How do you develope speed?

[Ryu]

I have a question for everyone. How do you all develope speed? How do you speed train, I want to know because I want to develope more speed, I am very fast as it is, but I want to be "all I can be," the fastest I can be.

 

[Rick E.]

dg Edited January 8, 2004 by Rick E.

[Nikkolaiashimon]

ok here is a scientific reply:

 

By speed im gonna guess that you mean lightening fast reflexes, and not the ability to run a mile in 5 flat.

 

In that case there are a couple things you can do. First REPITION of motion is key for two reasons. Firstly if you constantly repeat the motion you want to speed up, the "fast-twitch" muscles in your arm will develop, this increases your speed, and your control of the motion. Secondly the repition helps build the nerve connections between your muscles and your brain. this allows you to REACT faster.

 

Now to supplement that there are some other things you can. to help speed up the development of your "fast-twitch" muscles you can wear small amounts arm/leg/torso weights. this allows your muscles to become stronger. However when using weights, never practice at full speed cause you can cause injury. (look up further information on using weights in this forum)

 

Lastly to really increase your reaction time sparring is the best thing you can do. the intenseness of combat allows your brain to develop proper responces, and this will help you speed up considerably.

[Practise is the Key]

A technique without speed will have little effect. However, in your efforts to improve your karate, don't go for speed to soon. First get the technique right, then add the speed. as your trainning develop your technique should improve, and with it the speed of delivery. Basic moves often fail as a result of karate-ka telegraphing his intensions by adding extra movement. (Train to give nothing away). (If you do this, it will greatly enhance speed of your attack.)

 

Trust me.

 

Thanks by the way for setting up this board. Bye now.