Photo: Kevin
Austen: " I was inspired recently when watching
a video clip on YouTube involving Anthony
Kelly from Australia, who in 2005 set a new world
record by performing 347 full contact martial art punches
in 1 minute."(enlarge
photo)
"The method Anthony used was in a standing
position, hitting a free standing focus pad being held by
a partner and hitting at head height with power. Many people
have attempted to beat this, but none of which directly match
this technique."
"What I found disappointing was
that many people had claimed to beat this record but were
not using the same technique, for example Robert Ardito achieved
420 but was punching in a circular motion like you would on
a speed ball, very softly and against a pad which did not
move (held on chest) and at chest level; this is a lot easier
to achieve; and of which is something that I wanted to avoid
as in my eyes if your are breaking a world record based on
a specific technique or method then the same rules should
be applied." "The most difficult technique used
from all the attempts is the one chosen by Anthony Kelly,
of which was the first and therefore I have based my attempt
upon."
"A style of Kung Fu called Wushu
is known for it's speed and power; having trained in Chum
Kune Do for over 8 years under it's creator Sijo Clifford
Hyde-Gomes, I was keen to find out how fast I had become;
so I decided to put myself to the test!". "This was not planned and I had
just finished 8 x 3 min. of sparring after a 1 hour run in
the morning, but the opportunity arose and I enjoy a challenge
and it seemed like fun..." Kevin Austen: "It is physical
impossible for a human being to throw more than 520 full contact
punches in a minute. I achieved 487 and it can be beaten if
someone maintains my speed for a longer period of time.
Based on my training and experience this would
only be achieved by a phenomenal athlete and would be exhausted."
Links: Kevin
Harvey-Austen on YouTube