All the tactical ninjas say, “slow is smooth; smooth is fast.” Is that just one of those “blah, blah, blah…” pithy comments that gets passed along with no real thought and analysis? I’m going to say no. Here’s why practicing in slow motion works and how it can help you develop important gun-handling skills like drawing from a holster, clearing malfunctions, and reloading pistols and rifles.

While it seems simple, a draw from concealment can get you all tangled up if you focus on speed rather than perfection of movement.

While it seems simple, a draw from concealment can get you all tangled up if you focus on speed rather than perfection of movement.

First, let’s ponder a list of things you can probably do quickly and without conscious thought when you desperately need to.

Retrieve a wallet from your pants pocket.

Hit the brake pedal or shift gears while driving.

Unlock your smartphone and answer an incoming call or text.

Have you ever deliberately practiced these motions in high speed? I haven’t and I’ll bet you haven’t either. What we have done is repeat those physical motions thousands and thousands of times, probably in the exact same way each time.

While it was a corny Hollywood movie, the Karate Kid illustrated the value of perfect repetition. By waxing cars and painting fences using specific hand and arm motions, young Daniel LaRusso developed instinctive movements that were key building blocks of defensive Karate blocks.

READ THE REST: Why Slow is Fast – The Mag Life