[fastbolt]

Good thread. Interesting thoughts and experiences.

Some thoughts of my own ...

Watch someone methodically and accurately hit a speed bag or a heavy bag in training ... and then flail around with wild swings when actually involved in a fight.

Makes you wonder what exactly they were training themselves to do, right? And under what circumstances?

Now, replace those accurate 'training' punches and the wildly inaccurate punches in a real physical confrontation with bullets. Not good.

There are a number of physiological and psychological conditions which can occur when faced with a fight or flight situation. Some folks may experience some or all of them, and some folks may never experience anything other than an adrenaline surge.

Training can help deal with some of those potential mental and physical conditions, although different folks will probably always experience varying levels of success, or the lack thereof.

Proper training can help. Emphasis on "proper".

A proper mindset can help.

Being 'off balance' either mentally or physically can be a real disadvantage.

Experience can be a hard teacher. Pass/Fail can be unforgiving.

Sheer speed is just that ... sheer speed. If it's achieved at the expense of smooth, coordinated, intentional and effective movement it might be more problematic than helpful.

Now, combine a useful amount of speed with a deftly sure, practiced and smooth application timed to take advantage of the circumstances as presented.

Which would you rather have at your command?