Spinning

Spinning is used in many sports to add speed, and thus power to a technique, such as discus and hammer throwers or disc golfers. When spinning a mass, centrifugal force builds in the mass that is added to any other forces used to propel the mass.

Most martial arts spins are used:

• To increase the power in a technique, as in a spinning side kick.
• Change the angle of attack of a technique, as in a spinning back fist.
• Change the location of the body, as in spinning from an open into a closed fighting position.

No matter the sport, the primary purpose of a jump is to raise the body to higher altitude (except to jump off or into something, such as jumping off a diving board or parachuting from an aircraft, where the purpose is to lose altitude). A secondary purpose is to move the body quickly over a distance, such as jumping out the way of a lunge attack in fencing. Martial art jumps share these purposes but they have two important variables to deal with that most jumps do not have to contend with—an opponent that wants to harm them and unfamiliar terrain. This means that during a martial arts jump, the jumper must remain stable, be able to defend him or herself during the jump, be prepared for landing on an unknown surface, and land in way that permits further offensive or defensive actions if needed.