punisher73
Senior Master
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2004
- Messages
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As with all things...it depends.
Also, remember that much of Japanese karate and the styles it influenced chose form over function. Squaring the shoulders, punch at a 90 degree angle from the shoulder, parallel to the floor, etc. Looked good, but has nothing to do with fighting.
One reason for the heel on the ground, as has been mentioned, is to brace your body. It stops foward momentum against you, if you lift the heel up and try it will drive you backwards.
On the other hand, learning to drive the body and lift the heel slightly when you punch allows you to get a little bit more reach and more weight into the punch.
It all depends on what you are trying to accomplish at that snapshot of time.
Also, remember that much of Japanese karate and the styles it influenced chose form over function. Squaring the shoulders, punch at a 90 degree angle from the shoulder, parallel to the floor, etc. Looked good, but has nothing to do with fighting.
One reason for the heel on the ground, as has been mentioned, is to brace your body. It stops foward momentum against you, if you lift the heel up and try it will drive you backwards.
On the other hand, learning to drive the body and lift the heel slightly when you punch allows you to get a little bit more reach and more weight into the punch.
It all depends on what you are trying to accomplish at that snapshot of time.