Repetitions

[Johnlogic121]

In the martial arts of Ninjutsu, there is a certain degree to which success at a certain techniuqe will help you with related variations. The themes of Ninjutsu appear like regular motifs that weave throughout the art, leading people back to familiar ground over the course of thousands of technique variations. Usually, people work on a common variation about eight times before discarding it to explore other variations, and the most essential variations are practiced thousands of times in various forms. The first thousand repetitions of something are supposed to be associated with improvement of the form, then the next thousand reptitions help bild a reflex, and the next thousand repetitions of a major movement teach 'freedom' from the basic reflex that you have cultivated so that you know how to vary it into other things (generalize it). How do other martial artists here on the forum view repetition in the martial arts? In particular, how do karate enthusiasts approach the number of repeittions needed for successful training?

[NewEnglands_KyoSa]

that's a very complex question because there is mental memory and muscle memory, both are different in different persons. i believe repetition in MAs are very important and techniques should be practiced upon until the practitioner feels comfortable. all variations and potentials areas and ways of attack should be explored, because how you react in stressful situations depend on how you practice.

[Throwdown0850]

this is more of my field John.. Repetition is so important in my opinion.. like I said, I want it to be hard-wired in my body and brain to react without thinking.. that is my ultimate goal.. and my Ninpo Instructor and my Judo instructor has told me to have faith in my skill.. and hearing it everyday, I have actually became to believe in it, so much, that I could deal with fear of a dangerous situation much easier..Mind Manipulation is so cool..

[yingampyang]

Too become a great martial artist , you need to do things over and over agian untill they become like second nature.

[marie curie]

My piano teacher/AP bio teacher/quiz bowl coach always told me that for every mistake, when you are talking about muscle memory, you need to do it like 10 times correctly to erase it completely from your mind. I've never seen any articles or anything on this, but it seems to be enough

[ninjanurse]

My teaching philosophy is based on muscle memory and teaching the students to stop "thinking" their techniques. Mental and physical patterning as well as guided discovery help to achieve this. "Mindless repetition" and muscle memory is developed after many hours and years of training.

[bushido_man96]

this is more of my field John.. Repetition is so important in my opinion.. like I said, I want it to be hard-wired in my body and brain to react without thinking.. that is my ultimate goal.. and my Ninpo Instructor and my Judo instructor has told me to have faith in my skill.. and hearing it everyday, I have actually became to believe in it, so much, that I could deal with fear of a dangerous situation much easier..Mind Manipulation is so cool..

I agree with you again!

I feel that when learning to apply a technique, there are tools used to learn the mechanics initially. This is good for getting your foot in the door on a technique. Then, you should move on to various scenarios where you get to the same end result by adapting the technique. However, I don't think you need to set a number on it; do it this way 1000 times, and then get back to me, and I'll show you how to change it. I think you can get those 1000s of techniques in by doing some initial techniques, then working on variations, and then back to the basics.