Originally posted by Mainbeam
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That dude in the cap is one of the single best, most skilled baggers on the planet and he got to that level the same way you can.
(1) understanding the moves that you see in their most basic form (IE...learn the techniques and the difference between techniques and combinations), and (2) practice them with a purpose, hopefully with a realistic and graduated sequence of the simple to the more complex. If you're truly dedicated, you might even learn to write down speed bag combinations so you can remember them under the board or having to review the video over and over, and then you can also write down any new things that you discover.
That would be the easiest way, but not the only way. Of course you can just go and try mimic his movements.
The more you understand the actual mechanics of the bag, ie... Speed Bag sounds and rules of rhythm, Hitting the bag, and some of the advanced aspects of linking, at least in theory, the faster you will progress.
Understanding the theory of how it all works helps give more focus to your practicing and skills progression. I call it practicing with a purpose. Thousands of people punch the speed bag weekly for years and years and never really get any better because they don't know how. Simply practicing with a purpose can really change all that.
Of course, that is all just in my opinion. In real life there are other ways to do it. for instance, many people want to learn the guitar, so they take lessons, learn music theory, learn to read and write music, learn the mechanics of the instrument, (guitar), the frets, body styles etc., learn chord theory and the specifics of chord and music progressions, learn to run scales etc. and over time become an accomplished musician. Then there are others who just pick up a guitar and start playing by emulating someone else. The learn to play some chords, maybe a few favorite lead picks and over time become really good at it until they are an accomplished musician. On stage you might not tell the difference. They both play like guitar masters.
Which way you chose is up to you, however, if you really want to hit the speed bag like that amazing guy in the hat, you might want to know a little about what he knows of the speed bag that's inside his head. I can attest to the fact that he knows a lot about speed bag mechanics.
I'd have to pay a large "change RSVP" fee on the plane ticket and almost triple the plane fare cost now. Rats. 
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