“Finishing power” is, perhaps, one of the most under-rated and important skills when considering how to optimize the effect on target of each combative in a self-defense encounter. In short, the sooner you can knock someone “silly”, the sooner you can go home.

The three most critical issues in developing “finishing power” in your combatives are (I cover the broad strokes in the video included):

  1. Weight Transfer: For our purposes, I’ll define this as brining your weight through the combative and into the target. Without your weight behind your combatives, you’re asking for an “ace whooping” – as we say in Texas.
  2. Platform Optimization: For this discussion, I’ll refer to this as the platforms (feet, hips, and shoulders) that support the combative movement in preserving and facilitating balance, speed, and weight transfer as technically prescribed. As you think of power being transferred from the ground (see the article Finding Knock Out Power in Your Fighting Stance), think of the platforms as “super-highways” for that power. If the platforms perform optimally, the power is ignited and delivered into the hand (in the case of a punch).
  3. Explosive Release: Think of this concept as the hand releasing the power the ground, your weight, and the platforms have delivered. This is where the “life in your hands” ideal begins. As the power reaches your hand (in a punch) your weight transfer is almost complete, you begin to drop your weight about one inch (we call this “sitting”), and your muscles begin to contract as your breathe out forcefully – all this happens in the span of a lighting strike (super fast). And, your fist acts as the end of a chain that’s been whipped like a wet towel – snapping and delivering your power into the target.

Signup for Weekly Edition

Select all that apply

The three most critical issues in developing “finishing power” in your combatives are (I cover the broad strokes in the video included):

  1. Weight Transfer: For our purposes, I’ll define this as brining your weight through the combative and into the target. Without your weight behind your combatives, you’re asking for an “ace whooping” – as we say in Texas.
  2. Platform Optimization: For this discussion, I’ll refer to this as the platforms (feet, hips, and shoulders) that support the combative movement in preserving and facilitating balance, speed, and weight transfer as technically prescribed. As you think of power being transferred from the ground (see the article Finding Knock Out Power in Your Fighting Stance), think of the platforms as “super-highways” for that power. If the platforms perform optimally, the power is ignited and delivered into the hand (in the case of a punch).
  3. Explosive Release: Think of this concept as the hand releasing the power the ground, your weight, and the platforms have delivered. This is where the “life in your hands” ideal begins. As the power reaches your hand (in a punch) your weight transfer is almost complete, you begin to drop your weight about one inch (we call this “sitting”), and your muscles begin to contract as your breathe out forcefully – all this happens in the span of a lighting strike (super fast). And, your fist acts as the end of a chain that’s been whipped like a wet towel – snapping and delivering your power into the target.

Give this a try. I think you’ll like the results!

About 1,000 reps should do it!

…walk in peace people!

 

Signup for Weekly Edition Free

Select all that apply

CJ Kirk

Leave a Reply

2 comments

  1. Arnold

    Great insight chief. My question is when it comes to kicking, as we will be taking half our base away, is there a difference in applying weight transfer and platform optimizarion, as compred with punching?

    -2
    Reply

  2. Tim

    Do you feel having “life in your hands” requires loosness or relaxation in the arms and shoulders?

    -1
    Reply