opnet [OpNet] Nova-Fu

[Wakinyan]

While the it seems most Novas these days are all about the splash of whiz bang pyrotechnics and awesome light displays I would like to know if anyone has tried to attempt to develop a form of martial combat specifically for us?

I gave it some thought and concluded this would not be something easy to do. There are two many variations of Nova to develop a basic structure at least to my perspective. I would however ask the more combat oriented Novas to add their thoughts. I know Apep has a very specific style and speed. Singularity and Very Bad their invunerablity, Troll his strength. Perhaps a branching sytle is required. A root where the various aspects of what it is to be a Nova can be explored and then variations of technique and power can branch from it.

I am way to new at this to imagine I have a clue but I hope some of the older wiser Novas have an idea to what it is I am looking for.

[Interceptor]

Shortly after I graduated from the Chicago facility, I was approached by a representative from the XWF. I always liked their show so I went to a local training facility and met with some guy, I think his name was Thorval or something. He's their trainer and talent scout. I gave a few demonstrations, and he said I had a good combination of powers, but it was obvious that I had never really been in any kind of fight. Then I saw a sparring match. That would probably qualify for what you're talking about. Scared the crap out of me! I bowed out of their offer, that's just not right for me, even if I have some of the powers that seem to be ideal. I told them that I'd consider the occasional walk on or 'work' I think they called it, but no actual shoot fighting.

To get back to your question, they might have some great insights into this, after all it is their business. They need to make sure their fights are exciting and dynamic. A style, if they have one, is probably pretty showy, but certainly effective I bet.

[Wakinyan]

Maybe the secret is understanding what you can do and how best to apply it. But of course that is obvious and Human martial artists have done it for years. It makes it tough for some of us though. I have been learning from various sources and I know I am to big in some regards in a fight. It's a pain in the ass to see a little slip of a girl and know she is twice as strong as I am when I am ten times bigger than her. Oh well I'll learn or die.

[Preston]

I constantly attempt to perfect the "Avoidance" MA style. Learning to fight without fighting, as Bruce Lee would say.

[Charr]

You couldn't master it. You don't have enough limbs and those crude levers you call arms are too limited.

[Wakinyan]

They'll do the job when they need to.

[Miss Baby]

I have a rather unique problem and advantage. I Am roughly as dense as gold.Or rather I am 18 times heavier than water of equal mass. What this means is well that my arm can kill people simply with the force of gravity, also makes what I am standing on really mater..But let's just say this I also can pack a lot of force behind my fists. But Fighting with fists is not my strong point,nor do I wish it to ever be.

[Charr]

Quote:

Originally posted by Totem:
They'll do the job when they need to.

Of course they will.

And if your skill at fellating your therapist is any indication you'll provide years of fun.

[kestrel404]

Baby:Or rather I am 18 times heavier than water of equal mass.

This broke me. You mean volume.

[Miss Baby]

I always get those two messed up. Thanks.

[Sakurako Hino]

The concept of a Nova-created martial arts system intrigues me, yet there are things that one Nova can do that others can't. So I doubt a unified system can be created that would capture the hearts and minds of Novakind.

The best I think we can do is take already existing Baseline arts and focus them into our own variant styles.

And what about weapon-based styles? That alone would take a few generations to develop.

[Jordan]

Quote:

Originally posted by Sakurako Hino:
The best I think we can do is take already existing Baseline arts and focus them into our own variant styles.

And what about weapon-based styles? That alone would take a few generations to develop.

Oh please! That is your problem Saki; your still limiting yourself to baseline expectations.

Totem, I am, without a doubt, a master "martial artist." While it's not an aspect of myself I generally talk about in public I would be happy to give you a few pointers.

[Sakurako Hino]

Jordan, if some Nova out there wants to spend 100 to 500 years developing a martial art, go for it, I won't stop them.

And you know, baselines do have some good ideas. You shouldn't ignore them just because they don't have a node.

[Wakinyan]

I'll take all that is offered Jordan. I listened to Charr after all. I'd be happy to take pointers. To ever be a teacher you must first be a student.

[Singularity]

I am far beyond any baseline in all physical abilities, but most of my fighting style is based on large collection of baseline martial arts. Hard styles, soft styles, Western, Eastern, et cetera. At this point, I act without thought, the "zen mind" you always hear about in cheesy movies and books. From what others have told me, I switch between forms constantly, some times within a second. The major personal modifications I made were to take advantage of my extreme strength, speed, and the bio-energy I use with my hands and feet, as evidenced by footage on N!.

Unfortunately, Totem, there is not a "base" form for you to start with before you can move onto simply doing. Granted, you could start with some tips from the animal kingdom, such as raptors and the large cats. But from there it just comes down to practice and experience. If you do get to Addis Ababa on your trip, I could spend a few hours with you. I might not have the correct context to work with you perfectly, but there are some universal concepts I can pass on.

