Isao Machii is a modern-day samurai known for his incredible agility and skill with a sword. He can chop a bullet in half in midair with a swing of his sword, showcasing his extraordinary balance, coordination, and reflexes. Similarly, legendary gunslinger Bob Munden was able to draw and accurately fire his gun in less than a tenth of a second, faster than the average human brain’s reaction time. Despite not belonging to the Edo Period like a Japanese man, Machii’s abilities have made him a legendary figure.
On the other hand, scientists are still studying how the central nervous system plays a role in helping individuals plan and execute complex movements with unconscious effort. For mental athletes like those who compete in the USA Memory Championship, memorizing a deck of cards in 20 seconds or remembering hundreds of names and faces in minutes is second nature. Anthony Dottino, the championship founder, believes anyone can improve their memory with practice. Neuroscientists are researching how memory training impacts brain activity, showing that memory techniques can create networks in the brain that enhance memory retention. A study in the journal Neuron also indicates that average individuals can significantly boost their memories with just six weeks of training, making memory improvement a superpower accessible to everyone.
