ninjanurse

Welcome!

This post was originally published as an article in a dedicated KarateForums.com Articles section, which is no longer online. After the section was closed, this article was most to the most appropriate forum in our community. The author, J.Barnes, states that he has developed his theories of speed training after more than twenty years of studying the martial arts and spending time growing up in a rough city environment. His quest for knowledge and awareness has been sparked by the many physical and mental transformations he has made along the way; and he seeks to share his secrets and advanced training methods to students wishing to excel in the areas of completion and self defense. This book - or guide - was written to help the martial artist find the “truth” about developing speed as speed is a key attribute for success in these areas and reaction speed is often the sole difference between winning and losing a physical confrontation. He states that after reading this guide you will know how to train effectively and be able to separate the “useful from the useless.” Chapter 1: The Speed Loop The exercises and drills presented in the book seem to be contingent on developing “The 7 Components of the Speed Loop” - a term coined by the author to describe his innovative speed training system. Maximum development of each component will help you achieve superior combat speed in a relatively short period of time. The components include reflexes and kinesthetic concepts that can be practiced using various drills that are discussed in the following chapters. Chapter 2: Visual Reflexes With a promise to decrease your reaction time to visual stimuli, this chapter focuses on eye exercises that include warming up, stretching of muscles and massage. He gives a basic overview of visual skills and most of the ensuing drills involve one or more training partners. Chapter 3: Tactile Reflexes Sensitivity training is not new to martial arts and the drills presented here may be familiar to most students of the martial arts. The author is working on the premise that “95% of all street fights” end up in the close distance or grappling range and therefore you need to use your hands to “see” the attacks coming. Drills such as push hands and blind folded wrestling are discussed. Chapter 4: Auditory Reflexes This chapter focuses on auditory reflexes and listening skills - basic ideas not unfamiliar to most non martial artists as well. The drills discussed are again partner oriented and he does give some practical advice for preventing hearing loss. Chapter 5: Adaptation Speed This chapter outlines his theory about developing mental reflexes and “adaptation speed” in order to have effective techniques in a confrontation with the idea being to improve the quickness and accuracy of your movements. Escrima (stick fighting) drills are suggested as well as focus mitt work and good old fashioned mixed sparring drills. Changing it up frequently seems to be the key here. Chapter 6: Initiation Speed Quickness and explosiveness are discussed in this chapter as well as drills and concepts that will “ensure the connection of your attack to the opponent before a counter move can be attempted.” Principles of relaxation, meditation, economy of movement and explosiveness are discussed and easy drills are presented for practice. Chapter 7: Movement Speed The author defines movement speed as the ability to quickly transition from one point to another, as determined by the ability to contract and relax your muscles efficiently. This chapter discusses this theory and drills are suggested to improve explosion, retraction, and flow - with flexibility being the “secret” ingredient. Chapter 8: Alteration Speed Stated to be a “valuable safeguard”, alteration speed involves the ability to change directions in the midst of a movement - essentially having control and balance in your techniques. The ensuing discussion involves general ideas and drills regarding balance and kinesthetic awareness that should increase your ability to counter during a fight should you find yourself under attack. Chapter 9: Speed Hampering Speed hampering is generally anything you can do to slow your opponents reactions to your attacks. This chapter revolves around his reaction time theory and offers strategies to develop this skill. The use of feints and distractions are discussed but no drills are offered. Chapter 10: Supplemental Speed Training This “bonus chapter” is included to help you maximize the components of the “Speed Loop” you have developed through the drills presented in the book. It’s basically a chapter on physical fitness and its importance to the martial artist. He covers basic strength training, flexibility, stamina and diet. Summary and Review It took me a while to get through this book, not because it’s difficult reading but because I had trouble getting into the content. Perhaps it is because I had a pre-conceived idea of what the subject matter entailed and I had a certain expectation that was never fulfilled or perhaps the writing style did not capture my attention, i.e.: large type, excessive spacing, fragmented thoughts and subject matter, etc. The author does give a good introduction to speed training but the ensuing chapters lack detail and leaves you wanting more information - very frustrating for a martial artist looking for additions to knowledge and more "tricks of the trade"! The premise of the book seems to be the "Speed Loop" - a concept that I never found fully explained within the pages and left me wondering what they were as I found eight concepts discussed in the book not seven. I found the book to contain very basic training concepts and drills such as: strength training, stretching and flexibility, diet and nutrition, shadow boxing, balance, timing, feinting, relaxation and explosion - all of which were presented for the beginning martial artist rather than a seasoned veteran (most martial artists will have been exposed to these theories and drills in regular training). There are chapters on developing auditory reflexes and visual sensory drills that I did find interesting, but again very general in nature. In short, this book is an adequate starting point for the beginner and the drills contained in it may be useful although most drills require a training partner which may not be feasible for many. In addition it may be a good resource for instructors looking for classroom ideas. I give it 2 belts out of 5! Title: Speed Training for Martial Arts: How to Maximize Speed for Competition and Self-Defense Author: J. Barnes Publisher: Fitness Lifestyle Buy it at Amazon.com.

