Choi Hong Hi`s Theory of Power

Choi Hong Hi (often known as "General Choi") founded along with Nam Tae Hi one of the most influential Kwan during the 1950s the Oh Do Kwan. This was the military Dojang and since all able bodied men had to do service in the army all were exposed to Oh Do Kwan methods. Choi Hong Hi and his pioneers made the earliest attempts (that I am aware of) of making their original Karate art into something new. One of the things they did was to make the Chang Hon form in the period 1950s-1970s.

Choi was one of the founding members as well as the first president of the KTA that would later go on to found the Kukkiwon and he founded the ITF in the 1960s. The outside world's first glimpses of what was to become known as Taekwondo came from Choi and his pioneers tours where they traveled around demonstrating the art. He also authored the first English book on Taekwondo in 1965. General Choi is also known as the man who named Taekwondo (this happened in April 1955).

He is a man of great controversy and much of it is rooted in the bad blood that developed between the Kukkiwon and WTF on one side and ITF on the other in the 1970s until today. The introduction on the Theory of Power by the man himself: Choi Hong Hi.

7KHEHJLQQLQJVWXGHQWPD\DVN:KHUHGRHVRQHREWDLQWKHSRZHUWRFUHDWHWKHGHYDVWDWLQJresults attributed to Taekwondo"7KLVSRZHULVDWWULEXWHGWRWKHXWLOL]DWLRQRIDSHUVRQVIXOOpotential through the mathematical application of Taekwondo techniques. The average person uses only 10 to 20 percent of his potential. Anyone, regardless of size, age, or sex who can condition himself to use 100 percent of his potential can also perform the same destructive techniques.

Though training will certainly result in a superb level of physical fitness, it will not necessarily result in the acquisition of extraordinary stamina or superhuman strength. More important, Taekwondo training will result in obtaining a high level of reaction force, concentration, equilibrium, breath control and speed; these are the factors that will result in a high degree of physical power.

Reaction Force: $FFRUGLQJWR1HZWRQV/DZHYHU\IRUFHKDVDQHTXDODQGRSSRVLWHIRUFHWhen an automobile crashes into a wall with the force of 2,000 pounds, the wall will return a force of 2,000 pounds; or forcing the end of the seesaw down with a ton of weight will provide an upward force of the same weight; if your opponent is rushing towards you at a high speed, by the slightest blow at his head, the force with which you strike his head would be that of his own onslaught plus that of your blow. The two forces combined; his, which is large, and yours, which is small is quite impressive. Another reaction force is your own. A punch with the right fist is aided by pulling back the left fist to the hip.

Concentration: By applying the impact force onto the smallest target area, it will concentrate the force and therefore, increase its effect. For example, the force of water coming out of a water hose is greater if the orifice is smaller. Conversely, the weight of a man spread out on snow

shoes makes hardly any impression on the snow, whereas, a lady who concentrated all her weight on the long thin heels of her shoes that would easily sink into the snow. The blows in Taekwondo are often concentrated onto the edge of the open palm or to the crook of the fingers.

It is very important that you should not unleash all your strength at the beginning but gradually, DQGSDUWLFXODUO\DWWKHSRLQWRIFRQWDFWZLWK\RXURSSRQHQWVERG\WKHIRUFHPXVWEHVRconcentrated as to give a knock-out blow. That is to say, the shorter the time for the concentration, the greater will be the power of the blow. The utmost concentration is required in order to mobilize every muscle of the body onto the smallest target area simultaneously.

In conclusion, concentration is done in two ways: one is to concentrate every muscle of the body, particularly the bigger muscles around the hip and abdomen (which theoretically are slower than the smaller muscles of other parts of the body) towards the appropriate tool to be used at the SURSHUWLPHWKHVHFRQGZD\LVWRFRQFHQWUDWHVXFKPRELOL]HGPXVFOHVRQWRWKHRSSRQHQWVYLWDOspot. This is the reason why the hip and abdomen are jerked slightly before the hands and feet in any action, whether it be attack or defense. Remember, jerking can be executed in two ways: laterally and vertically.

