Focus is complete attention to the execution of a fencing skill. Flow is the state of being completely engrossed in the execution of a fencing performance to the exclusion of everything else.
When you are in a state of flow, focussing intensely on the execution of fencing skills, you will give your best performance. You enter a state of almost Zen-like meditation in which mood, distraction and different stressors simply have no place in your consciousness. You are free to execute fencing skills just as you have trained to execute them. This is an immensely satisfying state to achieve.
The qualities of flow are:
There are two main things you need to understand:
Your brain is a complex system made up of a vast number of components interacting in a complex and sophisticated way. Much of its function is still not understood.
You will probably be aware of the theory that function of the brain is separated into left and right hemisphere functions. This theory over simplifies the complexity of brain function. It does, however, provide us with a useful model to apply to sports psychology and in particular, focus and flow in fencing.
Functions of your brain are localized into either the left side or the right side in the following way:
The Left Brain (often called the Analyzer) tends to be dominant. This part of the brain analyses and understands new fencing skills and examines existing technique or attitudes for errors and faults. This part of the brain is highly effective during training in improving fencing technique.
The Right Brain (called the Integrator) controls the best performance of a fencing skill by integrating all the components of the skill into one flowing movement in which all the isolated components of the skill work together.
This is important because either your Analyzer or your Integrator should be dominant in different circumstances:
You have achieved flow when your Integrator is in complete control of a fencing performance and is not being distracted either by analysis from the left side of your brain or by external factors.
Your brain has evolved to protect you from danger. An important part of this is the response that draws your attention to unexpected or unusual stimuli. These might, for example, indicate that a predator is about to strike. Things that indicate danger might be:
In a natural environment, this drawing of attention is very important for survival. However in a modern sporting environment these are distractions that break flow. Loud noises can come from cheering crowds. Flashes of light can come from flash photography. Movement can come from performers in unrelated events, etc.
Part of learning flow is learning to isolate the important stimuli for the sport from the irrelevant ones that cause distraction. This will involve learning to selectively override your brains natural reaction to stimuli.
Flow is easiest to achieve when:
Perhaps the most systematic approach to achieving focus and flow so far is that used in oriental martial arts. These adopt a Zen approach to concentration where the fighter is in a state of almost pure flow.
In these sports the competitor seeks to lose all distractions of ego, analysis and from surroundings, immersing him or herself completely within the activity.
The following things in particular are avoided:
Western sports psychology is now advocating an almost identical set of strategies through a skills based approach. If, however, you appreciate a mystical approach, you may appreciate the Zen approach to focus.
If you have a subject that you would like covered or comments, please e-mail me at gord@scarboroughfencing.on.ca.
"All For One And One For All"
Gordon Fong, Head Coach
Scarborough Fencing Club