Part 1 of 3 - WORKING OUT vs TRAINING 

Being “in shape” is all relative.  Everyone has their own idea of what being in shape means.  In fact, I remember some years ago while teaching a class of adolescent students, one of the other instructors told them they needed to push harder during a drill in order to get in shape.  Immediately, one brilliant student called out, “but...round IS a shape.”
 
He was right.  Round is a shape.
 
And the bottom line?  Round is okay.  Skinny as a rail is okay too.
 
It’s okay to have strong arms and weak legs, or to be able to run a marathon but still be unable to get rid of that beer belly or muffin top.
 
There’s nothing wrong with being the person with the slowest time, or who lifts the lightest weights, or who needs to take a break before anyone else.
 
The problem with any form of fitness, is that people often don’t differentiate between their health and their self-image.
 
When the focus is all on self-image - what the scale says, what the mirror shows, how strangers look at you...it’s nearly impossible to ever be happy with yourself.
 
I’m very happy with myself, at least in terms of my health and fitness.  And the reason is simple - I never work out and I never diet.
 
If you set a goal weight and work out tirelessly day in and day out to reach that goal, everything is about loss and about hitting some numerical target.  It’s easy to give up on a goal like that, particularly when it’s a long-term one.
 
And if you do reach your goal weight?  What is your reward?
Maintenance.
 
You get to spend the rest of your foreseeable future doing everything you did to get there, over and over again.  But now, there’s no further achievement.  There’s no new number on the scale to show for your trouble.  There are no more before-and-after photos to compare, and the compliments stop coming in because you’ve already done the impressive thing you set out to do.  Now, your hard work becomes the status quo.  And before long, it’s easy to bail out.
 
And really, can you blame someone for that?  What’s work without reward?  What’s sacrifice without gain?
 
The concept of being “in shape” falls across a broad spectrum, with so many different interpretations of what it means and how one should look.  There are also so many approaches to achieving a similar end, that it becomes a dangerous thing to compare yourself to others when trying to reach a fitness goal.
 
If I were to line up in front of a mirror with a dozen
other people, it would be very easy for any one of
us to feel as though we were less than we are,
or be intimidated by the person standing next
to us.  Myself included.  Depending on who in the
line I talk to, I might be viewed as a super-fit
athlete, capable of doing incredible things and a
great role model for fitness.  But to others...
I’m round.  I’m a round shape.
 
It’s all relative, how we feel about how we look; to
what standards we hold ourselves and toward
which goals we strive.


So, no, I won’t work out.  I refuse to work out.  Work isn’t fun.  Even if you enjoy the process of counting reps and sets and calories and carbs, eventually the parabolic drop-off occurs, when the pressure to maintain begins to outweigh the satisfaction of accomplishment.  The joy and pride you experienced have been replaced by habit and necessity.
 
In addition, the way I train is results-driven.  I focus on what I can DO, not some abstract measurement of success.  It’s always been far more fun for me to work on some new technique or conquer some tangible obstacle than to add another plate to the bench or shave a few seconds off my run.
 
That was always an easy sales pitch for the martial arts school owner - long term planning that included systematic benchmarks to follow in order to gauge your progress.  For me, I started my training back when a black belt was a borderline superhero, not a watered-down commonality.  I never set my sights on the belt.  I focused only on the techniques I could master - how to evade the proper distance so as to still effect a manipulatable reaction in my opponent.  How to disarm an assailant in every conceivable situation, whether I was armed or empty-handed.  How to read and analyze multiple opponents simultaneously, all the while getting to know myself better in the process.
 
After many years of training this way, the belt was an inevitability, not a possibility.  But more than that, I learned that the belt was virtually meaningless.  It was merely a symbol, representing the cumulative knowledge and skills I’d gathered from countless bumps and bruises, the myriad lessons both received and given.
 
For me, it was never about the belt, or the trophy, or the scale, or the clock, or the mirror. It was about what I could do and the pride I took in the learning.
 
