Impulse, Force, Momentum and the Martial Artist

Introduction

Impulse, Force, and Momentum are interrelated subjects in physics and the Martial Arts, as such
I combined their delineation. See the Physics Terms and Formulas article if you are confused
about some of the equation components. The following paragraphs explain how force applied to
an object will either shatter the object or crush/push the object.

Force

Starting with Force, Force is an influence that causes a still body to accelerate. F=MA. Meaning
that Force is defined/calculated by multiplying an objects mass by its acceleration (Change in
speed). This change in speed is the deceleration of an object upon making contact with an
object. For example, your fist slowing down after hitting someone’s face.

Momentum

Momentum is how fast and heavy an object is. Momentum is defined by physics as: P=MV. P is
the momentum, M is mass, and Velocity is the speed and direction of the object. What that has
to do with kicking someone in the face is this: the more mass or velocity behind your kick the
more momentum your kick has. The more Momentum, the more force an object needs to stop
your kick. Momentum can also be thought of how much force is backing a moving object.

Impulse

This leads us to Impulse. Impulse is the time needed to stop and object’s momentum over a
given distance and time. In other words, the greater your impulse the less force you need to
stop a moving object. A lot of force in a short time is needed to stop a punch when it hits your
unmoving face. But if you lean and roll with the punch, far less force at any given time is needed
to stop the punch. By the way, using more force with your face equates to a broken nose and
teeth. Rolling with the punch increase your impulse and decreases the force over time of the
fist. The equation for Impulse is F(deltaT) = (deltaP), or Force spread over time is equal to the
change in momentum. Remember, the greater your impulse, the less you get hurt. Force over
time is a lot less damaging that force all at one time.

Bringing it together

All of the above is why snapping punches and kicks back cause so much damage. The less time
your fist or foot is in contact with someone’s face, the more said face will receive your force in
less time. Blood vessels, bones and other tissue can only withstand a certain about of force at
any given time. So snapping back your strikes deliver enough force in enough time to break the
damage threshold of body tissues.

If your force is given in a short time you will shatter your object, similar to how a high explosive
shatters steel. If your force is given in over longer time, the more you will push or crush the
object, similar to a full arm shove. In both examples, you are giving the same level of force to
the object, but depending on how long it takes to deliver your force determines what affect you
will have- a shatter or a shove.
Impulse, Force, Momentum and the Martial Artist
Sensei Cole 2010