When reflexes are usually talked about, the reference is often to the knee-jerk reaction we have when the doctor hits your knee with that small, rubber hammer. Or the startle reflex - hearing a blast of loud noise - which affects the nervous system the same way. All these responses are beyond our control. 

In the world of MMA, we care about those reflexes that can be conditioned. This is what we rely on to gain a competitive advantage. It’s always interesting to watch a fight between one man who relies on reflexes going against another who relies on strength. 

Athletes and wild animals rely on sudden movement, on instant acceleration, for survival. The MMA practitioner needs plenty of tough hours in the gym, getting out of the way of flying fists, elbows, feet, legs and knees. Then he’s ready to be locked in the octagon with his opponent