Our Emphasis on Perception
Note: This is an unlocked LMA module. If you want access to the rest of Liberation Martial Arts, upgrade your account. We send out learning modules almost daily. If you're no longer getting LMA updates, your payment information may no longer be up to date. Click on the table of contents above to see if you have access to LMA.
In LMA, perception is how we read the world through our senses. As movers, it shows us opportunities for movement. When working with a partner, it reveals their movements and our opportunities to move with them or redirect them. For us, perception isn't passive—it's active engagement. We perceive in order to act, and we act in order to perceive. But perception doesn't just bring about clarity—it can also overwhelm. Our senses can flood us with loud information. So we train to reduce noise and increase signal. We make space for our senses, not by overriding them, but by honoring them.
Among our senses, we emphasize the eyes. Our eyes can show us our possible paths (Ways) or soothe and anchor us. We instinctively close our eyes as a defense mechanism when we feel overwhelmed—to reduce noise. The eyes don't just look outward—they shape how we feel inward.
The eyes regulate the soul.
To access the Liberation Martial Arts curriculum and contribute to the sustainability of this project, consider upgrading your membership. As we deal with the economic impact of the LA wildfires, find other ways to support me here. – Sam
✊✊✊
(I write daily about martial arts and other topics from a liberatory perspective. If you like my work, upgrade your subscription. You can also support me on Patreon or make a one-time donation on Ko-fi. Find Southpaw at its website. Get the swag on Spring. Also check out Liberation Martial Arts Online.)