This subject comes up and time and again the explanation of this concept remains with the definition that chinkuchi is, “Power skills stem from chinkuchi, where the joints are stiffened and locked when a limb is thrown and hits a target at the moment of impact. This is to prevent the limb from being knocked-back when it impacts the target. Chinkuchi helps drive through the target.”
When learning and teaching about Chinkuchi you should understand the fundamental principles of martial systems involved. It is fine to understand that it is about power, locking joints, muscles, tendons, etc., and hitting the target at a specific impact point but there is a bit more to it than that. It is best learned under the tutelage of a qualified and experienced teacher.
The first principle is under the heading or primary principle of “theory.” There has to be control, efficiency, simplicity, natural action, and reflexive action. Since these are theories you also understand that these are the underlying principles that interconnect and support the application of chinkuchi.
The second principle is under the heading or primary principle of “physiokinetics.” This is a more direct and applicable set of sub-principles. It starts with breathing. Breathing is in all probability the most important of all principles. Without the proper breathing methods most if not all of the other principles will either fail or be impacted negatively depending on many factors. Posture is the next sub-principle. Proper posture along with the other sub-principles contribute greatly to proper application of chinkuchi let alone any and all other applications of martial systems. The next is spinal alignment, axis both major and minor, structure, i.e. the alignment of major limbs, joints, etc., heaviness, relaxation, i.e., of which without you cannot achieve proper chinkuchi let alone other applications, wave energy, convergence, centeredness, triangulation point, body mind, then another sub-principle very close to chinkuchi, i.e., centripetal and centrifugal force.
Lets not forget the sub-principles that are most obvious from the terse explanation of what it takes to apply chinkuchi, i.e. the joints stiffen and lock, etc. This is the sub-principal of sequential locking and sequential relaxation. Finally, rooting.
Note: although I provide the above principles and sub-principles you have to remember that to apply chinkuchi or any martial arts you have to understand and apply “all the fundamental principles” holistically and wholeheartedly because to achieve efficiency and proficiency along with proper power, etc., you need them all. This is about pointing the practitioner in the right direction to study, learn and understand those underlying principles that actually drive the application of martial concepts like chinkuchi.
The third principle is under the heading or primary principle of “technique.” Looking at only the more applicable principles you have to have economical motion, active movement, positioning, angling, live and dead energy, speed, timing, rhythm, natural and unnatural motion, non-telegraphing and finally extension and penetration.
Note: again, repeat reading the above note.
These are those fundamental principles of martial systems that support an understanding of what chinkuchi is and how it is applicable toward the type of power in application of techniques that Isshinryu’ist speak of when talking about its importance in Isshinryu karate.
Everyone keeps touting about its importance but few, other than the simplistic definition given in the quote at the beginning of this article, provide an in depth explanation of what it is and how it works and most important, “why it is important and works.” I say this because the excuse that you have to experience it to understand and appy it is only partially true. I personally feel it is just an excuse because many can demonstrate it with simple physical examples that really don’t provide a true understanding that often cannot be achieved until it is applied in a real violent physical encounter much like understanding the chemical release in stress induced dumps when in the fight.
I wholeheartedly support the concept that true understanding is best achieved by “doing it” but to understand it fully and completely and to teach it adequately is from a full, complete and detailed understanding of those principles that are fundamental to the entire spectrum of martial systems.
Having the ability to articulate what it is that makes it work and what is missing that makes it not work are important. Many cannot adequately articulate it when teaching and that is an obstacle to efficiency, proficiency and a full and complete understanding.
It is like the self-defense teacher who simply teaches a practitioner the techniques and combinations while ignoring all the stuff that comes before the fight and the more critically important stuff that comes after the fight. When there is something missing then you can not be assured that what you know will work when you are in the conflict.
So, as I explain here and hope to inspire in others is the need to seek out answers and then learn the whole or entire understanding of martial principles that drive things like “chinkuchi.” If this chinkuchi is that important to martial arts then it is only proper those who are going to teach it, teach it completely and entirely. This type of understanding contributes to such things as “self-confidence, etc.” Like those who spend so much time learning history, if you understand history you are less apt to repeat it so if you understand the principles underlying a concept, model or technique, etc. you are less apt to apply it inefficiently. Inefficiency is about not winning, not achieving safety and not achieving security in life.
Maybe a lack of sufficient understanding even with the masters who teach is why they resist talking about it and always tell practitioners to practice, practice, practice in the hopes that by example and practice they will learn to apply it naturally. I dislike hearing the answer to “why does it work” with “because it does, go practice.”
For a more complete understanding of the fundamental principles of martial systems see,
Bibliography:
Perlman, Steven J. "The Book of Martial Power: The Universal Guide to the Combative Arts." New York. The Overlook Press. 2006.
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