Question 062: Sine wave

In Taekwondo America schools, we teach students to punch and kick with speed and power using smooth techniques that flow with the natural movements of the body. When we see an opportunity to punch, the first movement is the fist moving toward the target, then the hips snap that side of the body into the punch, and the rear leg pushes against the floor to add maximum power to the punch. There is no extraneous up or down movement.

Some people, in an effort to be different, come up with all kinds of strange ideas, and, if their students follow the odd ideas without question, then the ideas get pasted on through the generations.

The sine wave theory appears to be just smoke and mirrors with no scientific or physiological basis. When evaluating any odd concept of attaining power, I find it best to look to the professionals who fight for a living, such as boxers or UFC fighters, or to street fighters who fight to stay alive. If the concept really worked, they would certainly use it.

If you train in a specific style, you have to do things their way; at least during class or when performing patterns. But when you spar, you don’t have to use the useless methods. The problem is that, when you train in a useless method, over time, it permeates your sparring and you suffer because of it.
Keep up your skepticism. Fools are seldom skeptics and skeptics are seldom fooled.