** This thread discusses the content article: Theory of Coconutism **

8/26/10


Originally written by: Will Stewart


Edited and amended by: Travis Ford


 


Theory of Coconutism



The Theory of Coconutism is a system of thought centered around maintaining a positive mentality throughout one's daily life, especially when training. One should always believe that he or she is capable of accomplishing any feat of strength or skill that their peers are capable of. The concept of "not strong enough" or "not skilled enough" is a tempting and ready replacement for hard work, but is only relevant to the moment when a challenge is first conceived. Under the stipulations of the Theory of Coconutism, if it is humanly possible, you are encouraged to FIND A WAY TO DO IT.

Etymology:
The term "coconut" is used as a substitution for the word "CAN'T". This is necessary because of participating practitioners who refuse to utter the word, even in recognition of the use of the word or the word itself. Using the word "CAN'T" is often referred to as "dropping a coconut". Hence, the Theory of Coconutism. The concept may be applied to any situation or any form of training, but is heavily rooted in the training of the physical discipline of PARKOUR.

Stipulations and regulations:

The main goal is for one to never have the mindset of "CAN'T" and to eradicate the word from the practitioner's vocabulary.[/li]
In practice, anyone who hears a fellow practitioner say "CAN'T" is in the position to give "prizes" to the one who originally said it.[/li]
"Prizes" are any increment of physical conditioning based on the experience of the negatively-minded practitioner. For most beginners, "prizes" are commonly 10 standard push-ups. Intermediate or advanced practitioners are subject to more extreme variations of conditioning (i.e. pistol squats, concrete rolls, etc.).[/li]
"Prizes" are not to be viewed as a punishment, but as a friendly reinforcement of the positive mindset. Upon completion, the appropriate sentiment should be ‘thank you for making me physically and mentally stronger’.[/li]
Based on the one's involvement in either enforcing or participating, phrases such as "impossible" may be grounds for a "prize". Failure to recognize the name Sebastien Foucan may also result in a hefty "prize".[/li]
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this is actually alot of what the army does to if we say we cant do something they make us do push ups or so on and then we try agian

woot woot for prizes. i know that my homies, up here in denton, have given me tons of prizes. i have seriously stopped using the word at all. if i do use it when im not training i immediately, remember that if they were here i right now i would be pushing dirt. and to not recognize the name of Foucan is a serious blasphemy to your sport. pray that God makes you that great someday far in your future!!

i wrote all that down lol i have some kids i train in my town that always ask me why i make them do push ups when they say that....and they even caught me saying it XD lol

Ah yes...I think its a great deal...And your people will keep you from saying it even more

so true

Lol, Oh Will with your clever ideas...

Though additionally in San Antonio, anyone answering a question in the form of the 4-letter word "mine" also recieves prizes. We also like to discourage selfishenss here.

Ex: Joe - "Who's shirt is this"?
Will - "Mine." ...Push-ups ensue.

I doubt this caught on anywhere, but we're still on about it even after years,

hmm i might try that

hrrrrrrrrrmmmmmmm i dont agree with the punishment but what does it matter ive already tested out of this so continue on gentle men

History has shown that there is a skim chance of a human learning/changing his way without some sort of "punishment".

JohnD. wrote:
History has shown that there is a skim chance of a human learning/changing his way without some sort of "punishment".

This isn't accurate Rewards actually prove to be far better motivators than punishments. Additionally, sporadic incremental rewards produce the highest level of behavior response. Also, it's less negative. No matter how you couch it (calling them "prizes") or try to spin it as a positive (you get stronger! your mindset will be better!) if someone is being asked to do something they don't want to do it will be likely be perceived negatively.

I choose not to participate in this game because all it seems to accomplish is making discourse more difficult. The same is even more true for San Antonio's "mine" variation which, as Joseph illustrated, gets abused just for kicks. But that's just me.

Well duh! Haha I don't know where I was going with that...Probably cause previous post stated punishments...

But also it just seems like its how you look at the "prizes" or "punishments".