Is it true that Muay Thai Fighters lack Balance

[Mawi]

For me when i fight i am never on my heel because it gives me speed. Thou many styles of MuaY thai are different i find it easyer to be on the top part of your foot. Althouh when i watched K...Kartre they said muay thai fighters lack blance and can lose balnces when they kick and punch. I wanted to now what you guys think about the very diffenrt stances of Muay Thai and say what you think about blance.

And i would like to hear what your fav stance is?

[wayofthedragon]

It is not the style that lacks balance...hmmm, maybe the practicioner.
In any style, anyone could lose balance sometimes. That is something that the artist must work on within their style,what ever their style may be. At least that's the way I feel about it.

[nhb_ben]

I don't think the whole balance question is very important. Why? Because balance, by itself, it pretty meaningless. Only the by products of balance are what are important. The only areas I can really think of that would be affected by balance are power, accuracy and takedown defense. Is Muay Thai training conducive to power? I'd like to think so. Accuracy? Yep. Takedown defense? Well. I don't think the ability to remain standing using Muay Thai strikes is any different than in any other striking art. What will help you from getting taken down is not the minute balance details of your particular method of striking. What is going to help you is training against people who are trying to sack you. For a good example of this, I'll cite Wanderlei Silva.

[Khun Kao]

Balance in Muay Thai is critical. If you do not maintain proper balance, you will not generate the proper power behind your strikes. The issue is that the methods use to remain "balanced" in Muay Thai and Karate are completely different.

I'm not an expert on Karate, but I did study Tang Soo Do and Shotokan for a few years before taking up Muay Thai. In both styles, we were taught to remain flat-footed and "rooted" for most of our techniques.

To do the same in Muay Thai would be suicide. In Muay Thai, remaining flat-footed and "rooted" equals being a stationary target. Though Muay Thai fighters don't often appear to be very active in their footwork, the fact is that their stances and footwork are such that they are ABLE to move rapidly if necessary. Also, some styles of Muay Thai emphasize moving with an attack (similar to "blending" in Aikido) to absorb the impact and either redirect or counterattack.

As a very basic example:

KARATE:
Fighter "A" attacks with a roundhouse Kick.
Fighter "B" stands solidly in place and executes a forearm block (forget what it is called) to the foot and/or shin area, then executes reverse punch to counter attack.

MUAY THAI:
Fighter "A" attacks with a roundhouse kick
Fighter "B" absorbs the blow across his forearm and shoulder, while taking a 1/2 step in the direction of the kick to lessen the impact, then executes a straight punch to counter attack.

On the surface, this exchange is very similar in both arts. But the differences between the two make or break the exchange.

In Karate, the roundhouse kick is executed as a "snap" kick. The power generated behind the kick is a mix of hip rotation coupled with the "snapping" out of the lower leg. Depending on what the fighter is specifically trying to do, the impact surface can be either the ball of the foot, or the instep. A hard forearm block has the ability to stop this kick, and potentially damage the attackers foot or shin.

In Muay Thai, the roundhouse kick is executed with a "dead leg" and swung like a baseball bat. The entire body pivots with the kick, beginning with the hips. The impact surface is typically the lower shinbone, but can be any part of the shinbone or even the instep. Performing a forearm block on this type of kick can lead to very, very bad things which is why Thai boxers keep their arms close to their bodies when they kick, and will often take a 1/2 step in the direction of the kick to further reduce the impact.

[Khun Kao]

In Muay Thai, the fighters balance is maintained by moving with the kick. Attempting to merely 'root' and block a Thai-style roundhouse kick can easily knock a fighter off balance due to the power generated in this type of kick.

A Thai fighter maintains balance while moving with the kick, which allows a faster counter attack.

The bottom line is that there is more than one way to maintain your balance. I've heard Karateka's criticize Muay Thai's footwork as lacking balance before, but its merely a misunderstanding. If you used Muay Thai footwork in Karate, you WOULD be off balance. If you used Karate footwork in Muay Thai, you would become much more of a stationary target.

(Yes, I realize that the above is a generalization.)

