About the Author: How Many Strikes Should You Use Per Stance?
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Many martial artists and masters subscribe to the one stance, one strike (or block) theory. Whole systems have been built around this way of moving. The belief is that for maximum power, you have to time those two actions together. Many question if you can really hit multiple times when moving from one stance to the next or if you have to hit one stance per block or strike.
I contend it’s absolutely possible to hit multiple times in one transition.
In AKKI KENPO, we have techniques that teach one stance per strike (just look at the majority of yellow belt) and so we haven’t completely thrown this idea out the window. However, as time and skill in the art increases, we should be sophisticating our motion to get in as many EFFECTIVE strikes as possible within each transition (Yes, you can reach a point of diminishing return here).
When you factor in both major and minor striking, path of action, and the idea of filling the gap, it’s not that hard to hit two, three even four times in one transition and still have power and speed within one stance change. If you look closely, you’ll see it in every belt level we have.
I’m not saying the one strike per stance is an antiquated idea. What I am saying is that it is a “basic” way of hitting.
Where do you stand? Leave your opinion in the form of a comment below.
hi nice post, i enjoyed it
Comment by Judah — 8/18/2007 @