Why You Train Form And Speed First In Martial Arts
When you are learning martial arts online there are a few areas in which you need to ensure that you have good techniques. Things like power and accuracy are some of the attributes you need. However if you develop them in the wrong order long term it can lead to bad habits.
This is the order of attributes that you should develop to ensure you have good techniques and avoid bad habits that can be hard to break.
1. Form
2. Speed
3. Power
4. Accuracy
5. Reality
6. Repetition
1. Form
Practice your technique through martial arts home study initially at a constant, steady pace so you can focus on your technique and how it should look, focus on your guard and body posture. If a technique is performed working on form for a long time will help to subconsciously learn the moves. If this is done for months and years then naturally your guard will be tight, your body placement will be at its maximum efficiency and the technique will be done correctly. Good form will help your efficiency and reduce the amount of energy required to execute, helping you to perform longer at a higher level. A good couple of minutes learning a new skill in front of a mirror will pay dividends in the long term development of the skill before progressing to partner work.
2. Speed
Speed is a very important quality to possess, speed can help you generate more power in your technique, increase your strike success rate and help you control an opponent more effectively. To start increasing speed in a new technique, you must focus on being loose, so breathe to relax your muscles. Once you feel you have the form then start adding speed by gradually increasing the speed with adding much more power, each repetition focus achieving the desired results faster and more efficiently each time. You can develop speed by shadow boxing and working with partner.