Introduction
Martial Arts can be thought of as applied physics to the body for defense or offense against an opponent. In Martial Arts you are applying forces against an opponent and leverage against the body structure. In defense, you would be blocking or immobilizing an opponent. In offense, you would striking or applying joint locks to an opponent. Of course there is overlap, like the old saying that “a good offense is a good defense.”
Physics is the branch of science concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy. The subject matter of physics, distinguished from that of chemistry and biology, includes mechanics, heat, light and other radiation, sound, electricity, magnetism, and the structure of atoms. For Martial Arts, we will be looking at the mechanical part of physics.
In these physics articles, I have tried to explain some of the basic concepts of physics, including a definition of a physics concept and an everyday example. Hopefully I also related the physics concept to some Martial Arts examples and applications.
I hope you won't get uptight with the word “physics.” You do not have to follow each concept in detail, unless you wish. You do not have to understand it all. You do not have to read every word at one sitting. Take a quick look. Look at just one concept. Look at the everyday examples. Look at the results of calculations and numbers, not the calculations themselves. Think about how the martial art examples are similar to the everyday examples. This will still allow you to get a feel of the overall concepts. Hopefully, an understanding of the basic concepts of physics will give you a more in-depth understanding of, and how to better apply, your martial art training.
Happy reading.
Note: I would recommend that the physics articles be read in order listed as I define terms in earlier physics articles that are assumed in the later physics articles.