There is a direct correlation between speed and timing in not just martial arts, but any object in movement. These qualities are absolutely essential, and are in fact intertwined with other qualities and quantities in martial arts. Most martial artists speak of speed. But speed is a scalar quality with magnitude but no direction. However, in martial arts, speed without a purposeful direct would be meaningless. It is like making a good cup of coffee, but then instead of drinking it, you go ahead and dump it in trash. To be more accurate we should actually put it in terms of velocity and not speed. Velocity involves not only magnitude, but also displacement from some point X to point Y.
The key is to have a minimum velocity (directional displacement from some point to an entirely different point with a definite direction). This way we can get create maximum impact, but minimize energy wastage at the same time. To do this, the quality of timing has to come in. Timing and its source is derived from mental perspicacity, visual perception, proper choice, and accurate judgment. The better your timing is, the less you are required to use raw speed. Once, both of the elements of velocity and timing are realized and harmonized, most other attributes in fighting can be realized----things such as footwork, spatial relationship, and vector applications.
Such a fighter would be hard to hit, and difficult to evade from. After years of training, the two elements, sort of become instinctual and reflexive. They also become easier to maintain as you grow older. Most importantly, they overlap with the function of proprioceptors.
In short keep in mind that this blog article is a short and even inadequate piece of information that I wanted to share with the friends on the subject of the so called speed, and timing and their importance for fighting skills. The best recommendation that I can give you in order to develop your speed and timing is try to hook up with the right instructors to coach you a long with proper drills first, and then get you to spar most of the times------ AFTER you have reached an appropriate skills level to be able to execute simple moves under pressure.
Good luck on your training.
SHAHRAM MOOSAVI
480-489-7202
