Spontaneity: What It Is and How to Achieve It

Spontaneity is the split-second response to an opponent’s aggressive action. It is the reaction that occurs without deliberate thought. However, this does not mean that no thinking is involved because no action is possible without a deliberate command of the mind. Spontaneity is quick, natural, and direct thinking, the same type of thinking involved when we walk and breathe.

While practicing to acquire spontaneity, you must first concentrate on learning the proper mechanics of a particular technique. Once you have achieved sufficient skill in its correct execution, you slowly increase the speed until you can proficiently perform the technique at combat speed.

Over time, with this increase in speed and the performance of thousands of repetitions, the movement will become natural and spontaneous. A natural movement is directed by the subconscious mind.

It takes a minimum of 5000 repetitions for a technique to become natural and to produce the spontaneous response needed in an unprovoked confrontation. Few people have the patience and discipline required to stick to the task until 5000 repetitions are logged. Unless you attend to this training with care and dedication, no matter what style you practice, you will not be able to cope in a real fighting situation because your mind will be restrained by hesitation, apprehension, and, in many cases, FEAR.

The goal of 5000 repetitions is easily attainable if you apply yourself. With only 50 repetitions of a single technique, practiced on both sides, you can complete 5000 repetitions in 100 days. And if you double your effort, you can reach the goal in half the time. Start with a simple technique, be disciplined, and don’t let up until the work is done.

This method applies to single techniques as well as to combinations and Tao Lu (Forms or Kata). Five thousand repetitions of a single technique require less time to achieve than a combination consisting of 3 or more techniques. A form that may contain 50 or more individual movements is quite a task, and one that is achieved only through serious determination and perseverance.

Since not all techniques contained in the structure of a Form are functional, or at least not functional for everyone, it is wise to select movements that are more suitable for you when you implement this repetitive work. This is not to say that forms don’t have their function, but simply that the method of selecting certain techniques is more economical and attainable.

I personally follow the 5000 repetitions guideline in my own practice; however, I always incorporate a combination which consists of a minimum of three techniques. When I choose a combination to practice, I have certain goals in mind which implement not only the physical techniques, but also proper breathing and a fighting strategy.