Speed of Techniques

Whenever we practice a set of techniques in class, we all have the tendency to try and speed things up although this often comes to the detriment of the technique itself. Whether we’re talking Promised Sparing, HapKiDo Cane, Stick, or PaSaRyu forms, we have to be continually reminding ourselves and students that a quicker speed rarely equates to a more effective technique.

Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. This was a saying I picked up in the Marines and it didn’t completely sink in until years later. How can going slower improve the speed? Concentrating on the technique and smoothness will sharpen the effectiveness of the technique. The effectiveness of the technique is often confused or attributed with the speed. Focus on the technique by slowing down. Proper execution will produce smooth techniques that will appear and provide the quickness desired. It is often hard to explain to students that the slower you execute the technique, the faster it will become.

For 2012, the theme will remain – Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.

Go faster by slowing down.

SUN!

Mr. Dragon