The 7 Keys to Martial Arts Speed

Regardless of your martial arts style or method...youallow your reflexes to carry out the movement
cannot apply it unless you can react quickly andselection process automatically. With training, you will
respond instantly. Speed is critical for success inlearn to respond quickly, accurately, and seemingly
competition and self-defense. Razor-sharp reflexeswithout thought.
are often the sole difference between winning and5. Initiation Speed: You must focus on the development
losing a physical confrontation.of your explosiveness, once you have chosen the
By accessing the seven keys to martial arts speed,correct action to initiate. It's not how fast you move,
you can maximize the benefits of your training andbut how soon you get there that really counts. Your
improve your skills for competition and self-defense.attack may be very fast in flight, but a slow takeoff
The absolute best vehicle for accessing the sevenwill severely reduce your chances of effectively
keys to martial arts speed is the Speed Loop (TM)landing that attack on target. Train yourself to make
training system.your movements felt before they are seen by
The Speed Loop is comprised of the sevendeveloping a flawless poker face and the ability to
components of speed and their relationship to eachrelax at will.
other when applied in competition or self-defense. The6. Movement Speed: Movement speed is the ability to
Speed Loop training system is designed to isolate,quickly transfer part or all of your body from one place
transform, maximize, and integrate the seven attributesto another. It is the speed that is most recognized by
of martial arts speed, including:the public at large. In addition to genetics and body
1. Visual Reflexes: This component focuses on theweight, your ability to contract and relax your muscles
training methods that will increase your ability to spotefficiently will determine your movement speed. Don't
openings and track movements. Exceptional visualbe concerned with "demonstration" speed. Your
reflexes allow you to recognize, track, distinguish, adapttraining should focus on developing the "applied" speed
to, and counter movements with precision andthat will help you overwhelm and subdue an opponent
confidence. In the martial arts, visual reflexes arein seconds.
primarily utilized during long range fighting. In addition,7. Alteration Speed: During your training, be sure to
visual reflexes are critical to the success ofengage in drills that will develop the safeguard known
world-class athletes in all competitive sports.as alteration speed. Alteration speed involves the ability
2. Tactile Reflexes: This component focuses on theto quickly change directions in the midst of movement.
training methods that will develop your tactile (touch)Essentially, it involves control of balance and inertia.
reflexes. With practice, you can learn to instantly feelThrough mastery of body mechanics, you can develop
what the opponent is attempting to do by quicklythe ability to stop your movement instantly...just in case
interpreting the direction of his body force. You mustyou initiate a wrong move.
anticipate the opponent's every move when you are inIn addition to the seven keys, you should incorporate
the grappling or trapping range. Ninety-five percent ofspeed hampering drills into your training for complete
all fights end up in close range. Be prepared!speed development. Speed Hampering is the ability to
3. Auditory Reflexes: You can improve your auditoryeffectively slow down the opponent's reaction time to
reflexes by enhancing your listening skills. It is importantyour attacks. Having good speed hampering skills will
to react quickly to what you hear. In a situation whereenhance your ability to confuse, immobilize, and defeat
you must defend yourself against multiple attackers,an opponent.
you will more than likely hear the attack before youBy focusing on the maximum development of each
see it. If you have ever experienced blind sparring, orindividual speed component, your training will be more
fighting in the dark, you know the importance of thisefficient and effective. This will help you develop
attribute.superior speed and reflexes in the shortest possible
4. Adaptation Speed: This component deals with yourtime.
mind's ability to instantaneously select the perfectUse the innovative Speed Loop training system to
action in response to an attack or opening. You shouldimprove the seven keys to martial arts speed and you
develop the ability to instantly select the most effectivewill see a significant improvement in your total speed
movements to use at any point during a physicaland reflexes.
confrontation. Highly developed adaptation speed will