Fighting Science: The Laws of Physics for Martial Artists

You hate physics? You're just not a math whiz? Many of us squirm when we hear the word physics, and the first that comes to mind are numbers and letters mixed into a sort of incomprehensible language called equations. But don't worry. The physics we will discuss here is conceptual physics, which relies primarily on concepts rather than equations. Concepts are ideas with which we are already familiar. These ideas are then related to the martial arts (power, in particular). Below is a list of the few equations you need to know and their commons symbols. These are explained in detail throughout the text: 

1. Momentum = mass X velocity (p = mv)

2. Force = mass X acceleration (F = ma) 

3. Torque = force X lever arm (T = Fr) 

4. Impulse = force X time (j = Ft) 

5. Work = force X distance (W = Fd) 

6. Power = work / time (P = W/t)

7. Kinetic energy = 1/2 mass X velocity squared (K = 1/2mv²) 

Although many books about power in the martial arts rely on physical conditioning and prompt us to do pushups and situps and plyometric exercises, this book takes us through the back door and shows us the principles of physics behind power. The purpose is not to negate the importance of physical conditioning, but to complement it by broadening our understanding of sound mechanics of technique through the use of the natural laws of motion. It thus takes us to the highest stage of learning (correlation) through the laws of physics. The first chapter compares standup fighting (karate, kickboxing) and ground fighting (grappling), and explores how the concepts of physics and strategy apply to both. Subsequent chapters discuss and define the terms and concepts in detail, breaking them down into their component parts. We will then train using the laws of physics to our advantage. 

Before gaining proficiency, however, we must learn proper mechanics of technique. This is called mechanical or rote learning, and is memorization without understanding. The mechanical stage does little good in free sparring, yet is necessary as a foundation for continued growth. The second stage of learning is called understanding. When reaching this level, we know when to do a technique and why the moves follow a particular sequence. We can now answer questions about the technique, without necessarily being proficient in its execution. The third stage of learning is called application. We can now use what we have learned in unrehearsed sparring. The fourth stage of learning is called correlation. This is where the concepts of one technique are applied to another, or where the concepts of standup fighting are applied to grappling, and vice versa. Providing that we have learned sound mechanics of technique, our knowledge and skill from one style of martial art will now carry over to another, allowing us to diversify our skill without spending years perfecting a particular martial art. We can now become our own instructor. 

Once we understand the principles that apply to balance, body mass in motion, inertia, direction, rotational speed, friction, torque, impulse, and kinetic energy, the need to memorize hundreds of techniques vanishes. A true principle applies to all techniques and all people, whether we are standing, sitting, kneeling, prone, or supine; whether we are big or small, strong or weak. Physics is neither good nor bad; it can neither be given to us nor taken away. It applies equally to all people at all times. It's how we use it that makes the difference. 

As you proceed, keep in mind that certain words that have an exact meaning in physics have occasionally been used in everyday language. An example is the word power. In physics, power is defined as work/time. But to the martial artist, the term power can have diverse meanings and is commonly used to determine how much damage we can do when landing a strike or kick. The way the martial artist uses the word might prove disturbing to the student of physics. But since the book is written for the student of martial arts, power should primarily be thought of as the force of impact of a punch or kick. A student of physics might also frown on the fact that we have chosen to display numbers without specifying units. This is done to simplify the text and retain focus on concepts rather than equations. To ask a student of martial arts to strike with a force of a certain number of newtons, would have meaning only if he or she had some prior knowledge of physics. 

 

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