ruertar

I played paintball for the first time today and it really got me thinking.

I realize that it is unfair to try to compare a paint ball match with real-life defensive shooting. Through paint ball, I think I learned something about myself that I need to work on to become a better shooter.

Before each round, I was relatively well composed, I had a pretty clear mind and I could think about strategy and technique.

As soon as the match started and paint balls were whizzing by, I lost my composure. A few times, I completely abandoned a plan I decided on. When waiting behind a barrier for an enemy I knew was coming, I noticed I was hyperventilating. A few times I experienced the myopia that I've often read about.

As the matches went on, I would eventually feel more comfortable (breathing would slow down, I'd could think more strategically, &c). I talked with some of the experienced players and was told that these responses are common and they eventually go away.

I still did okay. I shot a few people and was shot a few times. it was fun! I wonder though, how close these responses are -- the panic, hyperventilation, and myopia -- to how one feels when in a real combat situation and how does one learn to over come them?

My question is:

How do I learn to stay calm and collected in a self defense/combat situation?

__________________
-r