Circular vs. Linear

[Radok]

i study okinawan goju ryu and we practice circular blockd and strikes . in my opinion i think it is much more stronger and faster than a linear attack or block

 

No, a straighter line is definitely a shorter path than a long one.

[michelUSSD]

ya, the shortest distance between any points is a straight line so theoretically a linear block should be faster than a circular block of the same strike.

[Drunken Monkey]

not when the circular block is a hip rotation+hand/arm/elbow position.

 

the hand movement might only be six inches

 

but the hip rotation carries it further and the nature of the movement (assuming that you're structure is sound and positions correct) is faster.

 

which is why i gave the examples as i did earlier.

 

my point is, there isn't always a clear differentiation between circular and straight.

 

it follows that because there is no clear differentiation, any theories based on circular vs straight are only valid based on individual situations.

 

ergo, we are all correct.

[White Warlock]

No, you are all incorrect and i'm correct. My rectangle will take on your circle and straight line any day.

 

Seriously though... this is so entertaining but unless we discuss choreographed particulars, or cement wholey in abstractions, these discussions really aren't altogether viable (as DM contends). The underlying factor that is not being weighed here is that each and every confrontation must be dealt with differently and that which may seem quickest or most effective in the test tube environment of the dojo, often finds an entirely new set of variables to contend with in the 'street.'

[Flying Tiger]

I think the best thing to do is to use a healthyy mix of both linear and circular motions. Like that Bruce Lee quote,"be like water, fill the urine analysis cup, or the teapot, or whatever, and crash hard." (something like that) For example if I'm sparring, It completely throws off my opponent if I start throwing circular back-fist things (I apologize, I don't know the name. I had a friend who took some chinese style with a lotta motions like that). Anyways, adapt. No one style of doing something is wrong or right, it just works better for different things.

[47MartialMan]

Linear is hard, circular is soft. Soft always beats hard.

 

Oh yeah, a constant pouring of water disolves a rock.

 

To make this statement, you have a less "understanding" of many martial arts.

[Shorin Ryuu]

I'd like to say that you can use circular movements to make a line, and linear movements to make a circle...but never use a circle to make a circle...

 

This isn't a facetious post, by the way, it is actually on topic...

[47MartialMan]

hmm... well how about the triangle to overcome the rectangle, or the square to overcome the curve?

 

That would be the pentagon....they are alwyas confused

[47MartialMan]

My style, which i have been involved in for roughly 3 1/2 years, Kuk Sool Won, is very circular. I have also had the pleasure of practicing some Wing Tsun, which is stricktly linear. Both styles are exelent, but i honestly feel that circular is the way to go, although i think being trained in both is a necessity. There are many things in both styles that compliment eachother. Any opinions on Circular vs. Linear?

 

I am thinking he means large circular foot work.

[InsaneTigerCrane]

linear is faster in terms of attack, but i think delta 1 has the right idea.