A Power Principle which defines the generation and enhancement of power through circular motion.

Comments:

Torque is one of the three Power Principles of American Kenpo.

Torque is essentially power generated through circular motion.

Torque can generate or enhance power through the rotation of the body and/or the joints of the body in chorus with executed maneuver(s).

Torque most commonly works on the Width Zone, because the rotation of the Environmental Object typically causes a change in width.

The most common way to generate torque is through the rotation of the body - typically by transitions from a Neutral Bow stance to a Forward Bow stance and/or vice verse.

Torque can be used on any Dimensional Zone and in conjunction with any of the other Power Principles.

Torque differs from Back-up Mass in that Torque is used primarily in the Width Zone, and that Torque is generated using circular motion.

Torque differs from Gravitational Marriage in that Torque is used primarily in the Width Zone, and that Torque is generated using circular motion.

Torque is only one element in the generation and enhancement of power.

Torque is the most important and most commonly used Power Principles - even though it may be the lesser of the principles employed in the generation of power. This is because:

a.A practitioner's joints and body work primarily on rotation, and rotation is the foundation of torque

b.Virtually all physical motion of the joints and the body require some sort of rotation - thus causing some form of torque to be created

Torque can be broken down into the following categories:

a.Direct Rotational - when the mass of the body is rotated on the same circular path as the weapon.

b.Counter Rotational - when the mass of the body is rotated on a reverse circular path as the weapon.

c.Isolated - when only the mass of the rotating weapon is used and is aided by the speed and accuracy of the weapon.

d.Opposing - when the mass and power of one weapon is used in direct opposition against the mass and power of second simultaneous weapon. This form of Torque is categorized as Vice-like.

Example(s):

Forward

A straight heel-palm strike, using either arm or both, to an opponent's body would demonstrate Back-up Mass in a forward direction.

Reverse

A pulling, inverted, vertical, back-knuckle strike to the back of the opponent's head, while the opponent is facing you, would demonstrate Back-up Mass in a reverse direction.

Isolated

A whip, slice, or rake to the opponent's eye(s) would demonstrate isolated Back-up Mass.

Opposing

A straight heel-palm strike to the face of an opponent, executed simultaneously with a pulling, inverted, vertical, back-knuckle strike to the back of the opponent's head, while the opponent is facing you, would demonstrate opposing Back-up Mass.

Direct Rotational Torque

A front hand left Inward Block executed simultaneously with a step-through in reverse would demonstrate torque in Directional Harmony with the body.

Counter Rotational Torque

A front hand left Vertical Outward Block executed simultaneously with a step-through in reverse would demonstrate torque in directional opposition to the body.

Isolated Torque

After one delivers a Straight Heel-palm to the chin of an opponent, if a five-finger rake were executed to the opponent's eyes, this would demonstrate torque isolated to the hand and fingers - excluding the body.

Opposing

Left and right inverted vertical back-knuckle strikes delivered simultaneously to both sides of an opponent's head, would demonstrate Opposing Torque.

Derivation:

This term is derived from the layman's definition of the term.

Opposite(s):

Back-up Mass, Gravitational Marriage

Related Definition(s):

Align, Backstop, Base, Circle, Leverage, Line, Timing

Related Term(s):

Back-up Mass, Body Alignment, Body Fusion, Body Harmony, Body Mechanics, Body Momentum, Brace Angle, Depth Zone, Directional Harmony, Gravitational Marriage, Horizontal Plane, Horizontal Zone, Line of Travel, Path of Travel, Power Principle