Originally Posted by
k gledhill
To Ving Tsun " power punching " with this basic Newtonian law of physics is essential. This is why we keep our rear foot driving int the ground ,skimming the ground in short steps.
The quadriceps are the body's strongest muscle group. We use them to lift heavy objects. By using heels to / drive the rear legs into the ground , we can create a pulse of energy into the ground knowing its equal and opposite force will rebound. If we have no balance when we lift a heavy object the imbalance will make us fall. So we also focus on alignment of this pulse of energy. If I adopt elbow angles that align to strike in time with this " pulse " I gain a great amount of force without retracting my arms or relying on upper body rotation to generate force alone ( we can combine facing force later ).
The leg can utilize ALL the muscle groups as it reaches full extension, so along with the quadriceps, we gain hamstrings and calf muscles as they x behind the knee joint and help pull the leg straight. If we rely on rear heel up and don't use this connectivity, we are using the calf muscles ! A relatively weak muscle group. We also shift our weight to the lead leg and lean forwards to hit ( sound familiar ? ) doing this requires a different dynamic chain of events than Ving Tsun.
This is why we require slt sitting on heels and then mobility of chum kiu so we can also utilize force by rotating sharply to specific angles and creating a kinetic " Newtonian cradle " of ballistic forces.
This force generation is not felt by the student when issuing it because the chain of force comes from engaging muscles and channeling it through our tight aligned slt/ck postures. Proving this force is by " inch punch/palm " , WITHOUT leaning into or away from the target prior to or post strike. Iow if you train to " retract to issue force or rotate arms back to make force forwards with upper body rotating ..... As many humans will ; ) you get " the force " .
If you try to issue force like this vt is designed to issue force INTO your preparation.
So ground rebound is essentially THE main requirement for us to ko in short range striking. Stability along varying planes to ensure we protect our center of gravity aka CG. the " chi sao " to us is a drill of trying to move the CG to the edge of your stance angles so balance is tested , lost , maintained ? To issue force always in balanced facing angles. No balance no force.