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By definition speed is equal to the distance divided by the time (s = d/t) it takes to get there, act or move. In martial art terms however there are three categories and they are: Perceptual, Mental and Physical. However they are categorized separately they must work together and function as one. Perceptual speed is the quickness of the senses to monitor the stimulus it receives, determine the meaning of the stimulus and swiftly convey the meaning to the brain so that mental speed can process the response. To the martial artist, it is the feel or smell of trouble, a sound that detects trouble, a sign or gesture that suggests trouble, seeing the incoming strike, seeing the inviting invitations or opportunities to counter attack. Speed of this type can be increased by maintaining alertness and by conditioning the senses to harmonize with environment awareness. Mental speed is the quickness of the mind to process and select appropriate movements to effectively deal with the perceived stimulus. This type of speed is only one aspect of various Martial Arts training and needs to be practiced on a regular basis. This involves learning techniques to a point of total familiarity and instinctive response using mental speed to stop the threat. As you broaden your knowledge of alternatives and can conceptualize the random answers that exist in your subconscious mind, your mental or instinctive response increases proportionately when it is triggered by the perceived stimulus. Physical speed or body performance is the promptness of physical movement, the fluency in response to the perceived stimulus. In Martial Art training, it is the speed of the actual execution of a technique. Stretching, body conditioning, and other proper methods of training can increase speed of this type. Stretching exercises help to increase elasticity, which allows body speed to function for longer periods of time. Knowledge of the principle of economy of motion also contributes to speed. It avoids erroneous angles, and teaches you how to administer your strength or power in obtaining the most for your efforts in the shortest possible time.

This principle:

1. Stresses the importance of being relaxed when striking, tensing only at the moment of impact
2. Makes one aware that time is crucial
3. Uses movements that follow direct angles and paths
4. Eliminates telegraphing unless used as a means of deception strategy.
5. Continuity, flows, and motion rhythm.
6. To respond from wherever your natural weapons are located at the time of combat (point of origin), no matter what you, or your opponent’s body position may be at the time.
7. Target accessibility and the distance, or range that exists between your opponent’s targets and your natural weapons.
8. The time it takes to get to the target of your choice.
9. To also consider the speed of your opponent’s action or reaction when analyzing economy of motion.

One last note and that is while body speed often enhances speed, it is without doubt not the root of power. Synchronization of body mass and speed are two of the major ingredients that add to creating power. POWER There are many principles involved in the culmination of power and the sum of which maximizes one’s expenditure of energy. To obtain power you must add all the ingredients associated with economy of motion like:

1. Proper body alignment
2. Following of direct angles or paths to enhance speed
3. Mixture of torque or rotating force
4. Body momentum horizontal momentum through the use of shuffles as well as diagonal and vertical movements to create marriage of gravity
5. Deliver your strikes and all movements from point of origin Every action must be simultaneously coordinated to bring focus at the exact moment of contact.

It has been stated that when mass is coupled with velocity power increases proportionately. While this may be true, I think it is important to examine the term mass as it relates to power. Mass is not the only factor in creating power. The mass of your natural weapon is not the only source of power employed at the moment of impact. Martial Art understands POWER as the magnification of force aided by concentrated focus. Its capacity is equal to the physical strength, force or energy exerted, in addition to speed rendered. Focus is the concentration of mind, body, breath and strength coming together at the exact instant we make contact with the object we are blocking or striking. The entire body must be in focus with the target in order to fully utilize mass. Yes the mass of the natural weapon is initially independent of the body mass, but at a specific point, all come together upon impact. Therefore, it is not only the mass of the natural weapon, but also the added mass of your body that is synchronized at the point of contact. Mass includes the entire body and not just a portion of it. Other contributing factor’s deal with the principles and concepts of our martial art. Power will depend on angle of incidence, and penetration. Angle of incidence refers to the your natural weapon making contact with the target on a perpendicular angle or at a (right angle) that will give greatest effect and surface contact. Surface concentration is an important aspect to consider if increased injury is necessary. It is concerned with the impact of force between weapon and target and the resulting stresses. To increase the effects of the natural weapon using the idea of a nail or a pin penetrating your target means that the weapon being used is a small an area as possible, this will give internal injury effect upon the target. While surface injury is at a minimum, the internal effects are much greater. Penetration refers to the depth of your strike when you make contact with the attackers vital areas. Strikes should be designed to terminate about an inch or two (Depending upon the target), beyond the surface of the target. Since the maximum velocity occurs 70% to 80% of the way through your movement, it stands to reason that this is when impact should occur. The reasons for retreiving a strike rather than following through are two-fold. It preserves your balance and economizes on your movements. After all, a strike that travels beyond the point intended is really no more than a wasted push. However, like most facets of life there are always exceptions. If the strike were strategically used as a check after penetration it would not be considered wasted. This illustrates the usefulness of the lock-out-punch if it used as a positional, gravitational or other type of check. Phases of Techniques There are three phases to your Kenpo technique practice. They are the "ideal phase" this is the stage where you are taught what each technique was intended and designed for a specific type of defense. The second is the "what if" phase and deals with mitigating factors of a technique that relate to your opponent choosing a different destiny in your attacking defense based upon his reactions or your opportunities that specifically relate to your environment and other factors of known principles and concepts. A study of the other variables that may and can occur in an attack should not be overlooked. The "formulation" phase includes insights that go with prevailing circumstances and continue to build upon the idea of the "what if" phase. During the last two phases I hope that you will benefit from the meaning of "tailoring" a technique to fit the circumstances.

Sincerely yours in the Spirit of Kenpo,
Thomas Vince
5th Degree Black
IKKA

 

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