In martial arts, whats the difference between a driving force and impact force physically?

Question

Well, we all know that you get different types of blows. Which is more damaging though? I hear people saying punch 'through' the opponent, while others just 'snap' at it. Some want to penetrate '2 inches' into it.

Basically, whats the most damaging, and why? If it's also the same amount of force, would the amount of energy and power transferred be different too?

Answer 1

In almost 30 years of MA training I've had the opportunity to look for long periods of time at thrusted (driving) techniques and impact (snapping) techniques. I find that the driving techniques deliver as much energy to my connecting joints (wrist, elbow, shoulder, etc.) at the point of full extension as they do to the opponent and result in a push effect as well. The snapping techniques when done correctly deliver all the force to the opponent with very little stress to my connecting joints.

Here's an analogy: think of hitting a tree as hard as you can with a baseball bat and trying to carry through (thrusted technique) - you'll feel it in your arms. Try it again but this time pull the bat back as fast as you can (snapping) once you have delivered the maximum force you can.

I prefer the snapping techniques because they result in maximum effect on my target with minimal effect on me.

Answer 2

Very interesting question and some very interesting and competent answers also.

Within my program we have a number of different striking concepts and terms, but the two which I think most closely relate to your question would be Penetrating Force and Vibrant Force.

PENETRATING FORCE is executed with the intent of striking the target and following through the target with the weapon and force. In other words, the force and weapon penetrate the target at the same time. Such techniques are used primarily for hard and medium targets such as the skull, rib bones, etc. or to joints where the continuing force is intended to dislocate, hyper-extend, or displace.

VIBRANT FORCE is executed in exactly the same manner as the above, but at the moment of impact and force application, the weapon is immediately recoiled and does not follow through the target. This has the effect of setting up a shock wave that travels through the target area if appropriate. Such techniques are primarily used against soft targets and specific pressure and physical control points such as the abdomen, carotids, or pressure points exposed as the result of an opponents attack.

Each technique can be interchanged, and depending upon the target, effective applciation of the force, and experience of the practitioner, each will provide a satisfactory result to most targets.

I don't think either is more or less damaging than the other. Used in an appropriate way, to an appropraite target, in an appropriate circumstance, I think both are equally effective and powerful.

Ken C
9th Dan HapMoosaKi-Do
8th Dan TaeKwon-Do
7th Dan YonChul-Do

Answer 3

To snap a punch can give a more damaging impact. By snapping your punch, at the very last moment before the punch comes into impact, the speed of your fist reaches a higher speed, resulting in a greater force.

The advantage of snapping the punch are greater force. And the faster speed gives you a higher chance of the subject changing course to avoid your punch.

But the disadvantage of snapping a punch is that if your timing to hold the fist at the correct angle is wrong, you'll injure your wrist. Many practicer knows that snapping the fist is good. But many forget that it is not just the speed that makes the punch. The speed is an enhancement, to amplify the power on moment of impact.

It's like being hit by a car at 10km/h and 100km/h. Snapping the punch will be like the car suddenly accelerate greatly at the last moment before impact. The force can be driven "through" the subject.

Answer 4

Ok. I teach Impact striking. There is a BIG difference between following through and impact striking. The following through techniques more or less pushes the person, object away from you. It can cause damage, but usually it is used by another technique. The impact strike on the other hand, is one I really teach on. It comes from the teachings of Bruce Lee. It centers all of ones energy into one single spot. Thus, delivering a very powerful blow. This is done by being completely relaxed until the moment of impact, then snapping your technique and flexing your muscles. The difference of the two can easily be seen when observing. Needless to say, the impact strike is much deadlier than the follow through. Rmemeber on the following through, you are using your muscles the entire time instead of at one point as in impact striking.

Answer 5

Man, this is a good question, that little difference makes a big difference in the damage it does

I can only tell you what I know from experience and what I read, and that is that I always get winded by people who do the snap punch in sparing, I read that if you snap the punch it doesnt allow for the energy to disperse, which makes sence to me

I would like to say that the drive through punch is more powerfull because thats usually the punch I do but i think the snap punch is stronger, but it all could depend on where your hitting also

It a very hard thing to figure out because its close to impossible to scientificaly examine the effect on a human, you would have to recreate th skin and everything, so from my experience, full contact karate, i noticed that its always the smaller guys with their snap punches that get me

Answer 6

impact force is the force of impact or touch, driving force is the force that continues to go trough the object/person.

Answer 7

I would believe snapping.