Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-1-1975
Publication Title
American Journal of Physics
Abstract
Analysis of a forward karate punch is made as an example of collision mechanics. The energy lost to deformation of an opponent is evaluated, and the deformation is shown to be maximized if contact is made when the fist has the greatest speed. In karate fighting the maximum deformation is obtained by focusing a punch to terminate several centimeters inside an opponent’s body. The average impact force is calculated and compared with that neeeded to break a human bone by stressing it beyond its ultimate bending stress value. Similar breaking forces needed for bricks and wooden boards are also computed. A brief description of breaking demonstrations for the physics classroom is made.
Repository Citation
Walker, Jearl D., "Karate Strikes" (1975). Physics Faculty Publications. 98.
https://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/sciphysics_facpub/98
Original Citation
Walker, Jearl D. "Karate Strikes." American Journal of Physics 43 (1975): 845-849.
DOI
10.1119/1.9966
Version
Postprint
Publisher's Statement
Copyright 1975 American Association of Physics Teachers. This article may be downloaded for personal use only. Any other use requires prior permission of the author and the American Association of Physics Teachers. The following article appeared in American Journal of Physics 43 (1975): 845-849 and may be found at http://ajp.aapt.org/resource/1/ajpias/v43/i10/p845_s1?isAuthorized=no.
Volume
43
Issue
10
