# Go With The Flow!

- Link: https://brianejohns.com/2015/04/13/blog-go-with-the-flow/
- Published: 2015-04-13T19:45:00-04:00
- Author: Brian Johns

## Professor Presas often admonished his students, “Go with the flow!”

This quote is foremost in my mind when discussing the flow drills I teach to the
Bamboo Spirit students. I have posted previously about these flow drills.  I have
mentioned that they are not combative. Instead, they are designed for the student
to [learn the major concepts](https://brianejohns.com/2020/02/24/blog-the-learning-cycle/)
of Modern Arnis and attributes such as spontaneity, adaptability, tempo, rhythm,
speed, timing, footwork, and body mechanics. Above all, they are designed to _teach_
the flow.

If you are not able to view this video, click [here](https://youtu.be/gBToCeyViT4).

_The 20 Bamboo Spirit Flow Drills were inspired by this flow drill by Master of 
Tapi Tapi Ken Smith and incorporate all the major concepts of Modern Arnis taught
by Master Ken and Master Chuck Gauss._

I think the flow drills are essential to the [Modern Arnis](https://brianejohns.com/2007/10/09/blog-modern-arnis-what-it-is-and-it-isnt/)
learning experience. There is no question that you need to learn the basics before
graduating to flow drills.

## My opinion is that 󠀁[practicing techniques ad infinitum](https://brianejohns.com//2016/03/23/blog-5-problems-with-one-step-sparring/)󠁿 does not necessarily lead to self-defence proficiency. Flow drills do a better job and go with the flow.

Does practicing flow drills lead to the flow? [Not necessarily.](https://brianejohns.com/2023/01/17/blog-the-downside-of-going-with-the-flow/)
After all, these drills consist entirely of _prearranged_ flow patterns. There is
no set pattern to real-life self-defence situations; one can never predict where
the next move or attack will come from. The drills are designed to teach you the
flow. 

If you are not able to view this video, click [here](https://youtu.be/kczWQWGhXc8).

Some can say that you can extract techniques from the flow drills. You can extract
techniques or insert a “kill shot” during these flow drills. However, you should
extract “the flow” out of these drills instead of “techniques.” No wonder why Professor
talked so much about “the flow.” You need to learn and understand what “the flow”
is about.

## When you get the flow, attributes such as 󠀁[reaction](https://brianejohns.com/2016/08/09/blog-reaction-vs-anticipation/)󠁿, speed, timing and 󠀁[rhythm](https://brianejohns.com/2022/10/05/blog-breaking-the-rhythm/)󠁿 improve exponentially.

The flow is hard to define; you have to feel it. It’s akin to Justice Potter Stewart’s
famous quote about the definition of “obscenity” in a 1964 US Supreme Court case.
His test for defining “obscenity” was “_I know it when I see it_.”  Change it to“
_I know it when I feel it,_” and you clearly define “the flow.” The best way to 
learn it is through flow drills.

To reiterate, the flow drills are not combative. It is not even necessarily THE 
flow. They are just _prearranged_ flow patterns that enable you to LEARN the flow.
The continuous flow drills require cooperation between training partners and are
an excellent method for learning the flow. But that’s not all. How can you flow 
when you encounter resistance? Recently, I started introducing “freeze points” or“
resistance” in some flow drills. After all, the bad guy isn’t going to “cooperate.”
This requires sensitivity to the other person’s energy, and it takes time for this
attribute to develop. Several variables can be thrown in as well. Still, regardless
of what variable is thrown in, you need to “go with the flow, ” which takes time,
patience, and practice.

## Over to the readers, what have you done to develop the flow? Let’s hear about your innovations, ideas, and eureka moments!

## Additional Reading

 * [Timing, Speed and Rhythm](https://brianejohns.com/2012/09/23/blog-timing-speed-and-rhythm/)
 * [Randomly Breaking The Rhythm](https://brianejohns.com/2022/10/05/blog-breaking-the-rhythm/)
 * [Friday Recommendation #19](https://brianejohns.com/2023/09/08/friday-recommendation-19/)
 * [Flow Drills vs. Techniques](https://brianejohns.com/2016/10/04/blog-flow-drills-vs-techniques/)
 * [The Stick](https://brianejohns.com/2015/07/13/blog-the-stick/)

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