r-complex (uncognized mind)

I have some reluctance, at times, to referring to autonomic function as the being the province of the what is called 'the reptilian complex'. this is an area or areas of basic function in the brains that are responsible for basic functions like breathing and balance.

the main issue with saying 'reptile complex' is that is not really the totality of what is going on in regards to training. my understanding, which is minor, is that function tends to be spread throughout the brain and body, and no 'one' part is totally responsible.

secondly, it doesn't matter what it is in the brain that does it for you. if they didn't tell you that you had a brain in your head, you would have no clue of its existence. so its not like you can feel 'neuroanatomy". knowing the actual biochemistry doesn't help you make these changes. a brain surgeon is not likely to learn effortless power any easier than a landscaper, or cook, or secretary. athletic types might have an edge, but that would be due to superior proprioception and kinethetics, not the actual 'athletic' part. being flexible and having a modicum of strength is good, as it lends itself to better intrinsic strength, or so it would seem to follow.

the big problem with saying reptile complex is the association with, well, reptiles. images of snakes, dragons and other beasts tend to drum up the desire to expand or express energy, or emote in some way. you know, go 'beast mode'. so it sets a tone. and its NOT the tone we want in internal training.

it gives people the excuse to glaze out or otherwise disconnect and lose touch with their partner. for example, you enter on the uke, and get him offbalance, and then comes the explosive burst of techniques unleashed while the uke just kind of stands there and lets you finish up. of course, you usually don't really hit the guy, what you do is PRETEND to go ape all around him. and then, sometimes, you smash the guy anyways because your NOT PAYING ATTENTION TO HIM BUT INSTEAD ARE ACTING OUT A FANTASY. in nicer terms this means people are going off into a conceptual 'finish'. so they spend a lot of time imagining what they would do in this instance IF they actually hit him. but really all this is a just a primal reflex(self survival) iced over with some delusion of grandeur(conceptual dominance).*

the next problem with reptile complex talk is that is relegates function the 'subconcious'. this puts it in the context of being something that you cant help doing, or that you cannot change. and that's a crock of shit. you can change in any way that is it possible for a human to change. in a practical frame, you cant just file things away as a 'reflex'. if you do that, you will make little or no progress. most of what you call 'natural' reflex or response is actually something learned that you have come to trust or depend on, for whatever reason.

so instead, we say uncognized mind. this is an inclusive term, that does not confine itself to notions of the brain stem, but encompasses all that you are as a human being. when we train, it's certainly not with our 'reptile brains'. if we did, there would only ever be one class. think about it. the uncognized mind contains everything that you are, with all of your capabilities. the 'subliminal' urge to protect yourself can be easily matched by the desire to not hurt another. so these things exist simulteously in our movement. you cant ignore one in favor of another. what you have to do is make distinctions between them. what is not useful, is not used.**


*this isn't kobra kai, so ease up, slow down, and actually learn something

**also, nothing needs to be added. you already have everything you need to do this gongfu. it's built in.