Martial Arts and the area

Martial Arts and the area Occasions in which the perfect strike; blocked without the need to think, or through an almost word perfect, it was difficult to hear? Or do you feel in itself is success? Il? Area? is a place where athletes describe this sort of experience. Studies show their status? Effort of concentration and awareness?. So, what prevents us from it? Factors such as stress or the attempt to seek possible. Often our efforts to train harder to unnecessary muscular responses that prevent us from achieving the effort zone.How was a technique, and the amount of effort that depends on how you did before. The process of repeating a technique that often are the models to an unconscious level, until they can be executed with minimal thought. But you can be sure that what you have leaed, is the most efficient? Try these two experiments.Experiment 11 Fold your arms and try to see who is tucked.2. Now the inverse model, sometimes the opposite way.3. Please note the differences and your response to it.The model Step 1 is your normal? The folds of the poor? Program that is activated without conscious thought and feeling familiar and comfortable. The model in step 2 requires some 'thought about this and probably wrong, because they differ from the preferences. This shows how strong the power of habit can be. Not only that choosing the model of the movement in step 1, but also what he considers right and wrong in relation to the position and movement. There is nothing wrong with the model in section 2, but is a step that you choose to do it automatically? Probably not, because only the movements that feel. However, if you do what you feel really involved habitual movement pattes, which are often sufficient to habit.Experiment 21. Sit on a chair and get ready up.2. Before you move, observe what preparations to make. They hold their breath? They continue with the lower back and raise the chest? These are the muscles of your neck stiffen and pull the head? Do you feel the need to deal with the hands on the legs? Spend a little 'time to show them before the next step.3 groped. Now try to exit the chair without having to do what you have just found (it may be necessary for someone to observe your actions to give feedback). How well you can go before one or all of these pattes appear? To perform the last step correctly, it can be difficult because the usual preparations were part of normal? Arising from a chair? Program and are ready to go, before you start to move. They do not try to make the transition to the known conditions, such as the sensation of muscle tension associated with the action is. From a mechanical point of view of common action in the second stage actually reduce the effectiveness of the movement. If your preparation and subsequent actions of this exercise are unnecessary, why do it? These are the techniques of martial arts movements are inefficient? Perhaps they feel they are good or simply because they have a convenient habit? The ZONEIt is my belief that our natural state is in the area. Diligent practice of martial arts can help us to this change of consciousness. The area is a state can be changed, where things happen with little or no perceived effort. In these moments, our response seems to conscious thought and is close to perfection, right time, right effort, focusing on situation.I are confident that we have all experienced moments like this. For example, in a competition that I have done with a jodan mawashi Geri IPPON side of my face exposed opponents. Then my opponent congratulated me on my technique, said he does not see it coming, I can not honestly answer, "Neither have I". I was aware only of execution of the art, if my leg has its own recoil. If it had come from? On the one hand, my sense was the goal, has selected the most appropriate technology, was fired by the light touch and started the recovery I am aware of this! This was probably my finest hour ". But how can we be capable of such remarkable results for a moment and totally incompetent the next - I have the next round and it was frightening slow.Whilst models (techniques) live in an unconscious level, are invited, with an incredible speed and 'efficiency, I believe this can happen only when we are in a balanced state. Another word for this attitude is, this should not be confused with attitude. Poise is perfectly adequate, both in muscle and "intellectual" level. If in this state there is "the optimal integration of postural reflexes, awareness and appropriate use of leaed models. That is, we can off the road and let the processes just happen. Nerves, tension and stress, with this process if we are to react negatively to these situations, such as stiff neck, an action that affects the balance reflexes. Similarly, over-confidence has a similar effect for the prevention of unity of self and action, as I believe it is our level of attention and state of readiness. The ego should really be at the doors of the Dojo! Perhaps to increase our opportunities in the area, we look forward to "the moment". Only in that moment of awareness, or "here and now" we can guarantee it is not inappropriate muscle in our actions. This takes time and goes back to some basic movements (pre-martial arts techniques), as simple and zazen on a daily calmness and awareness that the aid in demanding activities.Roy Palmer is a teacher of Alexander Technique and improvement performance in sport over the last 10 years. In 2001 he published a book entitled "The paradox of performance: the conventional methods of sports training and exercise" and is currently working on a new project in the area. More information about his unique approach to training, please visit