Evaluating Martial Arts Punching Kinematics Using a Vision and Inertial Sensing System

Abstract

Martial arts has many benefits not only in self-defence, but also in improving physical fitness and mental well-being. In our research we focused on analyzing the velocity, impulse, momentum and impact force of the Taekwondo sine-wave punch and reverse-step punch. We evaluated these techniques in comparison with the martial arts styles of Hapkido and Shaolin Wushu and investigated the kinematic properties. We developed a sensing system which is composed of an ICSensor Model 3140 accelerometer attached to a punching bag for measuring dynamic acceleration, Kinovea motion analysis software and 2 GoPro Hero 3 cameras, one focused on the practitioner’s motion and the other focused on the punching bag’s motion. Our results verified that the motion vectors associated with a Taekwondo practitioner performing a sine-wave punch, uses a unique gravitational potential energy to optimise the impact force of the punch. We demonstrated that the sine-wave punch on average produced an impact force of 6884 N which was higher than the reverse-step punch that produced an average impact force of 5055 N. Our comparison experiment showed that the Taekwondo sine-wave punch produced the highest impact force compared to a Hapkido right cross punch and a Shaolin Wushu right cross, however the Wushu right cross had the highest force to weight ratio at 82:1. The experiments were conducted with high ranking black belt practitioners in Taekwondo, Hapkido and Shaolin Wushu.

A Measurement of ‘Walking-the-Wall’ Dynamics: An Observational Study Using Accelerometry and Sensors to Quantify Risk Associated with Vertical Wall Impact Attenuation in Trampoline Parks

“…Examples of this include Wilson et al [46], who studied cheetah hunting dynamics, Hayati et al [47], who studied canine gait characteristics, Witte et al [48], who studied the ground reaction force in horses, and Dutto et al [49], who reported ground reaction forces in horses trotting up an incline and on the level over a range of speeds. As aforementioned, we have previously conducted research on the key techniques in the Korean martial art of taekwondo and observed various transitions between different stances and the stance times [17]. An interesting observation that was consistent with previous sports biomechanics and martial arts literature was the notion of a kinetic chain from the ground to the fist.…”

“…The use of trampolining has clear benefits to improving balance, gait, and postural sway as aforementioned. We have also analysed human biomechanics and posture in recent years, as well as the effect of interventions as a means for physical training [17,18]. In addition to these benefits, researchers in more recent years have focused their attempts on forming more direct links between trampolining and its effects on performance in other sports.…”

Research on Wushu Sports Feedback System Based on Real-Time Target Intelligent Tracking Video Processing

“…e storage space and digital signal processing area contain a primary buffer architecture, respectively [5]. Among them, the storage space buffer architecture can quickly store martial arts video.…”

Punch Trackers: Correct Recognition Depends on Punch Type and Training Experience

“…Among the available technology today, accelerometers can be used to detect punch type and provide data regarding punch force, velocity, power, and other measures that can help quantify punching training structure, volume, and intensity [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Other technologies available include high-frame-rate video capture [ 8 ]. Although accelerometers have been tested during punching [ 7 , 9 ], they have primarily included custom-made devices and algorithms that likely are not used by commercial users.…”