How do I improve my speed?

[bushido_man96]

That's a good response, Jiffy. Economy of movement, I think is what Bruce called it.

Addressing drunkenmonkeyblackbelt: by saying you want to get your body into better "karate" shape, I assume that it means you are built a little like me. Here is me: 5'7", 240 - 245, and I ain't no football player. I am not really fat, but I am not really muscled out, either. But, when unfamiliar people see me move and kick, I sometimes get the eyebrow raise. I have a martial arts buddy who told me that "guys that big shouldn't move that fast." I am not bragging, but what I am saying is that you shouldn't worry about how your body looks so much as you should worry about how it functions.

If you are looking to reshape a little, try some cardiovascular exercise, about 20-30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. This should help.