Under Lockdown
Note: I wrote this on March 2nd, which seems so long ago. A lockdown has been imposed. Still, much of what I wrote below still applies.
Well, these are wild times. Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’re likely aware of the coronavirus. As of this writing, it has spread to 60 countries. China has taken extraordinary measures to lock down much of the country. Additionally, Northern Italy is effectively under a lockdown.
Further, France has banned gatherings of 5,000 or more in confined spaces. An unrelated question: how did they decide on 5,000? Why not 1,000? Or 2,000? You get the idea.
Moreover, the UK and Germany Health Ministers have refused to rule out extraordinary measures, including regional lockdowns. They both concede that these measures would be a “last resort.”
Lastly, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ordered all elementary and secondary schools in Japan to be shut down until April. As of this writing, it is unclear if universities are affected by this proclamation.
I am not worried because I’m healthy and wash my hands regularly.
As many of you know, the vast majority of cases are mild. However, if many people become critically ill, it could overwhelm the healthcare system and cause economic disruptions. It can range from supply chain disruptions (as in the case of China) to regional or local quarantines bringing economies to a near halt.
As a result of the coronavirus situation, I had an interesting thought experiment yesterday.
For example, what if Ontario decided to impose a lockdown to limit or halt the spread of the coronavirus? At this writing, I find this possibility to be quite unlikely. Based on the latest reports, there are just 11 cases in Ontario, and most have involved those travelling back to Toronto from either China or Iran. Consequently, the spread appears to be limited……for now. Of course, it could change.
Anyway, how do we, as martial artists, carry on? I can think of several activities to keep us busy and kill lockdown fever:
• Watch martial arts videos either on YouTube or in your personal collection. I have TONS of videos I’ve collected over the years that I can pull out and view. This would be an excellent research opportunity!
• What about books and magazines? I have a fair number of them, both in hard copy and in digital form. For example, Black Belt Magazine is usually a good read. Why not pull one off the bookshelf and read? An excellent way to pass the time!
• Practice your forms/katas of your martial arts style. As an illustration, I’ll run through all of the Modern Arnis cane and empty hand anyos. The cane forms, in particular, can be performed in so many different ways. Single cane, knife, double cane, Espada y Daga, empty-handed, sibat, double blade, machete, and so much more. Oh yeah, do the left-handed versions of them. Consequently, my versatility has skyrocketed in recent years. Try these variations. They’re fun!
• Run through the 12 angles of attack, both right and left hand. Among the variations are doing the angles with control, witik style, follow-through, power, and precision striking. In addition, traditional moves such as figure 8, reverse figure 8, banda y banda, rompida, double zero, and the reverse double zero can be practiced with various weapons. You are limited only by your imagination!
• Solo knife work is an area many would be interested in exploring during the lockdown.
• For those who have a home gym, use it!
• Don’t have a home gym? There are a ton of bodyweight exercise videos on YouTube. Check them out and try them!
• Who says that you have to do the above in the basement or in the garage? Do it in the front or back yard!
• Facetime or Skype with your martial arts buddies or instructor!
• Participate in martial arts forums on the Internet. Yes, I know that some of the forums are filled with juvenile crap. Some others, though, are well-moderated. Better yet, read a blog post or two. As a result, this may fill up your day.
As I said earlier, a lockdown here in Ontario is extremely unlikely. But if it ever happens, you know what I’ll do to pass the time. 🙂
Over to you, any other suggestions to add to the list?
Additional Reading
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