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.
In summarizing, it is necessary to point out that the principles of force
outlined here hold just as true today in our modern scientific and
nuclear age as they did centuries ago.
I am sure that when you go through this art, both in theory and in
practice, you will find that the scientific basis of the motions and the
real power which comes out a small human body cannot fail to impress
you.
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.
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