intensive work out plan (was it even possible to do all of this? On what trial were they to rest?) the instructor smiled and clapped her hands to draw everyone's attention, "Now we can begin; I will show you each of these exercises, but first we must be prepared. Warming up is a process... It is not to be ignored, do you understand? It prepares your body. These upcoming trials are going to be strenuous for you, but only as long as you stay weak. Together, you will become strong." the instructor scanned the crowd, pointing at Yeva, "You... You're an Order member, so I imagine you know a bit about the human body? Explain to your fellow Rharnians what warming up does."
"Uh..." Yeva swallowed, clearing her throat, "Warming up... reduces the viscosity of a muscle, its resistance to its own movement. It improves performance and prevents injury in vigorous activities."
Others stared at her blankly. Was she wrong?
"Wordy," the other woman laughed, "But accurate enough - A rehearsal of the skill before competition commences fixes in the athlete's muscle memory to the exact nature of the task. It also heightens the senses and raises the body temperature. For reasons I'm sure our young doctor can explain, this reduces the period of time it takes for your muscles to relax, reducing stiffness."
Yeva wished she could take notes, fingers twitching at her sides. She would have written this as eloquently as possible: "As a result of these two processes, there is an improvement in accuracy, strength, and speed of movement. And, an increase of tissue elasticity, which lessens the liability to injury."
The instructor went into explanation regarding the first handout, first in regards to list one. There was a difference between cardio and strength training, the first focused on increasing heart rate and the strength of her lungs. Yeva imagined any time she had gone on a run, and how her chest burned as if it held inside it a burning hearth, begging to be put out before her whole chest combusted into flames. She hated cardio. But, after hearing and watching the demonstrations of strength, doubted what her capabilities were. None of this seemed to be achievable, and yet... so many before her had done so.
It would take discipline, meditation... Lots and lots of water and hot baths.
Knowing from her few experiences exercising in Scalvoris after the attack in the alley, she was going to be sore. More than sore. A walking bruise, limping about in desperate need for mercy... But if indulging herself in pain now meant preventing the pain of others... it would be worth it.
One of her fellow trainees lifted a hand, "When do we get to learn to fight?"
"When?" the instructor laughed, "That depends entirely on you and how serious you take my lessons. Get your body into shape, prove to me that you're a capable athlete and I will turn you into a weapon. But no one takes a butter knife to fight against a sword, do they? Does a man with two broken hands go into the arena?"
Yeva took a deep breath and tried to imagine what she would be like... as a weapon. What did that entail? She didn't want to be a weapon, at least not one to be wielded for evil. But to protect? To defend? This interested her. There would be moments she could be tempted to use any skill she learned in recreation - like in the tavern brawls happening back at the city. She had never considered herself as a participant, scared of pain. Terrified of being humiliated in a way so many others found their identity, but... now that she was choosing to try something impossible, did that make the rest possible? Yeva's leg began to tire, struggling to hold her weight and she wobbled to and fro. She decided to switch, rereading the papers.
More questions followed, some minor protests. Others were brave enough to ask when they would take breaks in the intensive trial to trial sequences and why they were broken up as they were. The instructor answered each question with surprisingly patience and poise. She had a way about her - Yeva was willing to bet she had seen a fair share of combat and was not a person easily shaken. Yeva wanted to be like her.
When another beat of silence followed and all the questions had come to a quiet, the medic, still balanced on one foot lifted a hand towards the sky. No one paid her much mind, one student, who appeared around her age and with a fire in his eye, voiced his irritation at not being taken seriously. According to the man, he was one of the best brawlers in the Bronze Boar and a sponsored fighter. He flashed a necklace of tokens as if to prove his point. While usually impressive, the instructor shook her head, explaining the difference between a brawl and a battle. They all needed direction, or were simply a dull blade without a wetstone.
"Excuse me?" Yeva did not want to waste time on debate. If this was something that required the perfecting of mind, body, and soul, it would not be an easy thing to achieve. She was ready, "When can we begin?"
This made the instructor smile and she clapped, ordering everyone to pair off and then winked at Yeva, pointing to her unstable balancing act, "Why, it looks like you already have."
