Rut Roh

As of this writing, there is mounting concern about a new COVID-19 variant in South Africa called “Omicron.” Based on early data, scientists believe this variant may be more transmissible than the Delta variant. In response to these concerns, Europe, Canada, and the USA have enacted travel restrictions on South Africa and other countries in the region. However, scientists caution that there is much about this variant that they do not know.

I do not doubt that they are working furiously to get some answers to some pressing questions. How transmissible is it? Does it have the ability to evade vaccines? How mild or severe are illnesses associated with Omicron? This newspaper column sums it up nicely. We should know more in a week or two.

In reaction to these developments, the stock markets tanked on Friday. In addition, oil prices took a massive hit due to fears of another economic slowdown.

Even before this news, parts of Europe struggled with the current COVID-19 surges. Slovakia, Austria, Holland, and Belgium have all imposed restrictions of varying severity. Germany is going through a massive surge and may consider a lockdown. Notably, Germany has a vaccination rate of 67%, which indicates that it is not enough.

The seven-day rolling average in Ontario has risen by 110% since November 1st. The good news is that ICU and ventilator numbers have remained flat for the entire month due to the high vaccination rate. Compelling evidence for the effectiveness of vaccines.

Suspected Omicron cases have been reported in multiple countries, including the UK, Holland, Israel, South Africa, Belgium, Czech Republic, Austria, Denmark, Italy, and Australia. Still, more may report suspected cases after the publication of this post.

Ultimately, this variant may not be as harmful as many fear. Or it may fulfill some early dire predictions.

What does it all have to do with martial arts anyway?

Or any small business, for that matter?

For one thing, consumers are sensitive to the prevailing sentiment. They may spend less or close their pocketbooks and wallets if they feel the economic headwinds are shifting against them. And that’s not good for small businesses.

Remember, during the pandemic, small businesses have been largely excluded from economic or financial relief. Instead, the big companies have reaped the benefits at the expense of the small business community. As such, small businesses, including martial arts schools, have a more difficult time during lockdowns and impositions of capacity limits than larger businesses.

For this reason, the emergence of the “Omicron” variant and the early data feels like a gut punch. But, I repeat, it may turn out to be a nothingburger after further scientific review. Or it may fulfill the worst predictions. Or it may end up somewhere in between a nothingburger and the apocalypse. We shall see.

What can we do? You have control over the controllable. Get the shot. Wear a mask. Be safe.

In addition to the latest pandemic developments, I am concerned about the massive amounts of easy money floating in the markets since the 2008 financial crisis and the substantial stimulus during the pandemic. I’ve been reading Blain’s Morning Porridge, written by Bill Blain, a financial analyst in London, UK. Lots of intelligent writing. He is profoundly pessimistic about the financial markets, believing that easy money rather than market fundamentals are propping it up. For this reason, he believes there is a substantial risk of a massive market correction or crash soon. It will be interesting to see if his fears are borne out.

Remember, we are living in an era of asset bubbles. The dot.com bubble. The housing meltdown in 2008. I think that cryptocurrencies are suspect. The easy money sloshing around the financial markets is cause for concern. There are lots of scam artists out there. Add on top of all the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic for the next few months, and you have a potentially explosive mix.

All of this may or may not impact the world economy. But I think it would be wise for folks in the martial arts industry to plan accordingly, adapt, and buckle up. These are uncertain times.

There are other potential trouble spots that I won’t mention due to a desire not to clog up this post.

Joint Lock Tip

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The same side centre lock can be difficult for some to execute. The most common mistake involves the wrong angle and direction of the joint lock, as I demonstrated in the video. Instead of aiming for the belly button, the errant martial artist will push toward the chest, resulting in a blown technique.

Just execute the lock toward your training partner’s belly button. While it is easier said than done and can take some practice, it is an easy principle to remember.

This Week’s Inspiration

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I’ll never forget this upset. Mike Tyson had been unbeatable in the years leading up to this bout in Tokyo, Japan. But, on the other hand, James “Buster” Douglas was an unheralded boxer out of Columbus, Ohio and was viewed as another tomato can lined up for Tyson. Going into this fight, Tyson was the 42 to 1 favourite. But, as we all know, Buster Douglas pulled off one of the greatest upsets in boxing history. In the years since the bout, we have learned more about the back story leading up to this upset.

On the one hand, Tyson had considerable turmoil in his life that involved a divorce, a separation from his trainer, and complacency due to his domination. But, on the other hand, Buster Douglas had the perfect game plan to beat Tyson. Plus, as the video shows, he was motivated to beat Tyson.

I think he had to overcome much fear in facing Tyson. As many of you know, Iron Mike was a terrifying presence in the ring. So much so that he beat most of his opponents before they stepped into the ring. But unfortunately, fear is often the most significant barrier to success, and setting that emotion aside is tough.

If you can overcome the fear, you’re halfway to success!

If you don’t get inspired by this video, I don’t know what will!

Additional Reading