Multi-tasking

Not too long ago, I recall reading an article about how humans actually can’t multi-task.  That is to say, we can only really do one thing at once effectively.  If we appear to be doing two or more things, we’re either shorting one of the tasks significantly or we’ve practiced the two actions together so much that our body is performing them as a single action.

Whatever is going on inside our brains, the truth of the matter is that being able to process multiple inputs (or combine them into one) is a very functional skill in fighting.  Can you dodge the incoming punch and deliver your own counter strike?  Can you spot the knife as the verbal bravado is unfolding?

So today, in the spirit of segmentation (the theme of the week), we punched two pads at the same time.  Is it a practical fighting skill?  Over time, perhaps.  Much better to fight one person at a time when faced with multiple opponents but sometimes we don’t get the perfect set up – so why not practice the lousy situation just in case it happens.  Bigger than that though, the concept of having to martially accomplish two things at once with the body – while viewing them as a single action – is huge.  If such actions can become spontaneous for the martial artist… watch out.

Check the students thoughts (and/or poetry) here.