Did you know that you can improve your martial arts skill without breaking a sweat? All you need to do is practice with your mind. It’s true! According to the AOA (American Optometric Association), researchers have discovered that people use the same areas of the brain when they perform and/or visualize an action in their mind. This means that you can obtain the benefits of practicing even when you can’t engage your body.
Visualization improves your performance by creating a better connection between mind and body. An expert martial artist is able to utilize both the mind and body when executing techniques in practice and on demand. The mind is especially important to your training because the martial arts is not an instinctual activity but rather one that is developed cognitively until it “appears” instinctive.
Another aspect of this phenomenon is using the art of visualization immediately prior to performing the physical act. The theory is simple: visualize what you are about to do and your performance will increase. In 1998, studies conducted by Harvard University Professor J. Stanos proved a definite link between visualization and performance. A group was taught how to use visualization and a placebo group was taught to just think about an unrelated activity. Those who used visualization performed nearly perfectly, while the placebo group was only successful 55% of the time.
To harness the full power of visualization, just follow these three easy steps. The first step is to relax. To accomplish this, you need to control your breathing. Slowly inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Repeat until you feel relaxed. The second step is to concentrate. Clear your thoughts and tune out whatever is around you. With practice, you will be able to do this even in noisy areas. Step three is to visualize. See yourself before you execute a technique, see yourself get in position, and then see yourself do it. Again, with practice, you can incorporate sounds, smells, and other sensations into your imagination.
Let’s face it: We train in the martial arts because it’s fun and we love it, right? So, I suspect none of you is going to give up the great physical workout and a good sweat to think about your techniques instead of actually doing them. But, the art of visualization does provide us with another tool to sharpen our skills and improve our performance. And you can’t beat the convenience: Your mind can workout out practically anytime!
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