Mushin Development Method - An Introduction

A sloth spars with a turtle - Mushin Development Method

The Mushin Development Method (MDM) is a revolutionary training protocol that I developed while coaching a variety of non-martial arts movement disciplines. The realization that martial arts instructors often expect practitioners to learn movements and execute them effectively at high speeds, with a poor success rate, led me to create MDM.

Unlike other movement disciplines, martial arts frequently necessitates re-teaching techniques before students can even begin to grasp the concepts. This inefficiency prompted me to explore a new approach to martial arts training that emphasizes training below the stress threshold to maximize learning and development.

Core Principles of Mushin Development Method (MDM)

While the name of this method is only a couple of years old, the concepts inside have been part of my seminar curriculum since 2016.

Training Below the Stress Threshold

At the heart of MDM is the belief that actual progress in martial arts comes from training below the stress threshold. This is where one feels safe and calm. This state, often called parasympathetic, allows students to remain calm and focused, facilitating deeper learning and skill acquisition. Training beyond this safe zone usually triggers stress responses that impede learning, as students revert to techniques they are most comfortable with rather than exploring new skills.

I want to be clear that I am not opposed to training at higher intensity levels. Instead, I am saying that combining intensity with skill development or skill acquisition is counterproductive. Few physical disciplines expect someone to apply a new skill with intensity, but many martial arts schools routinely do. When training is below the stress threshold, skill development and retention are far superior to the same duration of training above the stress threshold.

It is best to increase intensity slowly as comfort grows. You may worry that this method requires students to take more time to gain comfort at higher intensity levels, but the opposite is true. Adaptation comes as a result of frequency and duration and is preceded by discomfort and safety. Slowly increasing anything creates the opportunity for adaptation, and comfort at a high level of intensity is no different.

Instinctual Movement

MDM posits that most movements, including martial arts techniques, are instinctual. Individuals often intuitively discover effective self-defense techniques when allowed to train slowly in a freeform drill (in most schools, this is sparring or randori). For example, if you throw a ball at someone, their natural reaction is to cover their face. This occurs even if they are not trained in martial arts or baseball. This demonstrates that the human body has an innate understanding of how to protect itself, and this instinct can be honed through MDM.

When we allow students to spend more time understanding these movements at the appropriate intensity level, they can move in ways that require less correction. This means they’re building movement habits that are more accurate to the curriculums we have for them, allowing instructors to spend quality instruction time in other areas.

Focused Development

A key component of MDM is identifying a single development point and training below the stress threshold until a high level is achieved. This approach ensures that students can focus on one aspect of their training at a time. In doing so, allowing quicker and more substantial progress. By concentrating on one element and training it slowly and safely, students can build a robust foundation before moving on to more complex techniques.

If you’ve ever attended one of the whistlekick MATTaC courses, you know we discuss the number of corrections a student can make simultaneously. While there are some exceptions, that number is best considered one. When we ask students to focus on something slowly, they can grasp that concept much faster. Whether it’s trying to help students see the value in moving at angles or applying combinations of techniques, slowing things down and reducing risk is the simplest way to improve the rate of progress.

Building a “Database” of Experiences

The mind cannot think faster than someone else can move, so developing quality instincts is crucial. MDM helps create a “database” of contextualized experiences, which allows martial artists to adjust their automatic reactions based on previous encounters. This database grows over time through consistent practice of drills below the stress threshold, enabling martial artists to become more adept at reacting instinctively in various situations.

We can see this happen consciously, too. There are many areas of life where an event can be predicted because of something else that has occurred. On a sunny Saturday, your neighbor is likely to wash their car, for example. By reducing speed and intensity, the brain has more free resources to observe the actions of those around them unconsciously. This expands the database far faster.

Implementation and Benefits of Mushin Development Method

MDM can be integrated into any martial arts style and works well with partner and group drills. It is less effective for individual drills, which typically do not require the same level of stress management. The techniques and skills that benefit most from MDM are those that induce the most fear and anxiety, such as strikes to the face, high-intensity self-defense scenarios, and sparring.

Engagement among students increases when moving slower, which might seem counterintuitive. This slower pace allows their brains to process information in real-time, leading to exciting discoveries and rapid improvements. Many students finally “see” aspects of their training that instructors have highlighted for years, resulting in faster and more meaningful progress.

Challenges and Reception to MDM

The greatest challenge to implementing MDM is ensuring participants move slowly enough to stay below their stress threshold. Some individuals may resist slowing down. Note also that what feels slow and safe to one person may still be too fast for another. However, the reception of MDM has been overwhelmingly positive. Some schools have incorporated this philosophy into their curriculum, and it is a foundational element at my school. As a result, my students are progressing two to four times faster than those in traditional training programs.

Some people have critiqued this method because it bucks martial arts tradition. When someone says I can’t teach my students this way, I refer them here.

Final Thoughts on Mushin Development Method

The Mushin Development Method offers a new paradigm in martial arts training. Emphasizing training below the stress threshold allows for focusing on instinctual movements. Thus developing a database of contextualized experiences, MDM enables martial artists to progress more quickly and effectively. This method enhances skill acquisition and ensures students remain engaged and motivated throughout their training. These concepts can be integrated into existing curricula or adopted as a standalone philosophy. MDM can transform how martial arts are taught and practiced.