Is there any way I can improve my speed?

Question

Mainly I guess it's for martial arts. I want to be able to kick quickly, or move through a sequence of moves fluidly. Do you know any ways to get faster?

Answer 1

here are some suggestions that i have found improved my training, i have rated them in terms of the regularity you should train them on a scale of 1-10

9- run sprints
this is the only really proven way to increase the ballance of your fast twitch muscle fibers

10- get a training partner to push you backwards and kick a paddle while skipping backwards
practice running backwards, then they place the paddle in front of you for a split second
-(this will improve your reflexes)

(take up taekwondo training for speed in your kicks
watch how fast the olympians are
if they kick you once it is over- (this is not much use unless you are willing to train harder and faster then anyone else and with a competant partner))
(take up taichi chuan
take up a chi gong practice
for augumenting the taekwondo training
the relaxation and weight transferrance that are used here are very useful in more explosive arts)

10- perfect your technique- smooth perfect technique= fast and powerful motion

10- develop your flexibility
if you are kicking to the head you must be able to do the splits or the tightness of your legs will slow the kick
do not be afriad of pushing your stretchs too far, so long as you warm up adaquately they will always take a few more inches
if you are really going to be pushing your stretches, rub sandlewood oil into the muscles that give you problems and take some ginko first

keep some deep-heat handy in case you hurt yourself

10- if you are kicking to the body you must be able to stretch far futher than head height

5- practice the movement of the kick slowly in the air in a controlled movement with weights on your legs

3- practice the movement of the kick in an explosive manner with leaping movement with weights in repetitions of say twenty
(this is called polymetrics and rocks)
-(do not over train with weights, do not aim for power if you want speed)

drop your bum and center an inch or so when performing combinations of kicks, this gives you spring from the bottom leg and increases power as well as shortening the reaction time between leg switches
always kick from the bum and in the shortest possible line, let the center of your body always be the area about two inches bellow the belly button
do not do jumping kicks, if you do jumping kicks do not come off the ground
a kicking artist does not rise up in the air but rather dances across the ground in a lowered stance

6-work on the combinations
use a sidekick as a jab, get a ladder and kick the rungs, flicking the leg
all kicks that require a twist of the torso should be trained with a second kick that either flicks it back or fully rotates it
eg, turning kick, back kick combo
eg- hook kick- front snap
-turning kicks should be executed like a front snap
with no wasted energy, or travel and a precise focus
- use lowered kicks most as they have the shortest distance
backicks and front snaps to the groin and stomach

7- train with a tennis ball hung up by string, tapping away with one leg then switching, light fast controlled taps

7- train with a punching bag for explosive combos, gain power from your reaction speed, so always snap the kicks and punches back as fast as possible
power= speed/ time
so reduce the impact time as much as possible
- this reflect action is a key to speed

- work on your ballance, try to find high up and thin to stand on- something like a farm gate or wooden bar to train your kick combos on
pay attention to your body, weight transferrences, and reflex actions


every time you train with a partner, or train in a class, or train your techniques, unless you have decided that you will train slowly for control, train as fast and as hard as you possibly can

Answer 2

You don't need to be able to put your leg behind your head to improve your speed. It helps that your muscles can move and recover after being used going through a traumatic few seconds. You are asking your muscles to do amazing things in short intense periods, make sure your muscles are warmed up, some stretching before practices and races, you do not want your muscles too long that's why you see sprinters are usually well muscled, tight and compact like in comparison to a distance, as a hurdler, high jumper, long jumper etc it helps to be flexible to a point as you are putting your muscles in different configurations. I would say flexibility helps and affects speed in a minimal way the thing you should really be concentrating on is technique and power to improve your speed.

Answer 3

For me, I found that a good way to improve my speed was to run on the treadmill at least three or four times a week for at least 30-45 minutes. That definitely helped me out with my speed and reaction time when I entered into the dojo. Also, it gave me better endurance. That's what I would definitely advocate.

Answer 4

Usually it's through practice that you could improve your speed. However it's important to note that you have to practice to do it fast. Another thing is that you should focus on timing as well, if you can get the timing right no matter how fast your kick is, it will hit the target.

Answer 5

Try using wrist and ankle weights that're adjustable, use them during your training, and after a couple of weeks (at least) you should be able to move faster and with more control.

by training with adjustable weights (in 1lb increments wil;l help you start out comfortably, and work your way up for better strength, speed, and control.

Answer 6

Strart off with some light ankle/wrist weights. When you get comfortable using those, increase the weight. Wearing weights while training will improve speed AND power.

Answer 7

Practice what you want to improve. If you want to kick faster, practice kicking fast. Either get off as many kicks as you can in a short period of time or do a specified number of kicks as quickly as possible. Have a friend time you.

Answer 8

We were taught to be relaxed and only tense the muscles a split second before impact. Helps in fluidity too. Tensed muscles counteract each other so they end up moving slower. Plus you'll move more like a robot and have less flow.

Answer 9

the best way to get smoother at it is practice but while you do get faster by buying some weights that you can wrap around your wrists and ankles and use them the entire time you train. you will get a lot quicker over a short time

Answer 10

line drills. practice practice practice. Getting more muscle there on the leg is gonna help. Are you looking for point sparring or power?