Marlin Sim's Corner Developing Balance Balance can be static or dynamic; it is developed by exercises that make it difficult to maintain the stability of a stance. Developing a sensitivity of analyzers (visual, vestibular, and kinesthetic) and the ability to adequately react to information coming from them to the martial artist helps develop ones balance. The martial artist must also know the biomechanical characteristic of the stance and/or movement. For xample, the stability of leg stances is best regulated by slight movement of the ankle joints, and not by movements of the entire body. Static balance is perfected by prolonging the time of maintaining the stance, closing eyes while doing previously mastered exercises and reducing the area of support (narrower beam, smaller distance between hand and legs). Also by increasing the distance from the center of gravity to the support surface and performing movements while maintaining balance. By assuming static positions immediately after a dynamic movement of the entire body, maintaining stance against the actions of a partner; and doing the exercise on an unstable support like that of a floating pier one can develop static balance. Dynamic balance is perfected by methods similar to the ones used for perfecting static balance, except that the exercises are done in motion, for example, closing eyes while do hyung (forms) or techniques. Spatial orientation, or the feeling of space, is perfected by exercises that require precise control of a body position in space, as well as a quick assessment of the distance to other objects. Throwing a ball about three feet above ones head in front and turning 360 degrees and catching it. Synchronization of movements in times is perfected by exercises that consist of unrelated movements, for example, one arm is making a circle in the sagittal plane while the other punches to the front or side. Adding more movements of other limbs raises the degree of difficulty. Specific coordination is perfected by performing techniques from unusual positions with the weaker limb (throwing with your left hand if you are right handed. Martial artists should execute hyungs (forms) on your left side if you are right sided, with different equipment and a smaller area support in order to enhance your specific coordination. Developing Agility Agility is the ability to quickly learn new movements and to quickly change motor activity depending on the changing situation. It is the expression of mobility of the central nervous system of the martial artist. Agility is measured by the difficulty of coordinated precision of performance. It can also be measured by the time between the moment of change, the beginning of the response, and the time required for achieving a necessary level of precision. Agility exercises require an instant reaction to the sudden changes of situation (games, drills, encounters) are used to develop the ability to quickly change one’s movements (motor activity). For this complete article please see Spring 2004 Edition of Art of the Warrior, Martial Arts Magazine.