With that in mind, when it’s 5 o’clock and I swap the dress shoes for sneakers, remove the tie and throw on the headphones...it has nothing to do with working out.  I train.  I train to conquer the next goal, to achieve something I’ve never done, to end the day with a pride that has nothing to do with statistical analysis.  A good day means I pushed myself to greater heights, knowing that even a plateau means that the next training session will bring me to an even higher echelon and that in itself, is a victory.

Many moons ago I took a trip to Brazil and spent the summer studying capoeira.  I had the time of my life and all I wanted to do when I got home was share the love and excitement I had discovered for this incredible art form with my karate students. Unfortunately, true capoeira was nonexistent in the area.

So I decided that we needed to find someone qualified who could expand on what I had learned and share not only the physical techniques, but the musical and historical components of one of Brazil’s most guarded cultural traditions.  I searched tirelessly, and held occasional in-house seminars to try and slowly pique my students’ interest in something that was, although dynamic and intriguing, very foreign to them.

At long last, a true capoeirista caught wind of my efforts.  However, thinking that I was just another internet-taught, self-made master, Jon arrived with a handful of his own students, on a mission to “put a stop to” whatever it was I was trying to do.

But any sense of animosity or perceived threat from either side was quickly extinguished, as mutual humility, respect, encouragement, and overall love for capoeira was clearly etched on every face in the room.  What started off as a potential catastrophe, concluded with interminable friendships.

Jon, who I from then on referred to almost exclusively by his capoeira nickname, “Graveto,” invited me to bring some of my students down to his class in Cortland, and welcomed us all with open arms.  In the months that followed, I would even head down from Syracuse to Ithaca after a full night of teaching and study with him one-on-one in his own living room, not getting home until well after two in the morning.

Very few fully know the hardships I endured during the years I spent teaching, my love and devotion to my students being exploited while I was incessantly subjected to the most horrible work conditions I had ever or would ever experience.  And even fewer still can relate to those stories, on a personal level, the way that Jon does.  So when I moved on, his support was the loudest and, as the wounds healed and I crept slowly back toward teaching on my own, Jon was often the most eager to find out how things were going.

Similarly, I got to watch as Jon changed directions and pursued his own dream, becoming a doctor of chiropractic and opening up Life is Motion Chiropractic.  Although proud of my friend, I always found it a bit ironic, given the number of times I ended up on my back as a result of Contra Mestre Graveto’s latest lesson!




He’s a shirt-off-his-back kind of guy
and no matter how much time
stretches between the days we are
able to get together, it always feels like
no time has passed.

When our doors open at Fusion,
Graveto will always have
another place to call home...
...even at two in the morning.



Thank you, Jon, for all that you
have brought to Fusion Parkour
and for all that we will continue
to learn from you in the future.


​

Don’t forget, we need your support!  Please be sure to LIKE our
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and share the page on your wall to help us reach new students!!

Like this article?  Then check out some more feature articles on other Friends of Fusion!
Fusion Parkour - Tyler Rose
Fusion Parkour - Angel Santiago
Fusion Parkour - Cindy Martens
Fusion Parkour - Joey Yelle
Fusion Parkour - Tinara O'Rourke
Fusion Parkour - Phanibhushan Vem

​It’s almost inaccurate to refer to Phani as a “friend of Fusion,” since he’s been one of our most consistent students.  Ever since he came to his first open training session, Phani has made every effort to get to as many parkour jams as possible, be they scheduled or impromptu.

Like so many of us, Phani’s greatest strength tends to work both for and against him - he is one of the most analytical traceurs I’ve ever seen.  This proves very useful when attempting to conquer a new challenge, especially when the obstacle is particularly tricky and requires more advanced problem-solving.  The biggest obstacle Phani will overcome, is learning how to move beyond the analysis - showing confidence over strategy, prioritizing energy and grace of movement over technical perfection, and allowing himself to play more than he works.

So much of our classes at Fusion focus on the scientific aspect of training.  The study of geometry and physics are integral to understanding one’s ability to move through a three-dimensional environment.  Learning these concepts properly will keep a student safe and give them the tools he or she needs to reach the loftiest of goals.  Phani has all the tools - the scientific mind, the athletic skill, the work ethic and the passion.  It’s so rewarding watching Phani tackle new challenges because he sincerely appreciates what he has done when he finds success.

