How martial arts fighters turn off fear.

 Fear is a complex and essential emotion that humans experience. It serves not only to detect danger but also to react appropriately to it. The amygdala, a small almond-shaped structure located in the human brain, is responsible for regulating emotions such as fear.

According to neurophysiologist John Arden, it is possible for an individual to regulate the amygdala's function using evidence-based medicine and neurophysiology. This ability to control fear is particularly crucial for martial arts fighters who must confront dangerous situations regularly. Experts have long recognized that fear often hinders an individual's readiness for close combat, and they have developed specialized techniques to manage or eliminate this emotion.

These techniques mainly focus on two primary behavioral strategies that have evolved in response to danger: fight or flight. Techniques designed to bolster the second strategy are particularly favored by martial arts fighters. These methods primarily involve shifting an individual's psychological state from negative to positive, developing an ideal fighter image, or detaching oneself from the present combat situation. Generally, these techniques are utilized either sequentially or in isolation.

"The Miserly Knight," a work by Alexander Pushkin, features lines that capture the essence of the method of altering psychological states from negative to positive. By utilizing a specific set of techniques based on self-programming, a fighter can experience a brief period of intensified stenic emotions necessary for combat, commonly known as the "Joy of Combat."

The method of entering the image is an ancient practice used by various cultures worldwide. The warrior adopts the habits of a totem animal or an ideal fighter image, resulting in deep psychological transformation. Psychologist, publicist, and martial arts expert Anatoly Taras has devised a technique that allows a duel participant to enter the ideal fighter image at the right moment, with minimal psychological harm after the fight.

The method of detachment from the situation involves dissociating oneself from the present moment, resulting in a state of absence of mind or "mushin." This mental state transforms the warrior into an automaton, above the situation, and devoid of any emotion. However, it requires significant practice over six to twelve months to master.

Neurophysiologists suggest that anyone can reprogram their brain. This process is necessary to prevent fear from dominating one's life. For example, John Arden proposes five ways to regulate the amygdala, responsible for fear. These strategies include avoiding excessive control, not procrastinating unpleasant tasks, embracing the principle of "overcoming paradox," creating positive associations, and using breathing control techniques to manage symptoms of panic attacks.

In conclusion, while fear is a vital emotion, it can sometimes hinder an individual's ability to confront danger effectively. Martial arts fighters and other individuals can benefit from techniques designed to regulate fear, such as altering psychological states, adopting ideal fighter images, and dissociating from the situation. These methods, coupled with strategies to regulate the amygdala, can help individuals overcome fear and improve their ability to manage dangerous situations.