ob2c said:
Doc, couple of questions, if you don't mind.
You are apparently speaking of counter torque in general here, not as given in this technique. So, by your definition of counter torque, the inward counter rotation given here does not qualify. If this is the case, do you have a term and definition for what occurs here?
That is an excellent catch sir. I prefer to not comment on the efficacy of the performance of other martial artists in particular, and instead choose to focus on the knowledge of concepts and principles discussed to allow others to broaden, (perhaps) their understanding and perspective of their activity. In doing so they may discover, see, or approach what they do from a hopefully more enlightened perspective that they may apply to their own curriculum.
Here is the problem. There is a tendency among some modern martial artist, (thanks to Ed Parker Sr.) to want to take a scientific approach to what they now do. This is not a bad thing, but unfortunately there is very little real science knowledge available among those who would teach or learn these various martial arts. Instead in general, and commercial American Kenpo specifically, a pseudo/para-science was created by Ed Parker Sr. to allow him to disseminate his very conceptual ideas among his many followers without his constant presence. To that end he created scientific sounding terminology to convey, and yes sell and proliferate his ideas. On one level this has had a positive impact on all arts. On another it has caused some to believe they are actually learning a true science. They are not.
Certainly there are some Newtonian Physics that translate to any physical activity, but no more than would be available in most physical interactive activities like American Football, baseball, or boxing. But the reality is the dynamics of human anatomy are completely unique in nature and science and it is rare you may borrow principles from other established hard sciences and insert them into a pseudo-scientific activity with any consistent degree of validity.
To take a pure physical term like counter torque and apply it outside of its intended use to human striking dynamics produces a subjectively conceptual interpretation far removed from reality. This term in particular would best be served by applying it to locking, throwing, or grappling, not generally speaking, striking.
Very few have the specific educational background and acumen necessary that will allow them to create true new scientific terminology, or properly apply what is known in one science discipline, to another. Subjective terminology can and does have validity but only within the conceptual framework for which it is designed. Outside of the general discipline, terms like gravitational marriage have no meaning, and true scientist would shrug their shoulders and dismiss it as an interesting (or not) idea.
That being said, you can call anything you want, anything you want to call it, until you enter into general discussions that do not include your devotees like this forum. Than you have to revert back to true science and stop pretending you know scientific principles, or at least explain what you mean by how YOU choose to use the term.
On one level American kenpo is about a myriad set of subjective concepts that those within choose to view as being principles. They are not. Elastic-liquid-counter-gravitational-recoil-collisions are just what they sound like. They allow some to sound like theyre smart and know what theyre talking about, and perhaps they do, but only for those who subscribe to their personal philosophy.
The human machine is so complex with multiple parts in varying density and connectivity floating in a fluid and contained in an elastic vessel, that you must refrain from using terms you would also apply to an inanimate object like a rock. With the human machine, one tiny entity moved can and does affect the rest of the machine. Even what you see, hear, and feel, can change how that machine physically functions beyond the control of the individual himself.
I had many a lecture from Ed Parker about how carefully you must construct application of true scientific terms. He said, Be careful, be very careful if you want to be taken seriously by those who do not study kenpo. That is one lesson I learned.
Bottom line drop the word principles and insert concepts unless you really know what youre talking about. Commercial motion based kenpo is a conceptual design according to its progenitor, that has so many interpretations that "mixed company" conversations always demand explanations instead of terminology assumptions.