Theory of Power (I.T.F.)

[Evainski]

Theory of Power

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 person’s 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.

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.

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 as in figure F. 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.

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, breath, 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.

[Evainski]

I thought I would post this as its a valuable resource for all students of ITF style TKD. After all, the first of the "training secrets" is "To study the Theory of Power throughly". I believe this is from General Choi's encyclopedia but I could be wrong on that.

Anyhow, I also thought it would be good to get the feedback of others on this and your interpretations of it. I have been brushing up on my theory lately as I have recently returned to TKD after an 8 year hiatus and theory is definitely the area I've forgotten the most in. I look forward your thoughts on this theory.

Evainski

[DragonSpawn]

I like this article, thanks for posting it

[TKDstudent]

Yes the training secret of TKD, which is not a secret BTW dictates that you must know the ToP thoroughly. It is 1 of the 9 parts of the secret, which is also in the Encyclopdia of TKD. It does make an awful lot of sense that one knows the things (9 parts of the training secret) that will make their training easier, from the onset. Likewise, 1 of those parts makes sense as well, which is the aforementioned ToP. One should know the theory behind how they are generating power if they wish to generate maximum power to utilize when needed. jmo

[Jeffkins]

Originally Posted by Evainski

The average person uses only 10 to 20 percent of his potential.

Do you have a source for this statistic? Or is this made up on the spot?

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.

Newton's third law does not refer to forces within the same system and also requires the motions to be acting in the same line to hold true. Pulling the hand back to the hip may make more sense from a pure power generation perspective if your shoulders were actually attached to your hips; but even then the whole idea is a bit iffy.

...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;

Why are they theoretically slower?

By keeping the body always in equilibrium, that is, well balanced, a blow is more effective and deadly.

Please explain how this works exactly.

According to the theory of kinetic energy, every object increases its weight as well as speed in a downward movement.

It does? Does gravity increase or does mass?

[Fish Of Doom]

on that last point, acceleration increases. weight is downwards force, it is f=ma where a is the gravity of the earth. if you go in the same direction with a faster acceleration, you gain more force. now, actually descending faster than gravity pulls you is QUITE another matter.

[Evainski]

Originally Posted by Jeffkins

Do you have a source for this statistic? Or is this made up on the spot?



Newton's third law does not refer to forces within the same system and also requires the motions to be acting in the same line to hold true. Pulling the hand back to the hip may make more sense from a pure power generation perspective if your shoulders were actually attached to your hips; but even then the whole idea is a bit iffy.



Why are they theoretically slower?



Please explain how this works exactly.



It does? Does gravity increase or does mass?

Hello Jeffkins and thankyou for your interest.

On the first point: I'm a bit iffy on that one myself. I just put it down to exaggeration to make a point but who knows maybe it is correct. It is true though that an untrained person (By untrained I mean anyone who has no training in striking) is not going to strike with as much power as they would if they utilized correct body mechanics. So in a way, the average person does not strike with their full potential. Whether or not its 10-20% or 60-80%, who knows, probably depends a lot on the individual. Just so there is no misunderstanding, I did not write this. This was taken from a website that ripped it from another website that ripped it from somewhere else. It was, and correct me if I'm wrong here, originally from General Choi Hong Hi's encyclopedia. I think Choi himself wrote this in the 80's? (Anyone know for sure?)

On your next point: I'm glad you bring this one up. This is the sort of stuff I'd like to discuss. My knowledge of physics is rudimentary at best so if anyone else would like to chime in on this that would be great. All I can say is that pulling the fist back to the hip, or back to the jaw for that matter, whilst throwing a punch does seem to increase the power in my strikes. (This could be perceived)
One thing to keep in mind is that all of these factors are interrelated. For instance pulling the arm back in the opposite direction to the hip when performing a "lower section block" helps one to stop the block mid air when practicing drills or patterns. (I've experienced this myself, it takes less effort to stop the block mid air when pulling back to the hip) I had it explained to me once that this helps with "concentration" or to explain further, concentrating the force onto the surface of the target at the exact moment of impact rather than diffusing the force over a greater time period (i.e. to damage or break the target whilst deflecting rather than to simply deflect). Maybe it helps with balance too??

Your third point: I believe they are slower, not just theoretically. Correct me if I'm wrong but as I understand it, these are some of the slowest muscles in the body. Why, I don't know, maybe that part is plain incorrect.

Your fourth point: I do not know the science behind this, maybe someone can clear this one up. I believe it comes back to concentration of force. You would have more trouble focusing your impact if your falling off balance when you do it, your body would be less sturdy potentially meaning a less powerful strike.

I think Fish of Doom covered the last point.

Anyway, just after some feedback as I'm trying to understand this stuff the best I can. Thanks for the input so far.

Evainski

[paddy ska]

Nice to see your listening to Jeffkins critisism and not reacting negatively to it, shows a willingness to learn!!

I'll be honest and say that a lot of the stuff the General speaks about scientifically is wrong but you can't actually get some people to take that in. Unfortunately.

[Evainski]

Originally Posted by paddy ska

Nice to see your listening to Jeffkins critisism and not reacting negatively to it, shows a willingness to learn!!

I'll be honest and say that a lot of the stuff the General speaks about scientifically is wrong but you can't actually get some people to take that in. Unfortunately.

