Timing

Speed and timing are complementary as speed in delivery a stroke will lose most of its effectiveness until the stoke is properly timed.

Reaction Time

Reaction time is the time gap between a stimulus and the response.

It may be more completely defined in two ways:

The time the elapses from the occurrence of the stimulus, or cue to act, to the beginning of the muscle movement.
The time from the occurrence of the stimulus to the completion of a simple muscular contraction.

Total reaction consists of three elements:

The time required for the stimulus to reach the receivers (i.e. audio, visual, tactile, etc.).
Plus the time required for the brain to reply the impulse through the proper nerve fibers to the proper muscles.
Plus the time required for the muscles to get into action after receiving the impulse.

Reaction time becomes longer under the following conditions:

Tiredness
Absentmindedness
Emotionally upset (i.e.:fear, anger,etc.)

Opponent's reaction time is lengthened:

Immediately after the completion of a technique.
When his stimuli are combined.
When he is inhaling.
When he withdraws his energy (involves attitude).
When his attention or sight is misdirected.
Generally, when he is physically or mentally off-balanced.

The time taken to make a simple movement will vary according to the speed of the individual fighter.

It is not necessary to execute an action in time with a quick or violet motion. A movement that starts from rest without obvious preparation and proceeds smoothly without hesitation may be so unexpected that it succeeds in hitting the opponent before he is alerted.

By jamming him to disturb his rhythm.
By checking and controlling him (immobilization).
By deflecting his movement and scoring.

Timing means the ability to recognize the right moment and seize the opportunity for an action. Timing can be analyzed through its physical, physiological and psychological aspects.

# A hit may be made as the opponent is preparing or planning to move.
# A hit may land when the opponent is in the midst of a movement.
# A hit may land in the fluctuating cyclic events of tension.
# a hit may be made when the opponent is not paying attention, when his concentration flags.

This perfect moment may be either seized instinctively or provoked consciously. A good fighter must sense rather than perceive his chance to strike.

Aim at quick hitting and do not sacrifice speed for power. A terrific kick and a powerful punch depend on two things: (a) leverage, (b) timing. Timing is an integral part of leverage, but the reverse is not the case. One does not need strength or weight to hit hard. Timing a blow is the secret of powerful hitting.

Broken Rhythm

Ordinarily, two fighters of equal ability can follow each other's movements and, unless there is a considerable difference in speed, they are very likely to stalemate each other. The movements of attacking and defending work almost in rhythm with other. They have a sequential relationship which makes the proper timing of each movement dependent on the previous movement. Although there is a slight advantage in the initiative of the attack, it must also be backed by superior speed in order to land successfully. However, when the rhythm is broken, speed is no longer the primary element in the success of the attack or counterattack of the man who has broken the rhythm. If the rhythm has been well established, there is a tendency to continue in sequence of the movement. In other words, each man is "motor set" to continue the sequence. The man who can break this rhythm by a light hesitation or an unexpected movement can now score an attack or counterattack with only moderate speed; his opponent is motor set to continue with the previous rhythm and before he can adjust to the change, he has been hit. That is why the stroke on time is usually a pretty stroke, for it seems to catch its victim flatfooted.

Tempo

The success of a movement, defense or offensive, depends on whether we perform it at the right time or not. We must surprise our opponent and catch the moment of his helplessness.

From a psychological point of view, the movement of surprise and, from the physical point of view, the moment of helplessness are the right moments to attack. This is the true conception of tempo - choosing the exact psychological and physical moment of weakness in an opponent.

The choice of time is the supreme factor in the success of an offensive. Develop it. Even faultless technique and lightning rapidity will fail if the attack is launched "out of time."

The "how to" is important but to be successful necessitates the "why" and the "when."

An excellent moment to launch an attack is when the opponent is preparing an attack.