# Dark Times Ahead?

- Link: https://brianejohns.com/2021/11/29/blog-dark-times-ahead/
- Published: 2021-11-29T11:30:00-05:00
- Author: Brian Johns

## 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](https://brianejohns.com/2021/06/04/blog-inching-toward-normalcy/).
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](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/27/opinion/omicron-variant-questions-coronavirus.html)
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](https://brianejohns.com/2021/12/20/blog-tough-times-ahead-again/),
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](https://brianejohns.com/2021/11/01/blog-the-coming-winter/).
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](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-11-29/goldman-outlines-scenarios-for-omicron-s-impact-on-global-growth?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&cmpid%3D=socialflow-twitter-bloomberguk&utm_content=bloomberguk&utm_campaign=socialflow-organic).
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](https://brianejohns.com/2014/10/14/blog-martial-arts-email-scam/)
out there. Add on top of all the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic for the 
[next few months](https://brianejohns.com/2021/11/01/blog-the-coming-winter/), 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

If you are not able to view this video, click [here](https://youtu.be/_nDZmI5VEKE).

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

If you are not able to view this video, click [here](https://youtu.be/UNQhuFL6CWg).

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

 * [Youth Vs Experience](https://brianejohns.com/2024/03/21/youth-vs-experience/)
 * [Digging Deep into Single Sinawali](https://brianejohns.com/2021/12/06/blog-digging-deep-into-single-sinawali/)
 * [Inching Toward Normal Life?](https://brianejohns.com/2021/06/04/blog-inching-toward-normalcy/)
 * [Klaxon Blaring](https://brianejohns.com/2022/01/26/blog-klaxon-blaring/)
 * [Lock Me Up!](https://brianejohns.com/2022/01/12/lock-me-up/)

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