Balance In Martial Arts

[Alan Armstrong]

Balance, structural integrity, stability, all martial artists need these aspects.

Oftern tell students to attack the balance of the opponent.

Perhaps that's easier said than done.

Attacking the balance, structural integrity and stability of the opponent makes follow up strikes easier and in theory difficult to be hit back.

Keeping one's own balance at all time is highly important, as everything works better with it than without it.

Here is one theory about balance for martial artists, what do you think about it, does it apply to your needs?

How to improve your balance as a martial artist.

What is you tip to improve balance?

[Fat Cobra]

In Ryukyu Kempo, since we do not kick much (and kicks are always below the waist), structural integrity as we call it is our first core principle. We train to be rooted strongly to the ground and to use this foundation with powerful hip movement for strikes.

This type of balance is developed by strengthening the legs and constantly working on stances, both moving and stationary.

[Alan Armstrong]

In Ryukyu Kempo, since we do not kick much (and kicks are always below the waist), structural integrity as we call it is our first core principle. We train to be rooted strongly to the ground and to use this foundation with powerful hip movement for strikes.

This type of balance is developed by strengthening the legs and constantly working on stances, both moving and stationary.

Am all up for structural integrity something to keep one's own and attack the opponent's.

This is one of my priorities staying balanced.

We have in Wing Chun, what is called inside and outside bracing.

Outside Bracing, consist of a step to the outside of the opponent and then turning inward; a mini flanking manouevre that could include a bumping action (attacking the structure), including, deflecting or pulling and striking.

Inside Bracing, consist of being on the inside of the opponent and turning further inward with a step closer, again with a slight bump (attacking the structure) a type of crowding, closing the gap, enabling close range striking.

Both bracing movements, upsets the balance of the opponent, combined with silmutanious defending and attacking, momentarily puts the opponent off balance, opening a window of opportunity, enabling the strikes to land.

As the opponent is momentarily looking for balance that isn't necessarily there.

Pulling Pushing Passing is another aspect of Upsetting the opponent's structure.

Therfore in Wing Chun "make structure, take structure" is an important concept.

It is a very important ingredient and factor, when the opponent possesses perhaps other advantages, such as size, strength, aesthetism, speed or youth, to attack their structure first.

This is one Wing Chun example.

[bushido_man96]

Going hand in hand with balance is agility, which could be looked at as "dynamic balance," maintaining balance while moving. Even more important would be learning to do so against an external force, trying to work against you. Ebb and flow and whatnot.

[Alan Armstrong]

Going hand in hand with balance is agility, which could be looked at as "dynamic balance," maintaining balance while moving. Even more important would be learning to do so against an external force, trying to work against you. Ebb and flow and whatnot.

Yes you are right bushido_man96

A few more ideas.

Another requirement when teaching is to get across the idea of not bending one's self out of shape, as this is what you want the opponent to do; especially where the skull or head is involved.

Also being able to separate the opponents centre of mass from their compensating balance.

Sinking quickly whilst maintaining one's own mass with the compensating balance makes for a usable structure.

Strength and endurance is another factor as without it, balance cannot be maintained for very long.

Keeping structure while also being dynamic and agile keeping that flow within one's self connected, enabling balance and coordination to happen.

Kicking definitely needs to maintain balance to be able to recover from landing and or missing stikes same goes for punches.

Consistency in balance, as in keeping and maintaining it with fine compensating adjustments but not over or under doing it, as this is where mistakes can be capitalized upon.

All techniques work more effectively with proper balance, as this is where talent, skill, ability seem to favour some more than others.

Tai chi is excellent for understanding and improving balance as this one reason why doctors refer elderly people to practice it.

Balance physically also needs addressing the right attitude to be effective.

Could also introduce strategic balance to this topic, where being in a better position structurally than the opponent's and creating continuing opportunities abound.