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Back to basics...
Putting it all together with movement & breathing
By Grand Master Tony Vohra 8th Dan. Photographs by Master Jeff Scott-Smith 5th Dan.
In reference to the articles of the past 3 months, we have covered the fundamentals of the ready position; basic blocking and stances which help build an excellent foundation for perfecting techniques. We must now bring all these components together and understand how to progress from one technique to the next with good form and precision.
Beginning from the ready stance we must practice movements, such as execution of defensive and attacking techniques in the long, walking and back stances. When performing defensive techniques we must pay special attention to covering the vital organs i.e. covering the centre line of the body with one limb, whilst the other limb travels from a starting position to an end blocking point (details of which can be seen in previous articles).
When considering defensive and attacking strategies remember that a defensive technique begins from the outside of the body line and is usually a circular and/or angular motion. This is in contrast to an attacking motion which travels as if firing a bullet which moves in a straight line from point of origin to target.
When performing techniques, pay attention to breathing, balance, timing and focus of force and power, through moving from a relaxed position, and exploding into a tense position at the point of impact. Impact occurs in both attack and defense, it is therefore important to only tense the muscles of the limb during impact and to remain relaxed during and following execution.
The body moves quickest when the muscles are relaxed, so we must endeavor to maintain a relaxed posture during the delivery of techniques. When moving from one stance to another, we must be light on our feet ensuring power is delivered through the upper limb and not lost into the floor by unnecessary heavy footwork.
When practicing basic movements it is important to relieve tension through correct breathing. This can be achieved by inhaling whilst moving to the start position and exhaling near to termination of the technique.
Grand Master Tony Vohra is always pleased to advise individual students, instructors and clubs and can arrange demonstrations, courses & seminars to suit any individual or groups both at home and abroad.
President Grandmaster S. S.
Vohra (8th Dan), International
School of Martial Arts UK HQ,
Nottingham School of Tae Kwon Do,
Ilkeston Rd., Nottingham NG7 3FX,
England. Tel: 00 44 (0)115 9780439;
Fax: 00 44 (0)115 9785567
Emails: info@martialartsvohra.com
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