About the Author: Stabilize Yourself with Kenpo’s Bracing Angles
WELCOME TO MY MARTIAL ARTS BLOG! Keep up to date on all the latest news, tips and ideas from Arrowhead Martial Arts Studio by subscribing to my RSS feed or you can receive email updates right to your inbox. Thanks for visiting! -- Ryan Wheaton
When executing any sequence, whether it be offensive or defensive, it is important to have a bracing angle. According to Master Ed Parker, here is the definition of a Bracing Angle:
The positioning of the body to strengthen and support the execution of a defensive or offensive move in anticipation of impact upon contact.
A simple example of a bracing angle is in the American Kenpo self defense techinque “Attacking Mace” where you’re driving off the rear foot as you execute a pivot punch to your opponents ribs after executing a left inward block to the outside of a right straight punch. Without this bracing angle, your strike wouldn’t have near the desired effect and would create a “disharmony of force” where your body and strike are going one way and your stance another.
Be sure to plant your foot and that it is in alignment with your body and strike for maximum effect. Remember, this applies to more than just your strikes so look for other areas where this can be applied.
