Biomechanics of Human Motion

This book covers the general laws governing human biomechanics through an extensive review of martial arts techniques and references to fundamental theory. Using straightforward mathematics and physics, this work covers indepth the anatomical foundation of biomechanics and physiological foundation of human motion through specific and relevant martial arts applications. This book also covers the kinematics and kinetics of biomechanics via examples from martial arts and their comparison to different sports techniques. It is written to be used and referenced by biomechanical professionals and martial arts enthusiasts.

Emeric Arus, Ph.D, is a Grand Master of Judo and Karate (7th Degree Black Belt) and has been an active practitioner and instructor of the martial arts for the past 35 years. He is also an emeritus adjunct faculty member in biomechanics at Hofstra University. He has published over 30 journal and popular magazine articles in joint studies related to martial arts and their biomechanical applications.

The Anatomical Foundations of Biomechanics. What Is Biomechanics. Importance of Biomechanics. Biomechanics and its Division. The Anatomy of Hum Motion. Bones (Osteology). Joints (Arthrology). Muscles (Myology). Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics. The Head. The Neck. The Shoulder Complex. The Muscles of the Arm. The Elbow and the Radioulnar Complex. The Wrist and the Hand Unit. The Vertebral Column and Its Region. The Thoracic Region. The Hip Girdle. The Knee and the Leg. The Leg. The Ankle and Foot. The Biomechanical and Physiological Foundations of Human Motion. The Concept of Muscular Mechanics. Lever Systems, Center of Gravity, Center of Mass, Base of Support. Kinematic Chain. Static Activity. Dynamic Activity and Newton's Law. Movement Control (Muscular Physiology). Muscular Control. Neurological Control. Summary. The Fundamentals of Biomechanics. Kinematics in Linear Motion. Distance and Displacement. Speed and Velocity. Acceleration. Motion and Constant Acceleration. Scalars and Vectors. Measurement of the Vectors. Methods of Solving Vector Components. Trigonometry Basics. Study Questions. Kinematics in Angular Motion. Distance and Displacement. Circles, Quadrants and Acceleration. Study Questions. Kinematics in Linear Motion. Inertia, Mass, Weight, and Force. Forces. Friction. Momentum. Impulsive Forces, Collisions (Impact). Energy, Work and Power. Muscle Power. Study Questions. Kinetics in Angular Motion. Forces. Center of Mass. Equilibrium. Torque and Lever. Moment of Inertia. Parallel Axis Theorem. Angular Momentum. Angular Momentum, Moment of Inertia, Impulse, Energy and Power Relationship. Study Questions. Summary. Martial Arts Biomechanics. The Biomechanics of Throwing Arts. Judo: Throwing Techniques (Nage-waza). Jujutsy and Sambo: Throwing (Nage) and Take-Down Techniques (Hiki-otoshi-waza). Amateur Wrestling: Take-Down and Throwing Techniques. Ground Techniques (Ne-waza): Judo. Ground Techniques (Ne-waza): Jujutsu and Sambo. Ground Techniques: Wrestling. Aikido and Aikijujutsu: Throwing and Immobilitzaton Techniques. Aikido Immobilization (Katame waza). The Biomechanics of Striking, Kicking Arts. Karate. Boxing. The Defense and Attack on Vital Points (Kyusho): Finger(s) Manipulation. Biomechanical Analysis of the Techniques. The Biomechanics of the Sword Arts. Modern (Olympic) Fencing. Biomechanics of the Knive (Tanto) Defense. Appendix A: Musculo-Skeletal Figure Representing the Most Important Vital Points. Appendix B: Kinematic (Muscular) Chains of Different Techical Executions. Appendix C. Establishing the Center of Masses (CoM) of Two Karateka Beings. Appendix D: Standared International (SI) Units, Symbols, Physical Properties and Quantities