neurofeedbac k via the Peak Performance Training: alpha protocol for a warrior mind

a warrior mind understands… What is, is What is, can only be known through experiencing When ignorant, to intuit and sense what is; and to do nothing Words hide truth that actions cannot In fear, truth is ignored People overcome by passion ignore logic and reason Decisive action falters when fear of consequences sets in With clarity and understanding, comes decisive, committed action Committing to and taking action reveals then transforms what is

a warrior mind means mental readiness for brain and body demands flexibility grace style technique strength speed

Sequence of topics today 1.Peak Performance Training 2.The warrior zone 3.Neurofeedback 4.The brain deconstructed 5.Brainwaves 6.Conclusion

peak performance training

Can we “design” new training protocols to create the warrior mindset? Can we “bypass” old, weak brain performance states; and “install” new, powerful brain circuits? Can we “entrain” elements of a peak performance state, to live & train in the zone; then perform when required? What, How, When to train?

What does “Mind Peak Performance Training” mean in the context of a warrior mind? Training the attention network to sustain focused attention Training focus and alertness to meet heavy physical demand Training to keep focus up while keeping arousal/stress down Finding the best focus/arousal/attention balance for individuals Identifying individual brain “states” that are optimal for specific skills Performing at peak levels consciously despite environmental stressors, noise and distractions. Learning to recognise your peak performance zone PPT via Mental Toughness – Commitment, Confidence, Composure, Consistency & Concentration

Brain & Mind Self Awareness Check List (T = True, F = False) 1.I am usually eager to perform. 2.I am free of anger, anxiety and stress when I face new challenges. 3.My pre-performance stress is not a problem. 4.My moods are not affected by my competitiveness and need to excel. 5.I get enough sleep. 6.My work and life are in balance. 7.My ability to concentrate over extended periods is generally good. 8.I am happy improving my physical & mental performance one day at a time. (Each “True” answer scores 1 point. Scores of 6 or lower indicates you are probably not able to enter your PP zone) 8

peak performance zone

Winning … Success occurs when an individual’s performance is high enough, within the individual’s performance range zone. Being at the top of your range should be the goal in training for peak performance. Winning is a side effect of peak performance within your zone. Increasing the “top of your range zone” happens over time as you continue peak performance training

The Peak Performance Zone The “Zone” involves a mental state, which includes motivation, attention, focus, centeredness, energized relaxation, and awareness. These are trained and balanced through neurofeedback Additional necessary factors include physical and mental health, appropriate rest, nutrition, relaxation, and freedom from distress Neurofeedback helps you to recognise when you are in the “Zone” Once the “Zone” is experienced you won’t forget it. Knowledge of it assists in organising yourself towards getting back into it Think of the “Zone” as a balanced mid-point of extremes. On one extreme is very low activation such as during sleepy-relaxation with low motivation, which leads to minimal performance. On the other extreme is extreme arousal, such as during excessive drive and stress, which impairs performance. Finding your balance point leads to the “Zone” The “Zone” is an activated, prepared, fully focused state of relaxed, energised, motivated consciousness, in which all other interfering issues disappear.

neurofeedba ck

Neurofeedback and what it does Two Components: methodology of operant conditioning which in a purposeful, systematic training, gives one control over one’s emotions and mind states, and the ability to get “into the performance zone” equipment that monitors and measures the electrical activity of the brain and trains the brain to be readily available to life’s requirements

Why Neurofeedback Works (Operant Conditioning) Brain can change with assistance directed by rewards: for example - light, video, game points and sound Brain assists in finding best/better approach using the newly built brain pathways and networks Brain will remain in new state as it “feels better” Brain is continually used, maintaining “new skill”

“Hey, this is like I am disk-cleaning & defragmenting my brain”

THEN Neurofeedback up to 5 years ago NOW

the brain deconstructed

Why the technology works…the brain is accurately mapped!

THE potential CEO of the BRAIN… The Frontal Lobe makes choices & decisions focuses & maintains attention on-task controls emotions & impulses maintains purpose Are you connected to you brain? Are you THE CEO of it?

Real Time Brainwave Acquisition Signal Cleaning and Processing (Artifacts) Specific target extraction (Software/ Hardware) Brainwave Decoding based on Training Protocol Frequencies Real Time Feedback (≤45 ms) (+ve & -ve (Entraining & Reinforcement of Hebb Synapse) The Neurofeedback process

brainwaves

BEFORE, Brain Output - Unstable Alpha – Stressed and Unfocused Beta – Erratic Attention and Stressed High Beta – Excited, Irritable & Stressed High Beta – Patient and powerful support for High Order Thinking Alpha – Relaxed and Focused Creativity Beta – Calm, Active problem solving AFTER, Brain Output – Stable Before & After Peak Performance Training

Activities that correspond to various brainwave states (should you choose not to train with neurofeedback): Delta: get some deep, uninterrupted sleep Theta: sustain the period before falling asleep Alpha: deep breathing (Yoga), connect to your body (Yoga again) SMR: play an individual sport such as squash, badminton Low Beta: read a non-fiction book (Economist) attentively (speed- read eye-movements), juggle High Beta: hike in the dark…note your response to sudden unknown sounds! Make yourself panic, obsess, get furious Gamma: do puzzles, play mazes, memory games

conclusion

What are the warrior-life implications for Brain Peak Performance Training? Optimal performance in training develops through attention to detail & self-discipline, which should lead to a lot of enjoyable hard work The training process & growth gradually leads to the growth of your warrior personality Only your know how satisfied you are with your warrior development. Dissatisfaction, can lead to greater self- awareness if addressed, or if ignored lead to impaired performance Knowing about, and believing in yourself in relationship to your skill is very important. Self-acceptance supports satisfaction with powerful warrior performance in your zone

Organisations using Neurofeedback for Physical Peak Performance Training… US Special Forces and Navy Seals training United States Olympic Training Center Singapore Olympic Sports Council Football clubs AC Milan, Real Madrid, Chelsea Wingate Institute of Sports & Physical Education, Israel Australian Special Forces All Formula 1 teams West Point Military Academy NASA astronaut training center

Expected outcomes: personnel have the warrior mind-set, mental toughness Able to consciously enter peak performance zones Have total confidence, focus & concentration on skills execution in-performance Our expertise & offerings: training individuals to enter personal peak performance zones helping individuals control performance anxiety and stress achieving right attitude, winning before the game is played