So I get what they are saying and agree that the entire thing is rather dumb. As for getting the reasoning though- that’s pretty simple.
The reason is that the reflex is to flinch. Through training, conditioning, or natural impulse, one’s reflex to a punch being thrown can easily become to evade, block, or counter attack. If one is particularly physically conditioned or tough, one might even simply take the punch and then respond in the opening that leaves based on the intensity of the punch.
Flinching at a punch is generally a terrible reaction. You probably will not avoid the lunch or even likely dispel any appreciable amount of energy from the impact. If you flinch at a “fake punch,” your timing is generally WAY off because in terms of evasion, the person hasn’t actually thrown a punch and so you are now open and they can adjust the hit you mid punch. In terms of dispelling force by traveling with the blow, you’ve moved to much too early.
It is also the case that a flinch is generally a response to a surprise. Meaning that you either did not see the punch coming or were not aware of your surroundings. Essentially, flinching can be taken as a sign that one is probably not prepared or equipped for defending themselves- the root beyond all this is one of control. A person essentially controlled you- through a simply motion they elicited a desired response. It’s a type of dominance. Coupled with the aforementioned factors- your flinch essentially shows a “fear,” of that person. You perceive their punch as a danger, AND you don’t have a mechanism to defend or counter that danger. Thusly they have shown a dominance over you. Now- of course that isn’t exactly 100% correct. Even trained and skilled fighters can flinch when someone cocks back and they aren’t expecting it or their mind is distracted etc. and of course you may be able to take them in an actual fight even if you flinched at a fake punch.
But that is the general perception. I mean- just because someone is a championship fighter in the ring doesn’t mean they can win a fight on the street anymore than being a pro at call of duty means you would be skilled in the battlefield. We use these sort of little games and contests to try and create a “pecking order” without having to actually fight or put ourselves in danger or complicated situations etc. so the “flinch test” is basically just testing if you’re a “bitch” or not. Will you take a hit head on because you aren’t afraid of the pain? Will you attack back? Will you show the skill or reflex to have the timing to not respond to the punch until it is actually a danger? Or will you be caught off guard and react in a way that is essentially useless and is pretty much a form of panic in the face of danger?
Not saying that it is evolved or accurate even- just to those that don’t “get it,” that’s what it is.
The reason is that the reflex is to flinch. Through training, conditioning, or natural impulse, one’s reflex to a punch being thrown can easily become to evade, block, or counter attack. If one is particularly physically conditioned or tough, one might even simply take the punch and then respond in the opening that leaves based on the intensity of the punch.
Flinching at a punch is generally a terrible reaction. You probably will not avoid the lunch or even likely dispel any appreciable amount of energy from the impact. If you flinch at a “fake punch,” your timing is generally WAY off because in terms of evasion, the person hasn’t actually thrown a punch and so you are now open and they can adjust the hit you mid punch. In terms of dispelling force by traveling with the blow, you’ve moved to much too early.
Not saying that it is evolved or accurate even- just to those that don’t “get it,” that’s what it is.
Oops. Guess I’m a wimp.