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THEORY OF POWER (Him Ui Wolli)
The beginning student may ask; “Where does one obtain the power to
create the devastating results attributed to Taekwon-Do?”
This power is attributed to the utilization of a persons full
potential through the mathematical application of Taekwon-Do
techniques. The average person uses only 10 to 20 percent of
his potential. Anyone, regardless of size, age, or sex who
can condition himself to use 100 percent of his potential can also
perform the same destructive techniques. Though training
will certainly result in a superb level of physical fitness, it
will not necessarily result in the acquisition of extraordinary
stamina or superhuman strength. More important, Taekwon-Do
training will result in obtaining a high level of reaction force,
concentration, equilibrium, breath control and speed; these are
the factors that will result in a high degree of physical power.
REACTION FORCE (Bandong Ryok)
According to Newton's Law, every force has as equal and opposite
force. When an automobile crashes into a wall with the force
of 2,000 pounds, the wall will return a force of 2,000 pounds; or
forcing the end of the seesaw down with a ton of weight will
provide an upward force of the same weight; if your opponent is
rushing towards you at a high speed, by the slightest blow at his
head, the force with which you strike his head would be that of
his own onslaught plus that of your blow. The two forces
combined; his, which is large, and yours, which is small is quite
impressive. Another reaction force is your own. A
punch with the right fist is aided by pulling back the left fist
to the hip.
CONCENTRATION (Jip Joong)
By applying the impact force onto the smallest target area, it
will concentrate the force and therefore, increase its effect.
For example, the force of water coming out of a water hose is
greater if the orifice is smaller. Conversely, the weight of
a man spread out on snow shoes makes hardly any impression on the
snow. The blows in Taekwon-Do are often concentrated onto the edge
of the open palm or to the crook of the fingers.
It is very important that you should not unleash all your strength
at the beginning but gradually, and particularly at the point of
contact with your opponent's body, the force must be so
concentrated as to give a knock-out blow. That is to say,
the shorter the time for the concentration, the greater will be
the power of the blow. The utmost concentration is required
in order to mobilize every muscle of the body onto the smallest
target area simultaneously.
In conclusion, concentration is done in two ways: one is to
concentrate every muscle of the body, particularly the bigger
muscles around the hip and abdomen (which theoretically are slower
than the smaller muscles of other parts of the body) towards the
appropriate tool to be used at the proper time; the second way is
to concentrate such mobilized muscles onto the opponent's vital
spot. This is the reason why the hip and abdomen are jerked
slightly before the hands and feet in any action, whether it be
attack or defence. Remember, jerking can be executed in two
ways: laterally and vertically.
EQUILIBRIUM (Kyun Hyung)
Balance is of utmost importance in any type of athletics. In
Taekwon-Do, it deserves special consideration. By keeping
the body always in equilibrium, that is, well balanced, a blow is
more effective and deadly. Conversely, the unbalanced one is
easily toppled. The stance should always be stable yet
flexible, for both offensive and defensive movements.
Equilibrium is classified into both dynamic and static stability.
They are so closely inter-related that the maximum force can only
be produced when the static stability is maintained through
dynamic stability.
To maintain good equilibrium, the centre of gravity of the stance
must fall on a straight line midway between both legs when the
body weight is distributed equally on both legs, or in the centre
of the foot if it is necessary to concentrate the bulk of body
weight on one foot. The centre of gravity can be adjusted
according to body weight. Flexibility and knee spring are
also important in maintaining balance for both a quick attack and
instant recovery. One additional point; the heel of the rear
foot should never be off the ground at the point of impact.
This is not only necessary for good balance but also to produce
maximum power at the point of impact.
BREATH CONTROL (Hohup Jojul)
Controlled breathing not only affects one's stamina and speed but
can also condition a body to receive a blow and augment the power
of a blow directed against an opponent. Through practice,
breath stopped in the state of exhaling at the critical moment
when a blow is landed against a pressure point on the body can
prevent a loss of consciousness and stifling pain. A sharp
exhaling of breath at the moment of impact and stopping the breath
during the execution of a movement tenses the abdomen to
concentrate maximum effort on the delivery of the motion, while a
slow inhaling helps the preparation of the next movement. An
important rule to remember; Never inhale while focusing a
block or blow against an opponent. Not only will this impede
movement but it will also result in a loss of power.
Students should also practice disguised breathing to conceal any
outward signs of fatigue. An experienced fighter will
certainly press an attack when he realizes his opponent is on the
point of exhaustion. One breath is required for one movement
with the exception of a continuous motion.
MASS (Zilyang)
Mathematically, the maximum kinetic energy or force is obtained
from maximum body weight and speed and it is all important that
the body weight be increased during the execution of a blow.
No doubt the maximum body weight is applied with the motion of
turning the hip. The large abdominal muscles are twisted to
provide additional body momentum. Thus the hip rotates in
the same direction as that of the attacking or blocking tool.
Another way of increasing body weight is the utilization of a
springing action of the knee joint. This is achieved by
slightly raising the hip at the beginning of the motion and
lowering the hip at the moment of impact to drop the body weight
into the motion.
In summary, it is necessary to point out that the principles of
force outlined here hold just as true today in our modern
scientific and nuclear age as they did centuries ago.
I am sure that when you go through this art, both in theory and in
practice, you will find that the scientific basis of the motions
and the real power which comes out a small human body cannot fail
to impress you.
SPEED (Sokdo)
Speed is the most essential factor of force or power.
Scientifically, force equals mass multiplied by acceleration (F =
MA) or (P = MV2).
According to the theory of kinetic energy, every object increases
its weight as well as speed in a downward movement. This
very principle is applied to this particular art of self-defence.
For this reason, at the moment of impact, the position of the hand
normally becomes lower than the shoulder and the foot lower than
the hip while the body is in the air.
Reaction force, breathing control, equilibrium, concentration, and
relaxation of the muscles cannot be ignored. However, these
are the factors that contribute to the speed and all these
factors, together with flexible and rhythmic movements, must be
well coordinated to produce the maximum power in Taekwon-Do.
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