Secrets of Shotokan Karate. Robin L. Rielly

in regard to the amount of force that they generate. One such physical force is centrifugal force.

      As demonstrated in previous sections, reaction force is generated in a kick, punch, or block by withdrawing the opposite arm or leg. This sharp movement usually causes some rotation movement in the hip. However, if a rotating movement is initiated by the hip as the punch is executed, then centrifugal force will be added to the reaction force, producing the strongest possible punch. An easy comparison is the swing of a batter as he attempts to hit the ball. Although coordination of the batter’s swing has been discussed above, it should also be noted that a batter who does not rotate his hips and body into the swing of the bat will have a very weak swing. Baseball fans can observe this easily, and recognize that the same principle applies to many other athletic movements, including karate punches, kicks, and blocks.