Most fitness programs focus almost exclusively on the muscular and cardio (mainly the physical system). The neural system just happens to be trained accidentally because it is needed for movement or balance or to imitate the movement. The extent of neural training by default is not enough.
As an example, for seniors, there are all kinds of balance and stability classes. Most of which emphasize on strengthening of muscles required for better stability. However, few addresses the reflex; unavoidable collisions; or actually how to rebalance. Without those additional aspects, we still come up short in terms of offering solutions suitable for seniors to counter fall-risks.
Internal styles that work on ONLY the mental aspect cannot work either. Without the necessary speed and conditioning work, the neural (nor the muscular) system will not be ready and one can easily go into shock on the first real impact.
Some people measure their improvements via number of forms they know, color of belts or simply believe that time/repetitions will answer all unsolved questions. Some believe in the all encompassing “Qi” and won’t attempt to look any further via science or physics. They figure that the ‘faith’ system will eventually yield the necessary results. I choose to take a more realistic approach. I explain moves/techniques via physics, biomechanics, taking into account human responses as well. While we still have a long way to go to perfect the teaching/training method but I feel that we are moving in the right direction.
The following are some of the additional things that requires full engagement of your mind during your training:
- make sure you are not just imitating a move. Do understand the bio mechanics.
- understand that with each shovel, shift of body weight, touch, you are interacting with the opponent. Understand common responses and mindset.
- for each skill, there are more than one lead-in and of course multiple follow-throughs. Furthermore, physical environmental constraints, relative differences between you and the opponent all make things quite complicated. Know the assumption and practice your ability and try to flow naturally.
- you have to learn to be a good partner. You have to be able to ‘freeze’ scenarios to force repetitions or to re-wire your response. Make the best use of that section of time.
Exercise
This blog started March 2011 and has over 5 years worth of topics and ideas. You need to make good use of it. By using the search function on this blog, you can find related articles/ideas. Try find 3-4 articles related to this current blog and tell me some of the useful keywords for the search.
Darryl found and shared this (Confidence and Stability with Barefist Method) as a cheap way of avoiding hand abrasions during training. Ripping skin off your knuckles is not fun and for most people, and having thich calouses on your knuckles doesn’t sound appealing either. Other possible way can be just an old pair of tight gloves with glove-fingers cut off or garden gloves layered with latex glove. Again, I encourage experimentation.
(BTW, that blog is quite well written and worth a read)