ALL IN

In Kali Majapahit we spend a lot of time considering body mechanics.  In fact, it's really the truth of what we do and why.  We don't cite the "power of Ki", "divine providence" or any ethereal reason for why techniques work or don't.  Instead we use a very scientific approach rooted in body mechanics, physics and ergonomics.  For each movement, there is an explainable reason why it is done the way it is done, and that reason will hold up to scientific scrutiny.  Said simply, we want to:

1. stay in balance and keep the opponent off of balance ---> control the head/neck/spine
2. use stronger/harder weapons against weaker/softer targets
3. deliver our maximum body weight on impact
4. Protect our vital organs/meridians from damage

When training, we learn to consider how to best apply our body mass to the situation to achieve the optimal outcome with the least possible effort or risk, thereby maximizing our chances in a real encounter.

One of the most critical elements of achieving the above four objectives is to learn to apply the full body weight into each and every movement.  For many martial artists, striking/kicking/locking are "localized" skills, meaning that they are principally delivered using the arms (striking) or legs (kicking) as appropriate.  Even locking techniques are applied using mainly the strength of the arms for leverage and the hips/legs for balance.  In training I often see younger belts operating weapons or their techniques in such a localized manner and commenting that either: A) it doesn't work effectively or B) it's very tiring/unsustainable to do very many repetitions.  Furthermore, when height and weight differences are extreme, such as child versus adult or female versus male the techniques are not effective and lead to frustration and disbelief in their usefulness.

It is precisely those scenarios for which a good understanding of body mechanics and physics is important.  Beyond this academic understanding, fluency in delivering the full body weight on impact is essential for success in any combat art.

This means that we must carefully study the construction of the body as two planes (shoulder plane and hip plane) connected to a central drive shaft (spine) delivering the hips via the Tanden (the center or gravity point located just below the belly button).  Optimally, kinetic energy is begun in the feet by pointing them in the direction of the motion and flexing the knees similarly to engage the body weight.  This energy is continued through rotation of the plane of the hips, which transfers energy through the plane of the shoulders via the spinal column.  Finally, this energy is projected through the hands via the shoulder line and is delivered to the target via the elbows and hands (or potentially through a weapon).  Keeping elbows down and armpits closed helps preserve this energy by keeping the arms clearly connected to the shoulder line and hip line.  For kicking, the hip rotation delivers power through the knees into the striking surfaces of the feet.  For every technique, it is helpful to examine the process of delivering the body weight through the impact tools into the target.  The delivery platform consists of hinges and ball joints (rotators) in the shoulders/hips, elbows/knees and wrists/ankles which can efficiently transfer power from the hips and shoulders when delivered via the spine.

In grappling, power is delivered via the hips which either compress the opponent into the floor (top position) or provide means of escape via bridging, shrimping or other dynamic movement (bottom position).  In locking, power is usually delivered via the back/hips/legs against the isolated joint in order to provide maximum leverage to hyper-extend/dislocate the joint.  In chokes (denying air supply to the lungs) and strangles (denying blood supply to the brain) as well, the main muscle groups used for leverage are those of the back, hips and legs rather than the arms.

In every sport as well, success is measured by the ability of the athlete to deliver the body weight via the hips into the extremities.  Swinging a tennis racket, baseball bat or golf club, throwing a discus or javelin, long jumping/high jumping and swimming are all great examples of the need to use the entire body to deliver sustainable peak performance.

On a separate topic, double stick  drills, hubud lubud and other weapon manipulation mimics musical skills like guitar, piano and drums which require the performer to use right and left hands independently to achieve an integrated outcome.  This has significant implications for brain neuro-plasticity, treatment/prevention of Alzheimer's disease and improvement of various neuro-muscular disorders.  Martial arts training has been proven to aid treatment of Parkinson's disease, ADHD and a host of other conditions.

I strongly suggest training slow enough to see and confirm how the energy is developed through each efficient motion and working on the body mechanics using the entire body rather than the localized part.  This will not only make each technique more powerful, it will allow for longer training sessions without fatigue.  Lastly, it will help develop a critical eye when observing other martial arts and sports since you will train yourself to see how they use their bodies (or don't) to achieve results.

Like everything in life, if it is worth doing, it is worth doing with your full ability (full attention/focus/concentration, full body weight, full intention/commitment) in order to get the best possible outcome.  Learn to go ALL IN.

Consider this carefully.