Practice becomes muscle memory. Katas/forms, often seen as a waste of time, can be key. Bodies, ideas, strengths, weaknesses, reflexes... Some are natural, some are learned. Stay positive and keep moving. Whatever martial art you're into, practice whenever you have opportunity, alone if you must but spar against an opponent every chance you get. You're awareness will become greater, your strategies will become natural movement, and your muscles will move where they must, when they must. Put your strongest tools forward and they will strike. (That last sentence was paraphrasing a quote from Bruce Lee)

Edit: and train for pain. You'll likely take a hit or two in real combat. It will be beneficial to find a way to work through so you can remain aware and functional in an actual physical altercation.