Striking strength and grappling strength differ primarily in their relationship between force and speed, a concept governed by the human body’s “force-velocity curve”.
- Striking Strength: This type of strength requires less absolute force but significantly more speed. Because human muscles cannot deliver maximum strength at very high speeds, striking relies on maximizing the “rate of force development”—the ability to biologically explode and generate force as quickly as possible.
- Grappling Strength: Conversely, grappling requires more absolute strength (force) and relies much less on speed. According to biomechanics, muscles are able to produce their highest levels of force and strength when moving at slower speeds, which perfectly aligns with the heavy, sustained pressure needed to unbalance or throw an opponent in grappling.
Because of these distinct biomechanical demands, they are trained differently. To build striking strength, practitioners might use light to moderate resistance moved rapidly (such as punching 100 times per minute while holding lead weights) to train the nervous system for speed and explosive power.
To build the slower, maximum strength required for grappling, heavier resistance or prolonged, slow, isometric exercises (primarily in the Neigong exercises but also handstand training) are used.