She stopped before Yeva, caught on the woman's attire. The redhead wore simple black pants and a mid-drift top, and despite the crispness to the air, did not seem to shiver from the exposure. After a beat, she continued, "Training deals not with an object, but with the human spirit. Human emotions.... It takes intellect and judgement to handle such delicate qualities as these."
"It's psychological, physiological conditioning of an individual preparing for intense neural and muscular reaction. It implies discipline of the mind," she tapped her temple, searching the students, "Power and endurance of the body. It means skill, but it is all of these things working together in harmony."
Each word held a weight of importance that swelled in the medic's chest. She felt then, that there was no where quite on Idalos so dedicated in the art of hand to hand combat. What a blessing, to have the opportunity to learn it now and from such an teacher.
"This is your fitness regimen. I expect you all to take these sessions seriously. And when you are not with me, remember, you should always be training."
Physically. Mentally. Yeva's eyes followed the woman collect a stack of papers and hand one to each student lined in their rows. Some were Lightening Knights, some were Wardens. Others, like herself, were just citizens and journeymen wanting to better themselves on behalf of Storm's Edge and the people back home, "Thank you," she said softly, eagerly scanning the list before her.
Fitness Program
1. Alternate Splits
2. Push-ups
3. Running in Place
4. Shoulder Circling
5. High Kicks
6. Deep Knee Bends
7. Side Kick Raises
8. Twisting Sit-ups
9. Waist Twisting
10. Leg Raises
11. Forward Bends
So many of these she had never heard of, nor practiced. Was she so terribly out of shape?
"There are everyday opportunities for exercise. Take a walk whenever you can," the instructor began to list them, each followed by a raised finger, "Climb the stairs. Cultivate your quiet awareness. How?" she paused, the effect dramatic, "Imagine an opponent attacking you -- while you are sitting, standing, or lying down -- and counter that attack with various moves. Simple moves are the best."
She had circled back around the students, "Practice your balance by standing on one foot to put on your clothes or shoes -- or simply stand on one foot whenever you choose."
Yeva had to stop herself from making a face. This was true training? How odd!
Tentatively, she lifted one leg, folding it behind her like a crane, and others followed. They wobbled and swayed, Yeva managing to stand upright, although any sort of movement had her foot dropping for comfort. Another piece of paper was passed around for them to study and keep.
Supplementary Training
(1) Sequence Training
Sequence 1 (Trial 1, 3, 5)
1. Rope Jumping 4. Jumping Jacks
2. Forward Bend 5. Squat
3. Cat Stretch 6. High Kick
Sequence 2 (Trial 2, 4, 6)
1. Groin Stretch 4. Shoulder Circling
2. Side Leg Raise 5. Alternate Splits
3. Jumping Squat 6. Leg Stretch --A, B.
(2) Forearm/Waist
Sequence 1 (Trial 1, 3, 5)
1. Waist Twisting 4. Knee Drawing
2. Palm Up Curl 5. Side Bend
3. Roman Chair 6. Wrist Roller
Sequence 2 (Trial 2, 4, 6)
1. Leg Raises 4. Leverage Bar Twist
2. Reverse Curl 5. Alternate Leg Raise
3. Sit-up Twist 6. Wrist Roller
(3) Power Training
Sequence 1 (Trial 1, 3, 5)
1. Press Lockout 4. Pull 7. Dead Lift
2. Press Start 5. Squat 8. Quarter Squat
3. Rise On Toes 6. Shrug 9. Frog Kick
Just as she was about to become overwhelmed reading over the intensive work out plan (was it even possible to do all of this? On what trial were they to rest?) the instructor smiled and clapped her hands to draw everyone's attention, "Now we can begin; I will show you each of these exercises, but first we must be prepared. Warming up is a process... It is not to be ignored, do you understand? It prepares your body. These upcoming trials are going to be strenuous for you, but only as long as you stay weak. Together, you will become strong." the instructor scanned the crowd, pointing at Yeva, "You... You're an Order member, so I imagine you know a bit about the human body? Explain to your fellow Rharnians what warming up does."
"Uh..." Yeva swallowed, clearing her throat, "Warming up... reduces the viscosity of a muscle, its resistance to its own movement. It improves performance and prevents injury in vigorous activities."
