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Martial arts research is divided into two main categories: physical analyses and emotional/mental analyses. Because the focus of my research questions how the motion of a punch compares across practitioners of varying experience, the literature review section focuses on physical analyses.
Biomechanics is the study of forces, while kinematics is the study of motion. In the field of martial arts, both fields are commonly used to break down the reason why martial arts techniques are effective.
Technique Analysis
Technique Analysis
In existing martial arts research, there are multiple studies in which scientists conduct an analysis on the physics behind martial arts techniques. The picture to the left shows a skeletal diagram by Gavagan & Sayers.
For instance, in a study by Preuschl et. al (2015), the group analyzed the forces of a jumping front-leg axe kick, a technique used in Taekwondo competition. It is normally performed by raising one leg and accelerating it downward while extending the knee and connecting with the target through the heel. Preuschl et. al concluded that it was nonoptimal and that a modifying the technique--through an earlier leg raise, angled upper body during the kick, and use of hip flexion over knee extension--would provide a stronger impact.
THeory behind forces
THeory behind forces
This video explains the theory behind these force and kinematics analyses, delving into biomechanics and kinematics techniques.
Existing Methods/Technology
Existing Methods/Technology
As explained in the video above, there are two main types of methods and two types of rising technology through which martial arts techniques are analyzed:
Methods for Analysis
Videography - This is the simplest and most tested form of kinematics analysis; it is the process of recording a motion and tracking the motion at separate frames. Because velocity is the change in distance divided by the change in time, near-instantaneous velocity is easily calculated. This can be achieved with any camera, but cameras with higher frames-per-second video quality will allow for more data every second, making them better for analysis than ordinary cameras.
Force/momentum analyses - By using the mass of the moving objects (hand and bag) and the speed/time of collision, researchers can calculate the average force generated by a strike.
Rising technology
Embedded accelerometers - Also known as punch trackers, this wearable technology tracks the motion of the practitioner's hand through space. Coaches of various sports typically use this in professional coaching. This is more useful than calculating force through momentum because it provides instantaneous force, rather than average force.
Computer-generated algorithms - Using artificial intelligence, researchers have begun to use computer-generated algorithms to evaluate the form of strikes. For example, a study conducted by Hachaj et. al had distinguished black belts perform a plethora of techniques. Using motion capture, computers created "templates" of each technique and were able to recognize and "grade" specific techniques performed by an individual.
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