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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 personas
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. |
"Powerful enough to uproot mountains" |
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 defense. Remember, jerking can
be executed in two ways: laterally and vertically.
Small Outlet |
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Large Outlet 
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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 center
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 center of the foot if it is necessary
to concentrate the bulk of body weight on one foot. The center
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 stifle pain. A sharp exhaling of
breath at the moment of impact and stopping the breath during
the execution of a movement tense 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 summarizing, 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-defense. 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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Fig.
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Copyright © 1966-2000 International
Taekwon-Do Federation
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