Power Sourcing

[Jay]

I want to see if everyone uses the same method for generating power

so......how does everyone get power into their techniques name the technique and then explain your method for generating power in that attack.

Off you go!

[bushido_man96]

Well, I guess using a simple reverse punch, I like to use the pivot of the rear foot, followed by use of the hip, to generate power.

For a side kick, I try to turn my hips in kind of a turning over/into the kick for power generation. For round kicks, I use a lot of follow through, and then opposite reaction with the same hand as the leg that kicks.

This is definitely easier to demonstrate than it is to explain!

[YoungMan]

In traditional Tae Kwon Do, we believe all power comes from the Dan Jeon, located about 2" below the navel. The stances aid in stability and balance and driving the power forward, but power comes from the Dan Jeon.

This is regardless of the technique being used.

[cross]

It varies slightly depending on the technique, but in general the power comes from hip rotation and slight forward movement.

[ps1]

It varies slightly depending on the technique, but in general the power comes from hip rotation and slight forward movement.

Agreed

It would be tedious to describe the exact movements for each technique. Sometimes the hip motion is side to side, sometimes up and down. Varies with each technique.

Do you have a particular technique you are interested in?

[NightOwl]

It varies slightly depending on the technique, but in general the power comes from hip rotation and slight forward movement.

I think that in general the lower body is the most important in martial arts. Whether it is hip rotation for striking as mentioned, lower body leverage in many grappling styles, or even an emphasis on low stances.

[DWx]

In general mass and speed contribute to power so with most of my techniques I focus on getting them as sharp as possible and then focus on using my body mass with the technique. Most times I utilise my mass through hip movements, depending on the technique of course.

[Zanshin]

To paraphrase a section of Ohgami Sensei's book "Introduction to Karate"

Dynamic energy (or power derived from a technique) is the sum of potential, kinetic and rotational energy.

Potential energy = Using difference in height by kick or punching downwards or (h)

Kinetic energy = Increse in velocity of the technique or (v)

Rotational energy = use of angle velocity (ie by twisting of the fist during a puch) or (rw)

With the following in mind:

E= energy,m= mass, g=gravity acceleration (980 cm/sec2), h=height, v=velocity and rw= angle velocity, the energy equation in basic physics can be understood as follows:-

E=mgh+1/2 mv2 + 1/2m (rw)2

In other words you have the force of gravity that helps you create power, you have the rotation of the punch, but because these two are limited to height and the fact that you can only turn your wrist 180 degrees, the main possibility for gaining energy is velocity.

In order to gain acceleration (as velocity is a function of acceleration over distance) you need force and this where good karate training comes in. Used effectively the strong muscles in the legs and around the waist especially, can create to good acceleration for a punch by using principles such as:

1. Waving of the Body

2. Twisting of the Body

3. Shifting of the body weight

Probably the most important is body twisting. As it allows rapid acceleration whilst still being able to maintain good balance, but the others are also used to great effect. Some more than other depending on style etc.

And who said karate wasn't for the thinking man or woman!

[The BB of C]

I believe it's a combination of body movement, strength, speed, technique and internal energy.

[bushido_man96]

It varies slightly depending on the technique, but in general the power comes from hip rotation and slight forward movement.

I think that in general the lower body is the most important in martial arts. Whether it is hip rotation for striking as mentioned, lower body leverage in many grappling styles, or even an emphasis on low stances.

It would be tedious to describe the exact movements for each technique. Sometimes the hip motion is side to side, sometimes up and down. Varies with each technique.

I like all of these explanations. Very good ways to explain the use and importance of the hips.