Many people today want more power in their punches. Some people actually say that speed is not that important because a fight goes to the ground and becomes more grappling. So why bother to work on speed if it's not going to be of any use?
Developing speed will also increase the power that is delivered to your target. This is actually based on a physics formula to discover the amount force delivered from one object to another. So, if your punches become faster, then the amount of damage, you can do also increases.
To increase the speed of your punches, I will cover three of the top pieces of advice I received from my instructors over my thirty plus years of martial arts training. There are many ways to increase speed, but many incorporate power training as well. The training I will outline deals with only speed.
Using multiple punching techniques can over power an opponent by keeping them on the defense to the point of giving up. Imagine getting hit so fast that you cannot block or deliver any counter strikes. This is the basis for the first part speed training.
Begin by selecting three or four punches and chain them together. An example would be a front punch, reverse punch followed by a back fist. You want to start slow so that each punch is delivered properly and flows into the next. Then increase the speed until each "set" of punches can be delivered as fast as possible. Multiple chain sets that are properly delivered can quickly over power an opponent.
Individual punch speed can also be improved with items found around the house. Bruce Lee is credited with a drill which extinguishes a candle with a punch. A stick candle is best, but any candle where the flame is not blocked from the side will work.
You want your fist to about two or three inches from the flame to start. When you punch the wind generated from your punch will blow the candle out. If you have never done this, you may only get the flame to flicker a little. As you progress and become faster you may be able to blow out the candle a few times. Don't become discouraged and keep practicing. Once you are able to extinguish the candle consistently at a two or three-inch range you will want to increase your range by a few inches.
Warning: It is very tempting to lock your elbow with this type of training. Do not lock your arm out as you can damage the ligaments and tendons in your elbow. If repeated locking occurs over a period of time it can lead to damage of the Ulnar or Radial Nerve. Damage of these nerves can lead to weakness in the hand and/or loss of finger coordination.
The third type of speed training also works on your targeting ability. Speed and power count for nothing if you can't hit your target. The only item you need for this training is a small light weight ball such as tennis ball or racquet ball.
There are two ways to perform this drill. First, you can bounce the ball and then punch the ball as it comes into range. If you strike early the ball will hit the floor almost immediately. If you strike late the ball will take off in an upward arch. If the ball goes right or left, then you are either hooking your punch or your fist is turned, which indicates an improper technique. The object is to hit before the ball so that it flies straight. Speed and proper technique are the only way to accomplish this objective.
The second way to perform this drill is slightly more complex and takes a second person. Have your partner stand behind you and toss the ball over your shoulder. It will take some time to get everything correct so that you can strike every time. You can also use these improper tosses to adjust yourself into the correct range.
By using these speed training drills you can correct technique problems, increase the amount of force delivered, and improve your targeting ability. Use one of these techniques for a short period of time then use another to gain the best result.
About The Author John Newport owns Lake Charles Martial Arts in Lake Charles, Louisiana and has been instructing for ten of his 30-plus years in martial arts. To learn how to find or build a successful martial arts school the right way visit http://www.lakecharlesmartialarts.com/ for contact information.
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