Linear vs. Circular

There are two kinds of attacks: linear and circular. A linear attack follows the path of a straight line, such as a reverse punch. A circular attack follows an arched path, such as a roundhouse kick.  

Traditional Taekwondo stresses re-chambering as a way to add additional powerful strikes. This implies the use of linear attacks. Circular attacks do not re-chamber between strikes, thus time, power, and momentum are preserved. At the end of a linear strike, the momentum stops and is reversed creating wasted time. When a boxer throws two jabs in a row, the time between jabs is spent re-chambering and therefore is wasted time. Yet, when a boxer uses a speed bag, he/she uses circular strikes and retains the same amount of power with increased speed and efficiency.

Linear techniques limited to the length of the arm or leg while linear techniques have a large range of motion. During linear movement, maximum velocity is achieved just before the end of the movement. During circular movement, maximum speed is reached at approximately one half of the movement, and does not appreciably diminish in speed thereafter.

To get maximum impact effect from linear movement, the technique should be focused. That is, after gaining maximum velocity, at the moment of impact, the body must be suddenly tensed to transfer energy to the target and then relaxed to stop transfer of the rebound energy. If this is not done, some of the force generated will be dissipated. Since a circular movement's maximum speed is achieved at approximately ½ of a circle, with no appreciable loss of velocity thereafter, then focus needed in linear movements becomes unnecessary and maximum force nay be generated by striking through the target.