Practice Makes Permanent
“Amateurs Practice Until They Get it Right; Professionals Practice Until They Can’t Get It Wrong”
– Unknown
Practice is the process of doing something – new or familiar – in order to increase the myelination (commonly incorrectly referred to as muscle memory). Myelination refers to an increase in the fatty sheath surrounding neuronal processes and fibers that increases the efficiency of electrical transmission. Ultimately, this is leads to the process being practiced being repeated easier, faster, and more predictably.
It has often been said that practice makes perfect. This is close. Perfect practice makes permanent.
In any new skill or old, the way you practice does make a difference. In Tim Larkin’s book When Violence Is The Answer, he discussed the value and concept of training slow.
By training slowly, we are deliberately focused on each element of our movement. If we move quickly, we rob ourself of the feedback our body is giving us. My Kempo Instructor David Fullen used to say that anyone can speed through a technique, but the real learning happens when we slow down and pay attention.
Ultimately training slowly is training with great intention and mindfulness. It a very good practice to use with martial arts practice, self-defense training, and even weapons training. As I write this, I have been practicing clean consistent trigger pulls on my handgun. I use MantisX training system for feedback. There are other training mechanisms that I will show you when you train with me in one of my handguns classes.
There is a quote that if often associated with the S.E.A.L.S. and other special forces team. “Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.” I don’t know if it is actually a saying they use or not. Either way there is much power in this.
So when practicing, include slow practice to accentuate the process. My Kempo Instructor always said the speed will be there when you need it. Practice the fundaments. Practice slow. Practice like the professional that practices until they can not get it wrong.
Remember most skills are perishable. Practice regularly. Practice!