When it comes to striking an opponent you must consider whether you will use a linear strike or circular strike. An example of a linear strike would be the classic front hand jab, a circular strike would be a rear hook punch. The initial instinct might be to throw the rear hook, assuming that you could deal greater damage and increase the likelihood of injuring your opponent enough to stop the fight, but the problem with that thought is that when you strike to the outside of the body you are not generally striking as important of target areas. There is a theory in the martial arts called attacking the center line. The center line of the body has a large concentration of “fight ender” points. The nose, neck, solar plexus, and groin are just the obvious examples, the face as a whole is one giant vulnerable spot, and it’s loaded with opportunities. But some of the spots we wouldn’t normally think of, like the liver, heart, the point under the navel and the sternum can also cause an exceptional damage.
But, on the side of the body the head and legs are really the only single shot fight ending points available. Punches to the arms really don’t do as much damage as other areas could, in fact you and your buddies have punched each other in the arms. Another downside of the circular movement of certain strikes is the telegraphic nature of the strike. While a straight jab is quick and hard to see coming, a haymaker punch can be seen before the punch has even been prepared fully, let alone thrown. The type of person who starts a fight with a haymaker shouldn’t be able to land a punch because of the they are telling the world that they are coming and they leave themselves vulnerable for too long before their strike would hit. The time a large circular strike would be appropriate is when the opponent has committed to a failed movement and is off balance, unable to either block your strike or counter with one of their own, then when you use the strike your circular strike will be powerful enough to end the fight, especially if you strike to the temple or mastoid.
But, every situation is unique and should you find yourself in a situation that would merit a circular strike do not hesitate to use it.
Sincerely,
Mr. Waaler
I would add that circular techniques become more useful than linear techniques while fighting at very close range. Linear strikes work very well across distance because they cover that distance very efficiently, but as you get closer to your target those linear strikes will become less effective because they have a shorter distance to travel and build up speed and momentum. Up close you will find that circular strikes such as elbows, uppercuts and hooks are just as hard for your opponent to see coming as linear strikes, but they will land with more force because they are able to build up that speed and momentum that is lost on linear techniques at close range.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great point. The post was assuming a larger distance between opponents. When in close with an opponent circular strikes are more valuable than linear strikes due to the build up of momentum, good point
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