Others stared at her blankly. Was she wrong?
"Wordy," the other woman laughed, "But accurate enough - A rehearsal of the skill before competition commences fixes in the athlete's muscle memory to the exact nature of the task. It also heightens the senses and raises the body temperature. For reasons I'm sure our young doctor can explain, this reduces the period of time it takes for your muscles to relax, reducing stiffness."
Yeva wished she could take notes, fingers twitching at her sides. She would have written this as eloquently as possible: "As a result of these two processes, there is an improvement in accuracy, strength, and speed of movement. And, an increase of tissue elasticity, which lessens the liability to injury."
The instructor went into explanation regarding the first handout, first in regards to list one. There was a difference between cardio and strength training, the first focused on increasing heart rate and the strength of her lungs. Yeva imagined any time she had gone on a run, and how her chest burned as if it held inside it a burning hearth, begging to be put out before her whole chest combusted into flames. She hated cardio. But, after hearing and watching the demonstrations of strength, doubted what her capabilities were. None of this seemed to be achievable, and yet... so many before her had done so.
It would take discipline, meditation... Lots and lots of water and hot baths.
Knowing from her few experiences exercising in Scalvoris after the attack in the alley, she was going to be sore. More than sore. A walking bruise, limping about in desperate need for mercy... But if indulging herself in pain now meant preventing the pain of others... it would be worth it.
One of her fellow trainees lifted a hand, "When do we get to learn to fight?"
"When?" the instructor laughed, "That depends entirely on you and how serious you take my lessons. Get your body into shape, prove to me that you're a capable athlete and I will turn you into a weapon. But no one takes a butter knife to fight against a sword, do they? Does a man with two broken hands go into the arena?"
Yeva took a deep breath and tried to imagine what she would be like... as a weapon. What did that entail? She didn't want to be a weapon, at least not one to be wielded for evil. But to protect? To defend? This interested her. There would be moments she could be tempted to use any skill she learned in recreation - like in the tavern brawls happening back at the city. She had never considered herself as a participant, scared of pain. Terrified of being humiliated in a way so many others found their identity, but... now that she was choosing to try something impossible, did that make the rest possible? Yeva's leg began to tire, struggling to hold her weight and she wobbled to and fro. She decided to switch, rereading the papers.
More questions followed, some minor protests. Others were brave enough to ask when they would take breaks in the intensive trial to trial sequences and why they were broken up as they were. The instructor answered each question with surprisingly patience and poise. She had a way about her - Yeva was willing to bet she had seen a fair share of combat and was not a person easily shaken. Yeva wanted to be like her.
When another beat of silence followed and all the questions had come to a quiet, the medic, still balanced on one foot lifted a hand towards the sky. No one paid her much mind, one student, who appeared around her age and with a fire in his eye, voiced his irritation at not being taken seriously. According to the man, he was one of the best brawlers in the Bronze Boar and a sponsored fighter. He flashed a necklace of tokens as if to prove his point. While usually impressive, the instructor shook her head, explaining the difference between a brawl and a battle. They all needed direction, or were simply a dull blade without a wetstone.
"Excuse me?" Yeva did not want to waste time on debate. If this was something that required the perfecting of mind, body, and soul, it would not be an easy thing to achieve. She was ready, "When can we begin?"
This made the instructor smile and she clapped, ordering everyone to pair off and then winked at Yeva, pointing to her unstable balancing act, "Why, it looks like you already have."
ooc notes
The information in this thread is based largely on things I've learned reading the book and philosophy that belongs to my IRL husband, "Jeet Kune Do" by Bruce Lee.
Strength
How to Utilize a Work Out Regimen
What is Sequence Training
Alternate Exercises
Everyday Opportunities to Exercise & How to Use Them
Training Affects the Human Spirit & Emotions
Acrobatics
Stand On One Leg to Practice Balance Anywhere
Strength
How to Utilize a Work Out Regimen
What is Sequence Training
Alternate Exercises
Everyday Opportunities to Exercise & How to Use Them
Training Affects the Human Spirit & Emotions
Acrobatics
Stand On One Leg to Practice Balance Anywhere
