Please take a look at Articles on self-defense/conflict/violence for introductions to the references found in the bibliography page.

Please take a look at my bibliography if you do not see a proper reference to a post.

Please take a look at my Notable Quotes

Hey, Attention on Deck!

Hey, NOTHING here is PERSONAL, get over it - Teach Me and I will Learn!


When you begin to feel like you are a tough guy, a warrior, a master of the martial arts or that you have lived a tough life, just take a moment and get some perspective with the following:


I've stopped knives that were coming to disembowel me

I've clawed for my gun while bullets ripped past me

I've dodged as someone tried to put an ax in my skull

I've fought screaming steel and left rubber on the road to avoid death

I've clawed broken glass out of my body after their opening attack failed

I've spit blood and body parts and broke strangle holds before gouging eyes

I've charged into fires, fought through blizzards and run from tornados

I've survived being hunted by gangs, killers and contract killers

The streets were my home, I hunted in the night and was hunted in turn


Please don't brag to me that you're a survivor because someone hit you. And don't tell me how 'tough' you are because of your training. As much as I've been through I know people who have survived much, much worse. - Marc MacYoung

WARNING, CAVEAT AND NOTE

The postings on this blog are my interpretation of readings, studies and experiences therefore errors and omissions are mine and mine alone. The content surrounding the extracts of books, see bibliography on this blog site, are also mine and mine alone therefore errors and omissions are also mine and mine alone and therefore why I highly recommended one read, study, research and fact find the material for clarity. My effort here is self-clarity toward a fuller understanding of the subject matter. See the bibliography for information on the books. Please make note that this article/post is my personal analysis of the subject and the information used was chosen or picked by me. It is not an analysis piece because it lacks complete and comprehensive research, it was not adequately and completely investigated and it is not balanced, i.e., it is my personal view without the views of others including subject experts, etc. Look at this as “Infotainment rather then expert research.” This is an opinion/editorial article/post meant to persuade the reader to think, decide and accept or reject my premise. It is an attempt to cause change or reinforce attitudes, beliefs and values as they apply to martial arts and/or self-defense. It is merely a commentary on the subject in the particular article presented.


Note: I will endevor to provide a bibliography and italicize any direct quotes from the materials I use for this blog. If there are mistakes, errors, and/or omissions, I take full responsibility for them as they are mine and mine alone. If you find any mistakes, errors, and/or omissions please comment and let me know along with the correct information and/or sources.



“What you are reading right now is a blog. It’s written and posted by me, because I want to. I get no financial remuneration for writing it. I don’t have to meet anyone’s criteria in order to post it. Not only I don’t have an employer or publisher, but I’m not even constrained by having to please an audience. If people won’t like it, they won’t read it, but I won’t lose anything by it. Provided I don’t break any laws (libel, incitement to violence, etc.), I can post whatever I want. This means that I can write openly and honestly, however controversial my opinions may be. It also means that I could write total bullshit; there is no quality control. I could be biased. I could be insane. I could be trolling. … not all sources are equivalent, and all sources have their pros and cons. These needs to be taken into account when evaluating information, and all information should be evaluated.” - God’s Bastard, Sourcing Sources (this applies to this and other blogs by me as well; if you follow the idea's, advice or information you are on your own, don't come crying to me, it is all on you do do the work to make sure it works for you!)



“You should prepare yourself to dedicate at least five or six years to your training and practice to understand the philosophy and physiokinetics of martial arts and karate so that you can understand the true spirit of everything and dedicate your mind, body and spirit to the discipline of the art.” - cejames (note: you are on your own, make sure you get expert hands-on guidance in all things martial and self-defense)



“All I say is by way of discourse, and nothing by way of advice. I should not speak so boldly if it were my due to be believed.” - Montaigne


I am not a leading authority on any one discipline that I write about and teach, it is my hope and wish that with all the subjects I have studied it provides me an advantage point that I offer in as clear and cohesive writings as possible in introducing the matters in my materials. I hope to serve as one who inspires direction in the practitioner so they can go on to discover greater teachers and professionals that will build on this fundamental foundation. Find the authorities and synthesize a wholehearted and holistic concept, perception and belief that will not drive your practices but rather inspire them to evolve, grow and prosper. My efforts are born of those who are more experienced and knowledgable than I. I hope you find that path! See the bibliography I provide for an initial list of experts, professionals and masters of the subjects.

