Human nature is we react and match the intensity and speed
of an opponent.
If an opponent speeds up, it is human nature to speed
up. If an opponent becomes more
aggressive, it is human nature that you become more aggressive.
Reacting to your opponent/assailant is not the goal /
objective. If you are always reacting
and matching their speed or intensity, then most likely you will get injured or
even killed if attacked.
The goal is to move faster than an attacker - always. The goal is to move and project the
appropriate intensity for the situation regardless of what the attacker is
doing.
To practice this, you must break human nature, and it
starts with each class and with the basics.
Your goal should be to move and perform each technique as fast as
possible while just maintaining control and good posture/mechanics regardless
of how fast or slow the instructor or the Black Belt leading basics
counts. It is ok to be waiting for the
next count. Notice next time in basics
if you are (1) just keeping up with the cadence of the count or of the speed of
the person next to you or ahead of you or (2) focused on your own techniques
and performing as fast as possible with control and good mechanics.
Notice next time you are free sparring, (1) are you keeping
up with the pace of your sparring partner and matching their pace or intensity
or (2) are you performing at the speed and intensity required to control the
match?
During open, random attack self-defense, notice if (1) you are
defending at the same speed / intensity / force or (2) are you performing at
the speed and intensity required to disable / damage / end the altercation
quickly?
In all cases above, the answer should be number 2. If you are unsure about how to get faster,
please refer to the August 2025 blog, Improving
your Speed.
And if you do not consciously go
faster and perform at the intensity required during class, it will not
translate in a real altercation. In a real
altercation body memory will take over and if your body memory is always
reacting to your opponent then that is what you will do. For more information on this, see the
February 2018 blog, You
Will Fight How You Practice.
Since it is the start of
a new year, this is a great time to set that intention to practice not reacting
but moving faster and with the intensity required regardless of your parter on
class or the count of an instructor.
Regards,
Kelly
“When your opponent is hurrying recklessly, you must act contrarily and
keep calm. The opponent must not influence you.” ~ Miyamoto Musashi (c. 1584 –1645) - famous
Japanese swordsman, the author of The Book of Five Rings
