Principles of Biomechanics in

Sparring / Self-defence

In relating biomechanics there are many aspects to consider in the overall movement and application of each technique. The most important part of any technique is protection from possible injury to a joint due to incorrect application, or a counter movement from the target (kick bag) or your opponent.
Maximising balance through the movement of a technique will provide you with more power, enabling reaction time to increase, assisting you in adaptation of techniques when sparring. This will help you reduce the anxiety of being struck, supplying you with a relaxed movement reducing muscular tension and possible injury created by this process. Lactic acid will also be minimised reducing fatigue, which omits another negative factor during competition.
Research shows that some mental and physical features such as fatigue can contribute to the quality of performance of the body’s biomechanics. This is demonstrated when a boxer is fatigued and their punches become over extended causing their head to be off balanced, hence over rotating the trunk, slowing reaction time and creating a opportunity for the opponent to deliver a counter attack.
Practitioners should also remain conscious of their body language during a fight as many movements are involuntarily made which can signal an attack or weakness. Sometimes even a foot turned incorrectly in a stance may signal a particular method of kicking to be delivered, or a deep breath may indicate an impending attack.
The above examples reinforce the need for practitioners to learn the principles of biomechanics within a training environment. This prepares them with an enhanced mental projection during a confrontation.
For example, when a practitioner is struck during a street situation, their mental focus may be impaired due to the sudden nature of the blow. The body’s responses will depend upon the effects of the target area being struck. The study of movement following a strike and the practice of sparring will assist response time. Your sparring experiences, including knowledge gained regarding movement and effect, will enhance your ability to react appropriately when an opponent applies force.

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