In order to develop our skill in mixed martial arts training it is imperative that we develop a disciplined training regime that provides adequate repetition of the skill so that it becomes programmed into our brain.
The complexity of martial arts techniques, or for that matter any fighting technique, is particularly demanding in the need for continual reinforcement to raise them from the clumsy and slow conscious incompetence level on to the unconscious competence level experienced by athletes who are "in the zone".
When learning a new skilled movement research has shown that the first 6 hours are the most important for retention. During this period the skill must be trained in a very precise and deliberate manner, under controlled conditions focused on quality of execution (that is optimal technique execution) because this is when the new neural pathways are being formed and reinforced.
Consequently, if the execution is performed as required, then the correct pathways will be set up for the technique. However, if the training and repetition does not pay attention to correct execution such that the skill is practiced with incorrect form then the pathways formed, and reinforced, will result in poor martial arts technique and subsequent low fighting performance.
The very nature of martial arts and learning how to fight makes skill repetition absolutely essential and while there is no replacement for the hands-on mechanical drilling of a martial arts movement on pads or with a partner, the time and energy demands can be very high and thus limiting for the average students development.
The majority of people who train in martial arts, whether it be Muay Thai kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, karate, judo or wrestling, train as a pastime and for reasons that enhance their life-style, aside from their everyday affairs. Therefore, finding the time energy to drill the new skills adequately can be tough unless you're young with no career concerns or wealthy and can afford to take time out.
There is, however, another methodology that we can utilize that has been shown to produce very impressive improvements in motor skill acquisition and performance. Several very robust studies have revealed that the correct use of visualization or visuo motor behavioral rehearsal (VMBR) training will enhance both the and retention and performance of learning skilled motor movements. These techniques are now used routinely by elite athletes throughout the world.
The technique appears to work from the way that our brain brings back a memory of something or imagines something. During these processes the brain uses the same regions and so, by a programmed regime of visualization, we can reinforce a skilled movement or memory.
However, it does require that you have actually executed the skill to begin with and so can totally immerse yourself in the feel of the movement.
For a more detailed discussion on the research backing this phenomenom and a methodology check out my blog articles on the subject at my blog site given below.
By incorporating this technique into your martial arts training program you will provide yourself with an additional means to acquire the repetitions necessary for skill retention and performance improvement outside of the gym or dojo. Just a 30 minute period at some quiet time, without interruptions, during the day is all that is required for significant increases in your mixed martial arts training performance.
For a great in-depth look at gap bridging strategies, that will compliment your learning in all martial arts fighting systems, check out my very comprehensive resource "Mastering the Danger Zone" DVD series which is packed full of concepts and techniques for set ups and "Bridging the Gap" in Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts fighting and the street self defense situation that will put you way ahead of the game when learning mixed martial arts and Muay Thai.
Grab your free video and audio clips here at http://www.UltimateFightingSystems.com.
In addition I often discuss these strategies together with other fight game and self defense tactics in my blog at http://www.UltimateFightingSystems.com/blog that will help you develop your knowledge and experience when learning martial arts and Muay Thai or self defense.
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