Conditioning for Striking Techniques

Seikido teaches the latest available body mechanics for delivering the maximum amount of energy to a target that the body is capable of generating. The devastating punches, strikes, and kicks which are derived from older Karate styles, particularly Tae Kwon Do, have evolved over many decades of study and refinement. In order for the body to withstand the tremendous force generated by striking objects it must be conditioned, or tempered by repeated and specific practice.

Proper punches which deliver a great deal of power to a resistant object can cause serious injury unless the student has repeatedly practised striking and pressing exercises, because the bones and joints of the hand and arm may not be strong enough to withstand the impact of such punches. In order to strengthen the wrist and elbow joints, as well as increase bone density in the hand and arm bones sufficiently to withstand the shock of striking with tremendous force, students can do push-ups on their knuckles, particularly the first two knuckles of the fist, and repeatedly strike targets which provide progressively more resistance. The amount of force applied to the punch must be slowly increased over many months to build up strength and resilience and to avoid injury.

Similarly, proper kicks will deliver a great deal of power and therefore the striking surfaces of the feet, mainly the instep, ball of the foot, outside edge of the heel (knife foot), and back of the heel, must be conditioned to withstand tremendous forces.

The resistance and weight of targets can be gradually increased over months of repeated practice to build up the desired stamina in bones and joints.

Warming up Exercises

Basic Stances and Movements

Conditioning for Striking Techniques