Picking up from where we left off, we continue to explore the role of the hip joint in technical movements. I will introduce two types of force exertion in the hip joint: thrusting and rotating.
Let’s use the “Push Thrust” move from boxing as an example to explain the thrusting force.
In boxing, the Push Thrust is a basic takedown technique. Unlike the pushing actions in self-defense videos online, the Push Thrust requires the explosion of full-body strength, propelling forward while the hands carry and then thrust forward vigorously.
This move is somewhat akin to the Tiger Pounce in Xingyi Quan, resembling the pounce of predators like wolves and tigers during a hunt. Note that once executed, this move is almost impossible to counter. Here, I advise against retreating to absorb the impact and then trying to counter with an over-the-shoulder throw, as that might send you flying even further.
Now, let’s break down the Push Thrust. First, the front foot steps forward, allowing sufficient space for force generation. Then, the back foot pushes off the ground, driving the whole body forward, and the hip joint thrusts forward, powering the upper body to lean forward and push with the hands. This move can also be combined with the “Catch” technique, grabbing the opponent’s shoulders to complete the movement. When ensuring an effective attack that the opponent can’t dodge, this move can directly knock down the opponent.
The forward thrust of the hip joint is crucial in this action. It’s not just about thrusting the hips forward; it involves moving joints including the lumbar spine forward, shifting the center of gravity, and playing a critical role in the entire movement by receiving the lower body’s power and driving the upper limbs.
The rotation of the hip joint, another method of force exertion, is common in striking techniques. Punches, elbows, knees, kicks, and defensive maneuvers all rely on hip rotation, which I’ll illustrate using the common rear hand straight punch.
Completing a rear hand straight punch involves pushing off the back foot, rotating the foot and hip, then the shoulder, and finally striking. In this process, rotating the foot is not the primary source of power; it mainly serves to initiate movement and provide support, while the rotation of the hip joint is critical. Hip rotation conducts the force from lower to upper, supplying the primary power for the movement. Similarly, shoulder rotation contributes to the punching force, but its main purpose is to assist and transmit, not to generate power.
The rotation of the hip joint is essential in any striking technique, whether it’s straight punches, swing punches, whip kicks, or flat elbows.
Finally, let’s discuss the lower leg.
On one hand, the lower leg supports our body, allowing us to stand and perform complex movements. On the other hand, it serves as an offensive weapon in combat sports techniques like whip kicks and sweeping kicks.
In combat sports, sweeping kicks strike with the shin, and whip kicks hit with the bone above the ankle joint. That’s why we often see broken legs in these sports. Many factors can cause this, such as hitting with the side of the shin, striking hard objects with the middle of the shin, or excessive training without proper recovery. All these can lead to the same painful outcome.
The risk of breaking a leg due to improper movement can be mitigated by correcting the technique, controlling the force and striking position. However, sports injuries during training are another matter.
I want to remind all readers that even the most powerful weapons need correct usage and regular maintenance. I’ve witnessed many cases where fighters in sparring suddenly collapsed due to stress fractures in the shin, caused by overtraining and lack of maintenance. Even those who cook know to sharpen their knives; why not take better care of your body? We’re only human and not superheroes; after long training sessions, maintenance and recovery are essential.