cathyr19355 (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
cathyr19355) wrote2009-12-12 01:11 am
cathyr19355) wrote2009-12-12 01:11 am
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Thoughts on Martial Arts
It seems to me that different martial arts have different ideas about what are useful shapes of support and movement, depending upon the range of techniques involved.
The traditional "punching arts" (karate, boxing, tae kwon do, wing chun kung fu, for example) are mostly linear. The object is to move forward or sideways [EDIT: or away at a 45-degree angle] as quickly as possible in a straight line, or to punch as quickly and powerfully as possible.
The throwing arts (aikido, for example) emphasize circular movements, possibly because they are fluid and work well to direct force to an object so that it will gather momentum.
The Brazilian jiu-jitsu that is part of Mixed Martial Arts, however, is big on triangles. Why? Because they are interested in helping the practitioner maintain a stable position...often on top of an opponent doing his/her best to roll or throw them off. A triangular "base" combines the best of stability with the ability to move quickly in a direction that best enables you to turn the tables on your opponent.
The traditional "punching arts" (karate, boxing, tae kwon do, wing chun kung fu, for example) are mostly linear. The object is to move forward or sideways [EDIT: or away at a 45-degree angle] as quickly as possible in a straight line, or to punch as quickly and powerfully as possible.
The throwing arts (aikido, for example) emphasize circular movements, possibly because they are fluid and work well to direct force to an object so that it will gather momentum.
The Brazilian jiu-jitsu that is part of Mixed Martial Arts, however, is big on triangles. Why? Because they are interested in helping the practitioner maintain a stable position...often on top of an opponent doing his/her best to roll or throw them off. A triangular "base" combines the best of stability with the ability to move quickly in a direction that best enables you to turn the tables on your opponent.