[Mawi]

My stance is not flat footed stance. I am almost on my toes when i kick or punch. The thing is that for years now i been trying to stay on my toes when i fight becuse it gives me lots of speed. But some times when i do combo after combo i find myself sliping. The thing is that my kick is powerful and got speed becuse of this but when it comes to punching i have problems getting all my power threw my body completely. I am not sure but some Muay Thai fighters i have seen some times stay flat footed and take hit after hit and still win becuse they can chanel there power from the bootm of there body to the top. I have seen great boxers often punch while being on the top of the foot with out there heels on the ground. I don't lose my blance much but i was wondering what you guys think aobut this?

:D Thank you for your posts

[Grifter]

I dont stand flat footed either but I throw my punches just as hard on my toes or flat footed. Im no expert but my advise to you would be to focuse on your technique. Makes sure your pivot your foot and body enough so that you get all that behind your punch. It may even feel like you are when you do it but watch yourself and make sure. Comapre your techinque when you standing flat to when your on your toes and see if you can find a difference. All i can come up with. Good luck

[nicolo]

Mawi are you leaning to much or compromising too much of your balance into the punches? If so try to maintain a relatively equal stance and don't stumble or cross your stances too much. Alternate naturally from side to side. You want to add forward pressure during punches but not so much that you're tipping over.

[speed_dragon]

truthfully i tried muay thai and loved it but ran outta money so i went to the american kickboxing ....but from what i learned i was never off balanced if u have coordination u shouldnt have a problem with this style because it focus munch on punishing the opponent not about ballerina technique this isnt kung-fu, u attack if u get u legs swept but dont fall but just lose balance ur face is gonna hurt when u wake up

[Mawi]

Mawi are you leaning to much or compromising too much of your balance into the punches? If so try to maintain a relatively equal stance and don't stumble or cross your stances too much. Alternate naturally from side to side. You want to add forward pressure during punches but not so much that you're tipping over.


nicolo thanks, that helped me a lot. I think i was too leaning forward too much. I just had sparring and it went out well. Now my stance is more blannced and i found that my punchs have gotten a lot more power. I think the balnce thing depends on the person.

[Guy Mendiola]

When in a Muay Thai stance like the one where the front foot is on your toes is much easier to throw a front kick like say a front snap kick or a crescent kick but in my opinion I don't think that Muay Thai fighters lack balance because I haven't lost my balance in training or just regular sparring in Muay Thai but I usually just use a Boxing stance due to my Boxing training also.

[nicolo]

Mawi, also if sometimes you do lean a bit close, you can always shove your opponent using him as equal and opposite force to sort of regain your balance. If you don't shove him, try to latch onto him for balance, twist him around by the neck or something and thrust knees or close range weapons.

[Mawi]

hmmm I think one of my fav moves when i slip at all, is my heel front push kick. Since i did some TKD training for a while i have mixed up some of my moves. For example one of my fav combos is a left kick mid air and a right knee following up. Or 2 knee combo. My moves might be not orgainal at times but i think it is good to mix up arts, so you get the best out of them. My fav is my flying knees i love that move. I think what was very werid in TKD was the constant bounceing i often knocked over my oppent. But at times i found the bounce is to keep you light on your feet. I don't think its samrt to bonuce the whole dam time but its good for combos when needed. I like kicks more than punchs because i think they do more damage and i got long reach with them since i am over 6 foot. Thou now days i been working on my boxing skills trying to be well balnced. one of my fav excricses for blances will be standing on a ball. I do that often and i have seen lots of improvement in my stance and over all balance. You guys gave me some good ideas that i haven't thought of before. Thank You.
;)

[moving up]

watch multiple fighters of the art in question. this is to get an all around view and to make sure that it is the art and not the fighter. how easy is it to munipulate said fighters center line or is his center line such that you could easily knock him down during a kick or a punc? Does he over rotate ove extend or lean back? these are a couple of things to look for hope this helped you a little.

[burungkol]

yeap, muay thai fighters lacks balance........ when being knocked-out that is:D
kidding aside, the stances in each form encompasses all the movements and techniques the arts have. and you cannot properly execute each without balance.

[steven.bradbury]

lack balance i think so and also not.This all depends on what type of shot you are throwing.normal punches/kicks/knees /elbows you can be perfectly balanced.When your opponent looks tired then spinning techniques you mey well become off balance.

