So what are the best ways to train the reflexes? Short answer: sports and games (I include martial ‘games’ in here). These things test the reflexes like no other, unless you have some very serious and scary job. Of course, the best games and sports to train your reflexes with would be the ones that you want to do well in. Although a video game that depicts fighting will train your reflexes, it will not train them as well as sparring. Unless what you want to get good at the video game itself. Simple enough, enough said.
Again, keep in mind there are different pieces within reflex that you can train. There is the pure reflex and the subconscious result that you want to program. Pure reflex can be trained with something as simple as a random noise setting you in motion to point at where you think the noise is coming from. Even with this, you are training more than the pure reflex. More complex reflex would be trained by the more complex movements associated with, for instance, a sport. Some of the better ones that I found are training in a fight system, auto racing, mountain biking and competitive tactical shooting. Certainly sports like basketball, football and wrestling should also be very good in training both the mental and physical reflexes.
Other aspects of reflexes are important to be trained and understood. Awareness, coordination, physical strength and agility are some. These are all part and parcel of what makes a good result to your reflex. Training different combinations of tactics or results will develop a more well-rounded repertoire.
Have some comments on my reflex postings? Some things you’d like to try for training in particular? Let me know.
I appreciate the focus on reflexes and looked for specific exercises. What do you think of some of the exercises outlined in this article? http://www.mightyfighter.com/top-7-exercises-on-how-to-improve-reflexes/
Very good article. I like 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7 for special work (defense of stick attack). By far the best would be the pad work.