Yes, learning is what I'm all about at the moment. I'm back at training after a long long time off and I'm trying to understand everything as best as possible. I am under no false illusions about the science aspects of the art, after all the late General Choi was a martial artists not a physicist. Having said that I respect the General as if he were my own master, he did some great things in the development of TKD and imo was a great martial artists/promoter of TKD. I have always understood and accepted the fact that not all may be as seems but that does not mean I'm going to up and leave, I respect the art for what it is and what it has done for me. Most of the theory is correct imo but yes, there are some bits I've always been a bit iffy on. I just wish to understand the theory for what it is as best as I can as this is what will help me grow as a martial artist.

Evainski

[TheWaywardSon]

Just to put it out there, the idea that larger muscle groups are "slower" comes from the same basic idea as the comparative advantage of two size rubber bands. The larger and longer rubber band has more potential for power once fully extended but takes a slightly longer amount of time to reach that point, where as a smaller band can reach its maximum stretched potential in a shorter amount of time but generates less power. That's a MASSIVELY simplified way of explaining it but there ya go.

So far as reaction force goes, I've always sort of interpreted it as this; Similar to the concept of "the perfect punch" using your body mass and momentum to maximize to power of your strikes with more than simply your arm muscles. Another item that falls into this category, the "small force meets large". In my experience what this mainly breaks down into is the idea of walking into a technique. A punch that normally may not have been terribly damaging may lay a man out if he where to amplify its effect by moving into that punches power arc. Very simplified but hopefully it helps.

[TKDMitch]

Now, I love TKD and I think there is real merit in some of this, but there is also a lot of hooey which was largely a result of trying to put a scientific gloss on theories to gain some credibility.

Let's go through step by step.

Originally Posted by Evainski

Theory of Power

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.

This is great up until "Another force..." at which point there is no evidence base and therefore it is not scientific. I can think of lots of reasons for the pull back arm, but I'm not sure any of them increase power.

Originally Posted by Evainski

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.

Hit with a smaller striking surface against a specific weak spot. Couldn't he have simplified that definition?

Originally Posted by Evainski

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.

I get this but is the last sentence really true?

Originally Posted by Evainski

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.

So much of this seems utterly irrelevant outside sparring; disguised breathing in the chaos of self defence? Really?

Originally Posted by Evainski

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 as in figure F. 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.

You can't increase mass except by eating pies. That the maximum is applied by the motion of turning the hip makes sine wave look a bit silly doesn't it?

Originally Posted by Evainski

[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.

Do things really increase their weight in a downward movement? Enough to make a difference in a strike?

Originally Posted by Evainski

[Reaction force, breath, 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.

There is a lot of common sense in the theory of power, especially if you strip away the pseudo-science, but I think we have to be aware that it is a product of a different age now.

Mitch

[carlos]

Originally Posted by TKDMitch

You can't increase mass except by eating pies.

That the maximum is applied by the motion of turning the hip makes sine wave look a bit silly doesn't it?

I know I've only picked out one point, but, it's late and my brain is fading for the day.

True - you can't increase mass. Your fist will be the same mass, regardless.

However, the turning of the hip is something that (admittedly, IMO, biased by years of non-TAGB though) should be done in conjunction with the knee spring. If you're using a plyometric reaction in your upper body, why not use it in your lower body?

Personally, I don't like to see a deep sine-wave. You lose the natural 'springyness' in the plyometric reaction, which reduces the speed of the technique (which has it's own heading in the Theory of Power).

[TKDMitch]

Originally Posted by carlos

I know I've only picked out one point, but, it's late and my brain is fading for the day.

True - you can't increase mass. Your fist will be the same mass, regardless.

However, the turning of the hip is something that (admittedly, IMO, biased by years of non-TAGB though) should be done in conjunction with the knee spring. If you're using a plyometric reaction in your upper body, why not use it in your lower body?

Personally, I don't like to see a deep sine-wave. You lose the natural 'springyness' in the plyometric reaction, which reduces the speed of the technique (which has it's own heading in the Theory of Power).

Absolutely agree, but knee spring is quite different from the motion now talked about as sine wave, doon't you think Carlos?

Mitch

[carlos]

What motion do you mean Mitch? If you mean the deep bending of the knees, then yes - that is different to 'knee spring'. But, I don't think that's a correct/efficient motion.

When my instructor left the TAGB, we moved to an ITF organisation, who, at the time, did sine wave. We were doing quite a deep sine wave with very little, or no hip rotation. Back then, I was a 7th kup (IIRC), so I didn't question it. As we progressed, the motion that we were being told to do had changed a little. We were now having a far more shallow sine wave and we were introducing some hip rotation. That's how me move now. After all - when you're walking normally, you don't dip down and up like Mr Soft.

Still - it's all very much in my opinion as it would be difficult to 'scientifically' prove that one way is better than the other.

[Evainski]

Personally, and this is only my opinion here, I look at the sine wave as conditioning more than anything else. When sped up, the sine wave becomes so subtle as to be almost non-existent. I mean we train day in and day out practicing punches in walking stance etc etc and my instructor always said, "obviously your not going to step into a perfect walking stance to punch a thug in a dark ally". The sign wave, the rigid stances in patterns are merely a method of training imo.
At my club, and it is ITF, we drill techniques and practice patterns complete with a deep exaggerated sign wave, When it comes to sparring or mit work, its hands up, free stance punch from the jaw type stuff. This is the same for all ITF clubs in my area and when you see ITF competition sparring, you wont see someone attack in walking stance with a perfect sine wave lol. Anyway sorry if I'm rambling its really late