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Power Generation Tips - Standing and Ground Striking

Author: Joshua Peacock
Date Posted: April 16, 2009

I'm going to get right to the point. When you are standing up, I think it is best to keep your elbows down and allow your body to draw power from the ground. If you lift your elbows, you are relying solely on your arm and shoulder for power. Drawing power from the ground and through your hips is much more powerful and efficient, so why not use it? Remember to keep those arms relaxed until impact.

So what about when you're on the ground or sitting and you need to punch? A good example of this situation would be if you have mounted your opponent's chest and need/want to strike him. But you can't draw power form the ground because your body is not aligned correctly and your feet are not planted on the ground. So what should you do? This is where you raise your elbow and use the strength of your shoulders. Punching with your elbow down might hurt, but its not going to be as powerful as standing up because the feet aren't there to draw from the ground. But using your shoulder will be more powerful and efficient.

So train both. Strengthen your shoulders and master the ability to draw power from the ground. Remember that drawing power through the above methods are only a couple methods out of perhaps dozens, or even hundreds of other methods. Always do research on other generation methods. Using correct body mechanics instead of brute strength to generate power is always more efficient, as well as more powerful.

About The Author

Joshua started his martial journey in the art of Taekwondo, and holds a rank of second degree black belt. He has since developed a love for Chinese martial arts and currently studies Wing Chun Kung fu. He has dabbled in many styles, including: Matsubayashi Shorin-ryu Karate, Five Animal Kung fu, Capoeira, Taiji quan, Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Jeet Kune Do, American Kenpo and Eskrima/Arnis. Joshua also loves to write, and is inspired by his strong Christian Faith.

to find out more about the author or to get more tips of self defense and the martial arts, visit: http://www.joshuapeacock.web.officelive.com

Article Source: JKD Street Combat - online collection of speed and power training articles.

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