This thread is a little quiet, so here’s my review of Hero Origins after 15 loops over 3 cycles in a 3 sub stack with Emperor and NRich. I’ll use specific examples to highlight certain aspects…
On the physicality and martial training side of things: the raw impulse to constantly train and workout isn’t as loud as compared to running Spartan, but the way that I train and workout has a different quality to it:
- implemented two-a-days every day for a week just to see what I was capable of – and doing another round this week
- my body’s capacity to recover and keep pushing seemed to increase over that week – physical resilience is through the roof right now
- working out only once per day the following week felt like rest, my body felt a sense of “That’s it?” – accelerated recovery for the win
- a younger cousin, also a martial artist, joined me for a workout at a park and he said he was done after 20 minutes – my will to “embrace the suck” is more solid than ever
- my ability to lead and motivate has increased too – he didn’t quit and stuck it out with me as best he could for a little over 45 minutes of suffering…I was proud of his not-quitting, but he did do a bunch of complaining later, lol
- which showed me that my “ordinary bearing” is becoming one with my “martial arts bearing” as Musashi would say…
- and that my state of mind when studying the science of martial arts is becoming my normal state of mind – I consciously worked on this before running Hero, but it’s easier with Hero
- my major breakthroughs in training recently have been at the embodying-principles level rather than the technique or stringing badass combos level
- perfecting techniques/combos seems to be happening with less effort tho – yet there’s always another layer to perfect
- my ability with the blade seems sharper too… pun 100% intended
- and weapons handling overall feels better, like the signal between body and mind is cleaner
The virtue scripting is having a strong effect on all aspects of my life, too.
I don’t agree with all things Bushido or samurai culture, and I don’t feel compelled in any way to try to be more like them, or how they’re portrayed. But I am diving deep into what honor is, how I express it though my actions and interactions with others, and I notice my patience, desire to help others, and compassion has increased. I pay more attention to things that stir up strong emotions, and have better insight on whether to use that energy or settle it before responding. Like there’s more of an observable “gap” between emotion/thought and behavior.
I haven’t done much meditation at all for a few months, but I’m feeling familiar effects as if I have been.
Some elements of the script that I haven’t noticed in an obvious way are:
- sensing threats
- neutralizing danger
- being one step ahead in negotiation, sparring, etc
- feeling like I’m channeling wisdom from ancient masters
- time dilation
- or confounding opponents – but maybe they just didn’t tell me? lol
And finally, something I didn’t think was a Hero result at first, but it actually lines up with the type of hero I’d be (am):
I got a cool compliment from a couple of 220+ pound, soon-to-be D1 athletes that came to training this weekend…
We worked on striking, throws, grappling, and some combatives, which they picked up super quick. Teaching and working with them was eye-opening…they were fast af, strong as hell, and had great overall kinesthetic awareness. One of the guys was so strong, his punches felt like what a building must feel when a wrecking ball hits it.
Anyway, when asked how they liked working with me, they told our head instructor that I was “cool and terrifying”, lol.
“Cool and terrifying” is exactly how I’d define my overall archetype for a Hero: with those who are good / under my direct (or indirect) care I’m cool 
, but to those that would do harm I’m terrifying 
.
Overall, this sub hasn’t been easy, but if you’re inclined to run it, I recommend.
