Where does speed come from?

In kendo speed is important but finding that speed is difficult. Go too fast and you risk losing effective technique. Go too slow and, well, you go to slow.

Or do you? I've be told that slow is better than fast and, after watching videos of my dismal performance it is clear that my attempts at speed merit a second look at the concept of "slow."

The challenge is to combine a good technique with an understanding of the opponent's timing and strategy. So one may be slow but in fact one gets a valid strike by taking a good measure of the opponent and his/her strategy (so say the ancients).

If that is successful, then speed is secondary because I'll always be there first! Well, only time will tell...