Is ther any martial art that doesnt require speed strength but soley technique to overcome a powerful opponent

Question

bruce lee claimed that speed and power and strength were essential prerequistes is this the case with all arts then that means you have to continously keep in top physical shape?

Answer 1

Correctly applied martial arts techniques do not require strength. Speed is a nice quality to have but timing is more important. Being able to respond at the right time with correct technique can beat a faster opponent. Any martial arts that is taught correctly will meet your needs.

The issue here is not what art but what instructor. There are many instructors teaching many arts. You want to find an instructor that is very knowledgeable and a good teacher.  

I will not recommend an arts as many others will. Instead I recommend that you visit many martial arts schools and investigate the classes and instructor.

Do not be impressed with rank, titles, or awards. They mean little when looking for a good instructor. You want someone that has 25 or more years of training in a practical art. Those under 35 years of age may but rarely have the qualifications I'm talking about.   Find the most knowledgeable instructor and the art will not matter.

Answer 2

Not sure if speed counts in this but ninjutsu could be an option. In ninjutsu, you use pressure points, angled strikes, and manipuklation to take down your opponent with technique and not just power. Speed may be essential though. Look up Bujinkan, since I think it's the only legit ninjutsu outside of japan. Hapkido and Aikido are possiblilties.

Answer 3

You should always take care of yourself and try to be as healthy as you can be.  

Each person's physical development is limited to their own body-type, too.  You can be light and in-shape (like Lance Armstrong-types) or you can be heavy and in-shape (like Hulk Hogan-types).

Bottom line is that there's always someone out there that will be stronger and faster than you.

The best Martial Arts focus their instruction in a holistic approach of keeping in good shape, but basing their teachings in solid fundamental techniques and timing.

I am a veteran of Special Forces training, so I can very safely tell you that I'm in above-average shape.  I have studied Martial Arts since the age of 5 - beginning with my father, who taught me Judo and Jujitsu - and then, from there, I trained in Kenpo and Goju Karate before I walked into a Shin-Ryu Aikido school.

I tested the philosophy of "Speed & Strength" over "Technique & Timing" with my Aikido instructor (who is well into his fifties, has had knee surgery in both knees, and is a good foot shorter than me).

He physically proved to me that he didn't need to be faster or stronger than I was.  After talking with him a little bit, he convinced me to literally try to break his nose with a punch and before I knew it, he had me on the ground, face-down, while standing over me --- me pinned to the ground in a very uncomfortable arm/shoulder lock.

It takes a lot of time and patience to learn technique and timing moves, which is why so many people choose the "easy" route of brute strength and speed.  Yes, to a talented practitioner, that will carry you to some extent... but, we all get older, slower, and so forth.  And, don't forget the simple fact --- Someone is ALWAYS faster and stronger.

Don't listen to people who say speed and strength always win, because they're just the people who didn't have the discipline to devote themselves in developing true skill and technique.  

It looks almost like magic when you see a small old guy tossing a large, quick, muscular guy around - but, there's no magic to it... its the result of long and arduous training that is the result of true devotion and dedication to an art.

Answer 4

You Can't overcome an opponent with out applying speed to your technique. Your technique without speed will not reach it's target when an opening appears. You can however overcome an opponent with little power if you are proficient. in akaido, tai Chi, chin na or other such systems. It will take commitment, patience and hard work to learn anyone of them.

Answer 5

in a perfect situation:

equally strong opponents -> faster wins. equally fast opponent -> stronger wins. equallu fast and strong opponents -> one with the better technique wins.

you need the speed and the streng that is needed to perform a technique. there is no such ma that is only and just only based on technique.

but i would say that bjj and different jiu jitsu styles are closest to that kind of ma.

Answer 6

If you trained hard and properly when you did train for 5 yrs or more you will still have the edge on someone who never trained as long as you retained confidence in yourself after years of not training.

As one "old timer" said to me "you would be surprised how fast it all comes back once the s**t hits the fan"

Answer 7

Bottom line, you need to be in shape to win at hand to hand combat.

Your heart rate, pulse, blood pressure and breathing rate will all go up due to adrenalin. This will help you for the first 10 seconds of your match or defense of ones self. If the confrontation is not over by then and you are not in shape you will not be able to sustain yourself and you are then at a big disadvantage if the person opposing you is in better shape.

Anyone that tells you other wise you should take their advice with a grain of salt.

Now with that said, you do not have to be it tip top shape to just defend yourself in real life.  Most attackers are not in shape at all but you should always stay fit.  It will give you an advantage when needed and it is healthy.

Bruce was correct.

Answer 8

Timing and technique are what's important. Strength and speed will only get you so far alone and together. If you understand and have perfect timing and technique, then you will outlast and out perform the big musclebound hulks and the little lightning quick guys. The best thing to have would be equal amounts of speed, technique, strength, and timing, as they are all necessary complimenting aspects of the perfect martial artist (on the physical plane).

That said, if you're feeble then you won't be able to do anything and may as well hire a bodyguard or stay home.

The arts that emphasize that are generally the soft styles. The problem is that you need to have a teacher who is knowledgeable enough to teach you the right way. This means that they have you actively participate in sparring of all different scenarios so you will become versed in how to react and attack.

Keeping in physical shape is the healthy thing to do as well, since if you don't keep fit you won't be able to accomplish much if anything.  Just the same as a car, keep it running and in good condition it will last longer.

Answer 9

actually there is but it takes pain tolerance its called the sleeping panda or some thing