The Importance of Proper Speed in Technique Execution

When practicing martial arts or self defense techniques, speed of execution becomes very important. Many martial arts schools believe that unless you practice at very fast or real time speeds, you will be ill prepared or unable to do them during a real life confrontation.

While full speed execution can be beneficial, it can also be sloppy and inefficient.

Varying your execution speed as competency increases can be invaluable if done properly. It is recommended to perform movements slowly when first learning. This provides an environment that fosters proper execution of all aspects of the technique. It is easier for a martial arts instructor to correct minor mistakes during the slower execution phase. This ensures proper movement, technical proficiency and allows for the student to be successful.

Once a student feels comfortable with the movement, it is possible to add pressure by increasing to moderate speed while still focusing on perfection of execution.

It is important to state that repetitions are important regardless of speed. This provides for training what is referred to as "muscle memory". Muscle memory means that movements practiced over time will become automatic and reflex responses. This is the main factor with variable speed training. Slow movements for perfection and moderate movement for added realism. During the moderate movement phase, it is possible to have your opponent initiate a strike at full, or near to full, speed. This allows you to respond to the initial attack in real time. Once the strike is deflected or blocked, the student can proceed at the appropriate speed to ensure proper technical execution.

In short, it's not necessary to practice or perform movements and techniques at full speed. Training for muscle memory with variable speed ensures that, when needed, the speed of execution will be there.

Now, when I speak of techniques I mean whole techniques. I am not referring to endless punching or kicking in front of a mirror or on a heavy bag. All this teaches you is how to punch and kick. Anyone knowledgeable in martial arts, MMA or self defence, knows that you must learn more than just that in order to be successful or victorious.

Siu Lum Canada is Winnipeg's Shaolin school. We teach the Siu Lum style of kung fu. Our training revolves around real life situations and real life solutions. There is no question that we will not answer.

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