Framework and kicking?

[MartialArtsSnob]

IMA employs the principal of framework (this is what my Sifu calls it). Concerning the creation of a structure to transmit force while striking or absorb force when receiving. I can see this in a static frame like in WC. I can see how the frame can be maintained during weight shifting by rotating on the center of the foot. I can even see maintaining it while stepping as in Tai Chi by rooting on one leg and placing the foot only as far as the free leg will reach (while rooted on the other). Here is my question: How can the frame be maintained while kicking? Does anyone have any insight on kicking while maintaining framework?

[daftyman]

not really, but here's somthing that might be apposite:

In Robert Smith's 'Chinese Boxing: Masters and Methods', most of those guys only kick below knee height. (less chance of the leg getting caught or trapped.)

In my school the height of any kicks in the form should have a direct relationship to how rooted the other leg is.

[LilBunnyRabbit]

Interesting, I'd call that good biomechanics application, but I prefer the term framework.

The frame still exists, its simply reduced. The easiest way to do it is probably to put your bodyweight into the kick and not try to pin the other foot to the ground, but actually let it move naturally with the motion of the kick.

[MartialArtsSnob]

Bunny, I see your point. I do this already and it does maintain some of the benifits of framwork but it is as you say reduced. One can use the stance to attack the opponents legs in that fasion. I think you could do a kind of jumping from stance to stance while maintaining the stance in the air, this would keep the "togetherness" of the body at the point of impact (wherever that may be). I also see some of this with the MT style of kicking where the kicker does not try to stop his kick but instead keeps the body as one and rotates the whole "Frame".

[LilBunnyRabbit]

We actually do a sort of cross between the two, moving the body sequentially but as a whole, rather than just moving the leg, or moving the entire body as one. not sure if I'm explaining it right though.

[MartialArtsSnob]

No I think I know what you mean, You root/weight one leg to "coil the spring" then release to move forward and the body follows with the trailing leg coming to a stop last. I feel this "sequential" movement as well. With this in mind the only kick that seems to (mostly) keep the frame is the WC style front kick with its toe out, downward path.

[LilBunnyRabbit]

Sort of, but the other way round, with the motion almost starting from the grounded leg, and ending at the end of the technique (past the point of contact).

[MartialArtsSnob]

Are you talking about three legged boxing?