The beginning student may ask; “Where does one obtain the power to create the devastating results attributed to Taekwon-Do?” This power is attributed to the utilisation of a person’s full potential through the mathematical application of Taekwon-Do techniques. The average person uses only 10 to 20 percent of his potential. Anyone, regardless of size, age, or gender who can condition himself to use 100 percent of his potential can also perform the same destructive techniques.
Though training will certainly result in a superb level of physical fitness, it will not necessarily result in the acquisition of extraordinary stamina or superhuman strength. More important, Taekwon-Do training will result in obtaining a high level of reaction force, concentration, equilibrium, breath control and speed; these are the factors that will result in a high degree of physical power.
The principle that as the striking limb is brought forward, other parts of the body should be brought backward in order to provide more power to the striking limb. As an example, if the right leg is brought forward in a roundhouse kick, the right arm is brought backward to provide the reaction force.
According to Newton’s Law, every force has an equal and opposite force.
Eg when a car crashes into a wall with a force of 2000lb, the wall will return a force of 2000lb.
Eg forcing a seesaw down with a ton of weight will provide an upward force of the same weight.
If your opponent is rushing towards you at high speed, even the slightest blow to their head would be that of their own onslaught, plus that of your blow.
The 2 forces combined; theirs, which is large and yours, which is small is quite impressive.
Another reaction force is your own – a punch with the right fist is aided by pulling back the left fist to the hip.
By applying the impact force onto the smallest target area, it will concentrate the force and therefore, increase its effect.
Eg. The force of water coming out of a hose pipe is greater if the orifice is smaller.
Eg. Conversely the weight of a man spread out on snow shoes makes hardly any impression in the snow.
The blows in TKD are often concentrated onto the edge of the open palm or to the crook of the fingers.
It is very important not to unleash all your strength at the beginning, but gradually, and particularly at the point of contact with your opponents body. The force must be so concentrated as to give a knock-out blow.
The shorter the time for concentration, the greater will be the power of the blow (eg shot gun v shot gun with sawn-off barrel).
The upmost concentration is required in order to mobilise every muscle of the body onto the smallest target area simultaneously.
In conclusion, concentration is done in two ways:
- Concentrate every muscle of the body, particularly the bigger muscles around the hip and abdomen (theoretically slower than smaller muscles) towards the appropriate tool to be used at the right time.
- Concentrate such mobilised muscles onto the opponents vital spot. This is the reason why the hip and abdomen are jerked slightly before the hands and feet in any action, whether it be attack or defence.
NOTE: Jerking can be executed in 2 ways – laterally and vertically.
Balance is essential in sport and particularly important in TKD.
If the body is well balanced, a blow is more effective and deadly – if you are off balance, you are easily toppled.
A stance should always be stable, yet flexible for offensive and defensive movements.
Equilibrium is classified into dynamic and static stability. They are inter-related meaning the maximum force can only be produced when 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.
- on the centre of the foot if the bulk of the body weight is 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 a quick attack and instant recovery.
The heel of the rear foot should never be off the ground at the point of impact. This is for good balance and to produce maximum power at the point of impact.
Controlled breathing can…
- Affect your stamina and speed
- Condition the body to receive a blow
- Increase 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.
A slow inhaling helps the preparation of the next movement.
An important rule to remember – never inhale while focussing a block or blow against an opponent – it will impede movement and result in a loss of power.
Students should practice disguised breathing to conceal any outward signs of fatigue – an experienced fighter will press an attack at this point.
One breath is required for one movement with the exception of a continuous motion.
Speed is the most important factor of force/power.
Scientifically, force = mass x 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 principle is applied to TKD.
For this reason, at the moment of impact, the position of the hand is normally lower than the shoulder and the foot lower than the hip, whilst the body is in the air.
Reaction force, breath control, equilibrium, concentration and relaxation of the muscles cannot be ignored – these factors contribute to the speed.
All these factors, together with flexible and rhythmic movements, must be coordinated to produce the maximum power in TKD.
Mathematically, the maximum kinetic energy or force is obtained from maximum body weight and speed.
It is important to increase the body weight during the execution of a blow.
The maximum body weight is applied with the motion of turning the hip.
The large abdominal muscles are twisted to provide additional body momentum. The hip rotates in the same direction as the attacking or blocking tool.
Another way to increase body weight is to use the knee spring. 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.