Science and Strength
Fighting Science: The Laws of Physics for Martial Artists
It has been said that a successful martial artist doesn’t need size or strength, because “it is all in the technique.” It has also been said that the power of a martial artist seems to increase quickly with weight, and the best lightweight fighter in the world will be defeated every time by an unranked heavyweight in a bar brawl. Which is correct? This book analyzes the principles of physics that lead to powerful martial arts. The text will broaden your understanding of the laws of nature and the importance of correct technique, and will demonstrate how a smaller person can make these laws work to his or her advantage.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Physics and Strategy: An Introduction to the Fighting Concepts
- Center of Gravity: Balance, How Important Is It?
- Momentum: Without Movement, Nothing Happens
- F = ma: An Unbeatable Combination
- Rotational Speed and Friction: Circular Movement = Power
- Impulse: Striking Through the Target
- Conservation of Energy: The Workload
- Ki-netic Energy: Mind Over Matter
- Conclusion
The Science of Takedowns, Throws & Grappling for Self-Defense
A successfully executed takedown relies only on one scientific principle: the location of the center of gravity. The focus of this book is how to disturb an adversary’s center of gravity while retaining your own; in short, how to get your opponent on the ground without going down with him. A secondary purpose is how to subdue your opponent on the ground through a variety of presses and joint locks. The book is written for the self-defense interested person, and not for the mixed martial arts competitor.
Table of Contents
- Foreword
- Overview of Concepts
- Overview of Takedowns
- Positioning and Timing
- Leverage and Momentum
- Leg Takedowns
- Body and Arm Takedowns
- Neck Takedowns
- Empty Hand and Weapon Presses
- Stick Leverage
- Rearward Throws
- Forward Throws
- Easy to Use Street Concepts
- Knife Defense Unbalancing Moves
- Scenario Analysis
Strength and Power Training for Martial Arts
The secret to great martial arts performance does not lie in technique alone, but also in how well you can manipulate your body against a variety of forces. These include your own weight, your opponent’s weight, and inertia for quick changes in speed and direction. The ability to exert your strength properly and at the right moment gives you a competitive edge over your opponent. When you are physically strong, your acceleration, body balance, recovery, and reaction time improve and make you an overall more efficient fighter.
Table of Contents
- Fact, Fiction, and Half-Truths
- Quick Reference to Strength Training Concepts
- Introduction
- What is Strength?
- Muscle Anatomy
- Natural Anatomical Strengths
- Physics and Biomechanical Strengths
- Understanding the Concepts
- Machine and Free Weight Exercises
- Bodyweight Exercises
- Building Your Strength Base
- Lower Body Strength
- Upper Body Strength
- Abdominal Strength
- Plyometric Strength
- Cardiovascular Strength Endurance
- Flexibility and Strength
- Women's Strength Training
- Mental Approach to Strength Training
- Introduction to Sport Specific Training
- Martial Art Specific Training Programs
Combat Fitness for the Elite Female Martial Artist
Every sport where serious female athletes participate—gymnastics, swimming, skiing, basketball, hockey, and all others—involves toughening the body and mind. The martial arts are great for relieving frustration, staying fit, and building confidence, but many female athletes have visions beyond a healthier lifestyle. They want to compete in front of a large audience, they want the ability to protect themselves and others, and they want to be respected for their skill and advancement of the art and sport. Combat fitness means physical and mental readiness. The ability to communicate combat presence in the face of threat and to outfight a bigger opponent requires physical strength, confidence, and commitment.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Muster
- Physical Strength and Stamina
- Hard Hitting, Strong Gripping
- Winning Matters
- Pressing the Attack
- Force and Single Strike Damage
- Force Escalation
- The Bodyweight Challenge
- Controlling the Counterattack
- Failure
- Pain
- Gross vs. Fine Motor Skills
- Fight or Flight
- Finishing the Fight
- Exit Strategy
- Final Thoughts
Kenpo Karate:
A Celebration of Our Journey,
Our Art, and Our Teacher
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Table of Contents
- First Step
- The Concepts
- Economy of Motion
- Speed and Explosiveness
- Circular Motion
- Checks and Traps
- Distance and Timing
- The Best Martial Art
- Student and Teacher
- The Variances of Combat
- Given Five Minutes
- How to Win
- Our Teacher
- From the Man Himself
- Concluding Thoughts
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