[Jordan]

Saki, dear, sweet, misguided, darling little Saki. 100 to 500 hundred years? Stop thinking like a Baseline! Yes, they do have good ideas, sometimes. They do not, however, understand in even the remotest sense, what it is to be Nova. If you keep thinking in Baseline terms you will remain trapped with their limitations for the rest of your considerably long existance.

[Wakinyan]

I have to agree that a Nova could in theory perfect their own system based on their own needs quickly. However I am also sure that just like a baseline it would get better and evolve as their powers grew and time passed. I would never think that a Martial Art should be a static idea.

Thank you Singularity I do plan on visiting the Archowhatsit on my trip. If they let me inside who knows.

[Jordan]

I have a few things to clear up before I can commit to this Totem. Hopefully this will only take me a few days to deal with.

[Wakinyan]

No hurry. I get tossed around plenty already so whenever you're available just look me up.

[Sakurako Hino]

Quote:

Originally posted by Jordan Rossi:
Saki, dear, sweet, misguided, darling little Saki. 100 to 500 hundred years? Stop thinking like a Baseline! Yes, they do have good ideas, sometimes. They do not, however, understand in even the remotest sense, what it is to be Nova. If you keep thinking in Baseline terms you will remain trapped with their limitations for the rest of your considerably long existance.

Can you make a new fighting style in a day? Perfect in execution and method?

Yes, you can learn how to punch in a day, but it takes a long time to perfect a method that is superior to just balling up your fist and throwing it.

What you propose is a spontaneous generation of a technique and art that would develop quicker than Bruce Lee's Jeet-Kun-Do.

Show me the master of the one-day fighting art and I'll show you a flabberghasted Nova.

Otherwise, I think your Ego and Monkeyphobia is getting to you.

[H. 'Machine' Mann]

A month, Ms Hino. One month to create a sound and superior fighting style incorporating both defensive and offensive capability. In that month I will have developed the school, tested it against other schools, refined the techniques and finally formalize the relative advantages and disadvantages in relation to other modes of combat as well as opponent capability. Some of those advantages and disadvantage will be strictly theoretical as they can only be tested against opponents who do not yet exist.

I do not suffer from monkey-phobia, a term I will ruthlessly plagarize in an upcoming lecture tour. Thank you.

Before you choose to argue might I prevail upon you to conduct a simple thought experiment? Decide on a goal you feel can best be achieved through the use of techology. For instance a world wide information network. Put from your mind the technogloes you know at least at a conscious level. Then spend merely one day in isolated contemplation working backwards from the goal you've chosen to the point where you have a neandrathal looking at a cloud and thinking a thought that will eventually become the goal you've chosen. Now imagine what you could do in a month.

Your gifts and predelictions led you to dabble in the fields of technology. Developing a fighting school or thought and associated disciplines? Childs play though there are skills required that you may not possess today.

[Sakurako Hino]

Valid points that look good on paper, but your claim leaves me to say this:

Show me.

Prove to me your theory should be tested by others.

I am a scientist, and a scientist tests, compares data, and tests some more. And after that, tests the tests to make sure there weren't any aberrations in the method. After that, you produce a theory. Then, other scientists test your theory with their own methods and shake your theory down. If it stands the test of your colleagues, maybe your theory will be accepted as fact.

Good luck.

[H. 'Machine' Mann]

Please review the process I cited would be employed during that month. I believe you overlooked the specifics while reading a touch too quickly.

Dear lady, your qualms were exactly the point of taking a month rather than merely a day. Of course it assumes that masters of the relative schools will be available when I need them to be and willing to put forth their best efforts but for an opportunity such as this... Of course they would be. They would be standing in line just in case the opportunity would present itself.

[H. 'Machine' Mann]

Ms. Hino, I would amend my previous post by drawing your attention to that which was perhaps overly subtle in my first reply.

After I've made arrangement for the care of my house hold staff and arranged for other duties to be delegated I will be performing exactly the feat I stated meeting the criteria stated. Already my city is becoming quite enchanted with the idea of birthing the first nova designed martial arts school in the world.

No doubt you will be hearing of it shortly. Bourbon Street, Storyville and coming soon; the Art of Mann. It is most exciting.

[Uhuru Kenyatta]

It is not a true 'school' of martial arts unless it is taught, and you will be the sole master. Are you willing to make that commitment? And if so, would you accept me as a student?

[H. 'Machine' Mann]

I believe being nova provides additional options not available to our baseline cousins, although I agree with the spirit of your comment Uhuru.

I am indeed willing to make the committment though it will be only one of the many in my life and there will be other masters eventually. Of course you would be accepted by the school with the usual provisos.

[Sakurako Hino]

Mr. Mann, I will see how this will turn out.

[Wakinyan]

Can any of you try to develop a style based purely on Biometric data, Knowledge of powers, strength and other abilities. Then run a simulation that would perfect and hone and custom individual fighting style?

[Access]

I'm sure there are some people here that would be capable of that. I might have some of the know how, but I don't have the equipment and it is not nearly in my grasp. Running this small firm in small time Louisiana doesn't provide me with too much more then what I need to survive.

