DYNAMIC ENGAGEMENT—
MYOSTEOPRACTIC AND THE MARTIAL ARTS

You don’t need to be a martial artist to do Myosteopractic;
but martial artists may gain a deeper appreciation of the principles
 informing the development of this dynamic bodywork system.

As Myosteo-practitioners develop their practice, it becomes clearer to them that Myosteopractic is not a technique; it is a functional approach to working with the body. The Myosteopractic approach  -- a dynamic engagement between practitioner and client -- emerged from many years of practice in both martial arts and bodywork disciplines.

Functionality (Using the best tool for the job)

Most martial arts and bodywork systems tend towards a particular focus area. In bodywork there is massage (focusing on musculature), chiropractic (spine and joints), Rolfing (myofascia), acupuncture (organs, meridians and points), etc. This can be compared to traditional martial arts focus areas, such as karate (striking stand up system), judo (throwing and groundwork), wing chun (centre line close quarter striking system), etc.

Most of us have seen at least one street or bar fight in our life: punches are thrown; the losing side grabs their opponent to stop being hit resulting in a type of rudimentary clinch.  Next, one partner is thrown, or they both fall, and the fight is taken to the ground. In other words, generally a fight will include stand up, clinch and ground. Where certain martial arts systems focus on one or at most two of these phases, proponents of more functional martial arts systems (Mixed Martial Arts or MMA) found that inadequate training in any of these phases places the fighter at a disadvantage. Trained mixed martial artists are highly functional, using the “right tool for the job” depending on where the fight has taken them.

The body is made up of various structures forming an integrated whole. A particular problem or blockage may manifest in a spinal misalignment; in related muscle groups, tendons or ligaments; in the surrounding muscle sheath (myofascia); in associated joints; or even the organs. A trained Myosteo-practitioner is able to approach the issue from any of these angles, helping them to find the optimum tool for the job.

Mixed martial artists are cross-trained in stand-up, clinch and groundwork.

Many individual bodywork practitioners have explored functionality through personal cross-training in different bodywork disciplines. Myosteopractic takes this exploration further by forming a community of functional practitioners helping each other to find the best tools.

Aliveness (tracking change in defensive structure)

"Aliveness”, epitomised by the I-method of learning, is a martial arts concept applied in Myosteopractic. In teaching a martial arts technique, the coach will introduce by demonstration and explanation. The student then attempts it on a training partner, in an isolated training drill with applicable resistance.  Then, to function against different opponents, the technique must be practised as an integrated whole with resisting partners. Following that, the technique may be tried in a competitive fight situation (where stress will increase the resistance even further). So, in learning to apply a technique, we work with a resisting partner to simulate the natural adaptation required to ensure it remains functional with various degrees of movement, angling and leverage that will be offered in the moment.

The body holding on to its tension or defence response is similar to that of a resisting partner. Only when stimulated correctly will it respond favourably. Although the body is self healing and given the chance will seek to restore itself, it frequently responds to an intervention by shifting and establishing another defence in a related area.

Aliveness enables the practitioner to track movements in defensive structure

In Myosteopractic this new defence is tracked and also released, using a different technique if it now lies in a different structure. The pelvic girdle may be brought into alignment using a skeletal technique; this small shift may affect muscles in the lower back and the practitioner would switch focus to deepen the release; a supporting technique may be applied along an associated myofascia line; then the practitioner may return to the skeletal structure to assess pelvic alignment once again, and so on.

Oscillation (set-up for effective delivery)

Fighters do not deliver techniques from a static position – their footwork and rhythmic body movements must enable them to “float like a butterfly”. These are the set-up for the “sting” to follow. Similarly, Myosteopractic applies a rocking motion to the body, with the practitioner tracking rhythms and anti-rhythms in the body.

Rocking loosens the body setting it up for the techniques to follow; it also enables the practitioner to become aware of structural tensions with a certain level of subtlety.  Using body oscillation, pinning, torque and release techniques may be applied to bone sinew, muscular tissue or surface skin level.

Using oscillation to set-up the body, techniques may be applied at varying levels of depth

Internal alignment (practitioner foundation)

Chi kung forms part of Myosteopractic training. It is taught to enable practitioners to gain the internal benefit of martial art training without the combat aspect. This personal practice is of critical importance as it allows rooting through the feet, the practitioner’s strength to be focused and the body to have centre knowledge. If any of these are lacking, then even with 10,000 functional techniques the practitioner’s effectiveness will fall short!

When pushed by a tai chi master, you won’t feel any resistance on contact. The contact seems to soak into you, and you simply find yourself being moved

The Myosteo-practitioner is taught to drop their centre, find internal alignment and to use their body as one with sung (relaxed externally, supported internally). Alignment of their own body provides the practitioner with greater awareness of lines of tensions within the client’s body. It also allows for subtle changes to be made: as each technique is delivered, the response of the body is tracked and followed accordingly. This approach allows for greater penetration and effectiveness of technique. 

Functional bodywork (continual learning)

A person who hasn’t heard of MMA often asks “Is it like karate and judo mixed together?” With Myosteopractic, people ask “Is it like chiropractic, massage or physiotherapy mixed together?” In some respects yes, but it is also entirely different.  When all areas are encompassed, a dynamism emerges combining movement, timing, overall awareness and rhythm.

Specific Myosteopractic techniques include directional skeletal release and mobilisation of joints and spine; cross releasing on myofascia concentration and neural-muscular junctions; neural path release; myofascia release; and organ stimulatory techniques. A skilled practitioner may introduce techniques they have learnt from other bodywork systems.

In Myosteopractic the practitioner is not bound to a particular technique formula or structure.  The practitioner engages and tracks the body with aliveness, using whatever delivery system has proven its effectiveness for the specific needs of the client and the talent inclination of the practitioner.

Mixed martial artists continually hone their effectiveness in the ring.  Likewise, practitioners are continually learning and contributing to the development of the Myosteopractic system. As new and more effective ways to engage the body emerge, the system will evolve and further develop its functionality.