[Nrv4evr]

Well, have you tried to look like you're on balance knowing that if you ever plant yourself firmly, that the other guy will break your thigh in half?

MT'ers have amazing balance. It's just that they have to adopt different stances to cope with the danger of low kicks. Boxer's don't have to worry about that, so that's why their stances look more fluid.

[Infrazael]

Hmmm. . . . interesting.

If I do CX train in MT, then I guess I'll have to figure out a way to work my rooting principles with the MT ones.

Peace.

[Ikken Hisatsu]

rooting is not prevalent in MT because if you are "rooted" your legs are a prime target. the idea is agility balance and speed. MT fighters are most definitely not unbalanced.

[Blooming Lotus]

I think balance and rooting and distirbution is a key factor for any maer. I have a predominantly cma background myself and last night in Muay Thai training I had a few really minor issues with the same thing ( old habots dying hard and so on ) . I think that because my root was from another system it comprimised the integrity of my MT apps and that was where I had drama. Nothing I can't re-habit to in a couple of weeks of solid drills, but my point is re: form. I think if you have good tech form , you'll be fine. If you're not, maybe you should have another look at that.

cheers

BL

[K1Mike]

Just because Muay Thai fighters are taught to actually throw powerful kicks, unlike most martial arts where they are taught precision, does not mean they lack balance.

Watch some Remy Bojasky, or Ernesto Hoost clips, then tell us if you think it's true that MT fighters lack balace.

[Blooming Lotus]

Just because Muay Thai fighters are taught to actually throw powerful kicks, unlike most martial arts .....


Really ignorant comment. Thanks for your maturity.

Blooming Lotus

[Nrv4evr]

Just because Muay Thai fighters are taught to actually throw powerful kicks, unlike most martial arts where they are taught precision


Ever been hit by a front kick from my sensei? It's both powerful and accurate, and can break 5 blocks of stacked concrete. Just thought you'd like to know before saying that. Just because MA's focus on precision don't mean they do not have power.

[ubermint]

Breaking construction materials has little to do with actual ability to apply kicks on a real opponent.

[aml01_ph]

Just because Muay Thai fighters are taught to actually throw powerful kicks, unlike most martial arts where they are taught precision, does not mean they lack balance.

MT fighters are taught precision. If they do not have this they would just hit anywhere which will reduce their effectiveness and eventually tire them out.

[NaughtyKnight]

I also heard that JKD, TKD, Karate, BJJ, JJ etc dont have balance. Its all crap.

Its the people that study the art that dont have balance. Just because 1 school doesnt know how to stop from falling on their ass, doesnt mean that everyone that does that style does that.

I remember when I first learnt the spinning kicks for TKD. I was falling on my ass and face right left and centre. Does that mean that TKDists have no balance? NO!

It doesnt matter if your feet are rooted or not, your overal balance improves from all ma. As Ikken said, rooting leaves your legs a viable target, its the same in tkd, probably every art.

[K1Mike]

- Never said MT fighters aern't taught precision.

- Kicking a still object is different than kicking a person.

- Ignorance? I took Tae Kwon Do for five years and I can tell you from experience that there is a difference between Martial Arts, and fighting. Of course someone's black belt sensai can throw a kick and kill you,.. but they are black belts. If you're a black belt in anything you'll pretty much be able to throw powerful kicks.

Point I'm trying to make, that martial arts like Tae Kwon Do *FOCUS* on precision; not that they don't try to throw power kicks.

[aml01_ph]

Point I'm trying to make, that martial arts like Tae Kwon Do *FOCUS* on precision; not that they don't try to throw power kicks.

I would have to disgaree. Precision and power in most cases are not mutually exclusive. Any MA that engages in any sporting event must train with both of these in mind in order to have a measure of success.

[alex_000]

Not even a regular ring MA fighter can afford to lack balance. A hole art? There is no ring (or cage) Ma that lacks balance. If you lack balance you lack power. If you lack power you can't get in the ring.

[NaughtyKnight]

Just because Muay Thai fighters are taught to actually throw powerful kicks, unlike most martial arts where they are taught precision, does not mean they lack balance.

Congratulations for making the stupidest comment I have ever heard. Its obvious that you both overestimate your ma, and also you have no idea what your talking about.

