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Technique Support |
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| Hi all, Ever been stuck at home, need to ask your instructor a question but can't get in touch with him/her?
Well not to worry, we at P.U.M.A. are here to help. Just email us your question by clicking here and we will get back to you asap with the answer. Whatever your question, no matter what the style of martial art you do is, ask us your questions. Our Instructors have many years of experience and knowledge to offer you and will always do their best to answer your questions fully. You can also check out the rest of this page, for the answers to questions already asked by P.U.M.A. students. Please note: Always try to ask your Instructor first, they are a mine of information and will normally be able to answer your questions faster than we at P.U.M.A. can (due to the high volume of emails we receive). Use this service when you can't get in touch with your Instructor. The Theory Of Power (Taekwon-Do) 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. |
Hand Techniques
Long fist (Ghin
Joomuk)
This is very similar to an under
fist except that the main knuckles are stiffened and the thumb
is bent firmly, leaving some space between the forefinger and
the thumb. It is used to attack the temple or the Adam's apple.
Open Fist (Pyon Joomuk)
It is created when the wrist is bent
upward and all except the main knuckles are bent towards the
palm. This is used to attack the nose, jaw and point of the
chin. It can be used in blocking in rare cases.
Knuckle fist (Songarak Joomuk) This is formed with either one of the secondary knuckles of the forefinger or middle finger. The attack is more effective to a minute vital spot at a close distance if the snap motion is used properly. Middle knuckle fist (Jung Joomuk) Push the secondary knuckle of the middle forefinger out of the fore fist with the side of the thumb. It is used in attacking the solar plexus, temple and philtrum. The solar plexus is attacked in the same way as an uppercut. Fore-Knuckle fist (Inji Joomuk) Push the secondary knuckle of the forefinger out of an under fist with the thumb it is used to attack the Adam's apple, temple and philtrum. Thumb Knuckle fist (Umji Joomuk) The form is very similar to the fore knuckle fist but the fore knuckle is not pushed out. It is used to attack the point of the chin, philtrum, temple and solar plexus. Side fist (Yop Joomuk) This is used for attacking the skull, elbow joint, ribs, solar plexus, philtrum and abdomen. It is occasionally used for blocking. Under fist (Mit Joomuk) Roll the four fingers into the palm, pressing the forefinger slightly with the thumb. It is effective in attacking the jaw, lips, temple, solar plexus Adam's apple and philtrum. The second knuckles of the forefinger, middle finger and rig fingers comprise the attacking parts. Meditation
I have recently acquired some books
on meditation and have been trying to discipline myself into
doing a little meditation now and then. Here is an exercise you
might like to try which outlines the starting technique.
Extract from the book Learn To Meditate by David Fontana
If nothing else it allows you to sit
and do nothing for a short time.
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Sine Wave? "When advancing to attack, the lead foot should not land before the fist makes contact or the body weight will end up on the floor instead of behind the punch. Remember to take up power from the ground by pushing off with the rear foot". "Pay particular attention to the development of relaxed tension. They are made with a well directed forearm and loose shoulder muscles. Only when the punch begins to land should the fist be clenched. The momentum helps carry the arm back to the proper position". "Always have the legs slightly bent so that the strong thigh muscles come into play (like a spring), especially before coming in" by Bruce Lee. ----- "it is neither righteous to avoid fighting when the enemy attacks, nor humanitarian to cry over dead bodies after neglecting one's defence." Oh-Ja (300 B.C.) ----- Defence technique Taekwon- Do was designed primarily as self defence and this is the main reason so much emphasis is placed on moral civilisation and exactness of technique. In a literal sense, Taekwon-Do is exactly that: a self-defence. This is why students should concentrate on defence. The defence itself, however, carries out the attacking role at the same time. Thus the idea of defensive - offensive is well coordinated. General Choi Hong Hi 9th Degree (Founder) ----- Etiquette (Ye Jol) A high degree of etiquette should be observed by students, both inside and outside the dojang. This should be applied by lower ranking students to senior students while training, by higher ranking students to elder students outside of the training hall, and by all students when visiting another dojang. In all cases, emphasis should be placed on correct and proper salutation. it is a form of respect and courtesy in western as well as oriental societies. It is indeed poor taste for a black belt to slight a beginning white belt who might well be the instructor's senior in both age and station. Students visiting other dojangs, whether they be Taekwon-Do or other martial arts, must pay proper respect and observe the traits of modesty and courtesy at all times. General Choi Hong Hi 9th Degree (Founder) ----- Only a life lived for others is worth living. Author: Albert Einstein ----- When you are kind to someone in trouble, you hope they'll remember to be kind to someone else, and it'll become wildfire. Author: Whoopi Goldberg -----
Zanshin Words often get in the way of true meaning. What is most profound and significant is communicated in the unspoken. When you love someone, you look into the eyes searching. When you help someone, you hold the eyes, sensing. When you fight someone , you do the same and search the soul. In a competition fight between two worthy Sabum, their unspoken communication was more powerful than their blows. After the competition, one of the Sabum confirmed their silent conversation within their physical exchange. With love, respect, and concern, the two men "knew" each other through combat.
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