What can I do to improve my reflexes?

Question

I want to train myself to have lightning fast reflexes! But my reflexes are currently average, maybe a bit above...what can I do? Thanks.

Answer 1

Well, you can't actually improve your reflexes. But you can improve your reaction time. Your reaction time essentially consists of the amount of time it takes you to recognize a threat, the amount of time it takes you to decide on a response, and the amount of time it takes you to execute your response.
The first two are mainly improved through practice. Visualizing an opponent during one-man forms is an excellent form of practice for this, as is one-step sparring using realistic techniques. Juggling has been shown especially to develop hand-eye coordination.
The final part can also be improved through practice, but is more a matter of conditioning. Your best bet for improving speed is ballistic weight training, although this requires significant dedication to learn proper technique to avoid injuries. For further information on this subject, I recommend the following two books:
http://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Speed-Ted-Weimann/dp/1880336383/sr=8-1/qid=1171466045/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-8951360-5334845?ie=UTF8&s=books

http://www.amazon.com/Speed-Training-Develop-Maximum-Martial/dp/0873648595/sr=8-2/qid=1171466045/ref=pd_bbs_2/105-8951360-5334845?ie=UTF8&s=books

Finally, a man named Tony Blauer has spent the last twenty-odd years developing a martial arts system based on the psychology of combat, and its key technique is utilizing natural reflexes movements to make initial responses to attack. This greatly reduces reaction time, as well. His website is here:
http://www.tonyblauer.com

Train hard!

Answer 2

get bitten by a radioactive spider.....

well when i started off(being poor) I threw a ball at a wall and practice dodging it or had a friend throw a tennis ball at me and dodge that. but idunno honestly if it really accomplish much

A double ended striking bag is good for timing but also instead u can hit it a few times and practice dodging that. You need to be able to move so flexibility and explosive plyometrics training would be benefitical.

If you plan using reflexes for martial arts/fighting/competing what we do in thai boxing which os common in boxing and probably other martial arts it working on focus mitts the partner holding the mitts keeps the mitts down and when they lift it up to the standard striking position(aound their head) then u attack with whatever combos you want to work. this helps simulate finding an opening and once its there u jump on it and react to it.

Also to help with reflexes for dodging once again with the focus mitts the person holding em will occasionally throw a hook or straight with the mitts after you attack making you dodge or block it. (you should have em start off slow and speed up according to ur reaction time, it really doesnt hurt to get hit by one of em anyways, also make sure they dont do it in a timed pattern cuz then you are really reacting to it you're expecting it)

Edit: I like that Saint G "try to predict the action in advance by understanding the subtle cues of fighting." thats true there are many cues a person gives off before excuting an attack.

Answer 3

Lots O ways to improve your reflexes. In general, beleive it or not running is a great way. Basic reflex improvement can be from running to bouncing a ball to hitting a heavy bag. All depends on what your lifestyle is, what your willing to do and what you mean by "improve". Any hand eye activity like hitting a ping pong ball slowly to speeding it up.

Answer 4

he key to improving your reflexes is to act, not react.

reflexes enable you to react to a stimuli, yet you neurological pathways may not be as developed as you would like. so you need to train enough so that you can preempt the attack.

knowing "when to" is the key, not just "how to".

you need top focus on your confidence to make the correct move at any given moment. any second guessing will drop your action and reaction speed enough to make you less than efficient.

so stay positive, know that you can do it.

try to predict the action in advance by understanding the subtle cues of fighting.

though its easier said than done.

Answer 5

you need to focus primarily on performing your technique.

by practicing on proper form of your technique will only improve these attributes of reflexes, speed, strength, and power.

the more you train, the better you'll improve these attributes. but you have to have a good training ethic.

Answer 6

You have to train them. Unless you have a device like a reaction bag that lights up/beeps then you'll have to make do with a training partner.

Answer 7

Close range DodgeBall with tennis ball

Answer 8

try juggling