Physics of boxing and thai boxing

[Jamiefighter]

I recently read an article in Discover magazine that dealt with the physics behind skipping stones in water. The article noted that the density of the water, shape, size, and weight of the stone along with the velocity thrown were all factors in how many times a stone could be skipped across a body of water.
If people have done studies on stone skipping, then is it possible there are any articles or studies done on the physics of a thai kick or a punch? Is there a certain point in the distance a punch is thrown where the power is greatest (other factors-temperature, wind resistance, height of the punch, etc.)? Or in scientific terms, why does a snap on elbows or punches produce such immense power? Similarly, what made bruce lee's one inch punch so strong (Lee states it was because he was "relaxed", but "relaxed" is fairly vague)? Yet, here is another question-specifically, what makes a boxing stance, thai boxing stance, or karate stance so strong (remember in scientific terms)?

[darrianation]

here's an article that talks about the science of punching power.

https://www.ringside.com/archives/nutrition_for_boxers/sciencepunch.htm

[darrianation]

Energy
There's a lot of energy transferred in a boxing match. Whenever a punch is traded, it's energy is given to the other boxer, which usually results in him going backward in pain. But how much energy is in a punch? First, you need a few basic measurements. The mass of a hand is about .7 kg. The speed it travels in a punch is about 10 m/s. So, using the Kinetic Energy equation:

Kinetic Energy = 1/2 x Mass x Velocity2
We get 1/2(.7)(10)2 or 35 J. That doesn't seem like much, does it? But if you take into account the very short amount of time contact is made, about .005 s, and use the equation for power:
Power=Energy/Time
That yields 7000 watts! But what does this energy do? Compared to the target, a hand is very small. It's like hitting a tree with an axe vs. a sledgehammer. In the case of the axe, the force is over a very small area, so the energy causes deformation in the tree (it gets cut). But in the case of the sledge hammer, the energy is spread over an area, so the tree is merely shaken (accelerated) without being damaged too much.

https://www.kent.k12.wa.us/staff/trobinso/physicspages/POpart2/po2002/Boxing/punching.html

[Thai Bri]

What has the mass of a hand got to do with it? Its the total body mass you can get behind a technique, not the mass of your hand.

[darrianation]

Yea not sure what the hell he's talking about. This seems flawed.
If you were only using hand mass in the formula it would seem to me it wouldn't make much difference between a .6kg or .8kg hand. You would have to in to account the whole body mass, especially upper torso (but not just limited to it).

Also technique plays a big roll.

[Turing]

More info

"Also technique plays a big roll."

Physics is THE underlying science. So the equations are tough at lying so when you say also technique plays a big roll you are being misleading. Technique makes you have more mass behind the hit or have a higher velocity for it. It all boils down to equations, there is no like degree of technique constant to put in the function, the tenchique changes the mass and velocity. For instance if you throw a left hook as an "arm punch" the mass you put into the energy equation will be significantly less then that of a properly thrown left hook with good torso snapping.

[Tom Yum]

Physics is the underlying science but in the gym you don't talk about F = M x A. Most instruction is done in layman terms. Learning and practicing good technique makes it easy for your body to know what a good technique feels like when delivered.

BTW, how is your coach

[Turing]

sdgf

Well yes obviously but a punch thrown at 20 mph with 10 kg behind it with bad form and one going at the same speed and with the same mass behind it, but thrown properly, will feel the same to the reciever, neglecting like where it hits etc.

[Tom Yum]

I was referring to the puncher as well.

I've seen new boxers lean over their center of balance with their heads up and out, swing a hook and hit kind of hard.

If your coach has a watchfull eye, he'll be on you like bread on butter

[Turing]

Trainer

I'm trying to find a gym. I have a list of 23 boxing gyms in Mass and RI. I'm trying to figure out which are within reasonable driving distance and whats good. I'm trying to work it out with my mom and dad (divorce so its kinda difficult). What should I expect to pay and how do I know if a gym is any good?

[Tom Yum]

I don't know how prices are up in RI/Mass area. You want to watch out for rough areas though.

Find a gym that will teach beginners, but has some amateur and professionally ranked fughters.