The generation of power by synchronizing the movements of our entire bodies was discussed previously. Now let’s find out how we can apply this power effectively to opponent.

An attacking action is damaging only when it is hitting the opponent, whereas the attacker must be able to support the reaction caused by the attacking action. If the support is insufficient, the attacking power will be weakened. Therefore at the moment of hitting, stabilize the stance and firm up the muscles and tendons to provide a robust body capable of supporting the reaction. Imagine we are standing on a pair of roller skates and wearing a pair of mitts. Even though we can deliver a strong punch and hit our opponent, it will not cause any damaging effect because the roller skates and the mitts cannot support the reaction of the hit.

Moreover, we have to pay attention to the angle of the arm/leg joint. Different joint angles will have different degrees of supporting strength; a joint may not be able to develop its greatest supporting strength if it is bending too much or not bending at all. The hitting exercise with punching/kicking bag is very useful for us to understand the effect of joint angle on powerful hitting. In fact, the joint angle is governed by the distance between the attacker and the opponent at the moment of hitting. For example, when they are too close to each other, the attacker has to bend the elbow (in punching) or the knee (in kicking) more, and vice versa. Correct distance is important in powerful hitting. Therefore in kumite competitions, “Correct Distance” is one of the six important criteria for scoring.

In summary, sufficient supporting strength from attacker at the moment of hitting is vital to powerful hitting.