So who just made 2nd degree black belt?

[Takeda Shingen]

[frau kaleun]

Originally Posted by Takeda Shingen

Therein lies the purpose of the martial arts; training so that one does not freeze under strain. It is also why water is often used as a metaphor; one must be fluid and flexible in action.

Muscle memory, and "no mind."

Ideally the body has gone through the motions so many times, and in so many variations, that it will react to protect itself without one having to think about it first. Thinking about it would only delay the reaction.

Many of the basic movements we are taught derive from the natural instinct to protect one's vital areas, which we all do without thinking about it. A lot of our basic stuff just takes the natural instinctive reaction and retrains the body to do it in a way that is more effective, more efficient, and which leaves you in a much more stable position from which to strike back or continue evasive tactics as needed.

[Sailor Steve]

Originally Posted by The Third Man

What is wrong with you? That is not correct for most folks.

Would you care to explain? That is exactly why repetetive training exists.

[Sledgehammer427]

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

Training takes over at those moments. This is true of pilots as well - and musicians.

oh the gigs I used to play.

[Sailor Steve]

Originally Posted by Sledgehammer427

oh the gigs I used to play.

Yeah. After months of screwing something up and thinking "Oh crap! Where was I supposed to go? Where am I supposed to be now?", it's nice to be on stage, make a mistake and think "Oops. I hope nobody noticed that."

Nicer still to not make mistakes at all, but it's going to happen no matter what.