Tiger Body, Buddha Mind is Cain's version of cross training. It is a fusion practice created by combining principals and conditioning exercises used in Wrestling, Judo, Mui Thai, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Yoga, Capoeira, Indian Dance, Russian Kettlebells, Rock Climbing, Kung Fu, Contact Improve, Modern Dance, and Butoh.
For over two decades Cain has scoured the planet in search of the most effective methods for developing functional strength, power, flexibility, mobility, agility, speed, durability and over-all vitality. The result of his countless hours of research and practice is Tiger Body, Buddha Mind.
Here are some of the principals of Tiger Body, Buddha Mind.
Safety: All exercises work in harmony with the way the body actually functions. All exercises that would place unnecessary risk on the body's connective tissues and joints have been omitted.
Functionality: Every exercise relates directly to basic human functions and ranges of motion. All extreme movements, ranges of motion, or tests of strength (fit only for acrobats, contortionists, and circus acts) have been omitted.
Balance: Movement sequences are designed to harmonize all aspects of human potential. Strength is not developed at the expense of flexibility. Mobility is not developed at the expense of joint stability. Stillness is not cultivated at the expense of speed and power.
Isolation is old news: Whole-body recruitment is the way to build real-life strength and mobility. Isolation of muscles and muscle groups is for building "beach muscles" only.
Alternation is superior: Sustained heart rate cardio training is inferior to alternation training for ensuring the durability of the heart and circulatory system. Animals don't run on treadmills.
Sequencing is the secret: Holistic fitness is attained by following a sequence of exercises designed in harmony with the biomechanics of the human body.
Durability is everything: Every exercise must decrease the risk of injury and improve the overall durability of the tendons, ligaments, joints, muscles, bones and internal organs.
Do you want the flexibility of a yogi, the explosive power of a gymnast, the reflexes of a martial artist, the lean defined physique of a dancer, and the razor clear mind of a Zen master?
The key is intelligent training.
For example, tension and relaxation must be trained in every session. Movements must encompass a spectrum from slow to fast to stillness. Open eyed and closed eyed techniques must be incorporated to balance inward and outward attention. Training must work to awaken the innate intelligence of the nervous system, so mind can relax and body can remember how to move as unit.
Like a tiger.
Injury rarely happens when the body is clicked on to "primal mode". Animals are rarely injured by poor body mechanics, and even more rarely do they suffer chronic cases of degeneration of their basic movement repertoire. What a tiger can do at one year old, it can do in last years of its life. What you can do at one or two years old you can do until the day you die. There is no excuse. All ranges of motion can be restored, suppleness regained, and perhaps most importantly, the durability and resilience you had as a child can be yours again.
It only takes un-learning conditioned ways of moving, and remembering what you knew as a kid.
All the exercises used in Tiger Body are based on reverse engineering the things great athletes do instinctively, and the idea that, like all animals, we know how to move in a way that preserves our health and longevity, and maximizes our capacity on all levels.
Find your Tiger Body.
Discover your Buddha Mind.
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