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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 utilization
of a personas full potential through the mathematical
application of Taekwon-Do techniques. The average person
uses only 10 to 20 percent of their potential. Anyone,
regardless of size, age, or sex who can condition
themselves to use 100 percent of their 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.
- Reaction Force
- Concentration
- Equilibrium
- Breath Control
- Mass
- Speed
Reaction Force - Bandong Ryok
According to Newton's Law, every force has as equal
and opposite force. When an automobile crashes into a
wall with the force of 2,000 pounds, the wall will return
a force of 2,000 pounds; or forcing the end of 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 a high speed, by the slightest blow to his head, the
force with which you strike their head would be that of
their own onslaught plus that of your blow.
The two forces combined; theirs, which is large, and
yours, which is small are 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.
Concentration - Jip Joong
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 water hose is greater if the orifice 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.
In conclusion, concentration is done in two ways: one
is to concentrate every muscle of the body, particularly
the bigger muscles around the hip and abdomen (which
theoretically are slower than the smaller muscles of
other parts of the body) towards the appropriate tool to
be used at the proper time; the second way is to
concentrate such mobilized muscles onto the opponent's
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.
Remember, jerking can be executed in two ways:
laterally and vertically.
Equilibrium - Kyun Hyung
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.
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.
Breath Control - Hohup Jojul
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.
Mass - Zilyang
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.
In summarizing, it is necessary to point out that the
principles of force outlined here hold just as true today
in our modern scientific and nuclear age as they did
centuries ago.
I am sure that when you go through this art, both in
theory and in practice, you will find that the scientific
basis of the motions and the real power which comes out a
small human body cannot fail to impress you.
Speed - Sokdo
Speed is the most essential factor of force or power.
Scientifically, force equals mass times acceleration (F =
MA) or (P = MV2), where P = Power, M = Mass
and V = Velocity.
If you drop a large stone gently on a double pane of
glass from a height of three inches its effect will be
minimal. On the other hand, if you throw a small stone
against the same glass with great speed it will
smash.
If you pass your hand through a candle flame the flam
will carry on burning, you can however extinguish the
flame with a controlled punch or kick by stopping the
technique one inch from the flame. The force of
displacement of the air in front of your attacking tool
is enough to extinguish the flame.
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-defence. 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, breath 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.
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