The Development of Power, Part 2

 by Mike Gittleson on 2010/01/19

In Part 1 of this series we discussed Work vs. Power and Speed=Power. In part 2 we will go over Form & Body Feel and Timing & Distance.

FORM & BODY FEEL

Along with the imperative need for speed, the proper form is an integral part of power.  This, actually, should be the first concern when learning a new technique.  Before speed can be added, the form must be economical and exact.  The practice of the skill must focus on that form.  With every repetition, the feel (or body feel) should be intently sought.  In proper form the body senses efficiency.  It is essential to learn to recognize that feel.  Recognition is the first step in being able to reproduce that correct motion.  This “body feel” is the mold in which precision is formed.

Form itself can also be broken down into separate factors.  Balance, Precision, and economy of motion make up the general outline.

Proper balance is achieved through maintaining a solid foundation.  The body weight should be distributed evenly over the feet.  This balance must be kept throughout the entirety of any motion, from the beginning, the action itself, and through to the end. Improper balance expends unnecessary energy, which is of great detriment to our plan. Without that foundation the appropriate form can never be achieved.

The attack also needs precision in order to hit.  A precise attack is accurate and direct.  Without precision, any amount of power is squandered, missing the target or not hitting it square.  To strike with precision, every movement is initiated, performed, and lands exactly as intended.

The coordination of the skill further dictates its effectiveness.  An uncoordinated blow will be inherently slow, may vary off course, and will require more effort than is necessary.  Repetition proves to help coordination by properly training and carving neural pathways.  To some, physical coordination, seems a natural state of being.  Others may need more time to develop this trait.  All, regardless of natural ability, accumulate power by increasing coordination.

Economy of motion is attained in conjunction with coordination, precision, and balance.  All assaults are made as simple as possible.  They are stripped of all unnecessary movements. Wasted motion means wasted momentum.  Every bit of momentum is highly significant in the ultimate goal of power.

TIMING & DISTANCE

Timing and distance play key roles in real striking power.  A well-timed attack lands at the opportune moment to cause the most damage.  That moment is when the target is clearly open with no obstructions.  It can be timed to the opponent’s rhythm.  Striking hard as they move forward, intercepting their attack, and hitting as they shift their weight side to side, are all examples of good timing.  Further, an attack in good time may hand the advantage to a slower combatant, because the speed in which you travel becomes completely irrelevant when you are already there.

If launched from an inadequate distance, the hit will lack penetration.  Worse yet, it may never even land.  Controlling the distance is one of the most important factors to master.  Of course it is also one of the most difficult. One must intrinsically know at what exact distance every strike could be thrown in order to score.  This involves knowing yourself.  One must know their precise personal reach & range capabilities.     In addition, it is equally important to understand the same of ones adversary.  An assault from the perfect distance results in ultimate striking power.

Both timing and distance can be enhanced through regular sparring, various drills, and bag work.  The two, again, should be attached to the body feel.  Correct timing and distance are sensed more often than seen.

In Part 3 of the series we will discuss Body Conditioning, Body Alignment and Mental Focus.