Learning a martial art is a lot of hard work, and this especially applies if you are a complete beginner. An average training session includes warming up, learning a new technique, practicing it over and over again and then sparring. If nobody has told you by now, drills and repetition are the cornerstones of any training routine.
If you sign up for our martial arts program in Peakhurst, you are going to do a lot of drills and repetition, no matter whether you are training Muay Thai, Karate, MMA, Wrestling, Judo, Boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, etc. and there is a good reason for this.
Muscle Memory
Motor learning, or muscle memory is a form of procedural memory, and the definition says it all: “Muscle memory involves consolidating a specific motor task into memory through repetition”. With the repetition being the keyword here, you get the picture. Every movement has to be repeated as many times as necessary to become part of procedural memory.
It is important to know that the muscle learning process is specific for each individual, and you will find out during sparring that some movements come very natural to you, while you have to stop and think for a split of a second about performing others.
This is why our Sydney martial arts instructors always pay close attention to students in order to pinpoint the techniques each student has to work on. This is one part of why repetition is important in martial arts, so let’s move to another.
Focus on Opponent Rather Than Self
Why is it important to repeat the same techniques over and over besides mastering them? Once you have repeated many techniques and memorised them, they will become a part of your automatic response arsenal. Your body will know what to do, whether you find yourself in attack or defence.
When you master the technique, you won’t have to worry if you are doing it properly or if it’s the right moment to use it. Through repetition you will be able to pay attention to your opponent.
With this knowledge come certain calmness and mental toughness. You will be able to focus on the task at hand and plan how and when you want to spend your energy and go for a takedown, lock, knockout, clinch, etc.
Better Performance in Competition
As we said, drills are also an inseparable part of martial arts training. During drills, students practice specific skills and techniques over and over again. The drills can be done through sparring, in front of the mirror or just against an imaginary opponent.
The main purpose of drills is to improve the fighter’s skill, technique and reflexes. This is why our Sydney martial arts instructors at Integrated Combat Centre focus on drills and tend to time them right during training.
Good drill practice incorporates hard work and a lot of repetition under the supervision of a martial arts instructor. The goal is to reach the point where a fighter doesn’t need to think about which muscle group he has to activate.
Since the point of reacting freely and without conscious thought is very hard to achieve, you have to participate in drills regularly and work on them with intensity. It is advised to perform drills several times in short time intervals. These have better results than the long drills performed in longer time intervals, because there is less chance of your form breaking down, and you want to drill with perfect form.
Drills Help Improve Weaknesses
It is important to know that drills are not performed mindlessly. Some drills fit the training plan and they are used to help martial arts students integrate a new technique, but sometimes drills are custom-tailored for each individual fighter. After the instructor identifies a student’s weaknesses he can tell him exactly what drill to do in order to improve.
This ability to design on-the-spot drills come from the long experience of our Sydney martial arts instructors, who coach with both great concern and passion.
As you can see, drills and repetition are indeed very important aspects of martial art training. This is why our Sydney martial arts instructors pay a lot of attention to these two things. As a student, it is important to acknowledge the importance of these training methods.
Furthermore, if you would like to experience great drills first hand, you can always visit us and make use of our free trial. You can also reach out to us, and our dedicated staff will help you by answering any questions you might have.
Give our BJJ program a go and experience the improvements to all of these fields. It is considered to be an excellent first style where the skills are easily transferable.
"My kids have been training for three months now at ICC and I have been really impressed with the instructors and the level of professionalism with which they run their club. Not only are they superb martial artists in their own right but they are also great with children which was a big factor in my decision to enroll them at ICC. Having trained for many years as a younger man I knew what I was after and ICC was daylights ahead of other clubs/styles in our area of Sydney."
"ICC is such a fantastic martial arts centre. It provides the kids with such a caring environment and a place where they feel truly excepted no matter what their ability. My eldest son is autistic and the instructors have all
gone out of their way to help him and make him feel included. They also have a wide variety of different classes and for all ages. I would highly recommend this centre to anyone that wants to give martial arts a go."
"An exceptional mixed martial arts centre led by a team of dedicated, highly-experienced, qualified and friendly martial artists, who are extremely passionate about teaching their students to embrace the form of martial arts.Their support and guidance has helped their students grow both personally and professionally. It has allowed them to build confidence, show respect towards others and themselves and most importantly to have fun doing what they love most.I highlighy recommend this centre if you’re looking for a family-orientated centre that prides themselves for continuous improvement, encourages their students to reach their full potential and is guided by
highly-motivated, skilled martial artists."
"ICC has been a wonderful place for my child to learn and develop skills in jujitsu while in a safe environment. The instructors are brilliant and make learning fun and exciting for the children while instilling the importance of the art and using the techniques correctly. We have and will continue to enjoy being apart of ICC community."
"I normally don't give reviews but my experience at ICC has been exceptional. I would strongly recommend anyone thinking of doing self defence classes or anyone wanting to learn BJJ to come down and give ICC a shot. David and Steven are highly skilled and do a great job of taking the time to teach all their students the most intricate detail of every move they learn."