How come I am finding out about this on KF? !!!!!!!!!!! Listen to your fellow posters here Laurie. They have some good advice for you. Reevaluate your conversation with him and see if you missed something that might change the outcome. You know how I feel about this subject anyway so I won't offer any advice.....yet!

Good advice here. Your actions reflect upon your teacher-give him the opportunity to offer counsel.

1) Find a dragon you like, find a dove you like, import them to Paint and creat your own logo. 2) Search for on-line logo makers. You can build a logo for a small fee and/or sometimes free.

Welcome!

Welcome!

Welcome!

Welcome!

Currently I use Frances Dean. So far no troubles.

Have fun and update us when you return!

Congrats!

Congrats!

Nice link. It's too bad more schools don't opt for this. I know my school district is way too small minded...it's a shame.

I was born and raised in Denver so I am, of course, a Bronco fan. I think it's the water but I am sure it's a requirment to live there! You have to be a Rockie native to understand..... Anyway, I also like Tampa Bay, Green Bay (yup, a vegan cheese head!!), New England, and Tenessee ( I get around the map)...as long as they aren't playing the Broncos of course. For college ball, if it isn't a Michigan or Florida State game...who cares!!!

Most sauce is vegan anyway-unless you add meat-and the vegan parmesan really does taste pretty close to "real". Eating it without the fake cheese is good too....you'd be surprised the flavors that roll around your mouth when they're not all smothered by cheese! BTW Laurie-I've never tried any of my homemade vegan cheeses on a pizza!!! I'll have to try it and let you know the verdict. Of course it won't be all stringy and rubbery like mozzarella but I'll bet it'll taste better!

Welcome!

Hello and Welcome!

Vegan pizza: Your favorite pizza dough-I like a good whole wheat! Olive oil-be generous for a moister/softer crust Pizza sauce-Wegmans has a great vegan one Load with sliced onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, asparagus spears, artichoke hearts, whatever veggies you want! Personally I like just tomato and onion! Spirinkle with Vegan Paremsan Bake in oven until crust is golden! Walla!!! Vegan pizza!!! No rubbery fake cheese required!

Football is on year round at our house. After NFL & College it's CFL, and then Arena Ball. Once the live games are over it's reruns until NFL starts up again!

kenpo.stylist I like your style!

Pizza, definitely pizza!

First of all I love your avatar! Very Cool!!! Busindoman gives good advice. Returning martial artists should also look for schools that will discuss your experience and current physical condition with you. This is important so there are no false expectations on either side. Take it slow and remember as we age our bodies take longer to heal and are generally less flexible. Good luck!

This is why we do not allow beginners to come more than 2 times per week. The pace of the classes are geared towards students with no experience and limited physical ability-hence, beginners. Martial arts takes time to digest and practice will last a lifetime-you can't get it all in one big lump.

I my shotokan school we did not learn jump kicks until Black Belt. In TKD we start at novice levels (white-orange-yellow)-very basic but helps develop the coordination and leg strength for the more difficult ones later.