Power and Force

 Chikara to chikara [力と力]

   

Generating physical force and power efficiently relies on optimizing biomechanics, neuromuscular recruitment, and energy transfer while minimizing wasted effort. This applies across martial arts, athletics, and strength training. Here’s a structured explanation:


1. Biomechanical Principles of Efficient Force Generation


a. Ground Reaction Force (GRF)

• Force originates from the interaction with the ground; pushing into the ground creates an equal and opposite reaction (Newton’s 3rd law).

• Efficient movement channels GRF through aligned joints into the target.

• Reference: McGinnis, P. M. (2020). Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise. Human Kinetics.


b. Sequential Summation of Movement (Kinetic Chain)

• Power increases when body segments fire in sequence: large proximal muscles (hips, core) initiate motion, followed by smaller distal segments (arms, hands).

• Prevents “energy leaks” and maximizes angular velocity at the point of contact.

• Reference: Bartlett, R. (2007). Introduction to Sports Biomechanics. Routledge.


c. Structural Alignment and Leverage

• Stacking joints along force vectors reduces muscular strain and improves energy transfer.

• Misalignment dissipates power as shear forces.

• Reference: Enoka, R. M. (2015). Neuromechanics of Human Movement. Human Kinetics.


2. Neuromuscular Efficiency


a. Rate of Force Development (RFD)

• Training the nervous system to recruit motor units quickly increases explosive power.

• Techniques: plyometrics, Olympic lifts, ballistic throws.

• Reference: Aagaard, P., & Andersen, J. L. (2010). Effects of strength training on endurance capacity in top-level endurance athletes. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports.


b. Intermuscular Coordination

• Agonist, antagonist, and stabilizer muscles must work synergistically.

• Relaxation of non-essential muscles conserves energy and prevents “braking.”

• Reference: Komi, P. V. (2003). Strength and Power in Sport. Blackwell Science.


3. Elastic and Rotational Mechanics


a. Stretch-Shortening Cycle (SSC)

• Pre-stretching muscles/tendons stores elastic energy, released during contraction (e.g., jump, punch, throw).

• Enhances efficiency by using passive tissue properties.

• Reference: Wilson, J. M., et al. (2012). Stretch-shortening cycle performance enhancement. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.


b. Torque and Rotational Power

• Rotational movements (hip/torso twist) increase angular momentum, critical for strikes, throws, and lifts.

• Reference: Zatsiorsky, V. M., & Kraemer, W. J. (2006). Science and Practice of Strength Training. Human Kinetics.


4. Core and Breathing Integration


a. Intra-Abdominal Pressure (IAP)

• Coordinated breathing and core bracing stabilize the spine, enabling stronger force transfer.

• Reference: Hodges, P. W., & Richardson, C. A. (1996). Inefficient muscular stabilization of the lumbar spine associated with low back pain. Spine Journal.


b. Breath-Power Coupling

• Forceful exhalation during exertion synchronizes muscular activation and reflexively enhances core stiffness.

• Applied in martial arts (kiai), powerlifting (Valsalva), and sprinting.

• Reference: McGill, S. (2010). Ultimate Back Fitness and Performance. Backfitpro Inc.


5. Psychological and Perceptual Factors


a. Focused Intent (Attentional Control)

• Directing attention to the effect (e.g., moving an object explosively) rather than internal cues enhances motor output.

• Reference: Wulf, G., et al. (2007). Attentional focus and motor learning. Journal of Motor Behavior.


b. Relaxation-Activation Cycling

• Alternating relaxation and sudden activation (seen in elite strikers, sprinters) produces whip-like efficiency.

• Reference: Ikai, M., & Steinhaus, A. H. (1961). Some factors modifying the expression of human strength. Journal of Applied Physiology.


6. Training Methods to Maximize Efficiency


• Heavy-Load Training: Builds maximal strength foundation.

• Ballistic & Plyometric Training: Develops RFD and SSC utilization.

• Rotational Power Drills: Medicine ball throws, cable twists.

• Technical Drills: Refine kinetic chain and alignment (sport-specific).

• Breathing & Bracing: Diaphragmatic breathing, powerlifting bracing.


Key Takeaway


Efficient force and power generation depends on ground-up kinetic transfer, neuromuscular synchronization, and optimized tissue mechanics. The most effective systems—whether in martial arts, athletics, or strength sports—blend structural alignment, elastic recoil, rotational dynamics, and mental focus.

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