tcs-6 The Three Levels of Time Control - Level 1: Reflex and Reaction

Now that we have a better understanding the power we gain by learning to control time, lets break Time Control Sports down into its three skill levels. Think of these as ranks/belts in a traditional martial art.

Level 1: Reflex and Reaction

Your mind can think fast even if you can’t.

I remember seeing a film in school that showed what happened when you touched your hand to a hot stove. The film claimed that the nerves only needed to send the signal (It’s hot!) as far as the spine to get an answer. Had to be, right? Because it couldn’t possibly get to the brain and back in that short a time. Now we realize the message (Then don’t touch it, stupid!) travels all the way to the brain and is answered in a fraction of a second, making you react reflexively to pull your hand away.

The fact is, your mind is capable of processing information faster subconsciously than consciously. Did you actually have to think about slapping that mosquito as it landed on your neck?

Let’s look at what this Level 1 response looks like in context with Time Control Sports.

Training the reflexes is very important. From block punch drills all the way to preset counter attacks and programmed submission holds, all are great examples of training the reflexes. But this will only take you so far in the martial arts.

The Key:

You must learn to program three to four techniques to be truly reflexive.

In the same way that stepping on the brakes of your car to avoid a sudden obstacle in the road is instantaneous, these techniques must be programmed to be instantaneous. Take, for example, the need to be able to plant your fist on your opponent no matter where it is when you’re attacked. Once you get to the point where you can pull your hand out of your pocket and connect it with someone’s nose (for example), you start training to be able to do that with speed and power.

If you’ve fought in tournaments you know that your opponent will inevitably do something annoying like blocking or moving out of the way when you attack (how rude). In the time it takes you to think of the right technique to use, they can be ready with a counter-attack. But if you can train yourself to reflexively use three or four solid basic techniques, you will have more of an edge than you would if you learned a fancy advanced technique. Realistically, how many times have you scored in a point tournament with a flying side kick?

Exercise: To achieve a Level 1 mastery of TCS/CM, choose three or four simple, basic techniques. Then, practice these three or four techniques every chance you get until they are a part of you — weapons you carry with you everywhere you go.

This way, if you are ever attacked you can call upon these ingrained reflexes to smash your assailant silly.

At some point in your training, as you work at making a broader range of techniques reflexive, you will notice that your reactions become correct more often. You block correctly and strike with precision most of the time.

Beginning mastery of Time Control Sports will almost always manifest itself first as a noticeable increase in athletic performance.

You can reach this level (Level 1) of increased performance without Time Control Sports and become a great athlete or fighter. But Time Control Sports takes reflexes to the next level: time manipulation — the level you will have to achieve to become a world class athlete.