1. ZEN ATHLETICS
INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP SESSIONS
WITH DR. M.T. CLARJEN-ARCONADA
MARTIAL ARTS
MARTIALS ARTS practiced and developed by Zen communities in China (Shao-Lin
monastery) and Japan (particularly Okinawa) constitute some of the most complex and
daring athletic performances ever produced by human beings. It seems fair to say that
the Zen methodology of training-learning is the most advanced.
The sessions are taught IN THE STYLE OF THE KARATE KID (ZEN KARATE):
GOYU-RYU KARATE-DO. Such Okinawan style is deeply influenced by the Chinese
traditions of Tai Chi – Qi Gong, fundamental practices in Oriental Medicine and Martial
Arts. The student will acquire a method of training/cultivating the human being:
integrating the continuum body-mind-spirit, the human being seen as one. The class
practice provides for an outstanding workout (optimal balance of strength, flexibility
and endurance), fully engaging the consciousness of students in the mastery of
fundamentals (blocks, kicks, punches, and throws). The progressive sequence of
exercises (unique priority) are instrumental in enhancing concentration, generating self-
observation/harmonious discernment, taking decisive action; and generating optimal
learning. The ZEN METHODOLGY OF TRAINING/LEARNING also induces
discipline, respect for self and others; and adherence to a code of honor (excellence)
which guides the person to self-transformation and improvement at all levels of
functioning (person-family-community).
SWIMMING
The experience of being supported (embraced) by water and sliding (moving)
effortlessly through it constitutes one of the most gratifying practices the human being
can enjoy. The application of Zen to swimming practice can be described as finding the
path of least resistance in the water. The Zen methodology of training/learning is
applied to generate optimal performance in swimming practice.
THE MASTERY OF A UNIQUE SEQUENCE OF MOVEMENTS IN
CONJUNCTION WITH OPTIMAL BREATHING PROCESSES form the core of this
creative methodology of psychomotor learning. This line of research identifies common
principles and patterns of movement in the training and performance of Olympic
champions and world record holders in the history of modern swimming: Johnny
Westmuller, Mark Spitz, Alexander Popov, Ian Thorpe and Michael Phelps. This
methodology instills a type of effortless swimming, gliding through a path of least
resistance in the water. It validates the Zen principle: less is more; with less movement
and effort, we generate more speed.

2. TENNIS
A Zen methodology of Tennis instruction constitutes an extension of Zen
training/learning to the mastery of complex psychomotor skills involved in tennis
performance.
The Zen methodology is applicable to all levels of play, from beginners to advanced
players; and to all ages. THIS ZEN METHODOLOGY IS ENTITLED: TOTAL
TRAINING FROM THE INSIDE OUT. THE SIMPLE KEY IS THE MASTERY OF A
UNIQUE SEQUENCE OF MOVEMENTS, MASTERED IN A SPECIFIC ORDER
(PRIORITY SEQUENCE). The process of mastery proceeds from the inside out.
Optimal assimilation at central nervous systems levels of a unique priority sequence
produces optimal performance.
Zen tennis can be described as the dancing performance of two persons on each side of
the tennis court, communicating their regulation/transformation of energy through a
ball. The sequence of movements are of spiral nature. The trajectories/paths of the ball
are also sections of spirals. The transformation of spirallic energy forms the core of the
Zen methodology in tennis training.
There is a creative way to improve for each person. The teacher facilitates the
integration of visual, auditory, tactile, and most importantly kinesthetic impressions; in
multiple modes of perception in order to produce optimal learning. Unfortunately, most
teachers and players waste their time with inefficient methods, repeating the same
mistakes over and over again. A thorough understanding of the bio-physiology of
movement along with the bio-mecanics and bio-physics of tennis performance is
required for the teacher to facilitate the mastery of priority sequences by the student.
The best way to enjoy tennis is to learn/train creatively at an optimal level; being
satisfied as you train and as you play; improving gradually to higher levels of
achievement; and enjoying thoroughly the process of learning/training.