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BUNKAI WORLD
NEWSLETTER Pyramid of Power & Heavy Hands
Pyramid of Power Every beginner student at Kissaki-Kai Karate will have to learn the principles of Pyramid of Power and Heavy Hands. The first principle, Pyramid of Power explains the why and where of the power a person can generate. Please refer to the diagram above. This diagram serves to inform the student that any technique executed outside the pyramid is not as effective as those performed within the triangle area. The arc of an arm or leg movement has its peak power and this
usually will be focused on the centerline. By concentrating your energies
into striking targets positioned at the tip of the pyramid, you will
effectively transfer the most power into your intended target. Therefore it is
preferred that when striking at an opponent, that you position them or yourself
so that the tip of the pyramid is pointing directly at them. This means that any
technique you deliver will be at its peak power and effectiveness. This is a method to generate "soft" power
(meaning non-muscular tension strength) that will not leave the defender tired
and exhausted. The power generated can best be described as a relaxed movement
in combination with a short but forceful exhalation of the breath that can be
felt as if the technique being applied penetrates right through the body.
This sort of power is generated through a "dead weight" effect
by relaxing your body. Imagine you are about to sit down on a chair. The movement of balancing yourself, relaxing your legs, back, hips and knees as you begin your descent is the drill you are looking to do when performing a technique. When you sit on the chair, you would not normally come crashing down on it forcefully as you may break it or lose your balance and fall off so the whole movement is controlled but relaxed. The feeling is as though you are about to sit down but someone suddenly snatches the chair away from under you. You have to stop yourself from falling down and balanced midway between standing and sitting. Try practicing this relaxed movement several times but without a chair. Do not bend your legs beyond 90 degree. Leave your arms loose and relaxed by your sides, maintain an upright, alert posture. Remember to breathe naturally and control your breathing from your lower abdomen. As you sit down, exhale forcefully from the lower abdomen (tantien). The power generated from this movement may not be readily
apparent at the beginning. With consistent and conscious practice you will
eventually see that you can generate much more effortless power using the Heavy Hands in your techniques compare to raw muscular
strength which will tire you easily. In a fight, concentrate your heavy hands
attacks within
your pyramid of power against your opponent and he'll feel as if a train
have ram through him!
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