PHYSIOKINETIC; SUB-PRINCIPLE: Axis

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Axis refers to the invisible line running down the center of the body, roughly between the centerline and the spine. The axis can move depending on the positioning of the legs but such changes matter little.

The axis constitutes the center of full-body rotation. Axis principle dictates that we must maintain a vertical axis and see the tightest possible rotation when turning. (1) rotation becomes slower as our axis grows thicker, and (2) rotation becomes slower as our axis tilts. 

As martial artists, we need to exercise the smallest of axis possible, one ultimately not thicker than a thread. This relies on posture, another of the principles of physiokinetics. Equilibrium - the axis runs down the center of the body, effectively splitting it in two. Our foot placement and body tilt can wider the cylinder, which means that we must seek small footwork and upright posture (a concept that invalidates the need and use of wide and deep stances in self-defense, fighting and combatives). As the axis moves in the body it can slow our rotation execution.

The centralization of our axis and the speed at which we rotate obviously impacts applied methodologies, perhaps most obviously with respect to evading oncoming force. Improper posture will compromise foot speed. 

We must secure as small an axis as possible so as to maximize our speed of motion, speed of rotation, and relative power (as an enhancement to body movement kinetic generation of force and power) to our adversary. Increasing the size of our rotation violates the percentage principle by requiring us to exercise more muscular force to swing greater and more distant parts of the body along longer rather than shorter paths. 

If we can punch using a smaller axis, the punch will release sooner, travel faster, and also more easily align with our spine because its angle will be straighter. When rotating, we must make our rotations small and fast rather than big and slow. Nearly all techniques require at least some rotation of the body, and so if we can devote less time to rotation it frees up more time to take other actions. 

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Axis: an imaginary line about which a body rotates; an imaginary straight line passing through the center of a symmetrical solid, and about which a plane figure can be conceived as rotating to generate the solid; an imaginary line that divides something into equal or roughly equal halves, especially in the direction of its greatest length; a straight central part in a structure to which other parts are connected; the skull and backbone of a vertebrate animal; the second cervical vertebra, below the atlas at the top of the backbone.