National Geographic is known for the way it opened up the world of science to all of us. Can it explain the power behind an MMA fighter’s punch? In their recent “Fight Science,” they aimed to do just that.
The scene looked intimidating: champion fighters from the different martial arts disciplines stood in a room waiting to deliver crushing blows for posterity. Part of the pressure was lifted when everyone realized they would be punishing crash test dummies. These expensive, sensor-laden drones are used to determine the safety and viability of automobiles, so why not some of the world’s deadliest weapons?
Once the fighters standing landing punches and kicks, it became clear that every blow delivered to an opponent is virtually bone crushing. A boxer’s punch – without windup – generated over 1,000 pounds of force. Roundhouse kicks and knees to the midsection went far beyond that marker and were analyzed as potentially life threatening.
After watching the first segment, it begins to sink in that opponents are lucky they are not standing still when these blows land. The element of defense doesn’t exist in these studies, reassuring anyone who steps into the ring to fight.
Nonetheless, powerful lessons are to be learned by measuring the intensity of a punch or kick. Fighting glove technology has embraced this idea and delivered the first gloves that calculate type, speed and impact of punches thrown. Every move you make in the gym is analyzed and posted in quantifiable units on your computer screen by the chip inside these gloves made by Elliott Fight Dynamics.
What that means for the fighter is no more wasted training sessions, as well as no excuses for an unclear set of goals. If you need to hit harder to topple an opponent, you won’t go into a fight blind. You’ll know exactly what you need to do, as you will during every session at the gym.
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