One of the most rewarding things about being a teacher is that moment when you see a student achieve a goal that has eluded them for a long time.
I recall watching Phani struggle with a technique for weeks and weeks; a technique that was very simple from a technical standpoint.

But understanding and doing are not the same thing.

Phani tried, failed, got frustrated, analyzed, willed himself, and tried again. This happened over and over, (as it does with all of us,) before finally, everything clicked.
I was fortunate enough to be watching at the time and before I could compliment him, the smile that spread across his face was so infectious, I realized there was nothing that needed to be said.  He did it on his own and he knew how hard he’d worked.  It was his moment, and I knew it was only the beginning.

​


When Phani manages to put all of the
pieces together, there’s no limit to what
he’ll be able to do.  We look forward to
being by his side when it happens.



Thank you, Phanibhushan, for all
that you have brought to Fusion Parkour
and for all that we will continue to learn
from you in the future.


As we make strides during 2016, getting closer and closer to open the doors of a year-round training facility and preparing for a full class schedule, we are going to release a series of feature articles to showcase some of Fusion’s greatest supporters.  I have had the great opportunity to train with countless students and work with so many others who have been a great source of inspiration and encouragement.  It’s an important thing to take a step back and acknowledge the people who may not be center stage, but who have played a part in helping you realize your dream.
​
Our next feature article is devoted to Joey Yelle.

​When Joey contacted me to say that he was coming to an open training session, and that he was going to be driving in from north of Watertown, I was skeptical.  It’s unfortunately commonplace for people to use the internet as a way to commit to things but never follow through.  So I confess, I was surprised to see him walk across the grass, eager to get to work.

Having had the luxury of training in parkour academies out west, Joey’s experience and ability were immediately apparent.  What was even more admirable, was Joey’s desire to help others.  If there was a discussion about technique, or a question voiced about tips for succeeding, Joey was right there.  He never took over a conversation, but he always had something beneficial to add.

I considered Joey to be a friend before that first training session came to a close.  We fed off each other and worked in tandem, as if we’d been teaching together for years.

One of the greatest moments that day, was when we were both helping to guide a student who was struggling with a particular technique.  Our styles of approach were the same, but our lessons were very different.  Equally good, but different.  Instead of arguing or contradicting one another, there was an immediate mutual respect shown and a desire to learn about “already known” technique from someone else who may have reached the same goal by a different path.

Any good teacher knows that every student learns differently.  Sometimes a lesson needs to be taught a dozen different ways, not because the student “just doesn’t get it,” but because you didn’t teach the lesson in the way that he or she needed to learn it.  So a great teacher is always refining his or her process - how to describe, what to say and what not to say, how to lead a student to the right answer without giving it outright, and coming up with as many examples, descriptives, and methods as possible so that no student is out of reach.

I pride myself on the belief that you can learn something from anyone - teacher or student, veteran or rookie, friend or foe.  That day was no exception; I learned a lot from Joey.  The memory that stands out most from that session is when the student was struggling and I stepped in to offer a different perspective.  Joey listened intently.  When I was done, the student followed my advice and showed immediate progress.  We all cheered and Joey turned to me and said, “that was an awesome explanation....I’m stealing that.”
​



“I’m stealing that” is the ultimate
compliment from one instructor
to another.
I look forward to stealing as much
as I can from Joey
the next time he’s in town.


Thank you, Joey, for all that you
have brought to Fusion Parkour
and for all that we will continue
to learn from you in the future.







​

As we make strides during 2016, getting closer and closer to open the doors of a year-round training facility and preparing for a full class schedule, we are going to release a series of feature articles to showcase some of Fusion’s greatest supporters.  I have had the great opportunity to train with countless students and work with so many others who have been a great source of inspiration and encouragement.  It’s an important thing to take a step back and acknowledge the people who may not be center stage, but who have played a part in helping you realize your dream.

