Rotational Dynamics

[sensei8]

Rotational dynamics speak a lot to most karateka's. However, it's an often misunderstood principle while on the floor. I've seen karateka's overdo/over reaching, the dynamics thinking that is how said dynamic should be trained; and it's not.

Frustration tends to push karateka's down the path of not making rotational dynamics all that important; the apex of the power curve is treated more as a numbing thing than as a helpful thing. Bad muscle memory takes over and it's a hard thing to erase, but not impossible.

Does your style of karate teach rotational dynamics?

OR...

Have they turned their back from rotational dynamics?

Your thoughts, please.

[DWx]

Could you define "rotational dynamics"?

[sensei8]

Could you define "rotational dynamics"?

Torque!!

Rotation of hips, relaxation of elbow joints to accentuate the technique, transforming rotational momentum into linear momentum...this amplifies impact!!

[Wastelander]

We certainly utilize and emphasize the use of torque, in addition to sinking or rising body weight, for power generation and force transfer. I recently got the chance to train in old-style Okinawan Shuri-Te, and that system also uses body rotation, sinking, and rising, but differently than more "modern" systems of karate. The body can only be used so many ways, so it isn't surprising, in my opinion, that we would see the same or similar methods of power generation.

[GojuRyu Bahrain]

i vote that it is important, but like with anything, there are pros and cons with rotational dynamics:

PRO (using rotation increases)

Power, reach, commitment to the technique

CONS (not using it helps with)

Speed (frequency of strikes), precision (to hit the target), better defensive posture (see below)

Most styles that I know have a heavy bias for rotational dynamic so the benefits should be more accepted. Others , particularly Uechi Ryu or Ving Tsun have a lot of techniques that focus on fast hands while maintaining a compact torso musculature (no or very restricted rotation), which is helpful to resist incoming strikes. Pros and cons, practice all, I say!

[sensei8]

i vote that it is important, but like with anything, there are pros and cons with rotational dynamics:

PRO (using rotation increases)

Power, reach, commitment to the technique

CONS (not using it helps with)

Speed (frequency of strikes), precision (to hit the target), better defensive posture (see below)

Most styles that I know have a heavy bias for rotational dynamic so the benefits should be more accepted. Others , particularly Uechi Ryu or Ving Tsun have a lot of techniques that focus on fast hands while maintaining a compact torso musculature (no or very restricted rotation), which is helpful to resist incoming strikes. Pros and cons, practice all, I say!

I believe that the pros and cons are not with the style or the methodology or ideology, but more with the practitioner, imho.

[guird]

generating power in your punches from hip rotation...as opposed to what?

I know wc has a very particular movement that allows them to produce more power than you would expect with the arm alone, but in most other styles isn't body rotation the principal generator of force in punching?

[sensei8]

generating power in your punches from hip rotation...as opposed to what?

I know wc has a very particular movement that allows them to produce more power than you would expect with the arm alone, but in most other styles isn't body rotation the principal generator of force in punching?

As opposed to not generating power in ones punches by any other means away from hip rotation. The arm alone is just that, alone.

[Kusotare]

Rotating the body around a central axis is one method of generating the kinetic energy required to execute certain techniques (there are other ways of course).

However there is a paradox within karate training in that making large rotational movements – whilst creating more energy –is too slow and will probably give your opponent an in!

This is where practicing kata like Naihanchi – comes into play.

When practiced diligently (and with correct postural alignment) Naihanchi inhibits the amount of rotation one can put in from the waist up – so large slow movements are trained out in favour of smaller “sharper” movements. Rotation is still there (and important) but it’s a reduced and a lot faster.

Learning this skill is not easy, as time is needed to develop the core “explosive” muscles to do this – but that’s why we have to practice Naihanchi every day.

The net result is that you are still “rotating” to generate the power however you are doing it with quicker motions meaning you get the jump on your opponent and that you need less space between them and you to create the necessary power.

Watch some of the old masters perform a punch and, to the untrained eye, there appears to be little or no rotation… Get hit by one though (and I have several times) and by golly - do you realise that it’s in there….!!!!

K.

[ps1]

I agree with Kusotare that there needs to be a balance to it.

However, I do feel it's very important to understand the concept.

I first learned this from Dr. Michael Dunphy when participating in his sparring sessions. I was already a nidan and thought I was punching fine. It turns out that i was really shortening up my punches. He was able to make minor adjustments and just follow them in and basically blow right through me. He took some time with me and really fixed my striking by focusing on the proper extension, which included the proper level of rotation.

Later on, during MMA and Kickboxing training I came to find his advice invaluable. Having a good understanding of the movement helped me with the ability to chain together combinations.

Even in BJJ, where I don't strike much, understanding the concept is paramount when it comes to using proper angles and taking advantage of an opponent's movement.