Speed

We often talk about using speed in self-defense yet there is one type of speed that is not discussed and in most martial arts is promoted as a means of “winning” when in reality “winning” is actually more about how fast things finish. Ops, heard that and saying, “What the ….!” 

What brought on this particular terse post is a quote, taken out of context, by Clint Overland at the beginning of Chapter 13 of the book by Marc MacYoung, “In the Name of Self-Defense.” The quote is, “ … Speed equals innocence. … “

This is not the speed your hand travels toward the target on an adversary. It is not moving fast on your feet either. It is how fast you finish removing the danger in self-defense. It is about stopping the attacker, "FAST." 

It is about a perception of others who may be witness to the incident and it may be how the authorities, if involved, perceive this same incident when perceived from witness accounts or that most damning and worst witness, phone video’s. 

Often, speed is taught, practiced and trained as to how fast you can move, apply techniques and do kata but in reality the true value of speed is, “speed equals innocence.”