Intensity of Training

Visualization works. Training and practice for real encounters has degree's by which it is effective in conditioning the mind to access and apply tactics and strategies to not get hit (my current favorite quote :-). The thought of something triggers the same region of the brain as the real experience. It does so with less intensity but still the same.

In order to make anything work and work well it sometimes, often actually, takes a combination of things to make it to the mind and remain a viable part the mind can use. The experience ingrained in the mind from visualization is much less than if you actually experience the event. Yet, it can still provide the brain with something to draw upon for training/practice purpose but is not optimal.

As we jack up the intensity of training and practice that region of the mind/brain will tend to stick it in memory better than just visualization. Add in a physical enactment of a defense/offense, as in karate for fighting, response along with visualization it provides a bit more and the brain will add more credence to it.

Take the same and add in a partner while doing drills and more brain training and programming will go on with more likelihood it will draw on it in real time increases. You have to ensure that your mind is focused on the intent of practice to make it all work.

Our thoughts seem real    because they trigger brain activity similar to what happens in our brains with the real thing so visualization works. I don't recommend going with it exclusively so adding on layers to actual realistic enactments/training/practice will ensure that it works. I don't intend to promote only visualization but to use it properly with a variety of other more intense trainings will marry the two into the one better.

Nothing will take the place of real life experiences but you can rest assured and know that military over our entire history have proven that other means of attaining the will and the ability is there until hands-on experience is achieved. It's a fact Jack!

The closer to reality the training the closer to fool proof you can get. As fool proof as anything can achieve in this chaotic life we live.