And whats this about breaks dont transfer to fighting real people. That again is a stupid comment. If I can break a concrete slab with a kick, woe betide you when I hit you with it. Do

[Ikken Hisatsu]

And whats this about breaks dont transfer to fighting real people. That again is a stupid comment. If I can break a concrete slab with a kick, woe betide you when I hit you with it. Do

Bull. I could break boards before I could throw a decent punch. timing, accuracy, improvisation, reactive punching- you wont learn that from hitting a board, andthey have more to do with whether a punch hurts or not.

[NaughtyKnight]

Bull. I could break boards before I could throw a decent punch. timing, accuracy, improvisation, reactive punching- you wont learn that from hitting a board, andthey have more to do with whether a punch hurts or not.

How many boards could you break. I seroiously doubt you could break many (without breaing your hand) before you learnt how to throw powerful technqiues.

Are you telling me that if I can kick my heavy bag off the hook, and smash many boards with kicks, that my kicks wont be powerful when I fight?

If you are then I would have to say bull.

[Ikken Hisatsu]

did you even read what I said. hitting an object that isnt fighting back improves your power. doesnt make you better at delivering that attack in a fight though. ive seen boxers who can work a heavy bag in a way that would make most boxing coaches cream their jeans, but in the ring they cant fight to save their lives.

[NaughtyKnight]

Perhaps they should spar more then.

[Nrv4evr]

How many boards could you break. I seroiously doubt you could break many (without breaing your hand) before you learnt how to throw powerful technqiues.

Are you telling me that if I can kick my heavy bag off the hook, and smash many boards with kicks, that my kicks wont be powerful when I fight?

If you are then I would have to say bull.

So what if you can break boards? ... can you break a board MOVING up and down, side to side, weaving in and out... :rolleyes:

And boards are brittle. Just because you can break them, doesn't mean that if you hit a person, who's body has give, will be affected seriously. Their body will absorb the blow. What Ikken is trying to say is, it doesn't really matter if you can focus all your energy on breaking 5 boards. No idiot is stupid enough to leave their ribs open for you to break. It's much better if you practice against a moving target, or at least something that bounces back, because that's much more realisitc.

[CKava]

Precision and power in most cases are not mutually exclusive. Any MA that engages in any sporting event must train with both of these in mind in order to have a measure of success.
Im not so sure that such a statement really fairly applies although all sporting MA's will take such things into consideration I think the type of sporting competition will have a rather large effect on how much power you train for your kicks. If your training for a sporting event where you are penalised for excessive contact it would seem to me that your kicks and your training would naturally be rather different and intrinsically less powerful than someone who is training to be able to knock out his opponent with his kicks.

[Blooming Lotus]

did you even read what I said. hitting an object that isnt fighting back improves your power. doesnt make you better at delivering that attack in a fight though. ive seen boxers who can work a heavy bag in a way that would make most boxing coaches cream their jeans, but in the ring they cant fight to save their lives.


I'm going to agree with that myself . There are techniques you use to develop and there are techs you use to deliver. Hence the use of both sparring and ring pad development drills in MT. But do the pads doesn't mean your going to land on it a moving target and someone who thinks it's the same is just unrealiastic. At some time or other, you need to bring into the real world. Even if shadow boxing and the WC seeing without seeing thing / shaolin form work with real size visulization is as close as you get.

Oh...........and I think we're getting off track ;)

cheers

BL

[NaughtyKnight]

So what if you can break boards? ... can you break a board MOVING up and down, side to side, weaving in and out... :rolleyes:

And boards are brittle. Just because you can break them, doesn't mean that if you hit a person, who's body has give, will be affected seriously. Their body will absorb the blow. What Ikken is trying to say is, it doesn't really matter if you can focus all your energy on breaking 5 boards. No idiot is stupid enough to leave their ribs open for you to break. It's much better if you practice against a moving target, or at least something that bounces back, because that's much more realisitc.

ERRR

I dont know what you mean that no idiot will leave their ribs open. They have to leave something open, or I will make them open their guarded ribs.

Breaking is used for developing power. Does your heavy bag move around? No it doesnt (obviously it swings), but I dont see anyone saying that it wont help you. Breaking is used for exactly yhe same thing, developing damaging power.

