In Martial Arts Training, part of the curriculum is learning Forms or Kata. These forms are a physical library of the techniques associated with the rank (belt) the student has achieved. Each new form builds on the previous form and together they represent the training/academic side of the art. This side of the art is stress free training and is meant to be learned through slow perfect practice and then brought up to the desired tempo.
These form techniques are meant to be further refined, and once mastered, brought into the real world through self-defense training and sparring which represent the functional/improvisational side of the art. This is where training is brought to bear on real life situations.
To me, Dry Fire Training feels like Kata. Take the entire Draw to Shot sequence for example. This sequence can be broken down into many distinct movements or techniques:
- Procuring the master grip in the holster
- Removing the pistol and pointing the muzzle towards the target
- Procuring the two-hand grip
- Pressing the pistol out to the target
- Obtaining the sight picture and re-aligning the sights
- Pressing the trigger
You can probably even break them down further if necessary. The point is that this sequence really no different than:
- Low block
- Front kick
- Middle block
- Punch
If you think about it. When I practice dry fire training, I view the training as a choreographed sequence of a library of techniques. For me, it helps to slow me down and it adds a sense of reverence to the practice, a desire to do it perfectly. Because once I learn the form perfectly and have embodied the techniques, I won’t have to think about them when I need them in a competition. The techniques will just be there.