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Master Wai-Po Tang, Wing Chun Kung Fu Club,P.O. Box 628, Richmond,Surrey,TW9 1FF,England,UK.
Tel: 07976 610901 (UK) ; +44 7976 610901 (International)

 

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Mechanics of Wing Chun Power Punch

 

Fig. 1-4 Illustration of the right centreline punch from initial stage to the imaginary impact point

 

I will discuss the biomechanical analyses of a common technique practised in the Wing Chun style, but the same principles apply to any punching of any martial arts discipline. The analytical technique is the typical Wing Chun centreline frontal punch. Many practitioners execute this technique thousands of times in order to achieve powerful punches. Although, in the initial few months practitioners may notice considerable increase of power, but that power is limited without the understanding of punching mechanics.

In my classes, this mechanical principle is explained at very early stages of learning. We look at two main fitness components that contribute to a powerful punch - strength and speed. The inter-relation of speed and strength determines the type of power required for specific situations.

For example, a martial artist chopped through a full beer can in half with his bare hand without cutting himself; this demonstrates power that contained high speed and low strength. A separate demonstration of another martial artist chopped several layers of thick blocks of ice or concrete - this uses power that is higher in strength than speed.

Having understood the differences of specific power for specific purpose, we can now look at combat. A quick punch like jab has higher speed of connection to the target than a right cross (a punch from the rear guard hand) or a punch that uses torso rotation. These two punches serve two distinct tactical purposes, one aim for quick connection and the right cross is to knockout the opponent. The Wing Chun centreline punch is taught often without the understanding of tactical approach, and it's limitations.

This essay aim to provide sound information to develop or increase your potential punching power. A good indication of a power punch relates to the elbow displacement of the punching arm. Look at the photos above, and notice the position of the elbow joint in relation to the shoulder joint. The initial stage of the punch in the second photo shows the position of the elbow has moved- the shoulder and chest muscles cause this movement. Notice the punch is not released at this precise time, hence minute elbow extension. Finally, elbow extension occurs after the elbow had travelled mid-flight or interim middle distance.

In brief, when elbow is displaced before the triceps extend the arm, it results in greater force than when triceps extends the arm followed by elbow displacement. You can quite easily test these two methods of punching by striking a stationary wall bag. It will be even better if you have electronic instruments to measure the force of your punches.

With this in mind, you can then organise your training programme and focus clearly your goals - either quick connective punch or high impact force punch. You will also notice that high power punch requires more time to psyche up and more time to generate. There is a very simple psychophysiological explanation for this, but it will be discussed in the future.

So, use and maximise your potential power and good luck. Note that elbow displacement is the result of the shoulder and its adjoining muscle groups.

Master Wai-Po Tang, Martial Art Institute International, Wing Chun Kung Fu Club Classes, P.O. Box 628, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 1FF, England, UK.
Tel: 07976 610901 (mobile- UK) ; +44 7976 610901 (mobile-international)

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