Find a couple that are simple, direct, and work well for you then practice them to death. Every technique in your arsenal should be selected for its simplicity and effectiveness. Do not overload yourself with flowery garbage that can only be used against a drunk, overweight, seventy year old with a wooden leg. Chances are, he will not show up for a sparring session anytime soon. After you have perceived the need to act and have mentally sent the signals to the proper muscles, it then comes down to how quickly you can physically initiate the motion.
Improvement requires a concentrated effort on a very small amount of physical motion.
Supplemental training, such as weights or calisthenics are great to strengthen the major muscle groups involved in the initiation. When doing so, it is important to note that you should be working fast twitch fibers of the muscles rather than the slow. You need quick, explosive power as opposed to raw strength. This is acquired using fast explosive repetitions with light weights. Another type of supplemental exercise that can be of benefit is isometrics.