In kendo there is often a feeling of helplessness when being struck by an opponent. This feeling is the experience of seeing or sensing an event in your mind in an instant, with your body lagging unable to move FASTER than a split second. The reason why repetitive physical practice is essential is that the muscles used in doing a particular movement will retain the movement information and strengthen the connection path for doing that movement or technique. The result is that the body can respond markedly faster when needed. This is why most strikes can be blocked easily and naturally, the body is reacting to a visual, sensing signal, independent of the mind. It is important to note that in order to learn a sequence of movement, there must be a desire, a benefit and an understanding in your mind to retain the movement information, along with constant repetition. Only then will you you be able to learn and use a technique naturally and appropriately.