RobP2 wrote:Lol, I've spoken to Vladimir many times about this so am quite aware of that thanks - but he doesn't advocate working in extremely low stances for form work, which I think is where my trouble stemmed from.
Sorry if I was unclear. To my knowledge, Vlad doesn't advocate any forms/Taiji work. The point came up when my student couldn't do the deep low/straight back squats b/c of a pre-existing knee condition. He told him to go down as far as appropriate (without feeling sorry for himself nor causing any injury) and to be sure to move very slowly while exhaling all the tension and fear (of damage). He explained that moving slowly conditions and activates the tendons and ligaments thereby allowing the body to adjust as necessary. Heavy/erratic/ballistic movements doesn't allow the body to re-program and re-adjust itself in an efficient manner.
I saw him fix a guy's knees in NYC with his unique methodology (search Marc Jacabsin on the RMA website). Vlad knows stuff about the human body few know exists. Perhaps it's due to all the broken bones he's endured yet has found a way to heal himself back to move like water. MR is also a legendary healer and Vlad admits he's nothing compared to him. A truly rustrating thought.