Martial arts: Developing twitch muscles and strength?

Question

I am a martial artists that seeks to develop twitch muscles (speed), flexibility and strength.

a) Would long stretches (since I'm very stiff) negatively impact my objectives.

Answer 1

Yes it would, for the reasons I've stated on the previous answer

And you cannot train slow and be fast, it doesn't work that way. Please look up the principle of specificity. If you want to be quick, you have to train to be quick. Training slow will not transfer over to being quick.

Answer 2

No, stretching will improve it. Fast twitch muscles are built by static exercise, stretching, push ups, toe raises, crunches, and by staying healthy with a good amount of cardiovascular workout at least 2x a week.

Keep away from heavy weight lifting, the more you work on raw strength the clumsier you get. (This is why body builders need to use special forks and spoons)

I also suggest zen workout. The slower you move, the faster you will become. Practice any kata or form, but practice it as SLOW as you POSSIBLY can, this will increase your speed ten fold. With speed comes strength, in the form of fast-twitch muscle. Practice breathing exercises, in through the nose, out through the mouth in a steady rhythem. Each inhale should take 4-7 seconds, and each exhale should take 7 to 10 seconds. This is a mild form of meditation and encourages the body to stay healthy by increasing levels of nitrogen in the blood, and it is also healthy for the mind! Just remember to clear your thoughts.

Good luck, and Merry Christmas!

Answer 3

tai chi and ballet. it worked for me. first my hand and strinking speed tripled then core strength began to build up as flexibilty adjusted.

Answer 4

Look up Plyometrics. What you want to accomplish can be done using this method of exercise.