Protecting the joints

[joesteph]

There was a past question with responses about elbows and ankles, that someone may be born with a weakness in the joints, and how they dealt with this. I was thinking more in terms of a healthy joint that can become inflamed or even injured by improper martial arts practice.

I think most of us have been cautioned against hyperextending the elbow when punching, that a lockout at the climax of this strike is really too much stress on the joint no matter how strong the arm muscles are. I've discovered that I have to concentrate on avoiding hyperextending the elbow when doing low blocks within a hyung. Kata/hyungs are done against air, not targets, and there can be a snapping motion on a joint like the elbow or knee at the end of the air strike or block, especially if you want to perform with speed and strength.

I've found it easier to control the punch, which is me trying to bury my fist into the imaginary opponent's face or body, than to control the low block, which need only be strong enough to redirect.

[bushido_man96]

I think that not locking out is the big key here. Punches tend to be the worst culprit. Ridge hand strikes to a bag can also be a culprit. Always focusing on technique first is the way to go.