SPEED = POWER Since the rate in which work is done effects power so greatly, speed becomes the primary concern in increasing that power.  Speed as a whole is thought of as the time elapsed between the beginning of a motion to the end.  This is only one perspective i the measurement of speed. There are many types of speed.    First is perceptual speed.   This is the measure of how quickly one sees an opening or perceives an attack. The second, Mental speed, is the quickness of the mind to decide on the appropriate reaction. Initiation speed comes next, being the rate in which a motion is started or initiated.  Performance speed, most often referred to as speed itself, is the time elapsed between point a and point b.  The last is alteration speed.  This concerns how suddenly a motion can change direction midstream.  Every one of these types effects power in one way or another. With superior mental or reaction speed a weaker man can surely win. With his superb quickness, he lands first, nullifying the adversaries attack.  No matter how big or how strong, if a man does not possess discernible speed, he may never even reach the target. This brings us back to our definition of power.   Since, power is the rate in which work is achieved, when no contact has been made, no work has been performed.  Therefore, there is no power in the attack.        To increase speed as a whole, the individual parts deserve individual attention.  Practice routines should be comprised of specific exercises to augment the weakest attributes.  To strengthen these weak points results in large advancements in power.    FORM & BODY FEEL Along with the imperative need for speed, the proper form is an integral part of power.  This, actually, should be the first concern when learning a new technique.  Before speed can be added, the form must be economical and exact.  The practice of the skill must focus on that form.  With every repetition, the feel (or body feel) should be intently sought.  In proper form the body senses efficiency.  It is essential to learn to recognize that feel.  Recognition is the first step in being able to reproduce that correct motion.  This "body feel" is the mold in which precision is formed. Form itself can also be broken down into separate factors.  Balance, Precision, and economy of motion make up the general outline.  Proper balance is achieved through maintaining a solid foundation.  The body weight should be distributed evenly over the feet.  This balance must be kept throughout the entirety of any motion, from the beginning, the action itself, and through to the end. Improper balance expends unnecessary energy, which is of great detriment to our plan. Without that foundation the appropriate form can never be achieved.    MORE