(c) 2009 itkdc.com
(c) 2009 itkdc.com
By applying the impact force
onto the smallest target area,
it will concentrate the force and
therefore increase its effect.
For example, the force of water
coming out of a hose is greater
if the nozzle is smaller.
Conversely, the weight of a
man spread out on snow shoes
makes hardly any impression on
the snow.
The blows in Taekwon-do are often concentrated onto the edge of the open palm or to the crook of the fingers.
It is very important that you should not unleash all your strength at the beginning but gradually, and particularly at the point of contact with your opponent's body, the force must be so concentrated as to give a knock-out blow. That is to say, the shorter the time for the concentration, the greater will be the power of the blow. The utmost concentration is required in order to mobilize every muscle of the body onto the smallest target area simultaneously.
The blows in Taekwon-do are often concentrated onto the edge of the open palm or to the crook of the fingers.
It is very important that you should not unleash all your strength at the beginning but gradually, and particularly at the point of contact with your opponent's body, the force must be so concentrated as to give a knock-out blow. That is to say, the shorter the time for the concentration, the greater will be the power of the blow. The utmost concentration is required in order to mobilize every muscle of the body onto the smallest target area simultaneously.
According to Newton's Law,
every force has an equal and
opposite force.
If your opponent is rushing towards you at high speed, by the slightest blow at his head, the force with which you strike his head would be that of his own attack plus that of your blow.
The two forces combined, your opponent's, which is large, and yours, which is small are quite impressive.
This then is the reaction force from the opponent.
Another reaction force is your own. For example, a punch with the right fist is aided by pulling back the left fist to the hip.
If your opponent is rushing towards you at high speed, by the slightest blow at his head, the force with which you strike his head would be that of his own attack plus that of your blow.
The two forces combined, your opponent's, which is large, and yours, which is small are quite impressive.
This then is the reaction force from the opponent.
Another reaction force is your own. For example, a punch with the right fist is aided by pulling back the left fist to the hip.
Equilibrium is classified into
both dynamic and static
stability. They are so closely
inter-related that the maximum
force can only be produced
when the static stability is
maintained through dynamic
stability.
To maintain good equilibrium, the centre of gravity of the stance must fall on a straight line midway between both legs when the body weight is distributed equally on both legs, or in the centre of the foot if it is necessary to concentrate the bulk of body weight on one foot. The centre of gravity can be adjusted according to body weight. Flexibility and knee spring are also important in maintaining balance for both a quick attack and instant recovery. One additional point; the heel of the rear foot should never be off the ground at the point of impact. This is not only necessary for good balance but also to produce maximum power at the point of impact.
To maintain good equilibrium, the centre of gravity of the stance must fall on a straight line midway between both legs when the body weight is distributed equally on both legs, or in the centre of the foot if it is necessary to concentrate the bulk of body weight on one foot. The centre of gravity can be adjusted according to body weight. Flexibility and knee spring are also important in maintaining balance for both a quick attack and instant recovery. One additional point; the heel of the rear foot should never be off the ground at the point of impact. This is not only necessary for good balance but also to produce maximum power at the point of impact.
Balance is of utmost
importance in any type of
athletics. In Taekwon-Do, it
deserves special consideration.
By keeping the body always in
equilibrium, that is, well
balanced, a blow is more
effective and deadly.
Conversely, the unbalanced one
is easily toppled. The stance
should always be stable yet
flexible, for both offensive and
defensive movements.
Controlled breathing not only
affects one's stamina and
speed but can also condition a
body to receive a blow and
augment the power of a blow
directed against an opponent.
Through practice, breath
stopped in the state of
exhaling at the critical moment
when a blow is landed against
a pressure point on the body
can prevent a loss of
consciousness and stifle pain.
A sharp exhaling of breath at the moment of impact and stopping the breath during the execution of a movement tense the abdomen to concentrate maximum effort on the delivery of the motion, while a slow inhaling helps the preparation of the next movement. An important rule to remember; Never inhale while focusing a block or blow against an opponent. Not only will this impede movement but it will also result in a loss of power.
Students should also practice disguised breathing to conceal any outward signs of fatigue. An experienced fighter will certainly press an attack when he realizes his opponent is on the point of exhaustion. One breath is required for one movement with the exception of a continuous motion.
A sharp exhaling of breath at the moment of impact and stopping the breath during the execution of a movement tense the abdomen to concentrate maximum effort on the delivery of the motion, while a slow inhaling helps the preparation of the next movement. An important rule to remember; Never inhale while focusing a block or blow against an opponent. Not only will this impede movement but it will also result in a loss of power.
Students should also practice disguised breathing to conceal any outward signs of fatigue. An experienced fighter will certainly press an attack when he realizes his opponent is on the point of exhaustion. One breath is required for one movement with the exception of a continuous motion.
Mathematically, the maximum
kinetic energy or force is
obtained from maximum body
weight and speed and it is all
important that the body weight
be increased during the
execution of a blow. No doubt
the maximum body weight is
applied with the motion of
turning the hip. The large
abdominal muscles are twisted
to provide additional body
momentum. Thus the hip
rotates in the same direction as
that of the attacking or
blocking tool. Another way of
increasing body weight is the
utilization of a springing action
of the knee joint. This is
achieved by slightly raising the
hip at the beginning of the
motion and lowering the hip at
the moment of impact to drop
the body weight into the
motion.
Speed is the most essential
factor of force or power.
Scientifically, force equals mass
multiplied by acceleration
(F = MA) or (P = MV2).
According to the theory of kinetic energy, every object increases its weight as well as speed in a downward movement. This very principle is applied to this particular art of self-defense. For this reason, at the moment of impact, the position of the hand normally becomes lower than the shoulder and the foot lower than the hip while the body is in the air.
Reaction force, breathing control, equilibrium, concentration, and relaxation of the muscles cannot be ignored. However, these are the factors that contribute to the speed and all these factors, together with flexible and rhythmic movements, must be well coordinated to produce the maximum power in Taekwon-Do.
(F = MA) or (P = MV2).
According to the theory of kinetic energy, every object increases its weight as well as speed in a downward movement. This very principle is applied to this particular art of self-defense. For this reason, at the moment of impact, the position of the hand normally becomes lower than the shoulder and the foot lower than the hip while the body is in the air.
Reaction force, breathing control, equilibrium, concentration, and relaxation of the muscles cannot be ignored. However, these are the factors that contribute to the speed and all these factors, together with flexible and rhythmic movements, must be well coordinated to produce the maximum power in Taekwon-Do.