The Effect of Weight Distribution on Distancing

DISTANCING

 

Distancing is key to any successful defence or attack. The defender must be able to effectively read the attack as it begins and then either move forward to interrupt the rhythm of the attacker and strike first, or move away from the attack effectively enough to be able to block it and still to be in a position to counter-attack. Moving away from the attacker can either be directly backwards, or in the form of a sidestep. Either way, distancing from the attacker is vital.
MOVEMENT

 

Very few attacks can be effective from a static position. The attacker or aggressor needs to move forward to land an effective technique. This applies whether the chosen technique is a grab, a strike or a kick. To land the technique the attacker has to rely on speed and momentum to be able to reduce the distance to the defender as quickly as possible.

The defender needs to control the distance from the attacker in order to deal with the attack. He starts at a disadvantage as he only reacts once the attack has started. This means that the defender has to be able to move quickly enough to effectively counter the attack, or simply avoid it.
THE EFFECT OF WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION ON MOVEMENT

Weight distribution has a major effect on one's ability to move fast and effectively. It also has a major effect on the outcome of a block or strike, as it has such an influence on the momentum of any movement.

Let's examine the dynamics of several different movements.

Front stance

The traditional front stance as taught in Shotokan karate is, in principle, a rooted stance and is really the end of a basic movement, with one's weight predominantly on the front leg. In order to move in any direction from this stance, one's weight has to be moved.

To go forward the defender has to either stand up, which has the effect of distributing the weight evenly, and then stepping, or thrusting the hips forward and rolling the front knee over the foot. This method is not natural and takes a lot of practice to be executed efficiently but, once mastered and done properly, a tremendous amount of forward momentum can be generated and a comparatively large distance covered.

Back stance

The traditional Shotokan-style back-stance is also the final end position of, typically, a backward movement, with the majority of one's weight situated almost directly above the back leg and foot. The back foot is at 90 degrees from the centre-line and direction of movement. To continue moving backwards, one's weight needs to be kept centralised whilst the front foot is drawn back. This also needs lots of practice and is difficult to execute as quickly as a front stance. Alternatively, the defender must stand up, centralising his weight, and then step either forward or backwards from there.

The back-stance does, however, offer the skilled practitioner an excellent method of evading a frontal attack, creating an excellent platform for a very fast counter attack: by merely shifting his weight backwards into the traditional back stance, the defender can create enough distance from a direct attack from where he can then simply shift his weight forward and strike his attacker without stepping. When used in conjunction with a front jab (kizami-zuki), this shift from back-stance to front-stance or a fighting stance is very fast and very difficult to anticipate.

WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION

By analysing these basic Shotokan style stances, it becomes clear that it is vital to perfect a smooth and direct method of transferring weight to adjust the distance to the opponent. The speed with which a forward, back or side step can be made is also a product of this weight shifting principle.

Weight distribution will not only facilitate the speed with which the distance from the opponent can be changed, but can also drastically affect the force of a striking technique by increasing its momentum.  This is due to the unchangeable principle of mass x speed = momentum, and the more momentum behind a technique, the greater the force with which it will land.

The perfect way to transfer weight is to keep the body perfectly upright as the muscle-groups used to transfer weight are employed. This is particularly important when moving forward.

The reason is that a weight shift made by leaning the upper body forward from the waist will result in the face being presented forwards and into the reach of the opponent - a position from which it is very difficult to defend. Also, moving one's weight forward via the upper body makes it almost impossible to then quickly move backwards, or in any other direction. A backward movement made by leaning the upper body away from the opponent may result in the head being moved out of reach of an attack, but it again leaves the defender in an off-balance position from which it is difficult to continue moving.

UTILISING WEIGHT SHIFT TO INCREASE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ONE OR MORE TECHNIQUES

Once the principle of effective weight transfer has been mastered, the skilled fighter will be able to use it to dramatically increase the effectiveness of his attacking or counter attacking techniques. In fact, the Shotokan doctrine of landing one telling or killing blow in the shortest possible time relies on maximum force being applied instantly. To do this, maximum momentum must be generated and effectively applied. The karatekas entire weight must drive the technique at the highest possible speed.

This is the method behind the Shotokan system and explains how small and slightly-built Japanese karateka are able to effectively fight much larger and stronger opponents.

- by Clive Strugnell