Who cares if their body absorbes the shock of my kick, doesnt mean that they wont be severly damaged by it. I could very easily break someones ribs with a roundhouse, or jaw with a bare knuckle punch.

[Ikken Hisatsu]

the bag doesnt move because you arent using it in a live manner. it SHOULD be moving. any twit can stand in front of a bag and hit it, the idea is to act like the bag is attacking you. People give me weird looks in the boxing studio at the gym when I send a bag flying and then dodge around it throwing attacks, but it helps me a lot more than just standing there flat footed throwing punches.

I have a question though- does breaking develop power or just reaffirm the power you have? you develop power in boxing through hitting the pads or bags hundreds of times per session, how much wood do you go through? I always thought it was just an indicator of your ability to break a board more than something to enhance your strength.

[NaughtyKnight]

You got me there, didnt think about it from that angle. Ok then, its an indicator of power.

[shotokanwarrior]

Look this is the truth: We all hate Muay Thai fighters because they are the most effective. There, I came out and said it:D

[Nrv4evr]

ERRR

I dont know what you mean that no idiot will leave their ribs open. They have to leave something open, or I will make them open their guarded ribs.

Breaking is used for developing power. Does your heavy bag move around? No it doesnt (obviously it swings), but I dont see anyone saying that it wont help you. Breaking is used for exactly yhe same thing, developing damaging power.

Who cares if their body absorbes the shock of my kick, doesnt mean that they wont be severly damaged by it. I could very easily break someones ribs with a roundhouse, or jaw with a bare knuckle punch.

You misunderstood my post. I was referring to the point that if something was moving, say a person's solar plexus/ribs, would you be able to break it? Since it is a moving target, perhaps you would not be able to have the time to focus all your power into it. I take TMA too, and I have broken my fair share of boards and concrete blocks. But from experience in other MA's, I know that when a target is moving, I won't be able to put as much power as I put into breaking boards or concrete blocks for that matter. If I held a board out in front of you, and moved it side to side, up and down, and kept weaving it in and out, do you really think you could perfectly hit it that it would break?

And try doing all this when your opponent is attacking you back. Breaking boards does give you power, I will admit that. But can you properly apply that to a moving target who fights back, and is able to block and dodge?

[shotokanwarrior]

Great point, Nrv4evr.

Is THAT why you believe you could kill an unskilled street fighter if they attacked you? Like, say, if a guy was slow you could hit him in the solar plexus with all your strength because you have to time to focus it?

[Blooming Lotus]

the bag doesnt move because you arent using it in a live manner. it SHOULD be moving. any twit can stand in front of a bag and hit it, the idea is to act like the bag is attacking you. People give me weird looks in the boxing studio at the gym when I send a bag flying and then dodge around it throwing attacks, but it helps me a lot more than just standing there flat footed throwing punches.

I have a question though- does breaking develop power or just reaffirm the power you have? you develop power in boxing through hitting the pads or bags hundreds of times per session, how much wood do you go through? I always thought it was just an indicator of your ability to break a board more than something to enhance your strength.


lol @ the weird looks from other gym members for a start , but on the breaking thing and power development, have you ever played with chinese principals of qi and iron skills etc???? I recently had some poor fool tell me how rediculous cma was full stop, but if you keep these in mind , or are aware of them even , it kind of sheds a whole new light that on that whole question. I actually saw an awesome display of something on similar principals recently from Soren ( oceana title holder for something like 63 kg division Muay Thai). In this bout, he caught some seriously heavy blows to ribs and even the commentators thought that he'd broken them ( as Chrisdolpils did in a fight a few bouts later before he ran off throwing the towel in ), but after Soren caught these blows , to me it looked like he pulled on some chisese style iron shirt on went on to last the full fight and claim and undisputed win. The principals of energy and the way to absorb control and manipulate it, is a heady topic to talk about , though alot of understand it in our own minds anyway. As far as board breaking and static target to moving, it's really on the same lines of focus. I'm sure those who are unfamiliar with qi , will likely be confused by that whole statement, but trust me, it's a skill of it's own and loh and behold, some ppl even get there all on their own. So in crux, breaking the board just trains a different way of manipulating energy and matter attatched to it........ and yah, you could say it works on bones aswell ....... everything solid has a weak and vulnerable spot and if you strike it in the right place with the right power projection ( conversly to a load of force directed to the surface ( rather than through) a less effective place ) , you can guarantee it's going to break........ funny how pressure point and cavity striking and joint manipulation arts cover us on that one though ;) ........... I don't understand why ppl close themselves off to such basic concepts , but isn't ignorance just bliss ;) :cool:



cheers

BL


shakes head at shotokanwarrior and leaves

[Blooming Lotus]

Great point, Nrv4evr.

