Combat sports and martial arts are highly reflex and action-dependent activities. These are extremely unpredictable sports and activities, where the wrong reactions could mean life or death. To put it in more simple terms, it means that without the right tactics of martial arts exercises, you would either be knocked down or be able to stay on your feet. You would have to either get submitted to an opponent or get submitted on your own. For some martial art fighters the reflexes come naturally, but it is not that these reflexes cannot be developed at all. There are various means by which great reflexes can be developed via various means.
Mentioned below are some amazing ways in which reflexes can be improved during fitness training programs of martial arts:
- Using a reaction ball can help
The reaction ball is one of the best tools which can be used for improving reflexes and overall reaction time. A reaction ball is an extremely small, six-sided ball, which has the capacity of bouncing in unpredictable directions when it is thrown against solid and flat surfaces. Practicing with reaction balls not only helps in improving reaction time but the quickness of feet and hands along with improving hand-eye coordination. Wall toss and drop and catch are the most common exercises which can be done with the reaction ball. Along with improving reflex actions, practicing with a reaction ball also strengths other muscles of the body and makes one physically fitter and more active.
- Managing colored ball throws
The colored ball throw exercise is one of the most challenging reaction development exercises that you can practice. Each color represents different kinds of actions that you need to take when the ball is thrown at you. some of the most prominent actions include punching, catching, kicking, dodging, catching once with a right hand and once with the left hand, catching with both hands, etc. For practicing these exercises, you will need a partner to help you. Initially, the speed of the exercise will be slow, but with more practice, you can improve the speed considerably.
- Keeping a clear head is very important
One of the most important things for having great reaction time and good reflexes is a clear head. Having a clear head is not only required in martial art forms, it is needed in all kinds of activities and actions that you perform. Overfocusing and panicking will only make situations worse and you will be beaten down by the opposition easily. Remaining calm with a clear head helps in better focusing on things and thus when opportunities arrive, you will be able to concentrate on the same in a better manner. Relaxing and breathing exercises are the best manners in which the head can be kept clear and reflexes can be improved.
- Action/Reaction combination drilling
For martial arts, which are strike-based, mitt works or reactive pads are an extremely useful and straightforward way of developing reaction times. Whether you are striking with martial arts swords or other martial art equipment, reaction time is important for two things – counter-attacking as well as defending. Sometimes simulated attacks can come at unpredictable moments and angles and without reflex. Learn to hold the swords and other equipment in a proper manner so that you can inflict the blow on the opponent at the right angle and with proper force.
Do not make haste in improving these reflex actions. Develop them slowly yet solidly so that your martial art skills are honed in the right manner.
