Martial Arts | The Development of Power, Part 3

BODY CONDITIONING

To exert a great amount of power, the body has to be in the utmost condition.  Strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular training increase power greatly.  To make use of all previously discussed attributes; the body itself must be capable of the performance.  The body is the tool to achieve any result.

Weight training or calisthenics are excellent methods to build strength.  It is easy to target specific muscles with proper training.  If training for power in a punch, every muscle involved in that punch can be isolated and improved.  A straight punch, for instance, utilizes many different muscle groups.  The forearm to clench the fist, the triceps and chest to launch the arm forward, the deltoids to keep the arm steady and penetrate upon striking, and the legs to push the body forward, just to name a few. This leaves strength training a must for all that wish for that added power

Flexible muscles are more efficient in many ways.  With a consistent stretching regimen the muscles become suppler and require less energy in movement.  The higher degree of flexibility, the more relaxed the muscles remain.  In this relaxed state, there are fewer antagonistic forces at work from opposing muscle groups, resulting in greater speed.

Endurance or cardiovascular training has to be included to augment power.  Through continual practice and supplemental training the body can withstand prolonged use.  The specific muscles, during strength training, will be able to perform many repetitions without fatigue. Jogging, bicycling, and jumping rope develop traits that are useful in overall martial arts skill.  No serious martial artist should over look these pro-active measures.

The most important endurance training is that of the event itself.  To teach the body to perform punches and kicks, those punches and kicks should take up the majority of practice time.  Again, jogging or cycling help build endurance, but in excess may actually be of detriment.  Jogging long distances at a regulated pace sometimes creates heavy feet, while cycling may hinder flexibility.

BODY ALIGNMENT

Perfect body alignment at the end of a strike, results in a large increase of power. Having that body alignment allows use of what is termed “The Power Line Principle” The straight lead is perfect to explain this principle.  The fist begins the motion, followed by the movement of the body.  The path is continually straight towards the target.  Before impact, as the arm stretches forward, comes a turn of the torso and a snap of the hips. One end of this line is your fist. The other end, your foot, supports which itself on the ground.  In between, from the shoulders, to the hips, and down to the legs, each segment of the body comes into position to create a straight line. This line creates an exceptionally stable and concentrated force. In concordance with this theory, a metal pipe with pressure applied to both ends from the side would surely bend.  While on the contrary, if the pressure were applied directly on the ends, the pipe would stand strong. The power line focuses all body weight, momentum, and strength all in one central location.  The power line makes the body structurally sound.

MENTAL FOCUS

Further, not only physical properties are at work.  The mind must work with the body to reach a goal and is clearly focused on the task at hand.  Intent on the goal, no other thoughts should cloud the consciousness.
Ego, emotion, and self-doubt cannot be left unchecked.  These three are self-defeating.  Obscuring judgement, these inner thoughts destroy any potential of performing at the optimum level.
True power is, utilizing the capabilities of the human body to their utmost perfection. Many exercises and routines can be followed to better these elements of power.  All can be helpful and may be necessary to rise above the norm. Throughout training it must be remembered that no exercise can replace that of the action itself. Repetition leads to proficiency.  If the goal is to be a great basketball player, you must shoot baskets. To perfect a punch… PUNCH! To perfect a kick… KICK!

There is no substitute!