Is THAT why you believe you could kill an unskilled street fighter if they attacked you? Like, say, if a guy was slow you could hit him in the solar plexus with all your strength because you have to time to focus it?

and what about effective blocks and good follow up strikes ????? :rolleyes:

[Nrv4evr]

So in crux, breaking the board just trains a different way of manipulating energy and matter attatched to it........ and yah, you could say it works on bones aswell ....... everything solid has a weak and vulnerable spot and if you strike it in the right place with the right power projection ( conversly to a load of force directed to the surface ( rather than through) a less effective place ) ,


I do break boards, blocks, and whatever, and I know what it takes to break them. I've done it for 6 years of my life. However, I do know this. It takes a lot of focus. I honestly do not think that you can maintain that focus with your opponent dodging and weaving, and him attacking back. I suppose in theory, if you got your opponent to leave themselves open, you could break a serious bone, but in my view, and perhaps you have a different situation; that if a target is animate, moving, and conditioned to take strikes, I honestly do not think the ability to break boards is going to be of much use, compared to bagwork, timing development, and accuracy. I've had my ribs broken before, and believe me, it's not pleasant. However, I am very confident that had I not moved and weaved during that match, a lot more than my ribs would have been injured. In essence, board breaking is good, I have nothing against it; but I stand by the fact that it is not going to be effective against a live target. Bagwork is so much more realistic. However, on your point that certain elements of traditional techniques, like board breaking, iron shirt, and all those arts, I agree that it can be applied to modern fighting techniques. As I'm sure you know, traditional techniques are the basis for modern fighting, a notable example being breathing out when you strike.

[aml01_ph]

Im not so sure that such a statement really fairly applies although all sporting MA's will take such things into consideration I think the type of sporting competition will have a rather large effect on how much power you train for your kicks. If your training for a sporting event where you are penalised for excessive contact it would seem to me that your kicks and your training would naturally be rather different and intrinsically less powerful than someone who is training to be able to knock out his opponent with his kicks.

That's why I said in most cases. I see your point, but I would still have to disagree.There are certain strategies one can employ to destroy a block and yet not have excessive contact on the legal scoring body area.

Such events you speak of are highly subjective to the referee anyway. Since the referee is the final word because he can allegedly "see" better, a referee can rule against somebody he disfavors. This is why I still have a beef with that referee in Sydney Olympics when he ruled excessive conatct to the best the Philippine Team had to offer.

Excessive conatct is a ruling that has been most abused in these types of competition.

[Blooming Lotus]

any twit can stand in front of a bag and hit it, the idea is to act like the bag is attacking you.

I think it's important to add, " using the skill apps from your art " ;)

BL

[Blooming Lotus]

Really good point CKava brings up I feel. I think what it comes back to is the differences in training for ring sport and training traditional arts designed to kill and maim and defend when your opponent doesn't have a ref and rules to stop them or a minute between each sucsession of blows to rest. Different games = different training methods I guess.

BL

[oni_sensei]

All this going on about needing to "focus" to hit someone in the solarplexus is rubbish. It's no different to throwing any other technique, the chances of it connecting boil down to how well you've trained against a moving opponent.

Why is it that as soon as someone goes into specifics about a technique, people automatically claim that excessive focus is needed? It makes no sense.

If you can break a fairly decent amount of boards, or bricks, or tiles, or whatever, when the technique connects, it's going to hurt. Hopefully, you'd have been smart enough to practice landing the technique in first place. And believe me, if you can break a slab of concrete, or a single board so thick that you can barely put your hand around, then you've got some serious power.

