Time Between Seeing Movement and Reacting to That Movement

The other day a few of us were discussing our combat classes and how speed fits into everything. I think it is pretty obvious to everyone that the faster you are, the more likely you will be able to strike an opponent. I think it is also a given that your speed also allows for quick movement in blocking and avoidance of strikes toward you.

Have you ever considered, however, the time it takes for you to react to any action once you have recognized that action? Many of us have not ever truly thought this through. We all know that reaction time is important, but what does a faster reaction time do for you?

If your reaction time is fast enough, you can see a punch or a kick as it begins and move your body out of the way without having to provide a blocking force or receiving the blow directly. What if you were even fast enough with your reaction to actually succeed in an attack of your own prior to the completion of your opponent's initial action? There is very little that an opponent can do if you are able to strike them before they can reach you. Each one of your strikes can catch your opponent in a position in which the ability to defend is compromised. It is within these moments that you can take control of your situation.

The ability to react is a core component of our Nabard Combat System. This is why we are always including reaction training with our workouts. You may not have been directly aware of this, but we also work on our reactions in a total body manner. Without the ability to react with your entire body, you have a diminished ability to move and react before your opponent has completed their movement.

This concept of reaction is also core to our offensive attacks and movements within the Nabard Combat System. While your fellow students work on their ability to react to your movements, you must react to their reactions. That is why we are constantly working on the ability to change our attacks and movements as we shift between strikes and blocks.

This is all kind of circular huh? The ability to interchange, adapt, and react quicker than your opponent is critical for a Nabard Combat System student.