In Secrets of the Shaolin Temple Volume I, there is a quote that says...
"Steal a thousand pounds of your opponent's energy with ounces of your own."
Many of the true Masters or experts that you see in the martial arts are not necessarily fast, they're just smooth...no wasted motion.
On top of that, their timing is usually right on. By that I mean that they move just enough, at just the right time, hitting just the right target.
When you combine that smoothness or economy of motion along with great timing, you will feel like you are getting faster. It's the combination of these two principles that will make your skills go through the roof.
One of the masters I train with regularly is in his late forties and his timing is incredible. He isn't faster than everybody; he has no wasted motion at all and he just seems to know what I'm going to do before I even do it.
To get you started on developing your timing, here's a drill for you:
Start by facing your partner with both of you in a matched fighting stance. Choose which one of you will be leading the drill. Measure off the distance by having both of you extend your jabs and touch at the knuckles.
The leader of the drill will either step forward, backward, left or right using the footwork that you would use to step in and hit your target.
The follower must react by matching or mirroring the leader's movement...just like when your reflection moves in the mirror.
When your partner steps forward, you have to react and step back, using the same footwork, keeping the same distance between you and keeping your balance. After every movement, you should measure off with your jabs to make sure the distance hasn't changed.
Go slowly at first. If you are following the leader, you want to be moving at almost that exactly the same time has the leader. If there is a half a second delay or more, it means your reactions are too slow and the leader needs to slow down so that you can see what's going on and work on your reactions.
Whenever you are training always try to start and train slowly at first. Get your timing right and the speed will develop naturally.
To learn more drills and techniques that will increase your speed, build your strength and take your skills to the next level, go to www.shaolinsecrets.com and check out Secrets of the Shaolin Temple Volume I.
Best,
William Huff