[Nrv4evr]

Then forget focus. But still, if that block was twisting and turning to ward off your attack, that power would be severely compromised. Perhaps eventually, you could create an opening for a massive blow, but by then he would probably be pressuring you with attacks of his own. I'm not saying breaking boards isn't useless, I'm just saying, in my view, bagwork is essentially the same thing, with more advantages as well.

[Blooming Lotus]

All this going on about needing to "focus" to hit someone in the solarplexus is rubbish. It's no different to throwing any other technique, the chances of it connecting boil down to how well you've trained against a moving opponent.

Why is it that as soon as someone goes into specifics about a technique, people automatically claim that excessive focus is needed? It makes no sense.

If you can break a fairly decent amount of boards, or bricks, or tiles, or whatever, when the technique connects, it's going to hurt. Hopefully, you'd have been smart enough to practice landing the technique in first place. And believe me, if you can break a slab of concrete, or a single board so thick that you can barely put your hand around, then you've got some serious power.


I claim the neccessity of focus because ( and I'm nearly sure you won't agree nor get this ) it allows me to aniticipate your move and beat you to a defence to land that solar plexal strike in the first place which I practiced on my bag. It helps to occassionally have someone to line everything up on but it's all about timing and a lot of my game or skill rides on it. My aim is for you to not land the hit in the first place then follow it up with something that's going to count. Sometimes , you're not even going to get to land your bok choy.............. They both have their place.

Blooming Lotus

[Knight_Errant]

No, of course muay thai fighters don't 'lack balance'. How silly.
On the subject of breaking boards;
The fact is that when you punch a bag as hard as you can, you are exerting just as much force as when you break a board. The difference is that the bag isn't a rigid object, and so does not bend and break, and absorbs the impact.
On the subect of 'focus'-
A term used by karate practitioners to describe the hard tensing of muscles during a punch. When you're not executing a punch, your body should be loose and relaxed. For a punch to travel fast, it's necessary for your muscles to be loose while you're throwing it. The idea is to learn how to apply power at the end of your punch.
The idea sounds plausible, sensible and well reasoned.
Pity life doesn't work that way. In reality, tensing the muscles of your forearms etc. at the end of a punch causes no more damage than if you simply continued to propel your fist into the target.
Power is less to do with 'focus' and more to do with learning how to shift your weight effectively. In MMA, my instructor taught me to remain loose throughout the punch. In addition to the usual skills of rotating your body strongly and using the muscles in your hips, etc. This increases the force of your punch. It might feel weaker because you're not putting effort into tensing your arms- but it isn't.

[Nrv4evr]

You do have a point, since it is the same overall mass striking your opponent. The real modifier in determining the power of a punch is the speed at which the punch travels. So I suppose, yes, that remaining loose during a punch wouldn't affect the power at all. Hmm... I learned something new today, thx KE. :cool:

[Blooming Lotus]

It's never going to be the art so much as the person ever anyway.......... ;)

cheers

[Knight_Errant]

You do have a point, since it is the same overall mass striking your opponent. The real modifier in determining the power of a punch is the speed at which the punch travels. So I suppose, yes, that remaining loose during a punch wouldn't affect the power at all. Hmm... I learned something new today, thx KE.
What I was getting at is that if your punches are nice and loose, they travel faster. In my experience, the real deciding factor in how powerful a punch is is how well you use your own weight and learn to use the big muscles in your thighs etc. when punching. As an experiment, try assuming the final position of a cross next to a wall. Then, leaving your fist on the wall, really drive the fist in to see what muscles you use to force it forwards. Then, take your weight off the front foot. Feel The insane pressure on your hand?

[steven.bradbury]

knight errant/you must be being taught by the same instructor as i.What you have said is so spot on.

[Knight_Errant]

Hey thanks :D
I do MMA in Cardiff...

[steven.bradbury]

i do tai boxing in derby keep up the good info.

[jls1znv9999]

When trained properly the blows are devastating enough. Sounds like you are literally throwing your weight, That would cause an imbalance problem. The art is in the fact of speed of the already vicous moves. Ever seen a real(non tv) match its how i decided to take Muay Thai. From what i have seen and learne MT is one of more vicous MA there is. All MA's require some control and sounds like that is what you lack.