It has often been asked by the enthusiasts of this noble art, "How does one obtain the power to create such devastating results, particularly in the case of women and children?" Power results from a combination of several factors. The training naturally produces a thoroughly fit person with all of his or her muscles in good shape, but it does not necessarily mean the acquisition of brute strength. The expert does not necessarily have to have the stamina to run a mile, nor does it follow that he or she must be able to lift a heavy weight.

According to Newton’s Law of Force, every force has an equal and opposite force. Thus, if a car crashes into a wall with a force of 2000 pounds per square foot, the force the wall returns will be the same. By pressing down on one end of a see-saw with one ton, the other end would provide an upward force of the same strength. Therefore, if your opponent is rushing toward you at a high speed, by the slightest blow at his head, the force with which you hit his head would be that of his own onslaught plus that of your blow.

The two forces combined: his, which is large...and your, which is small, is quite impressive. This, then, is the reaction force of the opponent. Another reaction force is your own. A right lunge punch is aided by pulling the left fist to the hip with a sharp jerk of the abdomen.

By applying the impact force onto the smallest target area, it will concentrate the force and therefore increase its effect. For example, the force of water coming out of a garden hose is greater if the orifice is smaller; conversely, the weight of a man spread out on snowshoes hardly makes an impression in the snow. The blows in Tae Kwon Do are often concentrated onto the edge of the open palm or the crook of the fingers. The shorter the time for concentration, the greater the power will be from the blow. It is very important to release your strength gradually so at the point of impact with the target will are able to concentrate the power quickly for the knockout blow.

Balancing the body is of the utmost importance in Tae Kwon Do. In most cases, your opponent will find himself off-balanced. By keeping the body always in equilibrium, that is, well balanced, blows are more effective. Conversely, the unbalanced opponent is easily toppled. Movements must be made to flow smoothly and remain flexible.

You must also take into account the question of controlled breathing. Not only does controlled breathing affect stamina, a breath held at a critical moment softens the reception of a blow from an opponent. A breath taken at a critical moment can also help augment the blow. Students of this art must also learn that disguised breathing is important to conceal the outward signs of fatigue and to prevent the betrayal of impending exhaustion. As a rule, a sharp breath is exhaled at the point of impact of a technique and inhaled as soon as it is completed.

In summarizing, it is necessary to point out that principles of force outlined here hold just as true today in our modern technology and nuclear age, as it did centuries ago. It is certain that when you go through this art both in theory and in practice, you will find the scientific basis of motions and the real power which comes out of a small human body cannot fail to impress you.