Equilibrium: Balance is of utmost importance in any type of athletics. In Taekwondo, it deserves special consideration. By keeping the body always in equilibrium, that is, well balanced, a blow is more effective and deadly. Conversely, the unbalanced one is easily toppled. The stance should always be stable yet flexible, for both offensive and defensive movements. Equilibrium is classified into both dynamic and static stability. They are so closely inter-related that the maximum force can only be produced when the static stability is maintained through dynamic stability.

To maintain good equilibrium, the centre of gravity of the stance must fall on a straight line midway between both legs when the body weight is distributed equally on both legs, or in the centre of the foot if it is necessary to concentrate the bulk of body weight on one foot. The centre of gravity can be adjusted according to body weight. Flexibility and knee spring are also important in maintaining balance for both a quick attack and instant recovery. One additional point; the heel of the rear foot should never be off the ground at the point of impact. This is not only necessary for good balance but also to produce maximum power at the point of impact.

Breath Control: &RQWUROOHGEUHDWKLQJQRWRQO\DIIHFWVRQHVVWDPLQDDQGVSHHGEXWFDQDOVRcondition a body to receive a blow and augment the power of a blow directed against an opponent. Through practice, breath stopped in the state of exhaling at the critical moment when a blow is landed against a pressure point on the body can prevent a loss of consciousness and stifle pain. A sharp exhaling of breath at the moment of impact and stopping the breath during the execution of a movement tense the abdomen to concentrate maximum effort on the delivery of the motion, while a slow inhaling helps the preparation of the next movement. An important rule to remember; Never inhale while focusing a block or blow against an opponent. Not only will this impede movement but it will also result in a loss of power.

Students should also practice disguised breathing to conceal any outward signs of fatigue. An experienced fighter will certainly press an attack when he realizes his opponent is on the point of

exhaustion. One breath is required for one movement with the exception of a continuous motion.

Mass: Mathematically, the maximum kinetic energy or force is obtained from maximum body weight and speed and it is all important that the body weight be increased during the execution of a blow. No doubt the maximum body weight is applied with the motion of turning the hip. The large abdominal muscles are twisted to provide additional body momentum. Thus the hip rotates in the same direction as that of the attacking or blocking tool as in figure F. Another way of increasing body weight is the utilization of a springing action of the knee joint. This is achieved by slightly raising the hip at the beginning of the motion and lowering the hip at the moment of impact to drop the body weight into the motion.

In summarizing, it is necessary to point out that the principles of force outlined here hold just as true today in our modern scientific and nuclear age as they did centuries ago. I am sure that when you go through this art, both in theory and in practice, you will find that the scientific basis of the motions and the real power which comes out a small human body cannot fail to impress you.

Speed: Speed is the most essential factor of force or power. Scientifically, force equals mass multiplied by acceleration (F = MA) or (P = MV2). According to the theory of kinetic energy, every object increases its weight as well as speed in a downward movement. This very principle is applied to this particular art of self-defense. For this reason, at the moment of impact, the position of the hand normally becomes lower than the shoulder and the foot lower than the hip while the body is in the air.

Reaction force, breath, control, equilibrium, concentration, and relaxation of the muscles cannot be ignored. However, these are the factors that contribute to the speed and all these factors, together with flexible and rhythmic movements, must be well coordinated to produce the maximum power in Taekwondo.

Heart of England ITF Taekwon-do

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Theory of Power (Him Ui Wolli)

The Theory of Power is fundamental to the performance of Taekwon-Do techniques. There

are 6 main elements to the development of maximum power in any technique; Mass,

Reaction Force, Breath Control, Equilibrium, Concentration and Speed. If any element is

missing the power of any technique will suffer. You will notice that the elements often

contain aspects in common with each other. This is because the Theory of Power is a

complete package in which all the elements interrelate. Below is a brief description of each

element. Your Instructor will be able to explain this to you in more practical terms when

performing your techniques.

