Sparring Drills: Improve your Reaction Time

There are two ways to respond in a fight, according to Sang H. Kim. "

The first is to respond passively; the second is to do it actively. Passively means just block and hit back. Actively means to counterattack followed by quick bodily movement such as footwork or weaving the body to avoid the opponent's attack then hit back. Moving and hitting happens almost simultaneously. I recommend an active response since it reduces your mental reaction time as well as any physical delay in motion."

Here are three drills to practice active counterattacking and improve your reaction time:

1. From fighting stance, slide back 6 to 12 inches very quickly, then move to the side (to the right if you are right handed fighter) at a 45 degree angle. Do 20 to 30 reps.
2. From fighting stance, slide back as in Drill 1, then make a quick rear leg roundhouse kick to the front. Do 20-30 reps.
3. From fighting stance, side step 45 degree to the right rear, and do the same round house kick as quickly as possible. Do 20-30 reps.
   

If you do these drills 5 days a week for 4 weeks, you'll see a significant change in your reaction time.