Time Dilation prior to Motor Action

Slowing the match down is an intricate part of mental flow, being in the zone. This slowing down phenomenon is complex in the brain, but the fact that it occurs for athletes makes it very real and interesting to examine a little closer.

Inside the octagon a split second makes the difference. Thus having the ability to register thoughts instantly and think through everything in the blink of an eye is critical. The Brain regions involved in this phenomenon are the cerebral cortex, the cerebellum, and the basal ganglia. Other areas involve sensory processing neural networks because sensory speeds and frequencies vary in the brain. Yet another aspect is one of anticipation which is largely the domain of the Insula the part of the brain which helps predict the future. The better you predict an opponent’s moves the slower it comes at you.

During motor preparation for striking, attack avoidance, and coordinated movements, visual information processing is enhanced in the brain.

The amount of visual data coming in is increased that it makes time be perceived a little longer and slower. The brain can maximize the flow of visual input. Thus the match will seem to move slower because the brain is working at warp speed.

Increasing neural visual and brain processing efficiency allows the brain to manipulate these sensory frequencies and perceptively slow down the environment so that the athlete can be more responsive and accurate.