“There is no separating the mind from the body”  “Train them as one”

1. Conscious- Consciously, we learn through our senses.  We see, hear, smell, and touch things that relay information to our brain.  We learn by filtering the input that comes in through our senses and store the information in an analytical manner. 
2. Subconscious- Subconsciously we learn through our senses too.  Our subconscious has been named by some as our skills factory.  This is because when we learn a skill through repetition, our subconscious stores that skills program for future use.  The subconscious learns without filtering the information and does not analyze input as right or wrong.  In other words, if you practice a move incorrectly, you may consciously know you are doing it wrong, but the subconscious is still recording the move as a learning experience, even though it is wrong. 

1. I have placed a large amount of emphasis on the training design and execution cycles because they are of incredible importance if you want to develop correct skills.  The point is, that when we perform a training repetition, absolutely MUST perform it perfectly.  If not, we will train ourselves to perform the skill wrong. 
2. Everyone knows that it takes at least 1000 repetitions of a certain skill to ingrain it into our subconscious (most believe it takes more, somewhere near 3000), and once that skill is trained it is very, very hard to un-train it or remove it from the subconscious skills program list. 
3. The key: Considering these points, you must take the time to perform every repetition you possibly can correctly in order to write the correct skills programs onto your subconscious brain.

1. Visualization is: Daydreaming with a purpose.
2. There is so much good information about visualization I will try to provide what I believe to be the most important points-

• Visualization should take place as often as you can as long as it is done with focus.
• Although visualization can and should be done in a relaxed state in a quiet area, the most important place to apply and learn good visualization control is during training sessions, or even at real events.  When training, see yourself performing the technique before doing it.  Teach yourself to build this mental link while practicing and you can expect it to happen during real life events.
• To make you visualizations more effective, attempt to break down certain areas of focus.  For example, I may really try to visualize and picture what I want myself to be seeing as I am shooting, or during another session, I might focus on what I want to feel (physically) as I mount a rifle or present a handgun to the target.
• Some challenges for you-

1.      Try to go through an entire training session with visualization alone. (this may take an hour or so, but will build an incredible amount of mental focus)

2.      Visualize nightly, in bed prior to falling asleep.  Pick something different each night; don’t make the mistake of trying to visualize everything you want to work on.

3.      Visualize scenarios (especially those of you training for combative purposes) in small segments throughout the day.  See yourself performing the actions you wish to take correctly.  If you are visualizing a confrontation, ALWAYS see yourself winning the fight.

4.      Professional Warriors- You should spend a large portion of your visualization time seeing yourself succeed against all odds, in the worst of the worst situations.  Visualize that you are superhuman and can not be stopped.  You have a family to go home to.   

1. Self image is how we see ourselves.  It is probably one of the critical keys to performing at your very best.  Experts say that we will rise or fall to whatever image we hold of ourselves.  I personally have a hard time lying to myself to “build” my self image, and have found the following tips have helped me build my own self image and confidence.

• Do the work- This is a big one.  I have a much higher image of myself, and can honestly expect myself to do my best if I have put in the time that I should during my training.  If you are a professional warrior, you absolutely must do the work necessary to be successful.  I don’t this most honest warriors could lie to themselves well enough to build their own confidence if they haven’t put in the sweat and blood during training. 
• Believe you can win- Once again; the first step is doing the work.  Secondly, we must remind ourselves daily, hourly, and certainly during all training sessions that we can and will win.  Those who train to fight (military and law enforcement) must never allow themselves to believe that they can be beaten.  If you are working with NLTA (non lethal training ammunition), then even when you are struck you must fight through the pain and accomplish the mission