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Linear vs. Circular Movements Some claim that one category of movement (linear or circular) is somehow superior to the other and they, therefore, eschew the use of the supposedly weaker way of movement or delivery. This to me is a shame. Each movement, or type of movement, should be examined for its strengths and used appropriate1y. When examining the properties of linear versus circular techniques; obviously linear techniques are more direct. On the other hand, linear movement is essentially finite; the extent of the movement is limited to the length of the extremity that is used. The power, speed, and target acquisition of a fist, for example, must all be achieved essentially within the limits of the reach of the supporting arm. Circular movements, on the other hand, bring other factors into play. It's not too much of a stretch to say that, within their own envelopes, circular movements have the capacity to be infinite. During linear movement, maximum velocity is achieved just before the end of the movement. During circular movement, maximum speed is reached at approximately one half circle, and does not diminish in speed appreciably thereafter. If we keep the above facts in mind there are certain things we should do. To get maximum impact effect from linear movement, the technique should be focused. That is, after gaining maximum velocity, at the moment of impact, the body must be suddenly tensed in order to receive the rebound energy. If this is not done, some of the force generated will be dissipated. An illustration of this loss of energy is to imagine trying to deliver a punch while on roller skates. However much force is generated forward, that same force will also push you back. One could, of course, throw one's body into the blow. But this is increasing the mass behind the delivery, not generating more speed. To transfer the maximum impact energy we want to generate as much speed as possible and we want to target it towards the smallest surface area. Since a circular movement's maximum speed is achieved at approximately ½ circle, with no appreciable loss of velocity thereafter, then focus needed in linear movements becomes unnecessary and we can attain maximum effect by striking through the target. Circular movements, then, allow a natural continuation of successive techniques as well as a continuous flow from technique to technique in combination. Circular movements typically necessitate the use of both hands and they tend to form into patterns. Another consideration. Most attack movements travel along a relatively horizontal plane. That is, the arm or leg is going to be at a relatively horizontal position with respect to the target surface. If this is so, then blocks and parries are going to travel along a relatively vertical plane. This is generally so because, in order to gain the greatest surface area (and the greatest advantage) against the attacking appendage, we would want the block to be at a perpendicular position relative to the attack. If both the attack and the block traveled along a horizontal plane, for example, then the block would have a greater chance of missing and being ineffective. The quickest way to engage a blocking arm with force against an attack is to use a circular movement. This is not to say that it is the quickest movement. The quickest movement would be to simply bend the arm. But this would merely interpose the arm between the attack and the intended target. If we wish to deflect the blow, we would need to move the arm at some angle to the attack. This is where the circular movement allows for a quick response. But it is unreasonable to do circular movements in one direction only, and if we stop the movement to reverse direction we would lose continuity and speed. Thus, to change directions without losing speed, we would need to allow the arm to describe a figure eight. With this movement, blocking and attacking can be continuous. In this way the arm maintains its speed (and power) and moves in both a clockwise and counterc1ockwise motion without stopping to reset. In contrast, a linear movement blocking response would require a change of direction. The blocking arm would have to be reset; this takes time. Also, the simplest way to transition from a circular movement to a linear one is to describe a figure eight. For example, if a forearm is describing an arcing movement inward, as in parrying a punch from the side, to transition quickly to a linear movement, loop the hand over into part of the figure eight and quickly bring it back. Now it is chambered to thrust forward. In an arcing movement outward, the movement is even quicker. On the outward movement, simply loop it over in the figure eight and thrust (punch). In any movement, we must consider the construction of the body. For example, although a roundhouse kick is a circular movement, in practical terms, the kick could not travel much past a half circle. On the other hand, with a hook punch, although it is not practical to comp1ete a full circle, we could continue the movement by use of the figure eight. That is, after the hook punch, turn it over and continue the attack with a backhand or a ridge-hand (haito). Linear movements have a range advantage. Normally, during linear movements, the arms or legs are relatively straight while in circular movements the arms or legs make contact when the appendage is bent. Thus linear movements have greater reach and circular movements have greater continuity. By using movements to their greatest strengths, we can have a more complete arsenal. Neither movement is superior to the other. Each has its function. Knowing that function and using it at the proper times enhances the movement of the other. This is the focus of Shinshin Mugendo. |
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