Mass (Zilyang)

In order to achieve maximum power it is necessary to use your entire body mass behind

the technique and not just you arm or leg. For example, imagine a baseball player. The

batter swings the bat not only with their arms but their entire body allowing the bat to

follow through after the contact. Now imagine that the same batter is not using their entire

body but only their arms. The resulting strike would be extremely weak.

In Taekwon-do we use three primary methods to add our mass (body weight) to our

techniques

1. Hip Twist by drawing our hip backwards before driving the technique forwards we

can add all our upper body mass to the technique. Hip Twist is an essential method

for obtaining extra power in static techniques such as sitting stance punching.

2. Stepping Forwards into a technique by stepping forwards we add our body mass

to the technique so rather than punching with the weight of our arm we are

punching with the weight of our body. It is essential that the foot does not hit the

ground before the technique is delivered. If your punch is delivered after youve

stepped you will have lost the additional benefit of you body weight behind your

technique.

3. Sine Wave (or Knee Spring) Sine Wave on its own does not add to the power of

the technique. What it does is allow us to move our body mass effectively. By

bending the knees at the start of a technique we are able to release our body

weight from the previous stance and lift it up and forwards before dropping it down

in to the next technique.

One of the training secrets of Taekwon-Do states: 'co-ordinate the movement of hands,

feet, eyes and breath into a single motion.'

Reaction Force (Bandong Ryok)

Isaac Newton's laws state that for every action (or force) there is an equal and opposite

reaction (i.e. a force equal in magnitude in the opposite direction). This is more relevant in

terms of impacts and collisions, rather than simply pulling the opposing hand back to the

hip when punching, blocking etc. For example, imagine an attacker running at you. If you

punch them, the power will be magnified by your own strength, speed, etc, plus the speed

with which they ran onto the technique. Therefore, by timing your attack or defence

correctly, and making contact with the opponent at the precise instant, his or her force will

be used against them.

In Taekwon-do however, we tend to think of Reaction Force in terms of balancing a

technique. The act of pulling the opposing hand back to the hip does enhance the

technique by accelerating the twisting of the upper body but it also balances body

movement. You will discover in Taekwon-do that the reaction arm does not always return

to the hip but changes depending on the techniques being performed and will also change

depending on which technique follows the one being performed. In pattern Won Hyo the

first movement is a twin forearm block followed by a high section inward knifehand strike.

Heart of England ITF Taekwon-do

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In the twin forearm block the right hand finishes above the head to balance the outer

forearm block to the front but it also places the right hand in the perfect position for the

next technique. The right knife-hand is striking inwards towards the left. If we pulled the

left hand back to the hip, the body would tend to over rotate anti-clockwise, creating an

imbalance. Instead, we pull the opposing hand to the right shoulder to balance the

movement. The back fist strike / low block in Toi-Gye and Choong Moo, middle block / low

block in Hwa-Rang are other examples of reaction force being used to balance techniques.

Breath Control (Hohup Jojul)

When performing a technique we inhale slowly and deeply, often through our nose and then

exhale sharply through our mouth at the moment of impact thus tensing our muscles and

creating a stronger technique. In Taekwon-do we use our breathing to time our

performance of many techniques. This is especially true when performing Patterns. Our

breathing helps us to co-ordinate all our techniques to a perfectly timed finish where

everything comes together at the precise moment of impact. We sometimes complete a

technique with a Kihap. This again is making use of Breath Control and tensing the

muscles at the moment of impact. When you watch someone speeding through a Pattern it

will often lack power purely because they arent breathing correctly.

Equilibrium (Kyun Hyung)

Equilibrium is how we bring all aspects of the art together. All Taekwon-do is developed

around balanced natural body movement to achieve the optimum effects; all aspects of

the art coming together to form the perfect technique. Many students fail to grasp the

importance of details such as correct stances focusing purely on the delivery of hand or

foot techniques. If these techniques are delivered from an unstable position, the overall

equilibrium of movement is affected and ultimately the effectiveness of the technique.

Stances are the foundation from which all our techniques are delivered. When kicking it is

particularly important for obvious reasons, but other basic applications of equilibrium

include stepping forward or backward or pivoting and changing direction. By moving the

feet in the correct manner and keeping our limbs slightly bent, we can create a fluid

motion from one posture to another, keeping perfect balance and concentrating our

energy into the technique. By having a good balance of all aspects of the art we become

better practitioners.