I’m going to kick off our first feature by acknowledging Tyler Rose.
​

Like so many others before him, Tyler found us through the Syracuse Parkour facebook community.  Also like so many before him, Tyler was primarily self-taught.  When approaching the group, he cited the years he had spent training and mentioned that he was looking to join the group.
So often, a student whose skills were developed by trial-and-error and honed by youtube instructional videos, is lacking in fundamentals.  The common expectation is to see a student like this come in with a lot of flash but nowhere near enough caution or control, the result being an almost inevitable injury sometime in their future.

Tyler, however, was something of an anomaly.  His technique was impressive.  His understanding of body mechanics, physics and geometry, and logical progression were everything you would see out of a veteran traceur.  What’s more, Tyler was completely open-minded.  He took every suggestion, carefully considered each person’s point of a debate, and used every bit of new information as a way to make his technique better.

Tyler has a great range of skills and is often sought out for the secret to his successes and used as a benchmark against which new students will gauge their own techniques.

But perhaps the greatest thing about Tyler is his attitude.  He’s always eager to work and to learn and never stops smiling, even when he struggles.  He’ll walk miles to get to a good training session and is just as concerned about helping other students as he is about improving himself.  Though we have featured Tyler on our website before and have a handful of great photos, it’s tough to catch Tyler on camera.  He simply doesn’t seek out the spotlight.  He is a humble student, which is really saying something, given how much skill he brings to the table.



​
I expect Tyler to achieve any personal
goal he sets, both within the parkour
community, and in his personal life.


Thank you, Tyler, for all that you have
brought to Fusion Parkour
and for all that we will continue
to learn from you in the future.

Parkour technique is very deceptive.  The general rule is, “if it looks easy, it probably isn’t and if it looks difficult, you might be surprised.”
 
Parkour attracts a lot of attention.  Let’s face it, it’s not exactly a subtle art form.  So when someone spots you training, they typically have one of two reactions – either they are impressed/intimidated by what you are doing, or they feel the need to prove that they can do what you do.


WHY YOU NEED PROPER INSTRUCTION

I recall one particular training session in which our group was focusing on precision jumps, specifically from an elevated ledge, over a gap and down to a railing.  It wasn’t the most physically challenging obstacle, but it still required a lot of thought, analysis, and preparation.
 
While debating the science behind the technique and swapping suggestions as to how each of us could overcome our individual shortcomings to achieve this goal, we were approached by a passerby who wanted an up-close look at what we were attempting.  Convinced that it “didn’t look that hard” and that he “could definitely do that without a problem,” he insisted we step aside so he could give it a shot.
 
We all foresaw how this was going to end and I typically intervene to deter someone from putting himself or herself at risk, but it was clear there would be no stopping this young man.

His crash was spectacular.
 
But, to his credit, when he got back to his feet, he acknowledged that there was obviously a lot more to it and applauded our training method.

It’s for this reason that we always focus on fundamentals, instruct proper technique and instill the right mindset for critical thinking and analysis, and build to challenges like this.

The “grip it and rip it” method is foolish and the risk outweighs the reward.
 
 
WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER ASSUME YOU CAN’T DO PARKOUR
 
Not long ago, a student and friend of mine brought one of her friends to a training session.  The woman was in her late forties and was in excellent shape.  But what impressed me the most was the fact that she was willing and excited to try whatever I would teach her.  Being in shape is great, but it’s not what counts in parkour.  So many people who are in excellent shape don’t do what we do because of fear or self-doubt and so many people who are not in great shape, have joined us, done amazing things, and got fitter and healthier in the process!
 
Before the end of the class, this woman was working on techniques we typically don’t cover until much further into a student’s training, but she eagerly soaked up each lesson and every word of feedback.
 
It only takes a small taste of success to instill the belief that you can be successful.  There is no prototypical body type, age or gender, athletic or artistic background that gives any one person an advantage over another.  There are countless ways to conquer obstacles.  The decision you must make is how you will choose to take them on.
 
What this woman had over most other new students, was belief in herself.  She knew that she could achieve great things if she came ready to learn, to work, and to push herself.

Don’t ever be worried about how you look or what shape you’re in or how much skill you think you lack compared to us or the people who surround you every day.
 
Nobody can be you as well as you can, and that’s what we will teach you to discover!