The Synchronous Converter

Trainer collectors come in different forms - some collecting because they like the shoes and want to wear them, some for nostalgic reasons and others because they have a serious passion to build a valuable collection.

In this first article of our new collectors series, we bring you an exclusive interview with New York collector Nick Gonzalez. New York is a hot bed for valuable trainers and Nick is one of the area’s most famous collectors, a true expert in his field.

TRAINERSHACK: How did you get in to collecting trainers?

NICK GONZALEZ: The right sneakers are very important when you’re growing up as a kid. I spent most of my leisure time on the basketball courts and if you weren’t wearing Jordans you might as well not even show. I kept the first pair I owned and it went on from there.

TS: How many pairs do you have in your collection?

NG: I must have over 500 by now I guess. I only wear about five or six pairs myself, the rest are boxed up in the spare room.

TS: Do you have a favourite pair?

NG: I’ve always had an affinity to the Air Jordans but my collection is so vast it’s hard to choose just one pair. I guess other than those, it would have to be a pair of the Air Force 1s. They have got me through a few scrapes on the courts.

TS: Do you collect all the brands?

NG: I was brought up with Nikes but I love anything as long as it’s got some sort of appeal to me. I’ve got a good selection of Adidas Stan Smiths and have a soft spot for the Reebok Pumps I own - going back to my court days I guess.

TS: What sneakers are you wearing now?

NG: I woke up with no clothing direction this morning so I went for Superstars - they go with anything.

TS: What has been your best find?

NG: When I was visiting relatives in Chicago they took me to this store that was closing down. The owner had a pair of original Air Max 95s and he only wanted 35 dollars for them. They were in my size and I took them away. I gave him an extra 50 bucks for them though.

Trainershack.co.uk sells authentic trainers from Nike, Reebok, Adidas, Puma and more online with free delivery and up to 50% off High Street prices. http://www.trainershack.co.uk

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At first glance, Martial Arts and Yoga seem like opposing forces
and philosophies, but these two health maintenance systems have
more in common than meets the eye. For a moment, consider the
similarities between Tai Chi and Hatha Yoga. Within the warm up,
you notice very similar movement, philosophy, and principles.

Why does “climb the mountain” stance look so much like Warrior I
posture? Is it coincidence, luck, or a common link? Why does
Kundalini have movements that resemble punching, kicking, and
martial arts foot work? Are Kung Fu forms an extension of
Vinyasa? Each has been referred to as meditation in motion.

The place of origin, for most Asian martial arts, is agreed to
be the Shaolin Temple. Apparently, the monks at the Shaolin
temple had become very proficient at meditation, but had not
developed a health maintenance system to sufficiently train
their bodies.

In the sixth century A.D., Bhoddidharma, a visiting Buddhist
monk, from India, began to teach the monks at the Shaolin
temple, in Hunan Province, a form of physical health
maintenance, which is believed to be Yoga. It is also said that
Boddidharma was a member of the Warrior caste. Therefore, he
should also have had working knowledge of Kalarippayat; an
indigenous Indian Martial art.

Boddidharma is said to have reached a level of meditation that
was very advanced. The body can be trained to a point, but the
mind should also be trained as well. This is a cornerstone to
all martial arts training. How often have we heard about the
three conflicts of mind, body, and spirit?

This is why each martial arts school should encourage a Yoga
class. The healing aspect of Yoga is very beneficial to all
martial artists - regardless of their style. Some martial arts
centers have incorporated Yoga as part of the class schedule.
The reason was to attract mothers, who were hanging around the
waiting area, to pick up their kids.

While there is a demand for Yoga classes among women, some
martial artists, both male and female, will join in to feel the
healing benefits, meditate, increase flexibility, and much more.
The fact is, much like martial arts, there are many styles of
Yoga.

Some are very physical and demand a lot of endurance. So, there
is no end to the possibilities of where the need for Yoga can
fit within a martial arts studio. After all these years, it
looks like Yoga and martial arts will be together again.

© Copyright 2005 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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