what settings should i use when capturing martial art fighting ?

[Lakhesis]

what shutterspeed do you think i should use ?
and Do i need a tripod ?

 

[Judobreaker]

You're going to try and capture high speed movement so tripods are rather pointless here.
You'll need high shutter speeds so the subject doesn't get blurred (although you might get some very interesting shots with slightly lower shutter speeds to introduce a little blur on fast moving bodyparts).

 

[ann]

It will depend on the lighting conditions but I would start with 1/500 . Run a few tests by placing your camera in s mode than continue to raise your ISO until you find the exposure that will give you the results you want.

All is going to depend on your equipment and the lighting in the "gym". Do you have fast lens, or are you using the standard kit lens.

A tripod may hinder you if your not use to using one, a mono pod may be easier to handle , but will the venue allow either

 

[480sparky41 40]

The actual answer depends on your gear, your abilities, and the lighting in the venue.

 

[HiddenPearl]

Which martial art in particular and what type of fighting?

 

[table1349]

http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...noob-d3100-angry-wife-help-5.html#post2828113

 

[KmH]

what shutterspeed do you think i should use ?
and Do i need a tripod ?

I suspect your biggest problem will be not having enough light.

Action sports generally requires a shutter speed of at least 1/500, and to stop a kick or a punch you'll likely need more than 1/1000 unless you catch the kick/punch right at the end of the action.
To get shutter speeds that fast at an indoor venue you'll likely need a fast lens, and need to increase the ISO setting on your camera.

Shutter speed, lens aperture and the ISO setting in combination determine the exposure, motion stopping ability, and depth-of-field in the final image.
To that you also need to consider the light metering mode, focus mode, focus area mode, and white balance camera settings.