[Sakurako Hino]

Quote:

Originally posted by Totem:
Can any of you try to develop a style based purely on Biometric data, Knowledge of powers, strength and other abilities. Then run a simulation that would perfect and hone and custom individual fighting style?

It's possible, but the style would then have to be programmed into the reflexes of the subject. If it was some sort of immersive virtual training simulation, it would work. By somehow stimulating the brain directly, and programming in how the moves can be tweaked.

But, that would take more medical and biological knowledge than I have. I'm a physicist and inventor, not a doctor.

[Jordan]

Quote:

Originally posted by Totem:
Can any of you try to develop a style based purely on Biometric data, Knowledge of powers, strength and other abilities. Then run a simulation that would perfect and hone and custom individual fighting style?

I personally would advise against it. You know what they say about taking the easy way.

[Access]

I wouldn't consider it the easy way, but more of an educated way. I didn't perceive his idea of using the data to give him the skill, but instead as a demonstration on his capabilites that he may have a good point at which to start, and to know which of his abilities will work the best for what.

[Jordan]

A computer program, even a highly sophisticated multi-agent program, will not give you the kind of results you're looking for here. Sure it might be helpful in the abstract, but only Totem really knows what Totem is capable of.

[Access]

Yes, that's obvious. However it would provide a good starting point.

[Jager]

Totem, I have been giving your question a great deal of thought.

One of my suggestions is to not overthink it too much. Do what comes naturally to it, and apply it in an intelligent manner.

It boils down to placing force (f) at place x,y,z,t.

[Menagerie]

Oh my. I do need to get out more often. I wasn't aware of the world being so militant we needed to find a unified form of fisticuffs so that we could easily learn it from one another.

Then again, when it comes to issues of violence, I tend to rely on other people. So maybe I don't know what I'm missing.

[H. 'Machine' Mann]

The world is many things Menagerie, though rarely are any of them entirely constant in their consistency.

While each of the participants of this thread has their own ideas, my interest originates less in matters of militancy than in simple curiosity. Direct your attention pastwards and you'll note the consterantion of Ms Hino stemming from exposure to Mr Rossi's views on the development of fighting techniques and styles. To be very candid the idea of a nova developed martial art simply fired my imagination.

Could it be done? Child's play in the time allotted.

Could the Art be superior as a method of fitness, efficient to train others in, provide substantial results when seen as a net expenditure of energy over a set period of time? Ah, this is the true measure of efficacy.

The most difficult portion of the task is adding the right flavor of 'spirituality' most expect.

[Sakurako Hino]

I just think the nova art should be mechanically sound. Not perfect, since perfection of said style leads to a new form, but instead sound in it's method.

I should let people keep in mind, that while it seems you guys are developing a hand to hand method, I do have a rather unique sword technique.

Let's just say, that through refining my use of a sword on my free time has caused a breakthrough recently.

Perhaps if some other sword-fighter would be so kind to spar with me, I'd like to see how I've come along.

And Mr. Mann, you win. Once I looked past the limitations of time, I found it easier to see possibilities that I thought would take years.

[H. 'Machine' Mann]

Quote:

Originally posted by Endeavor:
And Mr. Mann, you win. Once I looked past the limitations of time, I found it easier to see possibilities that I thought would take years.

Most kind of you to say so, Ms Hino. Please don't think me obstinant as I continue my efforts with the school. I now have a number students to whom there is an obligation and of course the City of New Orleans is very much enchanted with its new found fame/infamy.

Regarding sword techniques I would draw your attention to the fact that AoM is not strictly a hand-to-hand school. Primary emphasis is of course on the Center-of-the-Wind (CotW) mentality but dealing with weapons is part and parcel of any art truly designed to defend oneself. This is not to disparage your sword technique, quite the contrary as I would enjoy seeing a demonstration, simply pointing that you are generalising a bit here. For instance my students are thoroughly indoctrinated into the idea that a weapon is to be seen as an extension of the man/woman whom wields it.

As such they are trained to see the weapon not as 'dangerous' per se but rather as a circumstance that may be approached with varying degrees of risk. Sometimes it is preferrable to deal with the hand that holds the weapon rather than the weapon itself, which we also cover.

Perhaps I could arrange an opportunity for you to demonstrate your technique at the AoM exhibition.

[Sakurako Hino]

A sword or weapon is only as dangerous as your own hand. You can create, or destroy.

You must know where your hand is at all times to make sure you don't do omething unintended. The same is with the sword.

Using a sword is also like a debate. You state your peace and you move on. If things resort to violence, it must be ended quickly. You must also be able to place your strike where it will make it's point felt. If you just wish to disarm, a blow that doesn't sever any arteries is preferred. But, if you must stop an opponent, striking where the body is weak is the best approach. The Neck, forearms, legs. Wherever there are alot of arteries.

Of course, this is only less than 1 percent of the realization of my art. And, it is far from where it needs to be for it to be taught.

I look foreward to taking your invitation.

(If you're wondering, I prefer the Katana over a standard sword due to the speed of the draw. One of the keys to my style is striking first, fast, and last.)