Reaction Time, Movement Time and Response Time

Han'no Jikan [反応時間] (reaction time)
Undo jikan [反応時間] (movement time)
Oto jikan [応答時間] (response time)

Oto jikan or response time is that time comprised of both han'no jikan and undo jikan, i.e. reaction time + movement time. When speaking of the OODA, i.e. observation, orientation, decision, action, model we are actually speaking of the oto jikan or response time.

When speaking of oto jikan we are also speaking of the ability to increase our speed. Often speed is thought of as a muscle response, i.e. the hand moves at the speed of light from a ready to a contact for damage time. It takes more than just that movement and if your muscles are not quick twitch type then it becomes even more important to understand the entire process.

Observation and Orientation are involved with reaction time, i.e. the time to see, hear or feel the stimulus. Part of orientation is to discover the danger/no-danger aspect where you determine if there is a danger to you. The decision comes from the answer to the orientation stage or level. If a decision is made that one is in danger then the person must continue with orientation to choose instinctively the action necessary and then make the decision to use said action which moves us into the action stage.

When the action is implemented you get the response time or oto jikan. This is that physical action time where the brain sends the signal to the body part to be used, the muscles responds and the part then "starts" to move all the way through to the "end" of the move where the fist, foot, etc. makes sudden impact with the targeting.

Then to add to this mix the mind also must orient and decide on targeting which in turns changes which technique or action is taken due to the choice of the targeting. As can be perceived by this exercise the less time spent on the stages or levels of the OODA or the han'no, undo and oto jikan the greater the speed, etc.

How do you reduce reaction time, movement time and overall response time. First, recognize the OODA loop/Oto Jikan model and train/practice to remove as much of the time it takes to achieve completion/success as possible. Start with mind training by achieving a mental ability to self-talk as you train and practice so you can maximize the links from mind to body.

Second, find those sections that are more complex and reduce them back to simplistic and natural or associated closely with natural movements, etc. reducing the time the mind spends on orientation and decision, etc.

Third, take this effort and train in reality so that you can even achieve the ability to "skip" some levels, i.e. for instance when in a social conflict when the adversary is still using his talking stage you act thus skipping your going through the OODA levels to reach action.

I took an on-line test for response time and found that fundamentally if you repetitively test yourself with the same test your reaction, movement and response time's improve. I started out with a time of .263 and after five times ended with a .256. Both are pretty good especially at age fifty-eight/nine. Even this simple and not so scientific analysis tells martial artists that repetitive reality based training can build an overall holistic speed that will benefit in self-defense situations.

Finally, these types of things can also achieve faster response times where one can avoid dangerous scenarios/situations - yes?