Trackers TEAMS Blog

Throwing swords

16th

March

At TrackersTEAMS we're constantly throwing swords. This is not a metaphor, we actually throw swords. You may ask, "What does that have to do with traditional skills?" My first response is that we don't just teach traditional skills, we offer training that's useful to everyday life, both for the present and any future that may come. We want people to be ready for anything. To have the ability to weather difficulties with extreme grace. That's what you learn in throwing and catching swords.

The swords we use are traditional kendo practice sticks made from bamboo. Yes they can hurt if you get hit, but not as bad as the edge of a real katana. We put everyone in a circle. At first many folks are nervous. They worry about their coordination, skill level, even that they'll drop a sword. They have flashbacks of Physical Education in middle school. We assail these fears right away by insisting that they'll do awesome. We start out with just one sword, then quickly raise the bar as we build success. Eventually one, two, three or four swords enter the mix. They're flying everywhere like popcorn, a bamboo hot potato. People are laughing while at the same time they're serious. Their awareness is amped as they begin to get into a flow, almost a dance. Everyone begins to realize that their body and awareness is capable of much more then our modern life asks of them. They revel in the edginess of what they're doing. The goal is to make them a coyote, a coiled spring in a constant state of awareness. A sword can fly at them any moment. They come to understand that graceful movement is a choice. They start to see that throwing and the catching is about courting; giving and getting permission from the very real people in their circle (or circus). Working as a team becomes an intuitive and empathetic dance. One where we experience a new and old way of being together.

While collaborative models are applied in our programs, we live by the axiom, "All models are wrong but some are useful." Care for one another is not about looking for the next great system of consensus or imposing a ritual that asks everyone to behave. Community is not about a Utopian culture or the latest method of communication, organization or counseling. Even our "agile team model" is nothing compared to when adults naturally act in regard for one another; when they are selfless in their care for family, as humans are hardwired to do. How do we cultivate a circle of fellows (women and men) who trusts one another through thick and thin? Through times of peace and trial? For us, as silly as throwing swords may sound, its a great way to immediately demonstrate these principles. It lets people experience the value of rapport through challenging times. It helps us lose the crutches of "process and structure". Life is simplified and we become intelligent adults thrown into a pact to keep each other safe. Think about how you can respectfully put yourself and your teammates through challenges, agreeing to move through any quest with eloquence and fidelity. Remember, nothing can phase you. You're a bad ass and so is everyone else around you. When your teammate's sword breaks in the battle, you throw them yours. They catch it because you know them and they know you. And you both know, the sword has a life of it own.

Program: Our Summer Intensive rocks

Track everything: bear on moss, fox in the duff. Train more than primitive skills: bows and 9th century germanic shoes. Build a kayak: need we say more. Go on a ultra-lite backpacking trip: the Primitive Crest Trail. Survive graduation: a celebration of what you learned.

Next Taster Days: March 22 and April 5

Come play with us. These days are getting quite a reputation for awesomeness. Seriously. Give us one day, we will give you a profound experience few ever expect before they come.

Next week on TrackersTEAMS: introduces a new staff member to TrackersTEAMS 2009. Seriously, this announcement will make you want to attend even more.

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