The following article is a direct excerpt from the book Combat Strategy: The Way of the Warrior

Combinations vary according to the force you apply. Force is an internal characteristic that is defined by the direction you move, and is not readily evident to an observer. It can be obvious, as in unified force combinations or deceptive as in opposing force combinations.

Unified force combinations

Unified force combinations are groups of skills that apply continuous force in a single direction. Every strike serves to magnify the effect of the previous one. Strikes can be the same such as a flurry of punches to the body or they can be diverse like a variety of linear and circular kicks aimed at the legs of the opponent.

Unified force combines high-low-middle approaches to linear and circular attacks with all parts of the body. The only qualifying factor is that every blow will deliver its force in the same direction as the previous one. This serves to punish the opponent in one area and wear him down. Unified force combinations are effective in prolonged combat because they provide a greater effect over time. Some examples of unified force combinations are:

1. Throwing by gripping the opponent’s shoulders and pulling to the right with your right hand and pushing to the right with your left hand
2. Right backfist to the head and left knife strike to the neck followed by right elbow strike to the jaw
3. Left backfist to the face and right hook kick to the knee followed by right back fist to the face

Circular force combinations

Circular force combinations are combinations that apply force that rotates around an axis. The axis is located at a point on your body, as close to your center of gravity as possible. The force is then directed to the target by two terminal points on your body, usually your hands or feet. The resulting effect is the magnification of both applications of force.

The first application of force, whether by striking or grappling, will always intensify the second. In striking, the second strike is intensified by the centripetal force generated by the first. For example, a backfist to the face, followed by a hook kick to the leg and a back kick to the groin will create a continuous 360 degree circle with one technique leading directly into and intensifying the next. Continue reading →