Want to learn how martial artists stay
safe?
Studying the Japanese martial arts is
a physical and mental endeavor. We sometimes get so wrapped up in training in
the dojo that we ignore basics such as anatomy, physiology, relaxation, and
physics, each of which is essential to the development of high-level skills.
Anatomy
Learning the basic karate-do horizontal front punch illustrates the need for understanding at least a little anatomy. The knuckles of the index and middle fingers of the fisted hand, the part of the hand that transmits energy to the target, must move just a tiny bit to the outside just before impact with the target. This allows the alignment of these two knuckles and the metacarpals behind them with the radius and ulna in the forearm, thus enabling the delivery of the kinetic energy generated by your body mass and the punch’s velocity to the target. If these bones are not properly aligned, the punch will deliver less energy and be less effective. You will also be at increased risk of injuring your hand.
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| Correct Form |
Physiology
Physiology is
also important. Your muscles must have energy to function. If your muscles and
liver are, due to fatigue, depleted of glycogen, a precursor of glucose that is
the basic fuel of skeletal muscle and most other tissues, you simply cannot deliver
an effective blow. You have heard of marathoners and triathletes who “hit the
wall.” They “hit the wall” because their muscle and liver stores of glycogen
were too low to sustain prolonged exercise. They may quit, or often they
struggle to finish, sometimes collapsing either physically, mentally, or both
during the struggle. Nausea, cramps, and mental disorientation can result. The
same thing can happen to martial artists who do not understand the need to fuel
their muscles. While martial artists are not generally thought of as endurance
athletes, even moderate glycogen depletion with the resultant reduction in
blood glucose levels can reduce mental acuity, reduce reaction time, reduce
coordination, and decrease strength.
To see how relaxation and physics play
a role in budo, visit our website!
Advance your rank with SMAA: Martial arts certification
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member of the Shudokan Martial Arts Association! Test under an SMAA teacher or send us a video
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