Jumping is used in many sports for different purposes. In each sport, the jump is performed in a way that enhances the purpose of the jump, such as:
- High jumpers perform a backward roll over the bar, to gain the greatest height (which works because they have a cushioned landing area).
- Long jumpers extend their arms legs in front of their body, to reach out and gain the greatest distance (which works because they have a cushioned landing area).
- Hurdlers use an extended scissor action of the legs to clear the hurdle, gain height, and set themselves up for the next hurdle (which works because they know what is on the other side of each hurdle).
No matter the sport, the primary purpose of a jump is to raise the body to higher altitude (except with jump off or into something, such as jumping off a diving board or parachuting from an aircraft, where the purpose is to lose altitude). A secondary purpose may be to move the body quickly over a distance, such as jumping out the way of a foil in fencing. Martial arts jumps share these purposes but they have two important variables to deal with—an opponent that wants to harm them and unfamiliar terrain. This means that during a martial arts jump, the jumper must remain stable, be able to defend him or herself during the jump, be prepared for an unknown landing areas, and land in way that permits further offensive or defensive actions if needed.
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