Explosiveness....

[Maidenfan]

Does anyone know of a way to train explosiveness? Not just build explosive strength, but actually teach yourself to use it? Some sort of exercise or drill or whatever to teach yourself to push off explosively, not a slow push... Some way to really launch with whatever muscles you need. I have plenty of strength and speed for my size(only 125lbs., 5'9"). I just need to learn to push off and use my power better. Post in whatever you got!

[theprophet]

One of my old sifu's used to hold up a piece of x-ray paper and have me throw jabs or even front kicks at it. When you explode properly and strike it the paper makes a distinct noise, like a high pitched crack of thunder. You can not really get the noise from using speed alone. To make it more difficult he would quickly pull the paper away if I telegraphed the punch/kick. You need to explode and retract your blow with good timing to get it.

[Maidenfan]

Where could I find x-ray paper and how is it different from the normal paper drill? I can get paper to crack but that doesn't take explosiveness, just speed and quick retraction. It doesn't take the acceleration that is derived from explosiveness.

[theprophet]

Originally Posted by Maidenfan

Where could I find x-ray paper and how is it different from the normal paper drill? I can get paper to crack but that doesn't take explosiveness, just speed and quick retraction. It doesn't take the acceleration that is derived from explosiveness.

what do you think are two side effects of explosiveness, speed and quick retraction..... you aren't gonna leave your hand out there after the strike are you?

define what you mean by explosiveness, is it not to burst out from a calm to strike your target quickly, accurately and with power? maybe i don't get your initial question.

the x-ray paper makes a distinct sound when you hit it right and won't break easily. i know there is a online site where you can buy it... i will search for it and post up if i find it.

[Maidenfan]

Originally Posted by theprophet

what do you think are two side effects of explosiveness, speed and quick retraction..... you aren't gonna leave your hand out there after the strike are you?

define what you mean by explosiveness, is it not to burst out from a calm to strike your target quickly, accurately and with power? maybe i don't get your initial question.

the x-ray paper makes a distinct sound when you hit it right and won't break easily. i know there is a online site where you can buy it... i will search for it and post up if i find it.

Yes, that is what I mean by explosiveness. However, I can easily develop speed but not quick acceleration as in explosiveness.

[theprophet]

Originally Posted by Maidenfan

Yes, that is what I mean by explosiveness. However, I can easily develop speed but not quick acceleration as in explosiveness.

well that is why i suggested this, cuz you start in a relaxed state and explode to hit the paper... if the strike is telegraphed then the paper-holder pulls it away.

i stumbled on the site that sells the stuff last week and am looking for it.

[Maidenfan]

Originally Posted by theprophet

well that is why i suggested this, cuz you start in a relaxed state and explode to hit the paper... if the strike is telegraphed then the paper-holder pulls it away.

i stumbled on the site that sells the stuff last week and am looking for it.

As nice as that sounds I don't know anyone(willing to hold it for me) with quick perception or reaction... Would it be affective to try it with a floating punch(1 or 3inch punch)? That way you only have a very short distance to build up speed and thus inertia. I always kind of push instead of exploding if that makes sense to you.

[HtTKar]

plyometrics is what you mean. There are plenty of sources of information on this. Basically Jumping, sprinting drills, etc.

check out these links for a start.

http://www.brianmac.demon.co.uk/plymo.htm

http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/plyometrics.html

http://www.netfit.co.uk/plyometrics-web.htm

http://www.exrx.net/Lists/PowerExercises.html

[Maidenfan]

I am already using plyometrics but it still seems like it takes me a long time to generate power. Example: When I'm doing plyometrics, when I go down(preparing to jump) it seems to take a while to go back up. I accelerate slowly.