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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 an 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 defence. 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 centre 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 centre of the foot if it is
necessary to concentrate the bulk of body weight on one foot. The centre
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-defence. 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.
- Reproduced from "Taekwon-Do" (The Korean Art of Self Defence) also known
as The Condensed Encyclopaedia.
Fifth Edition 1999, All rights reserved
Copyright 1988, 1991, 1992, 1995, 1999 General Choi, Hong Hi.
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Imperial
Taekwon-Do
