Root.

[kingoftheforest]

One of the basic starting points in most martial arts and especially in CMA's is having a strong root. Without a strong foundation a house cannot survive a storm. Without being rooted to the ground a tree will blow over in the wind.

Having a strong root is essential for not being pushed over by the power of incoming strikes i.e. punches, kicks, shoulder strikes and hip strikes. Having a strong root improves balance and also helps in achieving better foot work.

Some styles of martial arts like Karate or Aikido focus on more of a double weighting system, where weight is distributed on both legs, unless a kick is being throw, or the leg has to come up to assist in a throw.

Most internal styles like Bagua, or Hsing Yi use a floating root. Where it may seem like there is weight on the lead leg as well as the rear leg it is actually what's known as a "false" stance. This means that the front leg has very little to no weight on it but the illusion of weight makes it a trap. The opponent may move in not expecting a stomp or shin kick to be thrown so quickly by a seemingly weighted leg.

Postures are used to develop this root. Horse stance is a posture that is used to develop the double weighted root, while postures such as single leg flying crane, or iron butterfly are used to develop floating root.

Strong legs are necessary to any martial artists and holding these postures at various heights can help develop strength and power for various attacks and defenses, as well as aid in the act of throwing an opponent. Also holding these postures develops the muscles in the legs used to generate power in kicks.

Having a solid root will also help when throwing strikes especially in internal martial arts where the entire body is used to power the arms and hands for attacks.

[kingoftheforest]

You practice Karate right XF?

[kingoftheforest]

For lack of a better term JKD, but heavy influences of Taekwondo, boxing as well

Cool. JKD was one of the first places I saw floating root. It was explained in different terms but the same concept. And it does make for one hellish front kick.

I was going to get into the lessening of impact from strikes when you use a floating root. I'm glad you brought it up, it is definitely a major factor in styles like Drunken Boxing. While not a style that really fits with the times some of the forms and stances will help you develop a floating root quicker.

Although JKD would help and give you an up to date style you could defend yourself with.

[kingoftheforest]

Impact and redirection

Having a floating root help to lessen the absorption of blows because you are able to use a kind of falling away motion to "ride out" the strike.

Instead of being planted and getting the full brunt of the attack where you are struck you have the leeway to twist, turn or move sideways or away along with the direction of the strike.

The best example given to me was explained as the difference between hitting a cinder block with a sledge hammer or hitting a tire with the same sledge.

When you hit the cinder block it is unyielding and absorbs the impact eventually causing it to break. When you hit the tire it gives with the force and then bounces back and redirects it into the sledge. This is also one of the main distinction between internal and external arts. The ability to redirect this force and use it against the attacker.

[ggg214]

for us the trick has been to float when the other guy expects you to root, and root when they think you are going to float.

For instance I use jump kicks, not to kick higher, but to float, so that if I get hit during the kick I don't lose my balance, i just have to land. If I was rooted I'd have to absorb and redirect and try to maintain my balance. A lot of people think that they can push me when I'm kicking until they try it and find out I just ride the push instead of falling over.


I will clarify by jump I mean I don't have a base leg on the floor, even if I'm only off the floor an inch. It also adds power to the kick and speed in transitions.

As soon as I land I root if I'm going to dish out a flurry or take one. and as soon as I get the other guy to break I'll go back into float most likely, but it is somewhat situational.

may i ask you to give us some explanation or definition of ROOT in your styles?how to test your rooting?

[kingoftheforest]

We generally tend to keep at least one foot on the ground at all times to maintain a root but we stay on the ball of the foot. This allows us to shift the weight back or to the sides if necessary.

Also there aren't a lot of side kicks in what we do. Mainly circular motion, front stomp kicks, or back kicks.

We also don't have a leg forward before the initial attack so it gives no indication as to which leg is rooted.