Questions on Body Mechanics

[camotheman]

Hey all, I’ve been doing some research into power generation and how all the different terms fit together. In my research, some of these topics have conflicting meanings or even the same explanations regarding different terms and topics. 

In your opinion, how do Gamaku, Hara, Tanden, Koshi, and Chinkuchi all fit together? How do you define each term? How do you incorporate these into your own karate training? How does your style view these different concepts?

Thanks! Happy 25th!

[Spartacus Maximus]

Gamaku is an Okinawan language term for the abdominal belt area muscles.These are used to generate power and maintain the connection between upper and lower body. Without this internal stability, force cannot be transferred effectively from the ground into a strike. 

Tanden/Hara is Japanese and simply means the belly or lower abdomen where the body’s centre of balance is located. Using the body’s natural centre is a key concept in many martial arts. Balance and stability are essential for power. 

Chinkuchi refers to ´short power’ in Okinawan. Again this is just their name for it as the idea did/does exist in other arts developed by other cultures far and wide. Chinkuchi is a sudden burst of focused force exploding outward into a technique. This requires one to be relaxed and tensing at the last moment(somewhat like a sneeze). It refers to optimal alignment of muscles, bones joints and tendons in a stable and strong yet flexible stance. This is how a skilled karateka can strike with the full force of 100% bodyweight instead of only the weight of an arm or a leg. 

Koshi is Japanese and this concept is more common and emphasized in non-Okinawan karate. The word refers to the hips or hip area(pelvis). In karate it is used in the transfer of power generated by the body’s mechanics and correct alignment. 
 

All of these concepts can be practised and applied in training with conscious and focused drills. With the guidance of an instructor, take the time to actually find and feel what correct alignment/mechanics/movments feels like. Always do it very slowly and do not speed up until each concept can be done at will without having to think of how. Once grasped, practise applying it by striking a kick shield or similar equipment. Ideally the target should be held by someone who knows how the strike should feel. 

When correctly executed, techniques using these concepts feel totally different from when they are done without/incorrectly. 

[camotheman]

9 minutes ago, Spartacus Maximus said:

Once grasped, practise applying it by striking a kick shield or similar equipment. Ideally the target should be held by someone who knows how the strike should feel. 

What are your thoughts on using a makiwara to practice these concepts?