Universal striking theory.

**Kintanon** · Posted On: 5/29/2007 9:20pm

Also, unfortunately, we don't often get people in the Strikestan forum asking questions like, "I often get into situation X, I have tried thing Y and thing Z and those things aren't working. What should I be doing?" The general quality of questions asked here seems to be on the craptacular side. Possibly because there is no iron fist of moderation being swung about. We have more of a padded glove of moderation...

**ysc87** · Posted On: 5/29/2007 10:12pm

it's possibly because the majority of people on this forums just think of stirkes as a way to time/get into the takedown-- so the questions should be like--
"i get into boxing matches, and i have tried the double and single leg takedowns, but the coach yells at me every time. what should i be doing?"

**nezha** · Posted On: 5/29/2007 11:11pm

Originally Posted by airman kai

Yah, but... there's gotta be a BEST way, right? I mean, lots of things have the right way to do things.

Basketball, for example. You see every player shoot 3-pointers with the same mechanics. In track & field, sprinters run the same way, hurdlers jump the same way, and long jumpers leap with the same motion.

Wouldn't effective striking have a best way to do things?

Not necessarily. Roy Jones Jr. and Muhammad Ali dominated their respective eras in boxing, but you probably wouldn't recommend someone fight like they do. Their natural athleticism meant that they could fight differently. I think that it is entirely possible that because of their superior reflexes and physical capabilities, it was more effective for them to fight the way they did than to box in a more "traditional" manner.

My point being that the BEST way is going to be different for each person depending on what they can do, which puts us back at square one.

**Permalost** · Posted On: 5/29/2007 11:23pm

Here's my general framework:
Main principles of striking: 1. relaxation/tension, 2. body unity, 3. balance, 4. moving behind a guard, 5. economy of motion, 6. intelligent targeting

1. When striking, tension should be used intelligently. Looseness should be developed for efficient striking and to avoid getting gassed easily. Tension should not be shunned, but excess tension should be avoided.

2. As much body mass as possible should be incorporated into each strike as possible, without compromising the other principles mentioned.

3. The body should remain in a balanced position before, during and after a strike is delivered.

4. When not being used offensively, the limbs should be kept in a position where they can attack and/or defend the body and head.

5. Economy of motion: all strikes and defenses should be delivered as efficiently as possible, without telegraphing.

6. Strikes should be thrown to targets that are not well guarded, will damage opponent, and will cause a minimum of damage to the striking tool (for example, avoiding fingertip strikes to the skull).

**feedback** · Posted On: 5/29/2007 11:26pm

If your opponent doesn't give you openings, create them.

Punches in bunches.

Don't allow your opponent to gain momentum.

Stay balanced at all times.

**Teh El Macho** · Posted On: 5/30/2007 9:08am

Originally Posted by feedback

If your opponent doesn't give you openings, create them.

Punches in bunches.

Don't allow your opponent to gain momentum.

Stay balanced at all times.

That's where pictures would come handy.

***WhiteShark*** · Posted On: 5/30/2007 10:25am

Pictures are not the point.

This Universal striking theory will not be a martial art. It will be a measuring stick of martial technique. Your technique should match the theories.

Think of it like framework for a well written literary critique. What you are critiquing is irrelevant.

**ADAPT N SURVIVE** · Posted On: 5/30/2007 10:35am

The last 2 posts were right on the money.Good body mechanics and use of your feet for movement and power generation should be taught first.Alot of people just use their arms and not their whole body.I know personally about 4 years ago I picked up and left 1 school and went to 1 that had more detailed instruction.After just 4 months and some humbling :) I noticed a huge difference in all my strikes.Good body mechanics is very important.

**Teh El Macho** · Posted On: 5/30/2007 12:04pm

Originally Posted by WhiteShark

Pictures are not the point.

This Universal striking theory will not be a martial art. It will be a measuring stick of martial technique. Your technique should match the theories.

Think of it like framework for a well written literary critique. What you are critiquing is irrelevant.

I'm not critiquing, nor I'm expecting feedback to provide a visual illustration of what he said right now.

I'm pointing out that in order to propose or formulate a theory or framework, you have to have a way to describe it. Pictures, diagrams, visual aids are what helps document and explain the points and theorems of any theory or framework, specially if it involves body mechanics.

Some things can be explained verbally, and some cannot. You may not need to use visual aids at the initial stages where you are formulating a list of things that make up the theory.

However, you will run into that issue at some point or another when you try to elaborate and expand them so that they cannot be open to both accidental or purposeful misinterpretation.

**new2bjj** · Posted On: 5/30/2007 1:34pm

The one problem I see, is that this may give some people an idea that they can learn over the net, versus going to a good MT or Boxing Gym, and having an experienced coach work the pads with you. Someone that has coached guys that have won golden gloves, amateur MT fights, at the bare minimum. Really, he should have some guys that have went pro. Just reading the points, and having your friend hold the pads or hitting the bag, is, well, better than nothing, but not much. You could build up some bad habits, and grind them in that way.