Scary, eh? Woohhh… this one is especially important for self-defense reflexes. Most physical altercations occur after dark (for a variety of reasons). Thus, if you are practicing self-defense or martial art techniques, why not practice in the most probable environment? Assailants are typically not going to attack you in brightly lit dojos with clean, padded floors. Practice in the darkest, dirtiest place you have in your home (usually the basement). Put curtains over your basement windows to let through a minimum amount of light. Make the room dark enough so that your “visible” radius is 10 to 15 feet; after that, things should lie in the shadows.

Worried about not being able to see your form while you practice improving your reflexes? Practice with the lights on first, knowing how it feels to perform correct movements. After turning off the lights, make sure you stay congruent with those movements. It will be tough at first with limited sight, however after enough repetitions you may follow correct form. Eventually, you will be able to execute movements just as well in the dark as in the light. In a night fight, this can seriously work to your advantage in solidifying your reflexes.

Additionally, focus on engaging your “target” (be it a punching bag, or simply the air) using your peripherals. For example while in the dark, face perpendicular to your striking target, watching it with your peripheral vision. Practice striking initially in your peripheral and then turning to fully engage. This works great for “opening” your peripherals and helping you to recognize threats not immediately visible in front of you.