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 Theory of Power
REACTION FORCE
According to Newton's Law, every force has an 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 the 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 at his head,
the force with which you strike his head would be that of his own onslaught plus
that of your blow.
The two forces combined; his, 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.
CONCENTRATION
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
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 center 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 center of the foot if it is necessary to
concentrate the bulk of body weight on one foot. The center 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.
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BREATH CONTROL
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
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 as in figure F. 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
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-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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