Umph Factor

[sensei8]

The difference between a technique(s) being effective or not lies within its execution. No technique is ever guaranteed!

Will said technique(s) work as prescribed? For example...

A punch, kick, and/or strike will need power at contact. If there's no power at contact to sufficiently impact said target, as one might do is anger said opponent, therefore, wasted some precious time/energy.

A beginner lacks power, an intermediate is learning power, and an advanced practitioner continually refines power.

Will your technique(s) stun or stop or do absolutely nothing to your attacker? Do you hit like a truck? Will your hit debilitate? If you don't know or you're not sure...well...you better find out and fix it asap.

I'm speaking primarily about seasoned BB/veterans of the MA, where I've witnessed the lack of noted power while I'm holding a shield/bag; they seem to only possess questionable power.

Two of my most personal favorite drills to get the umph factor is simple...

WORK THE BAG: Not just any ordinary bag but one with a lot of weight and girth to it. The harder/compacted the bag the better because a pillow dense bag offers no resistance.

WORK THE POOL: Getting in the swimming pool is a great resistance tool because your overall body will be tested in many areas. The resistance is within trying to move all of the water out of your way.

I once worked out with Eric Nolan, and once I saw him drop a knee on an opponent which appeared to lack power, but the reaction of his opponent made me think differently. So, I asked him to demonstrate it on me. He did! We engaged is sparring and then I allowed him to get close to me, and when he closed the distance, WHAM, his appearing weak knee drop to the top of my right thigh felt like I was hit with a sledgehammer. I spun away, but to late, I was soundly overcome by this technique...that had the umph factor!!

[Zaine]

I think your umph factor comes from proper technique. When an advance students refine power, it is usually in the realm of technique. Proper technique generates power regardless of brute force behind said technique. The trick to power is how it is distributed throughout the user's body. All techniques have a point in which they generate power first and it all follows into the part of the body making contact. This is where Kung Fu differs slightly from Karate in that they've taken the time to name the different kinds of power generated.

[bushido_man96]

I agree, Zaine. Power comes through technique, and as technique gets better and more refined, it becomes more possible to add more speed to the technique, adding more power.

[yamesu]

while i agree wholeheartedly that good power comes from technique, I know some body builders who certainly have a lot of "umph" factor without ever having trained to hit....

[straightblast]

I agree however when you are talking about useing the technique to hurt someone, I believe you also mentally need the " intent ". Not having your mind in it or the intent to devisate someone can cause you to fall short of that extra umph.

The pool idea is good, also you might want to try a slow to moderated flowing river or stream.

Regards