By Ryan J Bell

An interesting trend has gained traction in the martial arts field. More and more sbeginnerss are relying upon power to perform takedowns, strikes, and to a smaller extent, blocks. This is a misguided approach. It relies on a misunderstanding regarding how these methods developed. Sadly, as problematic as this approach is, its execution seems to give it more credibility ( I may explain this in a moment ).

In this piece, we’ll explore the difference between using muscle and relying upon a well-honed methodology. I will explain when the former works and when it can cause issues. I’ll also explain how relying upon your strength when executing moves hampers your long-term development as a karate skills student. Lastly, we’ll have a look at the biggest limitation of using strength.

Brawn Versus Strategy In Martial Arts

Most self-defense skills students have a tendency to rely on their muscle as a backup option. That is, they will use it to compensate for poor technique. For instance, imagine you are attempting to perform a takedown on your contestant in a tournament. If your execution is defective, and you are unable to take your competitor down, you may naturally use your strength to’force it’ to work. That’s a dangerous precedent to set as it occurs without thinking. Likewise, it reinforces itself as a viable option over a period of time.

Relying on your muscle can work in some circumstances. As an example, if your adversary is smaller or weaker than you, it’ll be comparatively simple to suppress him or her. On the other hand, even a smaller adversary with actual methodology (and a little aggression) can most likely beat you. That makes relying on your muscle dangerous.

Preparing For Failure

One of the most unfortunate results of using strength as a compensatory measure for poor method is that, in doing so, you’ll set yourself up for failure. Here’s why : to use your muscle as leverage against your opponent, your intelligence instinctively causes your body to hold a specific, grounded position. Mostly, that position will restrict the efficacy of whatever move you are making an attempt to perform.

If that move proves ineffectual, you will start to believe that it doesn’t work. Actually, it does work with better strategy. However the seed will have been stitched. You will either retire that move or focus on performing it with more muscle. Your consciousness will never give you the opportunity to perfect your strategy.

The Limitation Of Muscle

Above, we touched on the most important limitation of using strength while performing martial arts : your position. When you prepare to use raw force to strike, block, or take down your opponent, your mind inspires your body to find a base. Your feet will position themselves at shoulder width, you could spontaneously lower into a sophisticated crouch, and your body will flex.

In this position, you’ll lack pliability and fluidity. You’ll also lack striking range because your reach will be limited. These factors will significantly scale back your power ( not the same as strength ) and efficacy. You will be able to perform a takedown if your opponent is positioned properly within your range, but that is a lot to leave to risk.

So, is muscle significant in your martial arts training and competition? Yes, but only in a limited fashion. You could have the strength that a person your size and build would normally possess. However bear in mind that being valuable in the self-defense skills is about achieving mastery of style and technique. That needs flexibleness and range. If you’re only trying to force your moves to work by applying muscle, you will be far less successful.

About the Author: The Dojo of Karate combines the ancient art of Karate with innovative teaching strategies in a conveniently located http://thedojoofkarate.com/.

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