which would be better for using in a sparring match, power or speed?

Answer 1

How about technique? I like a balance. I like speed, then backup with power. What kind of style are you participating in?

Answer 2

It depends on the opponent you're facing and the type of sparring, but I usually find that if you're trying to learn the moves and how to get a shot past an opponent's defenses, speed is often better; power's more for once you've mastered speed and want to be able to put it to use. But my best advice is to try to use both if you can - use speed to increase power, power to increase speed. I prefer using speed, as I have very little power; however, you always have more power than you know hidden deep inside you somewhere, it's just a matter of bringing it out.

Answer 3

The best way is to find a common ground between the two and work from there.

Power isn't really needed in sparring (especially if you plan on going to tournaments and such) and that is best trained during your kicking and punching drills. Same goes for your speed aspect

Sparring is mainly to teach you how to best use your timing and control of your techniques, speed is only a product of that exercise in timing and control, the better you learn those aspects of sparring the more naturally speed and power will come later.

sparring is all about deception, and making you're opponent block in one direction or move in a direction and then making a mistake to open themselves up for you to make your move in to strike.

basically it's a faster game of "watch the birdie" by getting your opponent to make a mistake and then you capitalizing on it and gaining the advantage.

Answer 4

Depends on what style of martial arts.

If tae kwon do, you would only need the speed and good foot work since there are no throws or points from punches. The sparring rules of tae kwon do should be universal.

In most styles of karate, it is usually no contact to the head, or light contact. Therefore, speed, fakes and quick retrieval of punches are fully required to pevent grabs and take downs.

In Kyokushin karate, that's a whole different story. In kyokushin, it is full contact anywhere (not the groin or what not) except for the head (by kicks is fine though). So, both speed and power are required.

Answer 5

I don't think you should be considering a difference between speed and power. You need to focus on control. If you focus on speed seperatley from power you'll probally find you reaction time slow. Harmony between both is the way to progress. I would focus on delivering more efficent blocks and strikes by truly knowing the limits and then expanding the abilites of your muscles through training.
You cannot gain any advantage with more speed if you miss your mark by a single fraction.

Answer 6

Speed, Speed, and more Speed, the effects of speed can be just as devastating as power. Blunt force trauma gets all the attention but it is the speed at witch it travels that cause the damage.

Answer 7

All depends on what kind of sparring you're doing.

If you're doing some ITF Taekwondo point-tapping nonsense...no power is required...speed is better for combination points.

If you're doing a bit of sparring that requires you to actually hit someone, be nimble on your feet but don't give up what strength you have.

Answer 8

well, you want to use power, but dont hurt the opponent. you could get disqualified. you always want to be faster than your opponent, so they dont have time to completely block. even better than those two are strategy and technique. that is what will get you somewhere,if you can outsmart them with moves they have never seen and dont know how to blcok, use it. change up the moves, dont always kick the same spot with the same kick. dont use sloppy moves either, it just looks horrible, especially for a black belt. white belt; i can understand, black belt i cant. if your moves are clearer, the judges can see what your move is and give you the right amount of points without thinking twice. and, in technique, if you do a roundkick with your foot not extended, but in the position to do a speedbreak on wood, you may hurt your opponent, and you will have less a chance of hitting your opponent. if you extend your foot, you are much less likely to hurt them, and will have more reach, increasing your chances of contact.
hope this helps.

Answer 9

Depends on the style. Some give equal credit for each successful strike, in which case speed is more important. Others give more credit for more powerful blows, in which case power is more important.

Answer 10

you would want to find a balance between the two. if its for a tournament, i would say that you would want slightly more speed than power. you always want to be quicker than your opponent. Remember that it also depends on what style your in. In tae kwon do its more about speed than power... but your movements should still be snappy