Evolution of the Attack Punch - - Chief Instructor's Blog July 2012

In several blogs, I have discussed how martial arts techniques and the artist itself evolve (e.g., Learning Forms (Hyung) July 2008, Evolution of the Martial Artist January 2011, Evolution of Learning Hyung Part I August 2011, and Evolution of Learning Hyung Part II September 2011)


So what might this look like for a specific technique? In this blog, I will discuss the attack punch and describe how techniques might evolve as a student progresses in the art form. In future blogs, I will discuss other techniques.

Beginner

 

As with all techniques, the beginning is focused on the mechanics. The key mechanical aspects are:

• Hips and shoulders remain square throughout the punch; back straight
• Punching fist moves forward to sternum level, wrist flat, rotating fist 180 degrees just prior to impact; first two knuckles pointed at target
• Arm stays in contact with side of body throughout motion
• Opposite fist comes back in reciprocal position at the hip (fist upward) 
• Remain set in Attack Stance prior to impact

             - Stance is approximately twice as wide as it is long, both knees and feet pointed forward
             -  Rear leg is locked
             -  Front knee bent approximately 35 degrees from horizontal and above the ankle
             -  Body weight evenly distributed on both feet

• Punching arm elbow should remain slightly bent at impact

For the very beginner, there is not much power, and the focus is to ensure the stance, body alignment, the motion and targeting are all correct.

Intermediate

 

Once the mechanics are fairly solid, speed and power are added to the technique. At this point, Green Belts and Beginning Blue Belts should:

• Shorten time between movement in stance and punch
• Focus on form, increasing speed and decreasing reaction time while maintaining mechanics
• Focus on form, adding force while maintaining mechanics
• Be able to transition quickly from and to an attack punch quickly and smoothly.
• Throw techniques upward, downward, and in a reverse attack stance

More Advanced Blue Belts and Brown Belts should

• Shorten the distance to the target working on generating force in a shorter distance
• Be grounded and remain grounded throughout the technique 
• Have power come from hips; driven by hip through elbow; arm is natural extension of the body
• Have consistent force throughout technique
• Have minimal upper body motion to generate power
• Project proficient force with intent to go through object striking
• Be able to use the attack punch in various practical applications

Advanced

 

Interim Black Belts and Black Belts should be grounded all the time and start projecting more energy and utilizing less mechanical force in their techniques. In particular, advanced students should:

• Shorten the distance to the target working on generating energy in a shorter distance
• Have a stance that is rooted to the ground
• Have energy that flows from ground through legs to center creating strong base
• Be able to penetrate past the physical fist itself and shatter the target
• Be forward/linear energy; not breakable by a rotation maneuver at the fist
• Use the punch to set an intention (create a wall)

The modifications and adjustments must be consciously and deliberately applied to hyung, self-defense, and sparring. This takes time and focus. In addition, this is the part of the constant relearning of the art form. This is why it takes time to master a technique – mastering the technique means you can apply it through all the aspects of the art form, not just basics.

Regards,

 

Kelly

"The intelligent man is one who has successfully fulfilled many accomplishments, and is yet willing to learn more." ~ Ed Parker (1931-1990), founder of American Kenpo