The generation of force in karate techniques is a complex matter, combining a number of coordinated principles and movements, including hip movement, centrifugal force, reaction force, leg drive, proper muscle use, speed, and focus. To accomplish this, the body must be maintained in the correct position for each technique so that the coordination of these principles and movements is maximized. Figure 39 demonstrates some of the factors adding to the generation of power in the counterpunch. The fighter stands in the left front stance, executing a counterpunch with the right fist. The punch commences with a sharp rotating motion of the hips (A). This rotation of the hips is aided by the driving force of the leg (B). As the punching fist travels forward (E), the opposite arm is withdrawn sharply (D), causing the shoulders to rotate in the same direction as the hips and adding reaction force to the punching arm (E). As the punch makes contact with the opponent, the rear leg is stiffened, adding a reaction force (C) to the punch.
Similar force is gained in the execution of some hand movements, using hip rotation opposite from that of the counterpunch. This type of reversed rotation may be observed in the rising block, inside block, downward block, knife-hand block, back-fist strike, and other hand techniques. Figure 40 demonstrates this reversed hip rotation in the performance of the rising block. The block begins with the rotation of the hip (A), to which is added the reaction force of the withdrawn hand (D). The driving force of the rear leg (B) creates a reaction force (C) that is added to the power of the blocking arm (E).
The power of the hip is also added to kicking techniques, as demonstrated in Figure 41. As the front kick is thrust forward, the hip is rotated in the direction of the kick (A). At the same time the supporting leg is thrust against the floor (B), creating a reaction force (C) that adds to the power of the kick.
In the roundhouse kick (Fig. 42), the power of the hips is added to the kick by rotating the hip in the direction of the kick (A, D). The supporting foot must be turned in the same direction in order to facilitate the kick (B). In order for the kicker to keep balance, the upper half of the body must rotate in a direction opposite to the hip.
Coordinating Body Movement
In the execution of karate techniques it is necessary to coordinate all body movements, in order to produce maximum power. This means that the directional movement of the body must be coordinated with hand and foot movements to maximize the effect of a kick, punch, or block. In schools where the instructors are lacking in basic knowledge, ignorance of this principle seems to be common. Many of these unqualified instructors produce students whose body movements are grossly uncoordinated. Some of the most common errors can be observed when these students complete a step forward and then follow with a punch or block. In other cases, the student shifts into a stance, and after body movement has been completed, the arm movement follows. Any physical education instructor not versed in karate technique could spot these coordination errors. A similar lack of coordination might be observed in a baseball player’s batting technique. If the batter were to step toward the pitch and rotate his hips without moving the bat, and then, having completed the hip rotation, begin to swing the bat, the error would be obvious. No body power would be added to the swing, and the resultant hit would not have the full power of the batter.
Demonstrated next is the manner in which the hand, foot, and body movements must be coordinated in order to produce maximum power in the lunge punch. A similar process is necessary for blocks, strikes, and kicks. In Figure 43 the attacker (left) faces his opponent. Both are in sparring stances. The attacker steps forward in the front stance with his right foot, completing the step (Fig. 44). His right hand has begun the lunge punch, but has not completed it. The hand technique is not completed until after the step has been terminated (Fig. 45). This method of punching has divided the power generated by the body’s forward movement from that developed by the hand in the completion of the punch. The result is a loss of power in the lunge punch.
In Figures 46 through 48 the attacker has completed the punch before his body motion has stopped. Beginning in the left front stance (Fig. 46), he steps forward to begin a lunge punch, but his hand is fully extended in the punch before his body movement stops (Fig. 47). In the last photo (Fig. 48), the attacker has completed the step, but it has not been coordinated with the punch, and the combined power of body movement and hand movement has not been achieved.
Figures 49 and 50 demonstrate the correct method of utilizing hand and body power. The attacker begins in the left front stance (Fig. 49) and then steps forward with his right foot to execute a right lunge punch (Fig. 50). Note that his foot has advanced, but his hand has not begun the punch. This is necessary, since hand movement is much quicker than body movement. In Figure 51 we see the completion of the punch. Maximum force has been developed, since the hand and foot have reached their terminal position at the same time.
This coordination of body movement is possible in both forward and backward movements. The key to developing power in both directions is to make sure that the hand and foot stop at the same time.
Hip Movement