Equilibrium occurs throughout Taekwon-Do (and indeed throughout our lives) as a

harmony of the equal and opposites of Um-Yang; attack with defence, hard dynamic

movements with slow elegant movements and the physical Taekwon with the mental and

spiritual Do.

Concentration (Jip Joong)

Concentration refers to maximizing the power of a technique into the smallest target area

at the point of impact by using the correct tool for the job.

One of the best ways to imagine this is by kicking a breaker board flat footed. The power of

your technique is spread over an area the size of your sole and will often result in the frame

being pushed backwards rather than the board being broken. If you perform the same kick

but with a footsword you are able to focus the power of the technique along the boards line

of weakness giving you a far better chance of making the break.

Concentration also refers to bringing all our efforts in to one coordinated action; literally

'concentrating' on what we are doing with the eyes, mind, and body. Timing is a very

important aspect of any Taekwon-Do technique and comes with practice and experience.

Heart of England ITF Taekwon-do

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Speed (Sokdo)

Speed is the most important aspect of the Theory of Power. Without speed there can be no

power. Imagine a bullet thrown at a target; it would merely bounce off without any

damage to the target, but fire the same bullet from a gun and it will more often than not

pass straight through the target. The only difference between the two bullets is the speed

at which they were travelling.

To generate speed in Taekwon-do requires us to accelerate a technique as fast as possible.

As in mass we achieve this by using several methods. You will notice that many of the

aspects mentioned below have come up in the previous passages. The Theory of Power

really is a complete package and any missing aspect spoils the finished product.

1 Hip Twist in hip twist the attacking tool is drawn back before being thrown

forward as fast as possible towards its target. The pull back stage is relatively

slow by comparison to the acceleration forwards. Hip twist uses plyometric

muscle activity simply put the muscles are drawn back in one direction before

being released to accelerate forwards in the opposite direction. This can be

compared to an archers bow; the more its stretched out the faster it will return

to its original shape. The same can be said of muscles.

2 Relaxation for muscles to be able to work fast they need to be relaxed. If you

imagine driving a car with the brakes and accelerator pressed at the same time

this would have the same effect as trying to punch with tensed muscles. The

brakes would counteract the acceleration. Try punching fast with tensed

muscles. Taekwon-do relies on split second timing to deliver maximum power

and it is crucial that the muscles are only tense at that split second of impact.

Tense too early and you will lose power and tense too late and you will injure

yourself.

3 Correct delivery technique all too often we see students who do not punch

correctly. The simple punch is the most underestimated of techniques.

Everyone thinks they can punch but the reality is if you punch using incorrect

technique you will slow it down, lose power and possibly cause yourself an

injury. A punch should be delivered in a straight line from the hip to target. The

fist only spins over at the end of its travel. I have often seen students who turn

their fist over before it leaves the hip which slows down the technique because

it prevents the muscles from working efficiently. Try a simple exercise; punch

straight from the hip but keep your fist upside down at the end of its travel.

You should be able to feel the tension on the inside of the elbow joint trying to

spin the fist over (plyometric muscle activity). This is natural body movement;

the muscles and skeleton are working together to produce an optimum

movement. All Taekwon-do techniques have been developed to use this natural

body movement. Try the same punch again but this time start with the

knuckles facing upwards. Feel the difference in how the punch is delivered.

Finally try the punch starting with the fist upside down on the hip and allow it

to flick over into the correct position at the last moment.

4 Pull back or reaction movement the act of pulling back the reaction arm not

only balances a technique but also aids in the acceleration of the attacking tool.

The faster the pull back the faster the hip and shoulder rotation will be and as a

consequence the faster the attacking tool will reach its target. Pull back arms

are often neglected by the beginning student partly because they are too

focused of the attacking tool but also because they dont understand the

importance of the pull back.

If you have any questions about the Theory of Power speak to your Instructor who will be

able to give you there own understanding of this important aspect of the art.